Need cash when I land, best place in Malaysia? Airport or places in the city?
I had some issues using my card at an airport ATM, so I used the Travelex counter just to get RM100 for a Grab ride. The rate was terrible but convenient. Later in the city I found a RHB ATM inside a mall and got a much better deal. Next time I’ll carry some USD or euro to change only a little on arrival, then do the rest in the city.
I exchanged just a small amount at the airport to cover transport, and then withdrew more in KL from a Public Bank ATM. Way better rates and no commission like at the airport booths. Most city ATMs accept foreign Visa and Mastercard cards. I always decline the ATM’s conversion offer and let my bank handle it. Works out cheaper every time.
I needed cash right away so I used a CIMB ATM at Penang Airport. Worked fine with my Capital One debit card but the rate was slightly higher than what I got later at a city ATM. Still way better than the airport currency exchange counters which had a really low rate. If you don’t need cash urgently, wait till you get to town and go to a bank ATM there.
I landed at KLIA and saw the money changers right after immigration. Their rate was way worse than what I got later at a Maybank ATM in the city. I used my Charles Schwab debit card and withdrew ringgit directly. No local ATM fee and the exchange rate was much better. If you can wait, get to the city and use a 7-Eleven or bank ATM instead of exchanging at the airport.