My wife and I will be travelling in Malaysia during appr. 4 weeks starting 23/7.<BR>I'd like to know if we can easily (that is: as easily as USD) change EUROS to ringits both in banknotes and in AMEX traveller's checks.<BR><BR>Please post your experience about changing euros.

Euros should be accepted as easily as USDs if you go to the trusted money exchange places - banks, Amex... Please note that credit cards are not yet very widely accepted in Malaysia, which will entail bringing a lot of cash around.

Xavier,<BR><BR>You should be able to exchange euro into Malaysian Ringgits in most banks. From my experience, the money changers in Malaysia prefer cash and would give you a better rate than traveller cheques and don't charge commission. Most banks charge commission for exchanging money.<BR><BR>I like to correct xxx's on the use of credit cards in Malaysia. International hotel chains and departmental stores accept credit cards. Most shops accept credit cards but are reluctant to do so because of the charges they have to pay the credit card companies. You will get a better price if you mention you'll pay cash during your hackling with the shops. <BR> <BR>ATM machines can be widely found in the cities and bigger towns too. So there is no need to carry large amount around.<BR><BR>Enjoy your trip.

Xavier,<BR><BR>You should be able to exchange euro into Malaysian Ringgits in most banks. From my experience, the money changers in Malaysia prefer cash and would give you a better rate than traveller cheques and don't charge commission. Most banks charge commission for exchanging money.<BR><BR>I like to correct xxx's on the use of credit cards in Malaysia. International hotel chains and departmental stores accept credit cards. Most shops accept credit cards but are reluctant to do so because of the charges they have to pay the credit card companies. You will get a better price if you mention you'll pay cash during your hackling with the shops. <BR> <BR>ATM machines can be widely found in most cities and bigger towns too. <BR><BR>Enjoy your trip.

Thanks to both of you for your kind and very precise advice.<BR>Any other opinion from new readers ???<BR><BR>Xavier

Malaysia resident here. I haven't changed Euros, but they are up on the exchange lists at the money changers, so it shouldn't be a problem.<BR><BR>Banks give worse rates (+ commission) than money changers. However, try to exchange currency/traveller's cheques at money changers that aren't in heavy tourist areas (try the less upscale malls, for example). They will give better rates. <BR><BR>You will get a better rate for cash. But either way, always ask the changer if the rate posted is the "best price" - they will usually give you a slightly better rate if you ask - the difference will only be a few ringgit, but could buy your lunch at a food court, or whatever.<BR><BR>Credit cards are fine in hotels and many restaurants, KL mall shops, etc. Smaller independent shops may be hesitant, but we've rarely had a problem, and only occassionally are charged a tiny surcharge. We hardly ever carry cash, just use credit cards for our daily expenses, if that gives you any indication. But we don't live in a tiny east coast kampung, either. <BR><BR>If you intend to use ATMs - pin numbers here are six digits. If yours isn't, your card may not work.<BR><BR>Got Melaka on your itinerary? I highly recommend it (and call it home)!