Credit cards used everywhere in Singapore or Malaysia?
About to go to Malaysia and Singapore. I have a credit card for foreign transactions and a debit card for taking out money from foreign ATMs (this setup is just the best way to avoid foreign transaction fees and get the best exchange rate for me).
I'm trying to decide how much cash to load up on the debit card. Are credit cards used widely in Singapore and Malaysia? Here in Australia, credit cards are used everywhere even for tiny transactions and there are never really fees so I might stick a $20 in mywallet, and it might take me a month or two before I have to withdraw again.
Is that the same in Singapore and Malaysia? Can I basically just assume most of my costs will be on credit card?
Best Answer
For both Singapore and Malaysia credit cards are widely used. But for Malaysia, I would certainly have cash (Ringgit) on hand.
You can probably conduct all of your business in Singapore with a credit card. Some, smaller merchants may not take credit card. I'm thinking primarily of the hawker centers, I always paid in cash.
In Malaysia, I strongly recommend having cash on hand. Depending on what you're doing cash may be the only, or may simply be the best solution. Examples include short distance taxies, street food, and smaller merchants. If you are visiting outside of a developed portion of Malaysia then cash may be the only option. It is possible to visit Malaysia with only credit cards, but I do not think the friction is worth the ATM savings.
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Can I use Singapore credit card in Malaysia?
For both Singapore and Malaysia credit cards are widely used. But for Malaysia, I would certainly have cash (Ringgit) on hand. You can probably conduct all of your business in Singapore with a credit card. Some, smaller merchants may not take credit card.Are credit cards widely accepted in Singapore?
Singapore is a credit card friendly country. Visa, Mastercard and American Express are widely accepted, but it's wise to carry cash as well. You'll find ATMs across Singapore, but consider using a debit card. For all other purchases, a travel credit card without foreign transaction fees is the best option.What credit card is used worldwide?
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted worldwide. If an establishment takes credit cards, it's a good bet that your Visa or Mastercard will work. American Express and Discover have an international presence, too, but they are accepted by fewer merchants.Are credit cards accepted in Malaysia?
ATMs & Credit CardsMasterCard and Visa are the most widely accepted credit cards. You can make ATM withdrawals with your PIN, or banks such as Maybank (Malaysia's biggest bank), HSBC and Standard Chartered will accept credit cards for over-the-counter cash advances.The 3 BEST Credit Cards 2020 Malaysia (Entry Level)
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Answer 2
For Singapore, this really depends on where you shop and eat. Most shops and restaurants, especially in malls, will accept credit cards and there are generally no extra fees for using those. However, some cheaper restaurants even in malls will have cash and NETS (local debit card) only and if you want to eat in hawkwer centres or food courts (and you should) you will most likely need cash.
There is a big push to go cashless and there's a myriad of ewallet services. Some are linked to local bank accounts, but some are usable with credit cards (GrabPay for instance). However, this might not be ideal, because this is not accepted everywhere yet and you will probably end up with a balance at the end of your trip.
I don't have that much experience with Malaysia, but from what I have seen from my trips, the situation is quite similar.
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