The Best Way to Get the Lowest* Currency Rates for Your Travel

Luckily for Malaysians, debit cards are usually issued with VISA or Mastercard – and it’s relatively easy to find compatible ATMs that will work with your card. For example, VISA cards are a part of the PLUS Network while Mastercard is part of the Cirrus network, which means that you can withdraw money from ATMs that have access to these networks.

But, bear in mind that ATM withdrawal come with fees, such as:

• ATM transaction fee

Banks can charge either a fixed transaction fee or a percentage of the withdrawal amount. The amount varies, for example, Thailand banks charge around 220 Baht (RM30+) and Singapore banks charge around SGD5 (RM15+).

• Foreign transaction fee

Typically around 1%, but some banks don’t charge/waive foreign transaction fees. Check with yours to be sure! 

These fees add up – so even if you’re able to enjoy a low currency rate on the day of the withdrawal, it will get costly if you intend to make several withdrawals.

However, if you have a CIMB debit card and are travelling to Singapore, Thailand or Indonesia—then good news! You can withdraw money from CIMB ATMs (via the CIMB ATM regional link) at no additional charge. 

Especially for your shopping expenditures or for emergency use. Travel credit cards, such as CIMB Travel Credit Cards, typically provide additional travel benefits such as:

• Extra Bonus Points for Oversea, Airlines, and Duty Free spend.
• Airlines miles or hotel points redemption (more travel saving!)
• Airport lounge access
• Hotel stay benefits
• Merchant deals
• Travel Insurance and many more.

Furthermore, travel credit cards offer cashless convenience and payment security.

Start planning your next holiday! Apply via our website or the CIMB OCTO app today!

Disclaimer: *The lowest rates in town offered by CIMB is in comparison against other commercial banks’ and money changer providers’ published rates.