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Capital: Kuala Lumpur

Time zone: GMT + 8

Telephone services: Country Code: 60
Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: All services – 999

Tourist information: Tourism Malaysia, 57 Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DU Tel (020) 7930 7932 Fax: (020) 7930 9015.

Passport information: Passport valid for further 6 months beyond the intended stay in Malaysia is required. All visitors must have proof of adequate funds for stay. Return Ticket required. Requirements may change at short notice. Contact the embassy before departure.

Visa information: Most nationals do not require a visa to enter Malaysia providing the stay is less than a month and for social, business purposes. A visit pass is required which will be issued at the point of entry.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended
Malaria: Exists in certain inland regions e.g. Sabah where there is a risk in the Falciparum variety which has been reported as being highly resistant to chloroquine.
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required by those arriving from infected areas
Other Health Risks: Cholera, Rabies, febrile encephalitis, and Dengue fever – prevalent in urban as well as rural areas. Japanese encephalitis has been reported in the rural areas of Ipoh, Seremban and Port Dickson, travellers should seek medical advise if they intend to travel to these areas.

Food & drink: Water is considered drinkable, normal precautions should be observed with food. Fruit and vegetables should be peeled before consumption. When drinking from cans, always use a straw, which is generally provided.

Currency: Ringgit (r) = 100 sen NOTE: Import and export of local currency is limited to RM 1,000 without prior approval. Declare all foreign currency notes on the travellers declaration form so that they may exported.There are severe penalties for exchange control offences.
All credit cards are accepted. Travellers cheques are accepted by all banks, hotels and department stores. US dollar cheques are the preferable currency.
ATM availability: Over 2000 locations

Cost of living: Can be reasonably inexpensive. Wide range of accommodation available, varying from luxury hotels to campsites in the national park and Taman Negara area. Goods and luxury items vary in price depending on location.

Languages: Bahasa Malaysian. English is also widely spoken

Weather: Tropical without extremely high temperatures. Days are very warm whilst nights are fairly cool. August is the wettest time of the West coast. East Malaysia has heavy rains Nov – Feb. Rainfall differs in the East and West coast according to the Monsoon wind.

Electricity: 220 Volts Ac 50 Hz. Square 3 pin plugs are used.

Post: There are post offices in the commercial centres of all towns.

Transport: ROAD: Most roads are paved. BUS: Services are extensive. TAXI: There is a surcharge after 2400 – 0600 of 50%.

Special information: Avoid travelling to the islands east of Sabah. Avoid large gatherings and demonstrations as they could result in violence. Respect religious beliefs – take off your shoes at the door and wear appropriately modest clothing. Smoking is prohibited in a number of public places. Malaysia prides itself on an expansive range of cuisine. There are very severe penalties for drug offences including the death penalty. There have been incidences of piracy in Malasian waters.

Capital: Islamabad

Time zone: GMT + 5

Telephone services: Country Code: 92
Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: Not present.

Tourist information: Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism, Block D, Pakistan Secretariat, Islamabad, Pakistan Tel: (51) 214 697 Fax: (51) 815 767.

Passport information: Valid passport required by all. Return Ticket required. Requirements may be subject to short term change. Contact the relevant authority before departure.

Visa information: Visa Required by all except nationals of: Iceland, Maldives Republic, Singapore, South Korea, Trinidad & Tobago, Western Samoa and Zambia for a stay of 90 days or less. Nationals of Nepal for a stay of 30 days or less.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended
Malaria: Exists throughout the year in the falciparum variety in all areas below 2000m. The falciparum variety has been reported as being highly resistant to chloroquine
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required from all travellers coming from any part of a country where Yellow Fever is endemic. Children under 6 months of age are exempt providing the mother has proof of her own vaccination before the child was born.
Other Health Risks: Cholera, Rabies.

Food & drink: Water is untreated and not safe to drink. Avoid dairy products as they are not pasteurised. Fruit and vegetables should be peeled before consumption.

Currency: Pakistani Rupee (Re singular, Rs plural) = 100 paisa Amex and Diners Club are widely accepted. Travellers cheques are generally accepted at most banks, 4 and 5 star hotels and major shops. US dollars are the preferred currency. ATM availability: 3 locations

Cost of living: Staying in Pakistan can be relatively cheap if you are willing to shop at the markets and sacrifice luxuries.

Languages: Urdu and English. There are regional languages of Sindhi, Baluchi, Punjabi and Pashtu. There are numerous local dialects

Weather: There are three seasons: Winter: (Nov to Mar) where the weather is warm but cooled by sea breezes. Summer: (Apr – July) with extreme temperatures. Monsoon (July to Sept) which has the highest rainfall on the hills.

Electricity: 220 volts Ac, 50 Hz. Round 2 or 3 pin plugs are in use.

Post: Airmail takes 4 to 5 days to reach Western Europe

Transport: FLIGHTS: There are many daily flights from Karachi to the commercial centres. Air transport is the quickest and most efficient means of travel. RAIL: A legacy of British Rule is an extensive rail network based on the main line from Karachi to Lahore, Rawalpindi and Peshawar which has several daytime and overnight trains. Travel in air-conditioned coaches is advised along with reservations for longer journeys. ROAD: The highway network between cities is well made and maintained. BUS: Regular services run between most towns and villages. Air-conditioned coaches are recommended for longer journeys. Advance booking is advised. TAXI: By far the most efficient mean of urban travel, being reasonably priced and widely available. CAR HIRE: Available in major cities. DOCUMENTATION: An IDP will be issued on presentation of a national driving licence.

Special information: Travel to Pakistan should only be undertaken if absolutely essential. The British Foreign and Commonwealth office are advising British citizens already there to consider leaving. Please note there is EXTREME RISK: In federally administered tribal areas and all areas bordering Afghanistan.

Capital: Warsaw

Time zone: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 during the summer)

Telephone services: Country Code: 48
Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: Police – 997, Fire – 998, Ambulance – 999

Tourist information: Polish National Tourist Office, First Floor, Remo House, 310 – 312 Regent Street, London W1R 5AJ Tel: (020) 7580 8811 Fax: (020) 7580 8866.

Passport information: Valid passport required by all. Requirements may be subject to short-term change. Contact the relevant authority before departure.

Visa information: Required by all except: Nationals of the UK for tourists or business visits not exceeding 6 months. Nationals of all other EU countries for periods not exceeding 90 days. Nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Honduras, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Latvia, Lithuania, South Korea, Malta, Monaco, Nicaragua, Norway, San Marino, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Switzerland, Uruguay, and the USA for visits not exceeding 90 days. Nationals of Bulgaria, Cuba, Estonia Hungary, Macedonia, (FYROM), Mongolia, Romania, for visits not exceeding 30 days Nationals of CIS countries providing they hold an official invitation or vouchers from travel agencies (except nationals of Uzbekistan) who do require a visa.

Health information: Other Health Risks: Rabies, Tick-borne encephalitis.

Food & drink: Water is untreated and not safe to drink.

Currency: Zloty (Zl) = 100 grozy Exchange: border crossing points, hotels. NOTE: Import and export of local currency by non-residents is prohibited.
All major credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted. Travellers cheques in German Deutschmarks are preferred.
ATM availability: Over 500 locations.

Cost of living: Prices are no longer as cheap as they once were.

Languages: Polish. There is a German-speaking minority. English and French may also be spoken.

Weather: Temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters. Rain falls throughout the year

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50 Hz. Continental sockets are used

Post: 4 days. Poste Restante facilities are available throughout the country

Transport: ROAD: BUS: There are good regional bus and coach services. CAR HIRE: Various car rental agencies operate and rental also available at the airport. DOCUMENTATION: Travellers using their own cars should have car registration cards, a ‘green card’ for insurance purposes an valid insurance. An IDP is recommended although not compulsory.

Special information: Visitors are made welcome by the Poles, who are a very hospitable. Roman Catholicism plays an important role in daily rural life. Conservative casual wear is acceptable for the day. More formal attire is suitable for social evenings out. Visitors are advised to register with a hotel or local authorities within 48 hours of arrival. There is a serious risk of personal robbery on trains and at main rail stations. Passengers are at most risk when boarding trains. Never leave property unattended.

Capital: San Juan

Time zone: GMT – 4

Telephone services: Country Code: 1 787
Outgoing Code: 011

Emergency telephone numbers: Police – 787 343 2020; Fire – 787 343 2330; All services – 911

Tourist information: Puerto Rico Hotel and Tourism Association; Suit 702; Plaza Centre; 954 Ponce de León Avenue; Miramar; Sancturce 00907; San Juan; Puerto Rico Tel: 725 2901 Fax 725 2913.

Passport information: Same as the USA

Visa information: Same as the USA

Health information: Polio; Typhoid: Vaccination recommended
Other Health Risks: Bilharzia and Rabies

Food & drink: Water is considered drinkable; normal precautions should be observed with food

Currency: US Dollar (US$) = 100 cents. All major credit cards accepted. US dollars are preferred for travellers cheques
All credit cards are accepted and travellers cheques are easily exchanged
ATM availability: Over 630 locations

Cost of living: Accommodates all types of travellers.

Languages: Spanish. English is widely spoken.

Weather: Hot tropical climate. The temperature varies little throughout the year. Cooler in upland areas

Electricity: 120 volts AC; 60 Hz.

Post: Up to 1 week

Transport: ROAD: TAXI: A special service called a ‘Linea’ will pick up and drop off passengers where they wish. They operate between San Juan and most towns at a fixed rate. CAR HIRE: Available at the airport and city agencies. DOCUMENTATION: An IDP is required. BUS: Services operate in the cities although usually stop at 2100.

Special information: As well as offering lavish entertainment, notably casinos and a variety of nightlife, in the interior there are anthropological sights of interest, such as a replica of a Taino Indian village, near Guayama.

Capital: Wellington

Time zone: GMT + 12 ( GMT + 13 from the last week in March to the first week in Oct.)

Telephone services: Country Code: 64
Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: All services – 111

Tourist information: New Zealand High Commission, New Zealand House, 80 Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4TQ Tel: (0839) 200 288 (recorded information).

Passport information: Valid passport required by all. Return Ticket Required (except for nationals of Australia). Regulations may be subject to short term change. Contact the embassy before departure.

Visa information: Required by all except: Nationals of EU countries for visits of up to 3 months (Portuguese nationals must have the right of residence in Portugal and French nationals must be residing in France. Nationals of Brunei, Canada, Iceland, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Kiribati, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Nauru, Norway, Singapore, Switzerland Thailand Tuvalu and the USA (except for US Samoans who do need a visa) for visits of up to 3 months. French citizens residing in Tahiti or New Caledonia for visits of up to 30 days. Nationals of the UK and other British Passport holders for visits of up to 6 months providing they have proof of the right of abode.

Health information: No innoculations are compulsary, but please seek medical advice prior to travel.

Food & drink: Water is considered drinkable, normal precautions should be observed with food.

Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZ$) = 100 cents. All major credit cards accepted. Travellers cheques in any international currencies, are widely accepted.
ATM availability: Over 1500 locations.

Cost of living: It is possible to travel relatively cheaply in New Zealand.

Languages: English and Maori.

Weather: Subtropical in the North island, temperate in the South Island. The North has no extremes of heat or cold, but winter can be quite cool in the South with snow in the mountains. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year.

Electricity: 230 Volts AC 50 Hz. Most hotels provide 110 volt sockets AC for electric razors.

Post: 4 – 5 days to Western Europe, slightly less to the USA.

Transport: FLIGHTS: The national airline operates flights between the main airports. RAIL: Reliable but limited. TRAVEL PASSES: allow unlimited travel on New Zealand Railways’ train, coach and ferry services. ROAD: COACH: Modern coaches operate scheduled services throughout the country. It is advisable to make reservations for seats. – Contact the tourism board for details. BUS: Regional bus services serve most parts of the country. TAXI: Metered taxis operate throughout the country. CAR HIRE: Major international and local firms have agencies at airports and most major cities. Minimum age for driving a rental car is 21 years.

Special information: Should a visitor be invited to a Maori occasion the pressing of noses is common.

Capital: Yaren

Time zone: GMT + 12

Telephone services: Country Code: 674
Outgoing Code: Calls must be made through the international operator

Emergency telephone numbers: Contact local operator.

Tourist information: Refer to government office.

Passport information: Valid passport required by all. Return Ticket Required. Regulations may be subject to short-term change. Contact the embassy before departure.

Visa information: apart from those in transit providing they hold tickets for immediate travel to a third country

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended.
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age arriving from infected areas.

Food & drink: Water is untreated and not safe to drink.

Currency: Australian Dollar (A$) = 100 cents Credit cards are widely accepted. Travellers cheques, preferably in Australian dollars, can be exchanged.
ATM availability: Unavailable.

Cost of living: The absence of taxes means some goods are cheaper e.g. electrical goods, cigarettes and alcohol. Visitors should buy essential goods in advance as shops are rather limited.

Languages: Nauruan and English.

Weather: A maritime, equatorial climate tempered by Northeast trade winds from Mar to Oct. The wettest period is from Mar to Oct. Hot all year round, wettest period – Dec to Mar.

Electricity: 110/240 Volts Ac 50 Hz.

Post: Up to 1 week

Transport: ROAD: A sealed road 19 km long circles the island and there are several miles of road running inland to Buada and the phosphate areas. Buses provide public transport. CAR HIRE: Available. DOCUMENTATION: A national driving licence is sufficient.

Special information: The island has a casual atmosphere in which diplomacy and tact are preferable to confrontation. Tourism is non-existent due to the environmental condition of the island following extensive phosphate mining throughout the 1990s.