The ringgit is the official currency in Malaysia. It is often known as the Malaysian dollar. The word ringgit is derived from the Malaysian word for a jagged edge. Since there used to be a huge number of Spanish dollars in circulation in this area and as they all had a jagged edge, the name stuck.
The Malaysian dollar or ringgit is sub divided in to 100 sens, which are known as cents in foreign markets.
The Malaysian ringgit came into being in June 1967 and it replaced the former Malaysian and British Borneo dollar which had been used until that point. The dollar sign was used to denote the Malaysian dollar and it was not until the late 1990's that the symbol to denote the ringgit was replaced with RM.
In the international currency markets the ringgit is denoted by the letters MYR, since MY is the code that Malaysia is known by.
The Malaysian dollar or ringgit is produced and issued by the central bank in Malaysia, which is the bank Negara Malaysia. It is available in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50,100, 500, and 1000 RMS. The 1 RM is now only produced in coin form
Coins are issued in the form of 1, 5, 10 20, 50 sens, along with the RM1.
Any person travelling in or out of Malaysia will need to complete a traveller's declaration form which indicates how much money they are taking into the country upon arrival and, when they leave, how much money they are leaving with. Note that it is not possible for people to take out more money than they arrived with. This prevents money laundering.
Thus when you are about to land in Malaysia, you will be issued with this form. You must answer precisely how much money you're taking into the country including any traveller's cheques that you have with you. Travellers are not permitted to taking more than 10,000 RM into Malaysia. It is important to be precise, since this will prevent any confusion that could arise.
It is possible to use a debit or credit card at most ATM machines in Malaysia. However, you may find that you need to inform your bank that your card will be used in Malaysia, prior to travel. Otherwise you could find that your card is actually stopped by the bank as a security measure. (They may think that it is being fraudulently used). You should also bear in mind that using your credit card will be more expensive than using a debit card.
ATM machines are quite numerous in Malaysia and so it should be quite easy to locate one. It is also relatively easy to use your credit card in the major shopping centres, particularly in Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia is a very safe country to visit. Most of the people that you will come across will be exceptionally friendly and pleased to welcome you into their beautiful country. However nowhere on earth is completely crime free and in recent years there has been more street crime especially in the large cities like Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru.
Pickpocketing, slashing people's bags, along with bag snatching have historically been the main types of street crime reported to officials. However, recently more and more violent robberies and muggings have been taking place. Whilst you should not assume that you will become a victim of crime, it does makes sense to ensure that you are careful at all times. Remember that if you look like victim, you're more likely to end up as a victim of crime.
You should always be aware of the surroundings you are in at all times. If you don't feel comfortable somewhere, then leave it as soon as you can; don't break into a run but do walk briskly. Take care when you are having at lunch or dinner, or just a coffee that your wallet/handbag, phone and other valuable items cannot be stolen. Sometimes in cafes or restaurants, petty thieves will create a diversion and then steal items when the diversion is taking place.
Be particularly careful in any crowded place like a market or when you are on public transport such as a bus or a train.
When you are out and about, particularly at night, try not to get too drunk: otherwise you may find that you are an easy target for someone to take your money.
Both ladies and gentlemen should be aware that if you are going to visit a mosque then you will have to take off your shoes before you go in. It is always best to wear some cheap shoes or flip flops, since there have been reports of people having their shoes stolen when in the mosque.
Yet these are relatively rare incidents and most people that you are likely to meet will simply wish to show off their beautiful country and they will want you to enjoy their country too. So be careful, but don't be paranoid.
There is so much to see and do in Malaysia and it offers an amazing range of dramatic scenery, impressive buildings in some of the cities, as well as some spectacular beaches, amazing mountain ranges, great national parks and the most striking religious buildings and temples. This all makes it a holiday destination that you will never forget and it really can offer something new to even the most well-travelled of travellers.
There are some things that you should be aware of prior to your visit. One of these is knowing how to haggle!
When you are out and about shopping, particularly at the markets in Malaysia, you'll have to learn how to haggle. It is not a very easy thing to do for most Europeans or Americans since most of us feel quite uncomfortable when we are haggling and we would prefer to pay a set price. However haggling is an integral part of the culture in Malaysia and as such travellers need to respect this cultural aspect of Malaysia and perhaps more importantly, we have to learn how to haggle.
Always let the trader tell you first to how much he wants for a particular item. Don't make the first move! He will undoubtedly tell you a much higher price than he actually expects to receive. Try not to look too interested in the item and be a little indifferent, then if he tells you that he wants 100 RM, then you should offer him about 20. He will dismiss this and may tell you that he will do it for 80 R M, you'll will then offer him 30 and so on it goes. Sometimes merchants may tell you that you are breaking their heart and that they cannot afford to give this item to you for any less than the price they are asking. However, this is usually just part of the entertainment. Eventually you should be able to reach a compromise and everyone will be happy.
If you offered to pay the first price that was put forward to you, then you may actually offend the trader, so it is all very difficult, but it can also be quite good fun and if you can get over your embarrassment then you may even start to enjoy it.
Obviously in the shopping centres and larger shops particularly in the cities haggling does not take place. Shopping is very good in Malaysia and there are lots of bargains to be had, not just in the markets and from the street stalls but also within the shopping centres as well.
Some people always say that eating is actually the National Sport in Malaysia. In particular Kuala Lumpur is regarded as the centre of all things culinary in Malaysia. This is mainly due to the fact that there are so many places to eat and drink! Prices are quite competitive and so your ringgit does actually go a long way. Moreover, the choice of places to eat and drink is indeed staggering and you will be spoilt for choice. Many of the street stalls that offer food do not even close at night and so you can eat and drink 24 hours a day, every day.
Satay is perhaps the most well known of Malaysian dishes and whilst in Malaysia you really should try some, it tastes much better than satay that you may have tasted before. Just that little bit more authentic.
There are lots of bars in Malaysia so finding somewhere to have a relaxing drink is never a problem. Many people in Malaysia tend to go home quite early, so for safety's sake do not stay out too late and try to ensure that you are quite near your hotel after 11:00pm .
Any visitor to Malaysia should be mindful of the culture and customs. Around 60 % of the population practise Islam with another 20% who are Buddhists and then 10 % who are Christian. This makes it a very multicultural society and as a result it is important to respect all faiths. Women should make an effort to dress appropriately in public places and particularly if you're visiting a religious site. This just shows basic respect to your host country.
Malaysia is an eclectic mix of East meets West. It also can seem quite a secular society in parts and then you find the most amazing temples and religious statues as well as mosques. It has cities which never seem to sleep and then it has a countryside which never seems to wake up. Quite a country of contrasts.
This makes it an enchanting place to visit and despite some of the fears that people have about Malaysia, it is also a very safe place to visit. Being a truly multicultural society and seeing how people can live in relative harmony is also extremely interesting for all those who wish to learn from others. Malaysia can thus offer travellers quite an insight into how people can really live with each other and respect each other, which is quite rare sometimes in our current day and age.
The economy and the currency is also quite stable meaning that you can budget in advance and know roughly how much money you will get for your pound, dollar or Euros. Just don't leave it too late before you visit this jewel of a country.