Ringgit (MYR; symbol RM) = 100 sen. Notes are in denominations of RM100, 50, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 sen. The Ringgit is often referred to as the Malaysian Dollar.

The best currency for exchange is the Pound Sterling, but US Dollars are also widely accepted. All commercial banks are authorised foreign exchange dealers; major hotels are only licensed to buy or accept foreign currency in the form of notes and traveller’s cheques. It may be difficult to exchange foreign currencies outside the main tourist centres.

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted.

Accepted by all banks, hotels and large department stores. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in Pounds Sterling, US Dollars or Australian Dollars.

Mon-Fri 0915-1630 (some branches open on Saturdays). Banks in Kelantan and Terengganu open Sun-Thurs 0915-1600/1630.

Date	Apr 07
£1.00=	RM6.83
$1.00=	RM3.46
Eur;1.00=	RM4.62

The following goods may be imported into Malaysia without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 225g of tobacco.
• 1l of spirits or wine or malt liquor.
• Cosmetics, perfume, soaps and toothpaste up to the value of RM200.
• Gifts and souvenirs not exceeding a total value of RM200 (except goods from Langkawi and Labuan, up to a value of RM500).
• 100 matches.
• A total of RM75 for dutiable food preparations.
• A maximum three pieces of new wearing apparel, plus one pair of new footwear.
• One unit of each portable electrical or battery-operated appliance for personal care and hygiene.

It is prohibited to import any goods from Haiti. Non-prescribed drugs, weapons, any imprint or reproduction of any currency note or coin and pornographic material are prohibited. Drug-smuggling carries the death penalty.