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Malaysia (MY)

Multicultural, English-friendly Malaysia offers affordable living, world-class street food, tropical lifestyle, and a well-developed expat infrastructure in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

Capital: Kuala Lumpur
Region: Asia
Language: Malay
Currency: MYR (RM)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 40)
Emergency: 999
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Currency & Money

Practical money tips for living in Malaysia.

RM
Malaysian Ringgit
MYR

Denominations

Notes: RM1, RM5, RM10, RM20, RM50, RM100. Coins: 5, 10, 20, 50 sen.

Payment Culture

Cards widely accepted in cities and shopping malls. Cash still essential for wet markets, hawker stalls, and smaller businesses. QR code payments (DuitNow, Touch 'n Go eWallet, GrabPay) are rapidly growing and accepted almost everywhere, including pasar malam night markets.

ATM Tips

Use bank ATMs rather than standalone machines to avoid high fees. Maybank, CIMB, and Public Bank ATMs are most widespread. Most ATMs dispense RM50 and RM100 notes. Notify your home bank before arrival.

Exchange Tips

Licensed money changers (Tabung Haji, BSN, and independent licensed changers in shopping malls) typically offer better rates than banks. Avoid airport exchange booths for large amounts. Wise and Revolut provide competitive rates for card spending and transfers.

Pro tip: Best apps for expats

  • • Wise — Send money internationally at near-interbank rates
  • • Revolut — Multi-currency account, free ATM withdrawals (limits apply)
  • • N26 — German IBAN, free account, good for EU residents