Best way to Pay O/S

[kelix]

Hey guys,
heading over to Malaysia, due to work being flat chat i haven't got time to get travelers cheques or get FOREX before i go.

Anyone have experiences with ATM withdrawals O/S fee wise? Im assuming Cirrus is for master card linked services and PLUS is for Visa? just look for those ATMs which support it i guess??

Also ive heard they do the triple dip? (changes currency to US from AUD then convert to local currency.. is this the case?



I know cash would be needed for markets and food stalls... i'll just use AMEX or Visa for stores which accept that (any cards out there that have no conversion fees??)

Jono

 

[NM]

When travelling to Malaysia (as I do several times a year), I always use ATMs for cash withdrawals. I have found some bank's ATMs don't work, but have not had any problems with the major banks like Ambank and Maybank. I use a Citibank Readicredit ATM card for cash withdrawals due to the low fees.

There is a Maybank ATM in the arrivals hall at KUL, just after immigration as you enter the baggage collection area.

note that many ATMs in Malaysia do not operate 24x7. Maybank ATMs at KUL, KL Sentral and their head office (Menara Maybank) operate extended hours. Many banks shut down their ATM between about midnight and 6am for "security" reasons.

I am vary careful as to where I use a credit card. I use it at major hotels, at government institutions such as for the KLIA Ekspress train, or major department stores. But rarely use it at restaurants or small shops/stores.

I usually withdraw around MYR500 at a time and just work with cash.

The concept of "triple dipping" is not true. Yes, some will convert to US$ and then to A$, but the fees/commission is only applied on the final conversion to A$ - you are not being hit twice with the fees.

 

[kelix]

Thanks for the very fast reply NM... will look out for the ATMs in KLIA

Staying at Hilton Sentral, havent been to KL in years so looking forward to the markets and shopping etc... any bars you recommend? (especially for views of the city). I should be on an exec floor in the hilton due to a status upgrade from HH but dont want to hang in the lounge for sundowners...

 

[NM]

Staying at Hilton Sentral, havent been to KL in years so looking forward to the markets and shopping etc... any bars you recommend? (especially for views of the city). I should be on an exec floor in the hilton due to a status upgrade from HH but dont want to hang in the lounge for sundowners...

While KL Sentral is good for public transport (KLIA Ekspress, Monorail, Putra LRT etc), its not well located for restaurants, markets, shopping, bars etc.

There is a bar on the top floor of the Pan Pacific building that has an open area around a pool (its also a hotel called Pacific Regency) and great views of the Petronas Towers and the rest of the city. There are two entrances to the building as its built on the side of a hill. From the side nearest KL Tower, you enter at about level 6 and this is the hotel entrance. From the lower side of the building you may have to let the security guard know where you are heading and he will point you in the right direction as you need to change lifts on about the 16th or 17th floor. But the view is worth the effort.

There is a pub called The Green Man down near Bukit Bintan where they will make a real bacon sandwhich. Any can driver will know hot to get to The Green Man. But its at street level and no real view.

Its worth a wander down Asia Heritage Walk if in search of restaurants.

 

[thegurio]

Which airport are you going through - straight from BNE or through SYD? If its the latter there is a forex desk in the duty free area before you get to the aircraft if you need some cash.

Amusing story, MrsGurio works at a bank and i was assured that our cards would work overseas. That was up until we got of the cruise boat and tried using ATM's around Italy... Needless to say i wasnt terribly happy at 9pm wandering around Rome trying to find an ATM that worked...

P.S. We never found one that actually worked. Dont even ask for a translation of the words going through my mind!:evil:

 

[kelix]

heading out of OOL to be exact.. flying air asiaX on some crazy fares.. 290 return! so heading over for a week...

 

[NM]

heading out of OOL to be exact.. flying air asiaX on some crazy fares.. 290 return! so heading over for a week...

Ahh, then do note that you will arrive at the Low Cost Carrier Terminal. My description of where to find the Maybank ATM is for the main KUL arrivals terminal and does not apply to the LCCT. I have not been through the LCCT so cannot assist with information about ATMs or how to get to the KLIA Ekspress.