The Penang Practical Information guide is packed with all the essential bits and pieces of information that a visitor would need. Ranging from language spoken to currency to religion to size of population and safety, everything you ever wanted to know about this Malaysian state is found here. Read on for some practical information if you happen to be visiting.

Population and Language

Penang, located on the northwest coast of the Malaysian Peninsula, happens to be the second smallest state in the country and the eighth most populous, with more than 1 million people comprising majorly of Malays, Chinese and Indians. In Penang, the most common languages spoken are Malay, English, Penang Hokkien and Mandarin.

Currency

The currency of Penang, Malaysia is known as "ringgit" or RM. However, it is important to note that Penang does not accept trading in foreign currency, preferring to use its own. It's a good idea to convert your foreign currency into Malaysian Ringgit before buying anything. Check the current conversion rate using an online currency converter before doing so. Credit cards are widely accepted here in shopping malls and big stores, but obviously not at a stall in a night market.

Religion

The official religion of Penang, Malaysia is Islam, but other religions are also freely practiced. These include Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Catholicism, Sikhism and Chinese folk religion. When in Penang it is important to remember to remove one's shoes when entering places of worship like mosques and temples. In fact, some mosques even provide female visitors with robes. Also, it may be a good idea to ask permission before clicking any photographs in places of worship here.

Visa Information

Those visiting any place in Malaysia must hold a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after their date of entry. Foreigners who require a Malaysian visa will have to apply for it before hand at the Malaysian consulate in their own country.

Safety

As with most tourist places, it is the tourists themselves who are at a greater risk of pick-pocketing and theft, so be wary and alert at all times. It's a good idea to never leave your valuables and passports in a hotel room. Instead, you can keep them in the hotel's valuable safe. As a good precautionary measure, apply sunscreen in the daytime to beat the Malaysian sun and insect repellent due to the presence of mosquitoes throughout the year.