Malaysia, a country where diverse cultures and natural beauty converge, offers a captivating blend of modern cities, ancient rainforests, and pristine beaches. From the iconic Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur and the UNESCO-listed heritage of George Town to the lush jungles of Borneo and the idyllic islands of Langkawi, Malaysia is a mosaic of experiences. Navigating this multifaceted country requires an understanding of the local cash, cash and ATMs in Malaysia, and available payment options. This guide will provide you with the financial insights needed to explore Malaysia’s rich cultural tapestry and breathtaking landscapes with ease and confidence, ensuring a journey filled with discovery and wonder.
You may also enjoy reading Ultimate guide on how to save money for travelling in 2025.
Where can I find ATMs in Malaysia?
There are over 13,000 ATMs in Malaysia. More than 25 commercial and speciality banks, some of which are foreign, run these.
You can find ATMs at:
- Large airports,
- Town squares and markets,
- Major towns’ main streets for tourists,
- Retail stores,
- Food aisles,
- Bank branches,
- A few office buildings.
It will be difficult to find ATMs in:
- Tiny airports,
- Islands,
- Local bus terminals,
- inside the villages,
- Away from the main streets in small towns.
Best ATMs to use in Malaysia for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Malaysia are those owned by popular banks such as:
Public Bank,
Bank Simpanan,
CIMB,
Hong Leong,
RHB Bank,
AM Bank,
United Overseas Bank,
OCBC Bank,
Affin Bank, and
Alliance Bank.
International debit and credit cards are also accepted by other banks that have ATMs.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Malaysia, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in MYR).
- If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
- If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees while withdrawing cash in Malaysia, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in MYR’.
If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Malaysia?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Malaysia. ATMs commonly accept Visa and Mastercards. Some of them also accept Plus and Cirrus cards. Only some accept American Express, Diners, Discover cards. Others like CUP, JCB, Maestro or Rupay cards are usually not accepted.
For a detailed guide, read Money and Currency in Malaysia.
What are the ATM opening hours?
ATMs – In most cases, yes, they are open around the clock, every day of the year 24×7. You should have no trouble getting to any of them at any hour of the day or night because many of them are self-contained ATMs. Depending on the location, some bank branches may only be open from 9 am to 3 pm.
What do they call ATMs in Malaysia?
The term ATM is commonly used as signage around the machines or you will see a signboard with the bank’s name.
PIN type
ATM PIN Length: Four-digit PINs are usually accepted.
Merchants still commonly accept magnetic stripe cards as well as chip-and-PIN cards.
Languages at ATMs in Malaysia
Bahasa Malaysia and English are the two language options at ATMs in Malaysia. If you don’t understand these languages, use Google Translate’s camera feature to translate the options in real-time on your phone! Note: Please take your time and complete the transaction without hurrying as these translations are not always accurate.
If you’re not familiar with these languages, that’s totally fine. Try out Google Translate’s camera feature to instantly translate the text on your phone! Just a heads up – these translations might not always be 100% accurate, so it’s best to take your time and not rush through the transaction.”
Do ATMs in Malaysia work similarly as other countries?
Yes, they do. Modern in design and functionality, the ATMs resemble those found in the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and India. Don’t forget to take your card out of these ATMs after taking out cash because some of them take it in completely during a transaction.
Join the discussion, read and share cash related travel experiences on ATM Fee Saver’s Community Travel Forum at Money & Travel in South East Asia.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Malaysia?
ATMs in Malaysia dispense only the official currency Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).
ATM withdrawal limits in Malaysia?
ATMs in Malaysia have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of RM 1,500 to RM 3,000 (Malaysian Ringgit). One bank ATM allows to withdraw up to RM 4,000 in one transaction.
ATM Fees in Malaysia?
There are many fee-free ATMs in Malaysia. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Malaysia do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. Some charge RM 10 or RM 12 per transaction depending on the type of card and country of issue (Malaysian Ringgit). So, there are many fee-free ATMs you can use in Malaysia as a foreign cardholder!
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Malaysia – something every traveller handling cash in Malaysia should be aware of. These are:
- Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
- Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Malaysia?
- Use the fee-free or lower fee ATMs in the country.
- Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
- Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
- Consider getting a fee-free travel card from your home country.
- Get one Visa and one Mastercard fee-free cards as some ATMs abroad accept only Visa and some only Mastercard.
- Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Malaysia?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Malaysia. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Malaysia.
Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Is it safe to use Malaysia ATMs?
Yes, generally speaking. There are lots of ATMs with security guards and cameras. Near ATMs, there is a low crime rate. In a few rare instances, cameras have been installed close to ATM keypads in Malaysia to record PINs.
To be safe, use precautions such as:
- Use the ATMs located inside bank branches instead of standalone ones.
- Avoid using ATMs on empty streets or late at night.
- Keep your card visible at all times.
- Cover the PIN pad with the palm of your hand to avoid revealing your PIN to hidden cameras.
- If you find any suspicious devices attached around the keypad area of the ATM, do not use the ATM.
- Be aware of your surroundings, if you see suspicious people, move away.
- Keep two or more cards as backup.
- If also using your mobile phone for the transaction, avoid using public Wi-Fi. Use VPN for extra protection.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Malaysia takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs here?
Yes, it is possible. There are many fee-free ATMs in Malaysia. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Malaysia do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. Some charge RM 10 or RM 12 per transaction depending on the type of card and country of issue (Malaysian Ringgit). So, there are many fee-free ATMs you can use in Malaysia as a foreign cardholder!
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Malaysia?
Yes, Yes. ATMs in Malaysia typically accept cards from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and other nations.
Bitcoin ATMs?
In Malaysia, there are some Bitcoin ATMs, especially in big cities like Kuala Lumpur.
Foreign bank ATMs’ in Malaysia
Bank of America: No, Malaysia does not have any Bank of America ATMs.
Citibank: None.
Barclays: No, Malaysia does not have any Barclays ATMs.
HSBC: Yes, in Malaysia, HSBC ATMs are present.
Standard Chartered: Yes, Malaysia has Standard Chartered ATMs.
