Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Attending APCW

When will registration for participants open?

For more information on registration, visit https://unfccc.int/APCW2023

How do I register?

Participants may register here https://unfccc.int/APCW2023

Is the event free?

Registration to the event is free of charge, with each participant responsible for arrangements and related costs, including flight, visa, food, and accommodation.

Can I participate virtually?

Some events at Asia-Pacific Climate Week may be streamed live on the int website. Please also follow #APCW2023 on social media to be a part of the conversation.

Does the UNFCCC provide certificates of participation?

The UNFCCC does not provide certificates of participation. Participants are welcome to keep their badges as proof of attendance.

Location

Where is APCW located?

  • APCW 2023 will take place at Persada Johor International Convention Centre, located in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. It is in the heart of Johor Bahru’s commercial district, making it easily accessible from all parts of the city. The centre is also conveniently located near many shopping malls, restaurants, and other attractions, making it an ideal location for both business and leisure travellers.
  • A detailed program of the events with their location will be provided to you upon registration, either at the reception or at your hotel.

Are there any accessibility facilities?

Persada Johor is wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators available for visitors who need them. The facilities are designed to accommodate people with disabilities and provide a comfortable experience for all visitors.

Transportation

How do I travel to Johor Bahru?

  • By air: Senai International Airport is the airport of Johor Bahru. It is roughly 30 km (about 19 mi) from the Johor Bcity center and Persada Johor International Convention Centre, where APCW takes place. Please note that public transport is available between the airport and Persada Johor.
  • By bus: Bus are for example available from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. It takes 1-2 hours and costs 2-10 SGD (about 2-7 USD) from Singapore, 4-5 hours and 30-40 RM (about 6-9 USD) from Kuala Lumpur.By boat: Boats from Indonesia arrive at the Johor Bahru ZON Ferry Terminal, which is 6 km (about 4 mi) from Persada Johor and accessible by train.
  • By train: Johor Bahru Sentral is the central station of Johor Bahru. . If you are travelling from Singapore city, the Shuttle Tebrau, operates by Malaysia’s national train operator KTM, provides daily shuttle services from Singapore’s Woodlands CIQ (border checkpoint) to Johor Bahru Sentral. It is a 5 minute journey and costs about 5 SGD. More information here. If you are travelling from Kuala Lumpur, KTM provides intercity connections (Kuala Lumpur – Gemas – Johor Bahru Sentral). Find the train schedules and tickets here.
  • By rental car: Renting a car in Malaysia is convenient. Note that Persada Johor International Convention Centre has a multi-level parking facility capable of accommodating up to 1 000 cars.
  • Ride-sharing apps: Grab is the most used application in Malaysia. To use the app, you need to download it, create an account, and link your payment method. Be aware that foreign transaction fees may apply depending on your payment method.
  • Taxis: Fares are calculated using a taximeter based on time and distance. Typically, a taxi ride from the airport to the Johor Bahru city center costs around 32 RM (about 7 USD).
  • As transportation accounts for a significant proportion of the event’s carbon emissions, we strongly encourage you to consider the lowest-carbon means of transportation in your specific case.

How do I get to the venue?

Depending on the location of your hotel, you can take public transport, your car, a Grab or a taxi to the venue. You can also check directly with your hotel if they provide shuttle services to the location.

VISA

Do I need a visa to visit Johor Bahru?

  • Click Here for Visa and Entry Requirements
  • All e-Visa applications have a processing charge of 105 RM (about 22 USD), and e-Visa fees depend on your country. e-Visa fees could vary from gratis to 50 RM (about 11 USD). Please note that e-Commerce, Mastercard payment or e-Wallet could also take some service charges from 0.8 to 1.7% of the total transaction value.
  • It takes at least 2 working days to receive your visa. Once you receive your e-Visa, you must print it out in an A4 printout format and present it upon arrival.

Can the UNFCCC help me with my visa?

Unfortunately, UNFCCC is not able to support visa applications. Participants are responsible for obtaining their own visas for travel to Malaysia.

Vaccinations

What vaccines do I need before going to Malaysia?

  • Malaysia requires routine vaccines and vaccination for yellow fever if you are arriving from countries with risk for virus transmission.
  • The World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommend vaccination for hepatitis A, hepatitis B. Consult with your medical practitioner for recommendations for other vaccinations and precautions that may apply to you.
  • From 1st August 2022, all travelers are allowed to enter Malaysia regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination status and do not require a pre-departure or on-arrival COVID-19 test.
  • Please note that participants are responsible for complying with any travel measures stipulated by the country of departure and arrival, and the respective airline.

Accommodation

What vaccines do I need before going to Malaysia?

It is up to the participant where they choose to stay, but here is a list of hotels that are located near the event venue, with reasonable pricing and overall helpful reviews.

Money

What is the currency in Malaysia?

The Malaysian currency is the Malaysian ringgit (abbreviation MR or MYR). A ringgit is divided into 100 sen. Coins are available in 5, 10, 20, or 50 sen. Bank notes are generally in 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, or 100 ringgits. See sample here.

Where can I exchange currency?

Banks in Malaysia offer currency exchange services. Exchange bureaus can also be found in airports, shopping malls or sometimes in hotels. The exchange rate is 1 USD = 0.21 USD. You can check the current exchange rate here.

Do I need to carry cash, or can I pay with a card?

Credit card are accepted forms of payment in Johor Bahru. All major forms of debit card and credit card are accepted in Malaysia, although it is best to travel with either Mastercard, Visa or American Express as these accepted most widely. However, carrying some cash is advisable, especially for small purchases, street vendors, local markets, and places where card payments may not be accepted. It’s best to check with your credit card company regarding transaction fees.

Do I tip in Malaysia?

Tipping is not a widespread custom in Malaysia, and service providers do not generally rely on tips as a significant part of their income. Restaurants and hotels in Malaysia will add a 10% government tax to your bill automatically and some even add an additional 5% service tax, therefore tipping is not required.

Wi-Fi and phones

Do I need a SIM card?

There will likely be free Wi-Fi available in hotels and other venues. However, for necessities like taxi travel and translation, you may need to buy a SIM card to use data. The recommended SIM cards are from: Maxis, Celcom, Digi, and U Mobile. These can be bought at international airports (though more expensive), mobile provider stores, convenience stores or online. It is best to check with your service provider about what you will need before undertaking any travel.

What is the telephone area code?

The telephone area code in Malaysia is +60.

Will there be Wi-Fi at the venue?

Yes, free Wi-Fi will be provided at the venue.

Language

What languages are spoken in Malaysia?

Malaysia is a multi-ethnic and multilingual society. The national language of Malaysia is Malay (Bahasa Melayu). Many Malaysians (particularly those who live in urban areas) are conversant in English. Among the Malaysia Chinese, Mandarin and local Chinese dialects are widely spoken while Tamil is used predominantly by Malaysian Indians.

Weather

What is the weather like in Johor Bahru?

In November, the temperature can range from an average high of 32°C (90°F) and an average low of 24°C (75°F). November is part of the rainy season with an average precipitation of 213 mm (8.4 inches). There are generally around 20 rainy days.

Time zone

What is the time zone in Malaysia?

Malaysia follows the Malaysia Standard Time, which is UTC +8.

Electrical appliances

What electrical equipment can I use in Malaysia?

The standard voltage is 240 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use all your usual equipment if the outlet voltage in your country is between 220-240V (most of Europe, Australia, and most countries in Africa and Asia use this voltage). If the voltage in your country is between 100-127V (US, Canada, and countries in South America), you may require a voltage converter.

What plug type is used in Malaysia? Will I need a travel adaptor?

The plug type in Malaysia is type G, which has three rectangular pins in a triangular shape and is typically used in the United Kingdom. Check the plug type of your country to determine whether you will need to use an adaptor.

Shopping and Attractions

What are the must-visit attractions in Johor Bahru?

There are many interesting places to visit in Johor Bahru as well as a range of shopping options to choose from. Click here for some suggestions.

Emergency situations

What do I do in case of an emergency?

The general emergency number in Malaysia is 999. This number can be dialed for police assistance, medical emergencies, and fire emergencies. If using your mobile, you can also dial 112, which is a universal emergency number that works in Malaysia as well.

I am feeling ill, but it is not an emergency. What should I do?

Make sure your health insurance plan provides overseas coverage or coverage in other countries and visit a local doctor or hospital for medical advice.

I would like to report something that happened at the venue. What should I do?

For emergencies at the venue, immediately contact the centre’s security help desk located at Level 3 of the convention centre, near the main entrance, or speak to any of the centre’s staff for assistance.

We look forward to welcoming you to Johor Bahru!