🌴 Ultimate Guide to Entering Penang: Travel Tips and Entry Requirements 2023

I. Visa and Documents
🌟1. Types of Visas
🎈 – Visa-free policy: Chinese citizens with ordinary passports can enjoy a 30-day visa-free entry (latest policy for 2025, please confirm there are no changes before traveling).
🎈 – Required documents: Passport (valid for more than 6 months) + round-trip flight tickets + hotel reservation + proof of sufficient funds + filled out 1-2 days before departure + proof of sufficient funds (low chance of random checks, but it is recommended to prepare).

🌟2. Important Copies
🎈- Take photos or print paper copies of your passport, visa page, flight itinerary, entry card, etc., as backups.

II. Essential Items to Pack Before Travel
🎈- Electronic Devices
✅ UK standard power adapter (three-prong flat type)
✅ Power bank (capacity ≤ 20,000 mAh, cannot be checked in luggage)
✅ Malaysian SIM card (recommended to buy online in advance, or purchase Hotlink/Celcom packages at the airport).
🎈- Cash and Payment
💵 Exchange 500-1000 MYR (exchange rates at the airport are not good, you can exchange more in George Town);
💳 Visa card (widely accepted in large malls and hotels); some night markets only accept cash.

🎈- Practical Gear
🌞 Sunscreen (SPF50+), sun hat, UV-protective clothing, sunglasses
☔ Foldable umbrella (frequent tropical showers) & water bottle (need to hydrate more due to heat)
💊 Common medications (cold medicine, stomach medicine, mosquito repellent, band-aids) and download grab/Google Maps in advance

III. Transportation Guide
🌟1. From Airport to City
🎈- Penang International Airport (PEN) is about 18 km from George Town: 🚕 Taxi/Grab: around 30 MYR, 25 minutes (it is recommended to download the Grab App, which is cheaper than hailing a taxi on the street);

IV. Cultural Customs and Precautions
🎈- Dress Code: Do not wear revealing clothes when entering mosques; light and casual attire is suitable for daily wear.
🎈- Religious Etiquette: Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter prayer areas, and permission should be obtained before taking photos.

V. Food and Safety Tips
🎈- Must-Try List: Fried Kway Teow, Penang Laksa, Cendol, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Rojak. (I still prefer having a cup of Penang white coffee with my meal! 🥰)
🎈- Safety Tips: Penang has good public security, but avoid walking alone in remote alleys late at night, and keep personal belongings safe.
🎈- Emergency Numbers:
🚑 Medical Emergency: 999 / 112 (international standard);
🇨🇳 Consulate General of China in Penang: +60-124-078088 (24-hour consular protection).

VI. Language Communication
🎈- English + Chinese (Hokkien/Mandarin) are widely spoken, many people speak Chinese, so there’s no need to worry!

VII. Weather and Best Seasons
🎈- Climate: Penang boasts a consistently warm and humid climate, with temperatures typically ranging from 25-32°C. The rainy season spans from November to January, so it’s wise to pack a lightweight raincoat or a compact umbrella to stay dry while exploring the city.🌂
🎈- Best Time to Travel: The ideal times to visit are from February to April and June to August when the weather is more temperate and perfect for enjoying outdoor activities.

Whether you’re strolling through vibrant streets or embarking on an adventure, these months offer the most pleasant conditions.
Penang is a city where leisure and creativity blend seamlessly, inviting you to uncover hidden gems in every corner of its mural-adorned streets and savor the rich flavors of Nanyang cuisine in bustling night markets!

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