Image credit: wihtgodLooking for the most convenient way to add some amounts of Malaysian Ringgit (RM) to your wallet for your Kuala Lumpur trip? And wondering where to find money changers with the best rates?
If you are after these questions, you will get your wanted answers in this article. We also include useful information for you to be in the know.
Is there a limit to how much money one can take?
There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency that people can bring in and out of Malaysia. However, the amount of Ringgit is limited to the equivalent of US$10,000.
Where to exchange money in Kuala Lumpur (KL)?
You can convert your currency into RM by using the service of banks and hotels or withdrawing from ATM. But a wise traveler know that these are not the ways to maximize the amount of RM you can get from a certain amount of currency exchanged.
So find a local money changer to gain more RM for your wallet while being in KL. These service providers come in forms of individual money changers and currency exchange chains.
Where to get the best rates?
If you have been to Bangkok before and have engaged the service of the two Supper Rich companies, you would agree that these chains often offer the best rates in the capital of Thailand. Of course, it is the story of changing money in another city. But you will see the similarity between the two cities’ currency exchanging scene soon.
In KL, locals who are going to travel abroad and visitors who do research online seriously will convert their money at the most reputable money exchange chains in town such as Vital Rate, Max Money, NS Cashpoint, UAE Exchange and Metro Exchange.
Besides having the advantageous rates, these chains also place their branches at tourist-friendly locations like shopping malls (Sungei Wang Plaza, Pavilion, Suria KLCC, Mid Valley Megamall) and commercial areas (Central Market, Chow Kit Market). So just bring your currency and travelers’ cheques to KL and have them exchanged with ease.
Most Kuala Lumpur malls remain open until 10:00PM everyday, so do the mall resident money changers.
Please note that all money transactions above RM3,000 require a valid ID.
Your task is easy now: Just scan through the below recommended money exchange companies and their branches and select those that suit you most.
See also: 10 Best Cultural and Practical Souvenirs from Kuala Lumpur
Image credit: UAE ExchangeThe UAE Exchange you see in Kuala Lumpur is the sister branches of UAE Exchange found in Dubai. When you travel around the world, you can use the currency exchange service of this brand in 31 countries.
Their 4 KL branches all offer currency exchange, instant money transfer, and bank transfer services. Unlike UAE Exchange in other countries, the branches in Malaysia only accept USD, AUD, EUR, GBP, and Asian currencies.
Their rates for USD are often the best one can get in town. For example, their buying and selling rates for USD to Malaysian Ringgits are 4.18430 and 4.18930 respectively on October 21, 2016. We can see that the spread between the two rates are narrow. These rates are better than the same day rates of its counterparts (4.160 and 4.250 at Metro Exchange; 4.170 and 4.200 at Vital Rate).
Best rates for
– USD
– AED
– HKD
– INR
– PHP
– SAR
– THB
– PHP
Branches
1. UAE Exchange @ Brickfields
– This is the Malaysian Headquarters of UAE Exchange.
– Address: 09 – 01, Level 9, Menara 2 Menara Kembar Bank Rakyat, No. 33 Jalan Rakyat, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
– Phone: +603 2710 0288
– Opening hours: Daily 09:00 – 18:00
2. UAE Exchange @ Central Market
– Conveniently located in the Central Market area
– Within walking distance from Kasturi Walk, Sin Sze Si Ya Temple, and Petaling Flea Market
– Address: Shop No.126 A, Jalan Tun H S Lee, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
– Phone: +603 2026 2288
– Opening hours: Daily 09:00 – 18:00
3. UAE Exchange @ Bukit Bintang
– This branch is surrounded by hotels and restaurants in Bukit Bintang.
– It is within walking distance from Sungei Wang Plaza, Low Yat Plaza, and Berjaya Times Square.
– Address: Lot G-4 ground floor, Wisma Bukit Bintang, Jalan Bukit Bintang 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
– Phone: +603 2143 3201
– Opening hours: Daily 9:00 – 20:00
4. UAE Exchange @ Masjid India
– This branch is located in the old Little India of Kuala Lumpur.
– It is within walking distance from the Masjid India mosque.
– Address: No. 70, Jalan Bunus Off, Jalan Masjid India, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
– Phone: +603 2202 7302
– Opening hours: Daily 09:30 – 20:00
Image credit: Vital RateEstablished in 2006 in Penang, Vital Rate has expanded its business to Kuala Lumpur in 2011 with first branch set up at the city’s Golden Triangle. The company now has 8 branches in Kuala Lumpur, all located in convenient places such as Pavilion mall, Suria KLCC, Sungei Wang Plaza and KL Sentral. Vital Rate is acquired and operated by Merchantrade from March 2017.
Despite being relatively new in the area, Vital Rate is well known by many locals and tourists for its fast service and favorable rates. The company enables people to check their daily buying and selling rates online, which cover over 30 foreign currencies.
You can also use the currency calculator tool in their website to know the exact amount you will get at each of their branches for a certain amount of money exchanged. Calculate and compare, it is simple and convenient.
Best rates for
– USD
– EUR
– AUD
– THB
– BHD
– BRD
– EGP
– LKR
– MOP
– NZD
– QAR
– SGD
– TWD/NT
– ZAR
Recommended branches
1. Vital Rate @ Pavilion
– This is Vital Rate’s premier branch in Kuala Lumpur.
– Pavilion is a shopping mall that is within walking distance from KL Convention Center and Royal Selangor Golf Club.
– This branch offers currency exchange and remittance services.
– Address: Lot 1.24.00, Level 1 Pavilion, 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
– Phone: +603 2144 1010
– Opening hours: Daily 10:00 – 22:00
2. Vital Rate @ Suria KLCC
– This branch is convenient for those who wish to visit the Petronas Twin Towers. Suria KLCC is located at the foot of the Petronas Twin Towers.
– Services: Currency exchange and remittance
– Address: Lot G34A G/F Suria KLCC, 241 Jalan Ampang, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
– Phone: +603 2181 7010
– Opening hours: Daily 10:00 – 22:00
3. Vital Rate @ Sungei Wang Plaza
– Sungei Wang Plaza is one of the best places to shop for mid-range and budget products in Kuala Lumpur.
– Services: Currency exchange and remittance
– Address: LG 149 (C2) Sungei Wang Plaza, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
– Phone: +603 2110 6115
– Opening hours: Daily 10:00 – 22:00
4. Vital Rate @ KL Sentral
– This branch is the most convenient option for those who get around in KL by public transport means. Sentral Station is Kuala Lumpur’s main transportation hub.
– Services: Currency exchange and remittance
– Address: Unit DH 5, Departure Hall, Level 1 KL City Air Terminal, KL Sentral Station, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
– Phone: +603 2278 8788
– Opening hours: Daily 08:00 – 22:00
5. Vital Rate @ Chow Kit
– This branch is recommended for those who are planning to shop at Chow Kit Market.
– Services: Currency exchange and remittance
– Address: No. 444 Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
– Phone: +603 4051 1077
– Opening hours: Daily 10:00 – 22:00
Note: Exchange rates could differ between branches depending on currency stock availability. Check their daily rates here.
Image credit: Max Money/Mid Valley MegamallMax Money was founded as a trading company in 1982. It opened its first currency exchange outlet at Sungei Wang Plaza, Kuala Lumpur in 1998.
This company is well known for exchanging currency from almost any country. There are more than 100 foreign currencies covered under its business. It is possible because Max Money is a large money service business in Malaysia that trades in banknotes with hundreds of countries in the world.
Their 5 branches in Kuala Lumpur are strategically situated at popular shopping malls and market, making it convenient for visitors to do the exchanging. All the branches offer competitive rates.
Their rates for Thai Baht (THB) are often the most advantageous in KL.
Best rates for
– THB
– AUD
– GBP
– BRD
– CAD
– CHF
– CNY/RMB
– DKK
– EUR
– JPY
– VND
Recommended branches
1. Max Money @ Sungei Wang Plaza
– Max Money has 2 outlets at Sungei Wang Plaza, both are located at LG level.
– Sungei Wang Plaza is one of the best places to shop for mid-range and budget products in Kuala Lumpur.
– Offers currency exchange and money transfer services.
– Address: LG 153/LG 156, Sungei Wang Plaza, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
– Phone: +603 2142 6000/ +603 2141 7786
– Opening hours: Daily 10:00 – 22:00
2. Max Money @ Mid Valley Megamall
– Located inside the Mid Valley Megamall for your shopping convenience.
– Offers currency exchange and money transfer services.
– Address: Lot S-1-01, Mid Valley Megamall, Mid Valley City, Circle Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
– Phone: +603 2282 9500/+603 2282 8500
– Opening hours: Daily 10:00 – 22:00
3. Max Money @ Central Market
– Convenient for visitors to exchange money before shopping at the must-visit Central Market.
– From here you can also walk to the Kasturi Walk, Sin Sze Si Ya Temple, and Petaling Flea Market.
– Offers currency exchange and money transfer services.
– Address: No.21, Lebuh Pudu, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
– Phone: +603 2026 1133
– Opening hours: Daily 10:00 – 22:00
4. Max Money @ Jusco Maluri
– This branch is located inside the Aeon Jusco Shopping Centre, also known as Jaya Jusco, in Maluri.
– It is within walking distance from Pudu Ulu Playground and Recreational Park.
– Offers currency exchange and money transfer services.
– Address: G26, Jusco Taman Maluri, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
– Phone: +603 9282 7000
– Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 10:00 – 22:00; Friday to Sunday 10:00 – 23:00
Note: Exchange rates may differ between branches.
Image credit: NS CashpointNS Cashpoint is among the top money business service providers in Malaysia, offering currency exchange service since 1993. It is quite easy for visitors to access a service booth of this chain as most of their branches are located in key commercial and tourist districts of Kuala Lumpur.
NS Cashpoint has partnered with Western Union to provide people with money transfer services, allowing travelers to send and receive money from other parts of the globe.
If you just need to exchange small amounts like $50 or $60, then NS Cashpoint is recommended because they willingly work with small bills.
Best rates for
– USD
– CNY/RMB
– JPY
– HKD
– SGD
– IDR
– PHP
– INR
Recommended branches
1. NS Cashpoint @ Jalan Sentul
– This is NS Cashpoint’s head office.
– Offers currency exchange and money transfer services
– Address: No. 6, Ground Floor, Jalan 14/48A, Sentul Raya Boulevard Off Jalan Sentul, 51000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
– Phone: +603 4045 5989
– Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 09:30 – 17:30; Sunday 09:30 – 14:30
2. NS Cashpoint @ Mid Valley Megamall
– Conveniently located inside Mid Valley Megamall
– Offers currency exchange and money transfer services
– Address: AEON.Big Shopping Centre, Mid Valley Megamall, Lot LG30, Mid Valley City, Jalan Linkaran Syed Putra, 58000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
– Phone: +603 2284 5989
– Opening hours: Daily 10:00 – 19:00
3. NS Cashpoint @ Suria KLCC
– Located inside Suria KLCC, at the foot of the Petronas Twin Towers
– Offers currency exchange and money transfer services
– Address: Lot C41B, Concourse Level, Suria KLCC, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
– Phone: +603 2161 8989
– Opening hours: Daily 10:00 – 22:00
4. NS Cashpoint @ Jalan Ampang
– This branch is located near embassies and consular offices.
– It is within walking distance from Petronas Twin Towers.
– Offers currency exchange and money transfer services
– Address: Lot 144, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
– Phone: +603 2161 5985
– Opening hours: Daily 10:00 – 19:00
5. NS Cashpoint @ Brickfields
– Recommended if you are planning to explore Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur’s Little India
– Offers currency exchange and money transfer services
– Address: No.282, Ground Floor, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
– Phone: +603 2274 5989
– Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 09:30 – 19:00; Sunday0 9:30 – 18:30
Image credit: thanomphongMetro Exchange is a young foreign exchange company that started its operation in 2007. The company has 3 branches in Kuala Lumpur that offers currency exchange service and remittance to Indonesia, Nepal, India, Philippine and Sri Lanka.
Its head office is conveniently located near the Menara KL Tower, while the two branches are in the vicinity of the Central Market and Chow Kit Market.
Best rates for
– KWD
– OMR
– JOD
– INR
– NPR
– LKR
Branches
1. Metro Exchange @ Jalan Sentul
– This is the head office of Metro Exchange.
– It is within walking distance from Menara KL Tower.
– Address: Lot G49, Ground Floor Wisma MPL, Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
– Phone: +603 2031 0007/0008
– Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 – 18:00
2. Metro Exchange @ Central Market
– This branch is located inside the Central Market.
– It is within walking distance from Kasturi Walk and Petaling street Market.
– Address: Shop L22, Ground Floor, Central Market, Jalan Hang Kasturi, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
– Phone: +603 2274 6022
– Opening hours: Daily 10:00 – 22:00
3. Metro Exchange @ Chow Kit
– This branch is within walking distance from Chow Kit Market.
– Address: Gerai No 26-02, Lorong Raja Bot, Off Jalan Raja Alang, Kampong Baru 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
– Phone: +603 2693 2786
– Opening hours: Daily 10:00 – 18:00
