Hey guys,
I heard that the best value is to bring your money to Malaysia and convert at the foreign exchange shops there.
Is this actually the best way to go about it or is there a more efficient method? Would converting beforehand or withdrawing there lead to a better deal?
My goal is to get the biggest exchange rate with around 1000 AUD.
Any advice/experiences would be appreciated
Thanks!
Hi Drew22, in your past comment, you recommended the Fat Americano in Bangsar; I had the location googled and everything, eager to go there, but time just didn't permit, and I did not have the opportunity. But not forgotten, still on the todo for next time :-)
That's a really good exchange rate
About 3 weeks, however planning to dine out every second/third night at relatively expensive places.
You will usually get better rates at your destination country. When I went to KL a few years ago (Bukit Bintang), I just went with the local money changer at Berjaya Times Square.
BTW, I have a habit to check the money exchanger boards over there - I find the Berjaya Times was more expensive than the Sungei Wang complex money exchangers, probably because there are like 5 in Sungei Wang, and one at Berjaya Times. Sungei Wang is situated next door to Berjaya Times.
Yeah, change it all in KL City Center, change a small amount at the airport to get you by (shouldn't need more than $50-100 AUD (even that's probably a bit too much). Buy a sim card in the airport (Hotlink and be sure to test it). Uber is great over there by the way (but not from the airport and taxis hate them so sit in the front seat).
Never convert in AUS. There is a train to KL Sentral, from there you can taxi or train to the city (if you are alone and want to save money).
Enjoy! Be sure to eat a lot! (and check out Dinner in the Dark if you want a good date night spot). Also Furama hotel is awesome, great service, good enough location, almost always cheap on orbitz and the executive rooms are just awesome (cocktails and canapes).
Oh always use metered taxis (or uber). Citibank debit cards are great for KL. Try the Mcspicy chicken burgers at Mcdonalds too :p
Sorry, there was no logical order to my ramblings.
Eat everything and anything!
Stayed at furama bukit bintang twice.
Recommended!
Awesome hotel, every time I stay there I ask for an upgrade and they give me a "suite" room for free :)
Evertime? OK will try we got upgraded once but not the second time maybe because didn't ask.
BTW it's dining in the dark not dinner in the dark.
Thanks for advice :D
I will look for and test a Hotlink sim.
Will make sure to bring the missus to Dining in the Dark as well. This trip is all about date night and food haha. McSpicy sounds delicious.
Heard about the uber/taxi thing too.
Dont go for hotlink, use digi. The data counter on hotlink is effed, last 2 times in 2 years i used it. Went on facebook for 10 minutes not even autoplaying videos and said i used 80mb, when my phone counter was just 6mb. No problems on digi and my 1gb lasted me 10 days easy
Yes, hotlink seems to chew up data quick - maybe they charge by minimum 1Mb packet, instead of smaller (say 1K). I also use Digi, and happy with it.
@bluesky: i was scrolling for 10 mins continuously not on and off. with hotlink i managed to 'use' 300mb in 1 day not really doing much browsing. but with digi my 1gb lasted well over a week and i was heavily using.
just remember that there will be a bunch of phone kiosks right after the arrival gate but if you look around , they will price match/beat each other.
@hypie: So far, I haven't encountered any network coverage issues with Digi. Having said that, haven't really ventured into very remote places either; mainly towns and highways.
The first time we went to KL, we made the mistake of buying American Express Travellers Cheque, and also getting money out of ATMs in KL
The comments by others above are definitely correct when it comes to KL. You should definitely bring the cash there, and exchange there from the local money changer. I would even avoid the banks there if you want the best exchange rate. You can more or less get the exchange rate listed on xe.com via their local money changer on the street there.
And of course, don't forget to bring your 28 degrees card, or the Citibank equivalent.
I heard that the best value is to bring your money to Malaysia and convert at the foreign exchange shops there.
Not necessary, pls see my comment about my recent experience (Nov); Citiplus debit gave me better rates. It could be an anomaly, that time, spread offered by the money changers were very wide. It surprised me too, since I kept hearing that exchanging over there provides the best value.
That thread: Best Value for Exchanging AUD for Malaysian Ringgit? also have others' experience on this which might be helpful.
Have a great stay over there.
Gee OP please do search next time before posting
Thanks for linking that thread, very useful info.
Looks like best option is to load up my citibank plus and withdraw from ATMs (most of which are fee free in Malaysia).
You are welcome. In case you are not aware, if you only have the CitiPlus account, you can also open a Citibank Online Saver account, have it linked to your CitiPlus transaction account. So that the money earns some interest before you need it - 3% for first 4 months. And you can transfer money to the CitiPlus account when needed for ATM withdrawal.
Also, a good idea to try a small withdrawal here before you go, and call up to provide travel advisory - I have heard that the card could be inactivated if not used for 6 months, or stopped if they think it is illegal activity from overseas.
oh, thats a good reminder - was going to forget to register my travel, leaving in a week.
and didnt know about the online saver either :D
thank you!
I usually just get cash at CIMB and RHB ATMs
Earlier this week was getting 300 RM for $94 AUD
$1,000 AUD, how long are you going for? That is almost a months salary for many locals.