Kuala Lumpur Airport: Immigration and Baggage Claim Guide for First-Time Travelers to Malaysia
The other day, a friend of the admin went to Malaysia for the first time, so we just discovered that the Malaysia airport now has the Aerotrain electric train operating again for transfer between the two terminals (previously under repair so had to take the Bus), therefore remaking this guide article on moving around at Kuala Lumpur Airport (KLIA - KLIA1 - KLIA2) for you first-timers to Malaysia to check and grasp in advance.
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Notes before entering Malaysia and KLIA
There are 2 airports in KL, however their structures are similar so don't worry too much whether you're at KLIA1 or KLIA2, just remember the diagram and go.
If you really need the WC a lot, you can move 1-2 more gates, there will be another WC instead of using the one at the beginning of the gate, which usually takes quite long due to queuing.
Remember to fill out MDAC (Malaysia Digital Arrival Card) before entering to make it convenient at the airport, within 3 days prior (Check the page that already has the guide). -
Guide to moving through immigration at KLIA airport for newbies
After getting off the plane, just go straight along path number 1 in the picture to the green oasis with many trees (this is the end point of each path).
Turn to go to Aerotrain - this is the train line connecting the gate to the immigration, customs, and baggage claim area. If you don't know which way to turn, just look up, there will be signs reminding Arrival or pictures of baggage claim, that's it, just follow. The Aerotrain train comes every 1-2 minutes if you miss it, don't worry.
After getting off the train, you'll arrive at the immigration area, procedures in Malaysia are usually quite modern and simple, nothing to worry about. -
Notes:
Vietnamese passports are by default allowed entry to Malaysia without needing a visa, however customs have the right to ask you for hotel booking info, return flight tickets to cross-check with MDAC, so you should prepare just in case you're asked.
Malaysia is a country with Muslim majority, so note your attire should not be too revealing or too casual to avoid discomfort during immigration. -
KLIA airport structure
Level 3 is departure terminal.
Level 2 is arrival terminal, after exiting immigration and baggage claim, you'll see a quite large hall with all kinds of stuff, if hungry you can eat here or at the nearby Foodcourt FoodArcade which is very diverse and accepts VISA/MASTER cards. In the middle there is elevator going down to KLIA Express or KLIA Transit train. If you need to store luggage, you can find the luggage storage area on this level 2, also has 7eleven and Family Mart.
Level 1 is arrivals hall to catch BUS, or go down below to catch KLIA Express/KLIA Transit train to KL city (Airport Rail Link). -
Admin's experience
In Malaysia, VISA/MASTER cards are very convenient, no need to worry, mainly remember to note about foreign currency conversion fees.
You can buy eSIM, mobile SIM, train tickets in advance on Klook or Traveloka for convenience.
You can use the GRAB APP in Vietnam to move around in Malaysia, prices are quite cheap and reasonable.
Wish you don't panic too much and don't get lost at KLIA!
