Hi,
I'm heading to Malaysia next week and was in the process of digging out my old Commbank travel card and saw that the Malaysian Ringgit is not a supported currency. That being the case does anyone have some recommendations in accessing money in Malaysia? I have an Amex I can use but know there will be a currency conversion fee, should I just go with cash? ATM withdrawals as required? Any and all tips appreciated!
Thanks
Up bank, although you most likely won't receive your card before you leave as they take 5 (i think?) business days to deliver
Ubank (only 86400)?
Revolut?
Up Bank, you can have a Digital Card provisioned to your Apple Pay or Google Wallet immediately.
Don't use a traditional travel card. Just get a bank card that has no international fees (ING, UP, Citibank, Bankwest). Of these Up can give you a digital card instantly so it' the best option.
Only ING refunds overseas ATM charges up to 5 times per month. No other card does. Only catch is the need for $1000 deposit and 5 transactions in the previous month
I had this issue last year.
You won't find too many travel cards that support MYR. If you have a bank card that doesn't have international fees like ING, just use that. The Up bank option mentioned above sounds like the only one where you'll get a card issued before you leave if you're going next week, but bear in mind that apple pay and google pay aren't as widely adopted there. They do have other e-wallets you can load with it like GrabPay and TouchnGo, but phone verification is required to load them with more than a few hundred ringgit and using Aussie phone number doesn't always work. AMEX too, can be hit and miss. Big stores will usually take it, but smaller ones often wont. I even had issues with a MC at some ATMs; HSBC and Maybank were most reliable for getting cash.
My suggestion is to have multiple options and cash as a backup.
28d or citibank debit for withdrawals. If you are planning a more 'street food and market experience' then definitely have more cash about. But if you are the shopping centre and food court traveller then cc will be ok
Does your Amex support cash out? Amex advised me they stopped cash out in 2008 unless you were already enrolled.
Don't think so, its pretty recent!
Just an ATM and withdraw cash from a savings account.
I've just come back from 2 separate trips to Malaysia and didn;t even need to use cash once. Grab (app get it on your phone before you go and link your AMEX) for all transport and food and some services. Tap and go for accommodation, purchases at stores, restaurants etc..
Were you using an Australian bank card for all those payments and were you charged international transaction fees?
On my personal Qantas Mastercard 0%. On the work Westpac Mastercard 0.9%.
Revolut, or ING Everyday