Malaysian Currency

Q: What is the currency in Kuala Lumpur?

The currency in Kuala Lumpur is the Malaysian ringgit. Each ringgit is divided into 100 sen. When you’re in Malaysia you’ll see the symbol RM written down in shops and on menus, and the currency code MYR used in exchange offices.

Q: Can I use dollars in Malaysia?

US dollars are not widely accepted in Malaysia. Your best bet when travelling to Malaysia is paying in the official Malaysian currency: the ringgit. To switch easily between currencies, use the Wise debit card.

Find out what currency is used in Malaysia, tips and tricks for Malaysian currency exchange, and how you can save money on your visit with the Wise Malaysian ringgit card.

Learn about the Wise travel money card

What is the currency in Malaysia?

The currency in Malaysia is the Malaysian ringgit. Each ringgit is divided into 100 sen.

When you’re buying currency for Malaysia, look out for the currency code MYR. And once you’re in Malaysia, you’ll see the symbol RM used to show prices.

You’ll find Malaysian banknotes in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 40 and 100

Sen come in coins of 5, 10, 20 and 50.

Use the Wise Malaysian ringgit card to spend in Malaysian currency.

The Wise Malaysian ringgit travel money card lets you top up in your local currency, and switch to ringgit to spend when you’re in Malaysia. You’ll get the best rate for spending in Malaysian ringgit - and can also hold and spend 40+ other currencies with the same card.

Get your Wise travel money card online for free, to send and spend money around the world at the mid-market exchange rate.

Simply top up your card and convert to the currency you need in real time using the Wise app.

You’ll always get the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden costs, and you’ll avoid foreign transaction fees while withdrawing from ATMs abroad, paying in restaurants and shops, and buying your accommodation and flights.

Learn about the travel money card

Tips for exchanging currency in Malaysia.



The mid-market rate is the true exchange rate - with no sneaky hidden fees. Use an online currency converter before your trip to get a feel for what your money is worth and make sure you get a fair rate when you buy your travel money.



Being offered to pay in your own currency at an ATM is a sneaky trick and causes many travellers to pay more than they need to. Always choose to pay in the local currency - in this case, ringgit - to cut your costs and get the best rates available.



Currency exchange desks at airports and hotels often markup the exchange rates they use, and may charge hidden fees. Avoid this expensive option whenever you can.



Withdraw money, pay for meals in restaurants or spend in shops in Malaysian ringgit, all at the mid-market exchange rate with the Wise debit card.

Spending money in Malaysia.

Paying by credit or debit card in Malaysia

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas in Malaysia. You won’t have a problem using your card at shopping centres, large restaurants and hotels.

ATMs in Malaysia

Cities and tourist areas in Malaysia have many ATMs which accept major card networks.

However, if you're heading to a more remote area you'll need to withdraw cash in advance as ATM coverage will be limited.

To get the best deal when spending on card or withdrawing money in Malaysia, don’t forget to use the Wise travel money card to avoid sneaky exchange rate markups and excessive fees.