At a glance
- Before you fly
- Check the latest entry requirements on the official website and complete the MDAC if required
- Order on arrival
- Immigration, baggage claim, customs, arrival hall
- Cash
- Money changers and ATMs at the airport — change only what you need for the day
- Transit card
- Touch 'n Go card works on city rail; check on site where to buy
- Meeting a driver
- Usually with a name board at the arrival hall exit
On this page
Get these sorted before you fly
Most arrival headaches can be avoided before you leave home:
- Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC): foreign visitors generally need to complete this online before arrival. Who needs it, when to submit it and any exemptions can change, so check the latest entry requirements on the official website before you travel, and only submit through official channels — never enter passport details on an unfamiliar site.
- Passport and visa: passport validity and visa requirements are set by the Malaysian authorities; also check your own government's travel advice.
- Accommodation address and onward details: keep them on your phone, ideally as a screenshot too, as you may be asked at immigration.
- Your ride from the airport: if you have booked a pickup, save the driver's contact and send your flight number. If you plan to make your own way, read the ways from KLIA to the city in advance.
- Your terminal: T1 and T2 are separate buildings with different arrival halls and exits. See KLIA Terminal 1 vs Terminal 2.
The arrival checklist, in order
- Leave the aircraft and follow the Arrival signs. The terminals are large and the walk from the gate can be long. You may need to take an internal train or shuttle along the way — just follow the signs on site.
- Immigration. Queue, present your passport and complete the entry formalities.
- Baggage claim. Find your flight number on the screens and go to that carousel.
- Customs. Use the nothing-to-declare channel, or the declaration channel if you have goods to declare.
- Enter the arrival hall. This is usually where you find money changers, ATMs, mobile network counters and convenience stores.
- Cash, SIM and transit card. Sort out what you need — none of it has to be done at the airport.
- Meet your driver or head to your transport. Pickup drivers usually wait at the exit with a name board; otherwise follow the signs to the train, bus, taxi counter or e-hailing pickup point.
Immigration: queues and questions
Immigration is the step most likely to take time, particularly when several international flights land together. Have your passport ready while you queue and keep your accommodation address somewhere easy to reach. Officers may ask why you are visiting, where you are staying and for how long — short, honest answers are all that is needed.
Some travellers may be able to use automated gates, but eligibility changes from time to time, so go by the signs on site and official announcements. Photography is generally not allowed in the immigration area, and it is best to stay off phone calls while you queue.
Baggage claim and customs
After immigration comes baggage claim. Find your flight and carousel on the screens; trolleys are generally available in the hall. If your bag does not appear or arrives damaged, do not leave the baggage hall. Report it at your airline's or ground handler's baggage services counter and keep the reference you are given.
Customs usually has a nothing-to-declare channel and a declaration channel. If you are carrying a large amount of cash, dutiable goods or restricted items, use the declaration channel. For duty-free allowances and declaration rules, check the official information from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department.
In the arrival hall: cash, SIM and Touch 'n Go
| Task | Where | Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Ringgit (MYR) | Money changers in the arrival hall, or an ATM | Airport rates are usually less favourable than in the city — change just enough for your first day |
| SIM card / eSIM | Mobile network counters in the arrival hall, or buy an eSIM before you fly | You will normally need your passport to register a SIM; an eSIM saves time |
| Touch 'n Go card | Some convenience stores or counters at the airport — check on site | Works on the LRT, MRT and Monorail, and at some car parks and toll plazas; needs a top-up before use |
| E-hailing app | Download before you fly | Add a payment method in advance so you can book as soon as you are online |
None of this has to happen at the airport. If you have a transfer booked, there is bottled water in the car, and you can change money and buy a SIM near your hotel at your own pace.
Meeting your driver or catching your ride
If you booked a pickup: the driver usually waits at the arrival hall exit holding a board with your name. Once you are online, send a quick message to say you have landed; if immigration or baggage is slow, just let them know. Our airport transfer at YX Go tracks your flight in real time, includes 60 minutes of free waiting and helps load your luggage.
If you are making your own way: the airport train, buses, taxis and e-hailing pickup points are all signposted. For which option suits whom, see KLIA to Kuala Lumpur: transport compared. Landing late at night? Public transport may have finished, so read how to get into the city after a late arrival.
Once you are settled at the hotel, our 3-day Kuala Lumpur itinerary can help you plan the next few days.
FAQ
Do I need to fill in the MDAC to enter Malaysia?
How long does it take to get out of KLIA after landing?
Is it worth changing money at KLIA?
Where can I buy a Touch 'n Go card at KLIA?
What if my luggage does not arrive?
Malaysia Routes is run by YX Go, a private transport company in Malaysia. We aim to keep information on public transport, attractions and routes objective; the private car, transfer, guide, interpreter and trip-planning services mentioned here are provided by YX Go.
