HOLIDAY MONEY - FAR EAST
Discussion
Take 1 normal card and tell the bank where you are going and the exact dates. Then tell them again a week later.
The get a post office cc which wont change you for withdrawals abroad. DONT BUY ANYTHING ON IT - just use it in ATMs. Then pay it off and cancel it when you get back.
Loads of advice on rsv gone!'s link.
The get a post office cc which wont change you for withdrawals abroad. DONT BUY ANYTHING ON IT - just use it in ATMs. Then pay it off and cancel it when you get back.
Loads of advice on rsv gone!'s link.
All money changers in Malaysia are licenced, so little change in rates, you can change pounds, Euro and US$ no problem and Credit Cards can be used everywhere and you can get cach out of the ATM (Not Amex). Tell your bank and you may still find it does not work the first time you try so don;t run to low first time. My mates Barcley Card never works first time, he has to ring on his mobile. But I'd use credit card, you'll get a discount for cash that will cover any cost.
Credit cards are safe, in all the big shops and hotels but don't let out of sight in private shops, and try to use ATM in side shops and malls.
If you drive then not all petrol stations take credit cards, and machine problems are common in petrol stations so always have enought cash available at petrol stations.
Crime in Malaysia is not a problem, but snatch thefts from bikes and ATM mugging is far from unknown.
Credit cards are safe, in all the big shops and hotels but don't let out of sight in private shops, and try to use ATM in side shops and malls.
If you drive then not all petrol stations take credit cards, and machine problems are common in petrol stations so always have enought cash available at petrol stations.
Crime in Malaysia is not a problem, but snatch thefts from bikes and ATM mugging is far from unknown.
As above, notify your CC company that you will be travelling in Asia.
You can usually take out $3k a day from SG ATM's (though usually in $1k lumps) but that should be more than adequate.
Do not leave your card behind the bar if running a tab, if pressed to do this i have a "cancelled card" that i offer them, then just pay up with a different one when the bill arrives.
In Malaysia, if you are carrying a big wedge of cash, break it down a bit so as not to tempt pick pockets. No issue in Singapore however.
Would also suggest do not take notes of above $50 or RM50, these are accepted everywhere (including traffic police!!)
Money changers in Raffles Place by Clifford Centre are probably the best deals in Singa as they do the most volume.
You can usually take out $3k a day from SG ATM's (though usually in $1k lumps) but that should be more than adequate.
Do not leave your card behind the bar if running a tab, if pressed to do this i have a "cancelled card" that i offer them, then just pay up with a different one when the bill arrives.
In Malaysia, if you are carrying a big wedge of cash, break it down a bit so as not to tempt pick pockets. No issue in Singapore however.
Would also suggest do not take notes of above $50 or RM50, these are accepted everywhere (including traffic police!!)
Money changers in Raffles Place by Clifford Centre are probably the best deals in Singa as they do the most volume.
I'll be in Singapore and Malaysia this week and I always use my Nationwide debit card to take cash out of ATMs along with a Mastercard just in case the debit card gets blocked. I've never had any issues with blocked cards, even in random parts of Africa and the card works in 99.9% of ATMs.
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