Let’s be honest: one of the best things about traveling to Southeast Asia is that your money goes a long way here — even with the exchange rate doing its thing. Malaysia is no exception, although it may not be as cheap as Vietnam, or Laos, or Indonesia. But how much do you actually need for a trip?
Here’s a realistic look at what it costs to travel in Malaysia, whether you’re backpacking, traveling comfortably, or splurging here and there.
Currency basics
First thing first, let’s get to know the currency.
Malaysia uses the Malaysian Ringgit, abbreviated as RM or sometimes written as MYR. Locals usually just say “ringgit” (as in, “Ten ringgit”), and coins are referred to as “sen” (cents). The plural is still just ringgit — not ringgits.
As of now, USD $1 is roughly RM4.20, but rates fluctuate, so it’s a good idea to check before your trip. You can exchange money at the airport, money changers in cities, or just withdraw from ATMs once you’re here.
Here’s what our money looks like:
Banknotes
Malaysia’s banknotes are colorful, easy to tell apart, and some are made of polymer (so they survive even if you accidentally take a swim with them).
- RM1 (blue) – mostly used for small purchases like snacks, kopi, or parking.
- RM5 (green) – handy for street food or short taxi rides.
- RM10 (red) – very common, great for daily spending.
- RM20 (orange) – not as common, but you’ll see them around.
- RM50 (blue-green) – higher denomination for shopping or larger meals.
- RM100 (purple) – usually used for hotels or bigger purchases.
👉 Under certain lighting, the RM20 note can look quite similar to the RM10 — especially if you’re in a dimly lit restaurant or pulling notes out quickly (I had to learn this the hard way). It’s not a huge deal, but it helps to pause and double-check before handing over cash.
Most places will accept RM100 notes, but small stalls and taxis might not have enough change. It’s useful to break big bills when you can.
Coins (Sen)
Coins come in:
- 5 sen
- 10 sen
- 20 sen
- 50 sen
Malaysia has both old and new coin designs in circulation, and they’re not the same sizes. For example, the newer 50 sen coin is actually much smaller than the old one, which can be a little confusing at first, but you’ll get used to it after a day or two.
Expect to carry a small pile of coins in your pocket if you’re using cash regularly — they add up fast after a few street snacks.
Travel tip:
Some coin-operated toilets still want exact change, so hang on to your 20 sen and 50 sen coins. Also, keep smaller notes for tipping or paying in cash-only places like food courts or night markets.
How much does accommodation cost in Malaysia?
Where you sleep makes a big difference to your daily budget. The good news is Malaysia has options for everyone. You’ll find budget hostels, family-run guesthouses, charming boutique hotels, and international chains — sometimes all in the same neighborhood. Here’s what to expect:
Budget: RM30–80/night for hostels or guesthouses
Mid-range: RM100–250/night for decent hotels or Airbnbs
Higher-end: RM300–800+/night for boutique or international hotels
Prices go up during school holidays and festive seasons, especially in places like Langkawi, Penang, and the Cameron Highlands. If you’re traveling during those times, book ahead and expect a bit of a bump in rates.
How much does food cost in Malaysia?
Eating in Malaysia can be as cheap or as fancy as you want it to be — and either way, the food is usually excellent. You could spend RM10 at a humble roadside stall (and still be full), or RM300 for an all-you-can-eat buffet at an upscale seafood restaurant (and be stuffed for days).
Of course, prices also depend on where you are. A simple roadside meal in Kuala Lumpur, for example, might cost more than a sit-down restaurant lunch in Kota Bharu.
In general, things tend to be pricier in the Klang Valley area (Kuala Lumpur and Selangor) and tourist-heavy spots like Penang, Langkawi or the Cameron Highlands, while smaller towns and east coast states are usually more budget-friendly.
Street food / hawker centers: RM5–10 per dish
Casual restaurants / cafés: RM15–30 per dish
Higher-end / hotel dining: RM50 and above per meal
Your meals can be local and cheap. If you throw in coffee, dessert, and a fancy brunch once in a while, it still won’t wreck your wallet.
How much does transportation cost in Malaysia?
Getting around Malaysia is fairly straightforward. Local transport in cities is affordable, intercity travel is comfortable, and rideshares fill the gaps where public buses don’t reach. You don’t need to rent a car unless you’re going to more remote places — and even then, it’s more of a convenience than a necessity.
Grab (like Uber): RM5–20+ for short rides
City bus: RM1–2+, depending on route
MRT, LRT, Monorail, KTM Komuter: RM1.50–5+, depending on route
Long-distance bus: RM30–50+, depending on route
Domestic flights: RM60–200+ if booked early
Train (e.g. ETS): RM40–100+ depending on route and class
Car rental: RM150–300+ per day, depending on car model
Just note that public transport is great within KL and Penang, a little patchy elsewhere. If you’re sticking to tourist routes, buses and trains work well. For anything beyond that, Grab or car rental may be easier.
Rapid KL city buses in Kuala Lumpur do not accept cash payments. To board these buses, passengers must use a Touch ‘n Go (TnG) card, which is a contactless stored-value card widely used for public transportation in Malaysia, including MRT, LRT, Monorail, and highway tolls.
If you’re planning to use Rapid KL buses, or drive on highways, you should get a Touch ‘n Go card, which is available at major transit stations, convenience stores, and selected retail outlets. You can top up your card at various locations, including kiosks, convenience stores, and online platforms.
While there have been initiatives to introduce debit and credit card payments for certain services, like KTM Komuter, these options are not yet available for standard city buses and other modes of transportation.
How much do travel attractions & activities cost in Malaysia?
You don’t need to spend much to stay entertained in Malaysia. Many of the best experiences, like wandering street art lanes, exploring old towns, visiting temples or beaches, are free or cost very little. But if you’re into tours, island-hopping, or more niche activities, factor those in.
Many temples, mosques, beaches, and public parks are free
Entrance fees: RM5–20 for museums, RM90+ for towers, RM70–90 for the national zoo, bird park and aquarium
Tours: RM60–200+ depending on what and where
Adventure / diving / excursions: RM250+
A lot of attractions are pay-as-you-go. You don’t need to book things in advance unless it’s something specific like a diving trip or a cultural show with limited seats. Going up the Petronas Towers also requires advance booking as time slots fill up really quick.
How much does data or SIM card cost in Malaysia?
Staying connected in Malaysia is easy and cheap. Local SIM cards are widely available, affordable, and fast enough to stream Netflix while you wait for your teh tarik and roti canai.
RM10–30 for a week or more of data
Major providers include Hotlink (Maxis), Celcom, Digi — all reliable in cities
Available at the airport, malls, or convenience stores
Hot tip: Airport counters will often offer “tourist SIMs” with generous data packages. Just have your passport ready.
I personally prefer eSIMs when traveling so I won’t have to deal with the hassle of getting a physical one.
Daily budget estimates
Not every traveler is built the same. Some are here for hostels and street food; others want to sleep well, eat well, and still keep costs in check. And then there are those who like their holidays with a side of rooftop bars, infinity pools, and daily massages.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what a typical day might cost, depending on your style:
| Travel Style | Daily Budget (per person) | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | RM100–150 (USD $21–32) | Hostels, local buses, street food, free attractions |
| Mid-range | RM200–350 (USD $42–74) | Guesthouses or 2–3 star hotels, some Grab rides, mix of local + café dining |
| Comfort/Splurge | RM450+ (USD $95+) | Boutique hotels, domestic flights, nicer restaurants, tours, spas |
Paying for things
You won’t need to carry wads of cash around, but it’s still handy to have some on you, especially if you plan to eat at hawker stalls, shop at markets, or take the occasional taxi.
Cash is still king in many everyday situations, especially in rural areas, food courts, or smaller shops.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, malls, convenience stores, and supermarkets. Visa and Mastercard are safest, as some places don’t take AMEX.
E-wallets like GrabPay, Touch ‘n Go eWallet, and Boost are popular with locals, especially in cities. Some, like GrabPay, can be used by foreigners, while some may require a Malaysian bank account or phone number.
ATMs are easy to find in cities and towns — especially near banks, malls, and petrol stations. International cards generally work fine, but always choose to be charged in ringgit, not your home currency.
Pro tip:
Withdraw a decent chunk at the airport or in bigger towns if you’re heading somewhere rural where ATMs may be scarce or fussy with foreign cards.
Do you tip in Malaysia?
Not really — but it’s appreciated.
Tipping isn’t expected in Malaysia. Locals don’t do it often, and service charges (usually 10%) are already included at many restaurants and hotels. That said:
You can round up your bill or leave a few ringgit for good service, especially at nicer restaurants or if someone goes out of their way.
Hotel porters or airport helpers sometimes get RM2–5 as a token of thanks.
Grab drivers and food delivery folks don’t expect tips, but you can round up the fare or add a small tip in the app if you like. I usually tip food riders, as the weather can be hellish out there, especially if you’re on a motorbike all day.
No one will be offended whether you tip or not — it’s genuinely optional here.
How to travel in Malaysia on a budget
Malaysia is already a great destination for travelers on a budget — but that doesn’t mean you need to go full penny-pincher mode. You can keep costs low without sacrificing comfort, flavor, or experience. Here’s how to stretch your ringgit without feeling like you’re constantly compromising:
Eat where locals eat
This isn’t just about saving money — it’s where the best food is. Local warungs (small eateries), food courts, and hawker stalls serve up full meals for under RM10. You’ll often get better, more authentic food than at “Instagram-friendly” cafés, and you get to support small businesses while you’re at it. If a place looks a bit chaotic and full of people, you’re probably in the right spot.
Avoid taking taxis
Taxis in Malaysia are hit-or-miss — some use meters, some don’t, and it can be a bit of a gamble. Grab is reliable, cashless, and shows you the price upfront. It’s usually cheaper than flagging a cab, and you won’t have to explain directions in broken Bahasa while pointing at a half-loaded Google Maps screen. The subway system in Kuala Lumpur is also fast, cheap, and reliable — a solid option for getting around the city without dealing with traffic.
Travel off-season
Malaysia doesn’t really have “winter” or “summer” but prices (especially for hotels and transport) go up during Malaysian school holidays, Chinese New Year, and long weekends. Traveling in shoulder seasons (like during Ramadan or before year-end holidays) means fewer crowds and lower prices. You also avoid inflated domestic travel prices when locals are on holiday.
Skip the hotel breakfast buffet
Unless it’s included for free, skip the RM40 hotel breakfast. Go out and try roti canai, nasi lemak, or kuih at a local kopitiam for RM3–6. It’s cheaper, tastier, and more interesting than toast and scrambled eggs you can make at home. Plus, you’ll probably find yourself people-watching in a neighborhood café instead of a sterile hotel dining room.
Plan your routes smartly
If you’re visiting multiple cities, try to build a route that avoids backtracking — it saves time and transport costs. For example, go KL → Ipoh → Penang instead of bouncing back and forth. Malaysia’s public transport between cities is decent and affordable, but last-minute bookings on flights or buses can creep up in cost. Booking early helps.
Book accommodations with extras
Some budget hotels and guesthouses offer laundry machines, free drinking water, or light breakfast — small things that save money over time. Others might be located near train stations or local food stalls, cutting down on transport and meal costs. These aren’t always listed as “perks,” but checking reviews can give you clues.
Pay in local currency when using cards
When using your credit or debit card, always choose to pay in MYR (ringgit), not your home currency. The “pay in your own currency” option often includes a sneaky conversion fee with a worse exchange rate. Your bank back home will usually give you a better deal — even with a small foreign transaction fee.
Final thoughts
Malaysia may not be as cheap as some of its neighbors, but traveling here doesn’t need to feel like you’re always doing mental math or checking your wallet before every purchase. RM10 (USD2.50) can still buy you a delicious meal, a bus ticket to a new city, or an afternoon’s worth of snacks. And if you want to splurge a little here and there, it goes further than it would in most places.
The beauty of Malaysia is in the variety — and that applies to budgets too. You can enjoy jungle hikes, island sunsets, heritage towns, modern cities, and everything in between without needing to book luxury packages or live off instant noodles. Malaysia is easy to love, and even easier to afford.
Have you been to Malaysia or planning a trip soon? I’d love to hear what your budget looks like, what surprised you, or any money-saving tips you’ve picked up. Drop a comment below!
