George Town Travel Guide

Malaysia

Get eSIM Factsheet
794K
Population
PEN
Nearest airport
$117
Daily Budget
75
Walkability
MEDIUM
Safety

Interactive Map

All POIs
Top Picks
Free Entry
Family-Friendly

Plan your arrival in George Town

Arriving

  • Penang International Airport (PEN) · 14 km awayServes Penang
  • Main stationsButterworth Railway Station

Getting online on arrival

  1. Install your Malaysia eSIM at home over Wi-Fi: iPhone or Android steps.
  2. When you land at Penang International Airport (PEN), turn on the eSIM line and data roaming for it.
  3. Networks listed on our Malaysia plans: CelcomDigi (5G), Maxis (5G) and Tune Talk (5G).
  4. Malaysia plans currently start at $2.75, for 100MB over 7 days. Compare all 18 plans.

New to eSIMs? How an eSIM works · How much data you need

Landing late or with kids? Pre-book an airport transfer

Staying connected

  • Coverage4G/5G · good
  • Wi-Fiwidespread
  • Suggested dataabout 1.5 GB a day · work it out
  • Weak signalCertain areas in Penang Hill
Compare eSIM plans

Useful apps

  • TransportGrab and Penang Public Transport
  • Food deliveryFoodpanda and GrabFood

George Town at a glance

Region
Penang
Population
794,313 (2020)
Elevation
4 m above sea level
Time zone
UTC+08:00
Currency
Malaysian ringgit (MYR)
Plug types
G
Emergency numbers
Police 999 · Ambulance 999 · Fire 999
Drives on the
left
Official language
Malay
Calling code
+60

Sources: Wikidata and OurAirports open data, checked 29 October 2026.

Staying Connected

How long is your trip?

Prices in USD

On every plan here

  • Uses Maxis and CelcomDigi, with 5G where available
  • Starts when you first connect, so you can install it before you fly

Our pick for each trip length from today’s plans: the lowest price that lasts the whole trip with enough data a day. A starting point, not a guarantee of what you’ll use. Data only, for unlocked eSIM phones. Check your phone · How much data do I need?

Compare all 18 Malaysia eSIM plans Travelling as a family? One order for 2 to 6 eSIMs, each labelled by name. Save up to 25%.

Top Attractions

1
Penang Hill
A hill resort offering panoramic views and a cool escape from the city.
3h $10
2
Street Art in Georgetown
Famous for its vibrant murals and artistic installations.
2h Free

Best Areas to Stay

Georgetown
Centrally located with many attractions and eateries.
TouristsNightlife
Tanjung Bungah
Quieter area with beach access.
FamiliesBeach lovers

Typical Costs (USD)

$100
Hotel/Night
$15
Meal
$3
Transport
$4
Coffee
Estimated Daily Budget (USD)
Backpacker: $52 Tourist: $117 Family: $364

* Estimated from typical costs

Local Tips

Peak Hours:7-9am, 5-8pm
Best Day:Weekdays
Custom:Respect local culture and dress modestly when visiting temples.
Common Mistakes
  • Overestimating travel times
  • Not trying local street food

Food & Drink

Must Try:Char Kway Teow, Nasi Kandar
Vegetarian:Medium
Tap Water:Unsafe
Gurney Drive Hawker CenterChowrasta Market

Getting Around

Public Transport:Good
Rideshare:Grab
Walkability:75/100
Bus

Climate & Weather

Best time to visit: November, December, January

Warmest monthMar33°C average high
Coolest monthOct24°C average low
Wettest monthOct337 mm of rain
Driest monthJan80 mm of rain
Average daily high and low (°C) Rain (mm)
Monthly figures
MonthHigh °CLow °CRain mmRainy days
Jan31.924.6807
Feb32.424.7866
Mar32.625.014610
Apr32.325.218814
May32.125.322913
Jun32.025.216410
Jul31.624.919010
Aug31.424.724613
Sep31.124.431616
Oct31.024.333718
Nov31.124.423316
Dec31.324.511711

Averages for 1991–2020, not a forecast. Source: WMO climate normals (Bayan Lepas, 15 km from George Town).

George Town travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit George Town?

November, December and January are usually the best months to visit George Town. Average daytime highs range from about 31°C in October to 33°C in March.

How much does a day in George Town cost?

Plan from about US$52 a day on a backpacker budget to around US$117 for a typical visitor, covering accommodation, meals and local transport (estimates).

How do I get around George Town?

Public transport includes bus and is rated good. Ride-hailing is available through Grab. Walkability scores 75/100.

Which airport serves George Town?

The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Penang International Airport (PEN), about 14 km from George Town.

Is George Town safe for tourists?

Overall safety is rated medium. Watch for overcharging for taxi fares. Areas generally considered safe include Georgetown heritage area and Tanjung Bungah. Check official travel advice before you go.

How do I stay connected in George Town?

Install a Malaysia eSIM before you travel and turn it on when you land at Penang International Airport (PEN). Our Malaysia plans list CelcomDigi (5G), Maxis (5G) and Tune Talk (5G).

Is tap water safe to drink in George Town?

Tap water is generally considered unsafe.

Explore more of Malaysia

Malaysia travel guideMalaysia eSIM plans

Straight-line distances from George Town.

Disclaimer

The information in this guide is intended for general travel planning purposes only and may change without notice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Graba SIM does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the content. Travellers should verify entry requirements, local laws, health advice and services with official sources before and during their trip. Graba SIM is not responsible for any loss, injury, or inconvenience arising from reliance on the information provided. Always check with relevant government and health authorities for the most up-to-date travel requirements.