Is cash still widely used?
Yes, though Malaysia is gradually shifting toward digital payments. In Kuala Lumpur and Penang, cards and e-wallets (Touch ‘n Go, GrabPay) are widely accepted. In smaller towns, night markets, hawker centres, and rural areas, cash is still the norm.
ATMs and withdrawing cash
ATMs are plentiful in cities and shopping malls. Maybank and CIMB ATMs are the most widespread and generally accept foreign cards without issues.
- Fees are typically around 10 MYR per withdrawal for foreign cards
- ATMs in shopping centres are the safest and most reliable option
- Most ATMs allow withdrawals of up to 1,500-3,000 MYR per transaction
Card acceptance
Visa and Mastercard are broadly accepted at hotels, restaurants, and shops in major cities. Night markets, hawker stalls, and smaller towns are predominantly cash-based.
Tips for travelers
- The ringgit is a restricted currency — exchange it in Malaysia, not abroad
- Hawker food is one of Malaysia’s highlights and is almost entirely cash-based
- Touch ‘n Go cards are useful for highway tolls and public transport
- Keep enough cash for weekend markets and street food hotspots