Before
you travel
Also useful are: pollution mask if travel ling to large cities,
a basic tool kit including a puncture repair kit, spare tubes,
spare tyre, pump, a good map of the area, bungee cord water
filter.
MONEY
The malaysian dollar (RM), is called the ringgit,
and is divided into 100 sen (cents). Bank notes come in denominations
of RMI, 5,10, 20,50,100,500 and 1,000. Coins are ` 10, 20
and 50 cent denominations. As a rough guideline, US$ 1= RM3.80
i! Note that the ringgit is pegged to the US dollar, which
was Prime minister mahathir's response to the Asian economic
crisis . most economists believed that the currency was undervalued
and that - was somewhere between US$3.20 and US$3.30. But
it seems that, for the time being at Least, the government
will try to keep the US$3.80 peg, although later in 2000 Ringgit
may be allowed to appreciate.
Currency
regulation have been in a state of flux,not they have had
an impact on most visitor though. the government introduced
currency controls in 1998 as a means to stabilize the economy
and prevent currency speculation.for non-resident the last
of these controls was lifted in October 1999.
Credit
cards.
Most of theBigger hotels, restaurants and shops accept international
credit cards, Credit cards including American Express, BankAmericard,
Diners, MasterCard and Visa. Visa and MasterCard are the most
widely accepted. Cash advances can be issued against credit
card in most banks, although some banks - notably Bank Bumiputra
- limit the amount that can be drawn. A passport is usually
required for over-the-counter is also possible to draw cash
from ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) if you have PIN number
(Personal Identification Number).Maybank,with branches in
most town will accept both Visa and MasterCard at its ATMs.
Travellers'
cheques.
These can be exchanged at banks and money changers and in
some big hotels (often Traveller’s)money changers often
offer the best rates, but it is worth shopping around. Bank
charge commission on travellers' cheques. Those from all major
issuing companies and denominated in just about any major
currency are widely accepted, but as elsewhere, US dollars
are probably best.
Cost
of living
Prices have been relatively stable and because the ringgit
has been held down at a lower-than-market exchange rate, Malaysia
is cheaper for overseas visitors than a few v on in 1999 wasjust2.8%
and because consumption in 1998 and 1999 was week because
of the economic crisis businesses, including hotels, have
struggled to maintain their rates rather than pushing them
up.
Having said all that, Malaysia was no longer a cheap place
to live even before the 1998 recession and people wanting
to stay in accommodation other than that pitched at the pocket
of the budget traveller will find the country more expensive
than neighbouring Thailand and (especially) Indonesia.
But
all is not lost. It is still possible to travel on a relatively
low budget, Cheaper guesthouses charge around RM15-50 a night
for two-which at the early 2000m rates of exchange translates
into a US dollar figure of about US$4-13. Dorm beds area.
Available in many towns, and these are priced at around RM10-15,
or US$2.50-4. It is usually possible to find a simple a/c
room for RM50-80 or USS13-21. Eating out is also comparatively
cheap: a good curry can be had for as little as RM2-4, or
around US$1. Finally, overland travel is a bargain. Although
private car ownership is rapidly spreading, many ordinary
Malaysians still travel by bus and consequently the bus network
is not only extremely good, but fares are very good value.
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