Money in Malaysia for UK travellers: cards, cash, ATMs and avoiding bad exchange rates
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In this guide
Money abroad is mostly about avoiding avoidable fees. Here is the simple order to sort it.
Step 1: Check your card
Look at your UK debit and credit cards' foreign transaction fees and ATM charges. Some cards charge nothing, others add a percentage on every purchase. Carry two cards from different providers in case one is blocked.
Step 2: Tell your bank
Open your banking app and check that overseas use is allowed. Many banks let you set travel notes in the app.
Step 3: Get some cash
Ringgit is usually better bought in Malaysia from ATMs or reputable money changers in big cities than at UK airports. Avoid exchanging at airports if you can, and check the rate before you hand over cash.
Step 4: Pay in ringgit
If a card machine asks whether to pay in pounds or ringgit, choose ringgit. Paying in pounds usually uses a poor exchange rate.
Step 5: Know your everyday prices
The converter below shows today's rate, and the table shows what everyday items cost in pounds.
| Everyday item | Typical price | In pounds | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| A coffee or teh tarik at a local kopitiam | RM2–RM5 | about £0–£1 | the everyday drink, a few ringgit |
| Nasi lemak or roti canai breakfast at a street stall | RM3–RM8 | about £1–£1 | cheap and filling |
| A sit-down lunch at a local restaurant | RM10–RM20 | about £2–£4 | rice dish plus a drink |
| A mid-range restaurant dinner for two | RM60–RM140 | about £11–£25 | air-conditioned, table service |
| A short Grab ride across Kuala Lumpur | RM10–RM25 | about £2–£4 | depends on traffic and time of day |
| KL Sentral to the airport by train (KLIA Ekspres) | RM55–RM70 | about £10–£12 | one way per adult, about 30 minutes |
| A budget hotel room per night | RM90–RM200 | about £16–£36 | private room, basic |
| A good mid-range hotel room per night | RM250–RM500 | about £45–£89 | pool and breakfast often included |
| A one-way coach from KL to Penang | RM50–RM90 | about £9–£16 | around 5 to 6 hours |
| A mobile SIM with plenty of data (tourist) | RM20–RM50 | about £4–£9 | a few weeks of data |
Typical ranges only; prices differ between Kuala Lumpur, Penang, the islands and tourist spots, and change over time.
Step 6: Keep your money safe
- Use ATMs inside banks or malls.
- Cover the keypad and watch for card skimmers.
- Keep a spare card separate from your wallet.
- Use public Wi-Fi carefully; a VPN adds protection when you check banking.
Details change. Confirm with the official source or provider before you book or travel.
Frequently asked questions
Should I take pounds or ringgit to Malaysia?
Take a card for most spending and get ringgit in Malaysia from ATMs or reputable money changers. Pounds are accepted only at changers.
Is it better to pay in pounds or ringgit by card?
Pay in ringgit. Choosing pounds on the card machine usually gives a poorer rate.
Are ATMs easy to find in Malaysia?
Yes, they are common in cities, malls and airports.
