Using U.S. ATM cards in Malaysia
I heard somewhere that many ATMs in Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur specifically) do not accept ATM cards issued by U.S. banks (supposedly due to frequent fraud). Is this correct?
If this is the case, what are the ways around the problem. Is there a specific bank which does accept these cards, or a way to withdraw cash at a branch? I'm reluctant to carry too much cash.
Best Answer
Not sure where you heard that information. I was in Malaysia about two years ago, any significant Malaysian bank will accept your ATM card. And I had no problems while in Kuantan OR Kuala Lumpur. Now, there are banks non-Muslims are not permitted in, but there was only one of those I saw while in Kuala Lumpur.
A bigger issue, at least when I was there and perhaps where your rumor stems from, apparently it's fairly common for people to put a device on the card reader of a legitimate ATM. So, when you stick your card in, it gets your information and can cause transactions to not complete. I was told to do a visual inspection before using any ATM and to physically see if there was anything loose on the card slot. The device is allegedly very discreet.
Personally, I would try to go to actual banks and use their ATMs as much as possible. Still check the slot of course.
So, unless something has changed significantly, your ATM card should be fine.
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Can I use my American debit card anywhere?
Can I use my debit or credit card while traveling? Yes. Cards issued by U.S. Bank can be used in most foreign countries for transactions.Can I use my debit card to withdraw money from an ATM overseas?
There are three ways you could be hit with fees when using your debit card overseas. First, your bank could charge you a fee for using an out-of-network ATM. Second, the bank that owns the ATM could tack on additional fees. Finally, you can be charged foreign transaction fees, just as with a credit card.Can I use Bank of America debit card internationally?
Bank of America will assess an international transaction fee of 3% of the U.S. dollar amount for all ATM withdrawals processed in foreign currency. International ATM operators may offer to do your currency conversion for you, but they may charge a higher fee for conversion.Can you use USD in Malaysia?
Do they accept US dollars in Malaysia? No, US dollars are not accepted as payment in Malaysia. However, you can easily change them in banks or exchange offices.Wise Card Review | The Ultimate International Debit Card
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Answer 2
I think you misheard the news.
In January 2012, several ATM withdrawals happened in Malaysia without the owners' consent. The Account owners are Singapore residents that had made ATM withdrawals in Bugis (a place in Singapore). You can read the news on the "asiaone" Singaporean news site.
Several weeks later, most Singapore Banks (UOB and DBS) changed the customer withdrawal policy. They do not allow withdrawal from outside Singapore (not only Malaysia), unless the customer has made a special request to do so.
I have never heard of any American bank take the same action (reject withdrawal from Malaysia). However, it would be better to check with your bank on your bank withdrawal policy.
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