Can I use a card to pay for taxis in Malaysia, or should I carry local cash?
Had mixed experiences in Malaysia. One airport taxi accepted card but added a fee. Every other time I needed to pay cash. Grab was way more convenient and cheaper anyway, and I used my DKB Visa card in the app. If you plan to use local taxis, definitely keep some ringgit with you.
Most taxis I took in KL didn’t have card machines. One guy said his terminal was broken, another just shook his head when I showed my card. I started keeping small notes with me after that. Grab was a lifesaver. I linked my Chase debit card and didn’t need cash at all for those rides. Much safer and easier.
In Penang, I flagged down a cab and asked if I could pay with my Mastercard. The driver laughed and said no. Seems most taxis still expect cash. When I used Grab in Johor Bahru, I paid with my Revolut card in the app without any issue. Unless you're using a ride-hailing app, assume it’s a cash-only situation.
I tried paying with card in a regular street taxi in Kuala Lumpur and the driver said cash only. He didn’t even have a machine. After that I switched to using Grab and just linked my Visa card in the app. Worked perfectly and felt more reliable. I’d say always carry some cash for regular taxis but use Grab wherever possible if you want to pay by card.