Cautions and Business Hours
Penang is a relatively safe place for travel; however, as in all large cities, crime does exist. Bag snatching is common, but if visitors exercise caution and common sense they should face no problems. Valuables should never be on show and walking alone in deserted areas should be avoided.
Locals are often inclined to get as much money out of visitors as possible and you’ll find that tourists are generally charged more than locals for basic services.
The main threat to your safety may be the traffic, particularly if riding a motorbike. Penang is notorious for the number of road accident victims. You’ll also encounter young children riding motorbikes and hardly anyone wears a helmet. This in combination with many visitors’ inexperience of handling motorcycles, a carefree holiday attitude and inadequate protection makes for a dangerous mix. Diving can also pose dangers, although most certified diving schools and trip organisers adhere to international safety standards.
Electricity: 220V AC, all plugs are two-pronged.
Business Hours
Banks: 09:00 to 15:30, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 08:30 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 10:00 to 20:00/22:00, daily, a few closed on Sundays
Museums: 09:00 to 16:00, Wednesday to Sunday, some open on Tuesdays
Business Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
The main threat to your safety may be the traffic, particularly if riding a motorbike. Penang is notorious for the number of road accident victims. You’ll also encounter young children riding motorbikes and hardly anyone wears a helmet. This in combination with many visitors’ inexperience of handling motorcycles, a carefree holiday attitude and inadequate protection makes for a dangerous mix. Diving can also pose dangers, although most certified diving schools and trip organisers adhere to international safety standards.
Electricity: 220V AC, all plugs are two-pronged.
Business Hours
Banks: 09:00 to 15:30, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 08:30 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 10:00 to 20:00/22:00, daily, a few closed on Sundays
Museums: 09:00 to 16:00, Wednesday to Sunday, some open on Tuesdays
Business Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday