The island has adopted such a notion as low season featuring the decrease of the tourist flow. The low season starts on the Penang island in September and lasts till the beginning of December. During this period many museums and landmarks may be closed for reconstruction.
Numerous restaurant and shops of the capital of the island accept credit cards. The optimum way to pay for goods and services is national currency. Local banks offer the most profitable rates of currency exchange. The banks operate from 9:00 till 16:00.
Tourists used to European meal should avoid tasting ethnic dishes in large quantities from the first days of visit. The matter is that local treats are prepared with addition of hot spices and herbs which will seem strange to foreign guests.
The island features numerous open air cafes so tourists have a chance to try original ethnic treats right in the street. One should opt for that café featuring the longest queue as in this case one may reckon upon the highest quality of meals. As a rule a cost of treats in such street concessions does not exceed 1 USD meanwhile a serving size will be rather impressive.
In the heat of the tourist season large stores and shopping centers operate from 10am till 10pm without a lunch break. Tourists should keep in mind that cost of goods on local markets is several times lower than this in upscale boutiques and shopping centers. Besides, markets welcome bargaining meanwhile shopping centers and super markets offer fixed prices.
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