Safety

Kuala Lumpur tends to be a relatively safe place for travelers. As in most cities, it’s a good idea to avoid wandering around alone at night. However, people snatching bags while driving by on motorbikes have been reported, so it’s best to walk on the inside of the sidewalk. Don't flash expensive phones around, or put one on the table while you're eating outside. The same goes for your bag; don't put it on the floor next to you. At the airport, there is a taxi counter in the arrivals hall of both terminals, and it's here that you can prepay for a taxi. Taxis hailed on the street have been known to refuse the use of meter with tourists, but with so many on the road, it’s easy just to grab another cab. Always discuss payment beforehand. Cons are rare but, as in any big city, they can occur. One known con in Malaysia is the "Poker Scam." After striking up a friendly conversation, a local invites tourists home to play the game, which eventually leads to a trip to the ATM. Another common scam is fake donation seekers, sometimes dressed up as monks and sometimes pretending to work for a charity; ignore them and move on.