Disclaimer: Exchange rates change often. Confirm the total cost with the provider before transferring money.
How to send money to Malaysia
How to send a fast, secure and affordable money transfer to Malaysia from Singapore.
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Sending money from Singapore to Malaysia doesn’t have to be an expensive or time-consuming process. You can convert Singapore dollars to Malaysian ringgit in no time at all, and for many transfer companies, you won’t even have to leave the comfort of your home. Our guide will tell you how to make your transfer and give you plenty of places to start.
Send money to Malaysia with WorldRemit
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Compare money transfer options to Malaysia
The table below lists some of the services you can use to send money to Malaysia. Sort through different services using the table headings and click ‘More’ to read a review of the product, or ‘Go to Site’ when you’re ready to transfer money.
What's in this guide?
How do international money transfers work?
An international money transfer allows you to send money to a recipient overseas. Generally, a transfer involves you providing funds to a bank or an independent transfer provider, which then sends the money to your recipient in another country — in this case, Malaysia.
This can be done in person, over the phone, through a mobile app or online. You can use cash, a credit or debit card, or transfer funds from your bank account, which will then either be deposited into your recipient’s bank account or mobile wallet, or made available as cash for them to pick up at a location in their country.
Sending money to Malaysia: Should I use my bank?
Most of us already have an account with a financial institution, and this is usually the first option that comes to mind when people want to send money overseas. However, your bank might not give you the best deal on your international money transfer to Malaysia. Specialist international money transfer companies may be worth considering; stretching your dollar a little further. Consider the example below:
| Money Transfer Service | Bank | |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer amount | SGD$1,000 | SGD$1,000 |
| Exchange rate | 1 SGD = 2.9988MYR | 1 SGD = 2.9595 MYR |
| Transfer fee | SGD$7.46 | SGD$25 |
| Amount received (in Malaysian ringgit) | 2,976.42 MYR | 2,885.51 MYR |
| Transfer time | 1-2 business days | 3 – 5 business days |
| Transfer options | Online | Online |
| Difference of | +90.91 MYR |
Rates are correct as of 06 October 2018.
The Malaysian ringgit is a commonly traded international currency. Although it’s not listed as a major international currency, you can buy and sell ringgit with a number of overseas money transfer companies.
Banks
You can use your banking institution to send money to Malaysia. The recipient must have a bank account that they can access in Malaysia to collect the money. Transfers can take between 2-10 days. Your financial institution will normally charge a cable fee for this service. Do note that there may be handling commission and agent fees as well, so remember to check if these apply before making the transaction.
- DBS. You can transfer money to Malaysia via DBS Remit for free. Enjoy same-day online transfers and locked in FX rates.
- UOB. Send money to a Malaysian bank account through your UOB bank account.
- OCBC. Transfer money from your OCBC account to a Malaysian bank account directly at flat online charges.
Bear in mind that Bank Negara Malaysia has recently imposed a mandatory requirement for all Telegraphic Transfer payments made to beneficiaries in Malaysia to be accompanied with a detailed reason. Payments without or with an unclear reason may be delayed/rejected. Additional documents may also be requested to support the payment request.
Non-banks
There are a number of non-bank companies you can use to send money to Malaysia.
- Western Union. Send money online or in person at a Western Union outlet, and the funds will be available for collection in minutes.
- TransferWise. Send money to a Malaysian bank account using TransferWise international payments fast and affordably.
- PayPal. Paypal also has an overseas transfer service if you want to send money to Malaysia. Sign up for a free Paypal account. The recipient will also need to link their bank account to their Paypal account to retrieve the money.
How to compare transfer companies when sending money to Malaysia
- Exchange rates. How do each company’s exchange rates compare to the competition?
- Fees. How much will you have to pay to send the transfer? Can you avoid a transfer fee if you send a larger amount?
- Transfer methods. Some companies will only offer online or in-branch transfers while others will also offer the option of placing transfers over the phone or using a mobile app.
- Turnaround time. Processing times can vary from a few minutes to several days, so check how long each provider will take to complete your transaction.
- Minimum amount. Is there a minimum transfer limit in place, and if so, is it likely to be higher than the amounts you will want to transfer?
- Pickup methods. Can your beneficiary pick up the cash from their nearest transfer agent, or will the funds be deposited into their bank account?
- Customer service. Does the company offer 24/7 customer support if you ever have a question or concern?
Foreign exchange rates explained
When making a money transfer, you might start wondering what exactly is an exchange rate? To put it simply, exchange rate is the way international businesses and banks convert one currency into another. When a country’s currency is strong, it will yield more money when exchanging it in a country with a weak currency. In October 2018, the Singapore dollar was worth approximately 3 Malaysian ringgit. Every country’s exchange rate is flexible and impacted by the global market, so checking the rates daily will help you get a better idea of what to expect when making a transfer to someone in Malayasia.Options for sending money to Malaysia from Singapore
- Bank transfers. A transfer from your Singapore bank account to a Malaysian account is a secure and simple transfer option.
- Online money transfer providers. You can send fast and affordable transfers to Malaysia from your PC, tablet or smart phone. This comes with options for cash pickup or direct deposit.
- Cheques. You can obtain an international guaranteed cheque from your bank and mail it overseas, but this is a time-intensive process and runs the risk of the check being lost while being shipped.
- Money transfer companies with cash pickup options. Western Union and MoneyGram allow you to transfer cash that can be picked up in person from branches throughout Malaysia.
- PayPal. PayPal offers secure and simple money transfers to Malaysia.
How to send money to Malaysia
Ready to make a transfer? Here are the basic steps you’ll need to follow.
- Compare your money transfer options above.
- Select a provider that suits your needs.
- Create an account.
- Start a transaction.
- Enter your recipient’s information.
- Select a transfer amount.
- Pay for your transfer.
- Save your tracking number.
Don’t forget to follow up on your transaction! If there is any trouble, your tracking number will be helpful when you contact customer service, and if you recipient is picking up cash, they may need it to complete their end of the transfer.
Emergency cash transfers to Malaysia
Wallets and bags can go missing while you’re on holiday. If you’re in Malaysia and stuck without cash, there are some options to access emergency cash. Consider the following:
Cash pickup services
Get someone to send you money using a cash pickup service like Western Union or Moneygram. For a meagre fee, money can be available in minutes after it has been sent from Singapore.
Emergency cash advances
Visa, Mastercard and American Express can give you an emergency cash advance if your card is lost or stolen. The card scheme will make the money in your account available through a participating merchant in Malaysia.
Travel insurance
Your travel insurance policy may have an emergency assistance benefit that includes a provision of emergency cash. Check your policy terms and conditions to see whether you’re eligible to receive this benefit.
Cash pickup locations in Malaysia
Tips for picking up cash in Malaysia
Singaporeans are advised to exercise a normal degree of caution when travelling to and around Malaysia. Common sense is the best approach if you’re concerned about picking up a large amount of cash in public. Travel in a group, keep your valuables close to you and don’t wave around large amounts of cash in public.
Documentation when sending money to Malaysia
If you want to send money to a Malaysian bank account, you’ll need the following details.
- Bank name, IBAN/SWIFT and account number.
If you want to carry out a bank to bank transfer, the above information should be enough to complete the transfer. If you’re sending the money through an international payment service like Western Union, you may be required to open an account first. You will need to provide basic personal information about yourself to complete the registration. Expect to supply the following information about yourself to send money to Malaysia.
- Your name
- Date of birth
- Your contact information, including email address
- Your address
Following your registration and completion of the funds transfer, you should be given a receipt (usually on the email you provided) with a reference number. There are some online and ‘bricks and mortar’ money transfer companies that you can use to send money to Malaysia.Some words and phrases you need to know
