Money in Malaysia
Malaysia uses the Malaysian ringgit. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- MYRMalaysian ringgit
- Symbol
- RM
- Tipping
- Not expected
Paying in Malaysia
Cash is useful at hawker stalls and small shops.
- Cards
- Accepted in cities and tourist areas
- Cash
- Hawker centres, street food stalls and kopitiams are cash only (Backpack Moments). Wise says smaller shops often do not accept cards.
- ATMs
- ATMs are common in cities and usually in smaller towns, but Bamboo Travel says remote areas may have few or none. Backpack Moments reports most ATMs charge no fee, a typical maximum of 3,000 MYR per withdrawal, and advises avoiding Euronet ATMs.
- Foreign currency
- Wise and Backpack Moments say foreign currency is not widely accepted for purchases, and Backpack Moments says US dollars cannot be used to pay.
- Exchanging money
- Money changers are found throughout Malaysia, and town changers usually give better rates than banks, airports and hotels (Wise, Bamboo Travel). Backpack Moments advises avoiding exchange at KLIA and estimates an effective commission of 8 to 10 percent there.
- Watch out for
- Wise says ringgit cannot legally be traded outside Malaysia, so exchange after arrival. If an ATM or terminal offers to charge you in your home currency, choose MYR (Wise, Backpack Moments).
Tipping in Malaysia
Check for a 10% service charge. Otherwise rounding up is plenty.
Not expected: Tipping isn't customary, and you can skip it without offence.
Sources checked: Backpack Moments, Bamboo Travel, Wise, Experience Travel Group, Jacada Travel, Lonely Planet.
Convert to and from MYR
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4.07 MYR | 4.56 MYR | 5.46 MYR |
| 10 | 40.71 MYR | 45.61 MYR | 54.63 MYR |
| 50 | 204 MYR | 228 MYR | 273 MYR |
| 100 | 407 MYR | 456 MYR | 546 MYR |
| 500 | 2,036 MYR | 2,281 MYR | 2,732 MYR |
What each amount is worth in MYR. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Malaysia use?
Malaysia uses the Malaysian ringgit (MYR).
Do you need to tip in Malaysia?
Not expected. Check for a 10% service charge. Otherwise rounding up is plenty.
Can you pay by card in Malaysia?
Accepted in cities and tourist areas. Hawker centres, street food stalls and kopitiams are cash only (Backpack Moments). Wise says smaller shops often do not accept cards.
Are there ATMs in Malaysia?
ATMs are common in cities and usually in smaller towns, but Bamboo Travel says remote areas may have few or none. Backpack Moments reports most ATMs charge no fee, a typical maximum of 3,000 MYR per withdrawal, and advises avoiding Euronet ATMs.