Using an Australian credit card in Malaysia

Going to Malaysia? Taking your Australian credit card with you?

Australian credit cards can be used in Malaysia, but some fees may apply. The information below explains when fees are charged and how much they might cost.

Save up to 3% per transaction

Credit cards with no Malaysian currency conversion fees

On website

Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard

Highlights

Enjoy 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 12 months (2% BT fee, 12.99% p.a. thereafter).
0% p.a. for 12 months on purchases (reverts to 12.99% p.a.)
Up to 55 interest-free days.
New customers only. Limited time. Other fees and charges, T&Cs apply.

Pros

0% p.a. on balance transfers for 12 months.
0% p.a. for 12 months on purchases.
No foreign transaction fees.

Cons

There is no rewards program on this card.
There is a 2% BT fee.

On website

Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard

Highlights

No annual fee.
0% p.a. for 28 months on balances transferred (3% balance transfer fee applies). Reverts to 14.99% p.a. thereafter.
No foreign transaction fees and complimentary international credit card travel insurance.
New customers only. Limited time. Other fees and charges, T&Cs apply.

Pros

No annual fee to pay — ever.
Very long interest-free balance transfer offer.
No fees on purchases in a foreign currency.
Complimentary international travel insurance.

Cons

There is a 3% fee on balance transfers.
You can't earn rewards points.

Thinking of hitting the shops?

Potential fees when shopping with a credit card in Malaysia

When you shop in Malaysia with an Australian credit card, remember that there may be conversion and transaction fees to add on top of the price.

Currency conversion fee. If you spend the equivalent of $300 on your credit card in Malaysia, you could be charged up to $9 in currency conversion fees because most cards charge about 3% for currency conversion.
Merchant’s currency conversion fee. If you choose to pay in Australian dollars, you may incur another fee for dynamic currency conversion. It’s usually cheaper to pay in the local currency (Malaysian ringgit) than it is to pay in Australian dollars.

Need to pay with cash?

Using a credit card to get cash in Malaysia

Most merchants in Malaysia accept credit cards. You can use your card to withdraw cash from an ATM if you need cash. However, this can get expensive because of the fee schedule.

Overseas ATM withdrawal fee. The local ATM network in Malaysia could charge you to withdraw cash with your credit card.
Cash advance fee. Withdrawing cash is considered the same as a cash advance and will incur a fee. 1%-3% of the amount withdrawn is fairly typical.
Cash advance rate. As well as the cash advance fee, you’ll be charged interest at the cash advance rate from the transaction date. Most cards do not have an interest-free period on cash advances.

Want more help?

FAQs

Do I need to notify my credit card issuer about taking my card to Malaysia?

Although it is not mandatory, many credit card issuers prefer to know in advance that you will be taking your card with you. If you do not notify them, it is more likely that your card will be blocked for suspected fraudulent activity until you do notify them.

Is it safe to use a credit card in Malaysia?

Yes, it is safe to use a credit card in Malaysia. However, you should take the same precautions as you would when at home.

What credit cards are accepted in Malaysia?

Credit cards from American Express, Mastercard, and Visa are widely accepted, although acceptance varies depending on the merchant.

Is it better to pay in Malaysian ringgit or Australian dollars in Malaysia?

It is generally cheaper to pay in the local currency. If offered the choice between paying in Malaysian ringgit or Australian dollars, choose to pay in Malaysian ringgit.