Best places to exchange currency in Kota Kinabalu

Claire Millard
Şeyma Mektepli
Last updated
21 March 2024

You've got a few options if you want to exchange currency in Kota Kinabalu. Whether you’re buying travel money in cash, looking for secure ways to cut the costs of making ATM withdrawals abroad, or sending money to someone overseas, we’ve got options for you.

You might decide to pop into a physical currency exchange store in Kota Kinabalu - but many customers will find it more convenient to pick up a low cost travel card instead, for on the go payments, cash withdrawals and easy to convert currencies with great exchange rates.

Wise travel card - A low cost alternative to exchange shops

Visa Debit CardVisa Debit CardDelivered in Kota KinabaluDelivered in Kota KinabaluMid-market rateMid-market rate

Order and get your Wise travel card in Kota Kinabalu for convenient spending and withdrawals during your trip.

Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate with no markup or margin when converting your money to any currency you need. This may work out cheaper than most currency exchange shops in Kota Kinabalu.

10 best places to exchange money in Kota Kinabalu

The best place to exchange currency in Kota Kinabalu does depend a lot on where in the city you are, and which currencies you need. You'll need to do a bit of your own research - but to start you off, we've detailed 10 of the top rated exchange services in Kota Kinabalu, according to Google.

NameAddressPhone numberGoogle rating
Traveller's Money Changer Sdn BhdLot G99A, G/F Asia City Complex, Kota Kinabalu088-234 7765 out of 5 stars
Traveller's Money Changer Sdn BhdWisma Merdeka, AG56 G/F Phase1, Kota Kinabalu088-234 7724.9 out of 5 stars
E-Globex Kota Kinabalu Money Changer44, Jalan Pantai, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu088-223 1265 out of 5 stars
Traveller's Money Changer Sdn BhdBasement Level M-B-2, Jalan Lintas Citymall, Kota Kinabalu088-234 7734.9 out of 5 stars
TML Remittance CenterLot 43A, Ground Floor, Centre Point Sabah, Kota Kinabalu07-438 14924.4 out of 5 stars
Focurek Services Sdn BhdCity Parade, Lot No.57, Ground Floor, Lorong Centre Point, Kota Kinabalu088-243 9724.8 out of 5 stars
Definite Rich Money ChangerLower Ground Floor, 12B, Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu088-488 8314.8 out of 5 stars
Merchantrade Imago - Money ChangerB13A, Imago Shopping Mall KK Times Square Phase 2 Off, 1, Kota Kinabalu088-274 3313.5 out of 5 stars
Jags Money Sdn Bhd - Wisma Merdeka P2Ground Floor, Wisma Merdeka, BG 44, Jln Tun Razak, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu014-679 85155 out of 5 stars
CIMB Bureau de Change Kota Kinabalu International AirportTerminal 1, Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Lot L1, L01 (c6), Public Concourse, Arrival Level,, Kota Kinabalu088-413 8454.2 out of 5 stars

Traveller's Money Changer Sdn Bhd

Opening hours
  • Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed
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Traveller's Money Changer Sdn Bhd

Opening hours
  • Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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E-Globex Kota Kinabalu Money Changer

Opening hours
  • Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed
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Traveller's Money Changer Sdn Bhd

Opening hours
  • Monday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
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TML Remittance Center

Opening hours

n/a

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Focurek Services Sdn Bhd

Opening hours
  • Monday: 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Sunday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
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Definite Rich Money Changer

Opening hours
  • Monday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
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Merchantrade Imago - Money Changer

Opening hours
  • Monday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
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Jags Money Sdn Bhd - Wisma Merdeka P2

Opening hours
  • Monday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Sunday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
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CIMB Bureau de Change Kota Kinabalu International Airport

Opening hours

n/a

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How we rated the currency exchange shops in Kota Kinabalu

We've taken into account the Google ratings at the time of research, looking at exchange services in popular Kota Kinabalu areas. As ratings are dynamic, and things change all the time, you’ll want to also do your own research before you head out to exchange your money.

How to exchange currency in Kota Kinabalu

Depending on your needs and preferences, you may want to choose between banks, currency exchange shops and online platforms to exchange currency conveniently in Kota Kinabalu. It’s worth noting that to keep customers safe, and to comply with the law, it’s common for exchange services to ask for ID when you buy foreign currency. Get ready by having your photo ID, such as a passport or driving license, with you when you arrange your exchange.

If you’re planning on exchanging currency with a bank, you’ll need to double check the travel money and exchange options available. Many banks only offer exchange to customers who already have an account - plus you might have to order online in advance, particularly if you’re looking for a more exotic currency. If your local bank offers currency exchange to people who aren’t customers, bear in mind that you’ll need to take an ID document along with you to collect your cash.

To exchange currency in Kota Kinabalu using a bank:

  1. Check that the bank you've picked offers currency exchange
  2. Make sure the currency you need is available - you may need to order ahead
  3. Visit a branch with cash, or order online, depending on the bank's process
  4. Take your travel money instantly, or collect in branch later - remember your ID document if you're not a customer

As an alternative you could choose to visit a currency exchange service or travel money specialist which offers online or on the spot exchange. Currency specialists usually have a very good selection of foreign currencies available, although smaller branches may not hold everything in stock at one time. It’s also useful to know that the exchange rate you get for an on the spot exchange in a store may be different to the one you’ll get when ordering online for collection - usually online orders get a better rate.

To exchange currency in Kota Kinabalu using a currency exchange service:

  1. Decide if you'll visit a currency exchange store in person to exchange, or order ahead
  2. Place your order online and pay by card or with BPAY, or visit a branch with cash
  3. Take your travel money instantly, or collect in branch later - you'll need to take along your ID document when you visit the branch to place a collect your order

Finally, you might choose to order your travel money online. There are a few ways to do this. Some providers will let you order online and either have the cash delivered to home, or you can collect at a branch or in the airport. Other options offer a travel money card which you can order online, top up, and then use for spending and withdrawals while you’re away. This can be an especially convenient option as it’s often possible to complete the whole process without needing to leave home.

To exchange currency in Kota Kinabalu online:

  1. Choose an online currency exchange service which suits your needs
  2. Order your travel money or travel money card, following their specific process
  3. You'll normally need to upload an image of your photo ID document for verification
  4. Your money or card can be delivered to home or collected, depending on the provider you pick

Things to look at before exchanging money

Before you decide how to exchange money it’s worth shopping around to compare a few different available options. That can mean your money goes further. Here are a few more important tips:

Avoid airport currency exchanges

Airports often have currency exchange services - but they’re not usually good value. Services at the airport know that customers have few options left, which means they can crank up the costs. You may not see any fee displayed, but there are likely to be charges rolled into the exchange rate used to convert your dollars to the currency you need, which can be very high.

Check the mid-market rate

Not sure what a good rate looks like? Check the mid-market rate for your specific currency. The mid-market rate is the one used on global markets, and when banks buy and sell currencies. However, it’s not usually passed on to customers. Instead extra fees are added - a markup, margin, or spread. Compare the rate you’re being offered to the mid-market rate for your currency - which you can get from Google - to see this.

Beware of ATM rates

If an ATM in a foreign country asks if you’d prefer to pay in dollars, say no. If you agree, the ATM will manage the currency conversion for you - and that ATM will not give you as good a rate as the one your bank or card network offers. Pay at ATMs and with merchants using the local currency wherever you are, to avoid this.

Get a travel money card from Wise

Travel money cards can help you avoid costs and hassle when exchanging money. Order a card online, add a balance in dollars, and either convert to the currency you need in advance or at the point of payment. Providers like Wise support 40+ currencies for holding and exchange, and often use better exchange rates and lower fees compared to physical currency exchange stores.

Factors to consider when choosing an exchange provider in Kota Kinabalu

Before you pick the right Kota Kinabalu currency exchange option for your needs, do a little shopping around. Compare the available options, looking at the costs involved, how safe they are, and what customers say about them.

When considering costs make sure you check both the exchange rate and the fees charged. It's common for services to state there's no commission, when the costs have simply been added into the exchange rate being used.

Double check safety by picking a reputable and licensed provider. If you're exchanging money at a major bank you can rest assured it's licensed. If you're using physical currency exchange stores it's worth asking how they're regulated - and with online providers you can usually find everything you need in a footnote on the website, including licensing details.

Finally, ask around for personal recommendations from friends and family in Kota Kinabalu, and use online resources like Google reviews and Trustpilot to make sure previous customers are positive about any service you might pick.

Best foreign currency exchange rates in Kota Kinabalu

Exchange rates can be confusing. It can often seem like every bank, exchange store or online service has their own rate - and choosing can feel daunting.

The key to getting the best currency exchange rate in Kota Kinabalu is to understand the mid-market exchange rate for your currency pair. The mid-market rate is the rate used when trading on global markets - the one banks and currency exchanges get when they buy or sell currencies themselves. However, providers usually don't pass on this rate to customers - they'll add a percentage markup or margin, which is a fee, to the rate offered to retail customers buying or selling relatively small amounts of currencies.

You can take the mid-market rate for your currency as a good benchmark when measuring up your options for currency exchange in Kota Kinabalu. Find the mid-market rate on Google, and then look for a provider which offers this or as close as possible to it.

Another good bet is to pick a travel money card from a service like Wise which offers currency exchange which uses live mid-market rates, with the fees split out for clarity and transparency.

When is the best time to exchange currency

Exchange rates change a lot, based on the demand in global markets. That means that there's no best time for currency exchange, but tracking the market can certainly help you spot a good deal when one becomes available.

Keep an eye on the mid-market rate for your currency, using any of our handy tools, and watch how it's changing over time. It's also possible to set up rate alerts online which can help you learn when a rate hits the level you're looking for. If you're planning on converting cash - or if you have a travel money card - you can lock in the rate by buying your foreign currency at that point.

No matter how good a deal you think you're getting, be sure you're picking a safe and reputable provider for your exchange. If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.

Tips for finding the best currency exchange rates in Kota Kinabalu

Here are a few final ideas on how to find the best exchange rates in Kota Kinabalu, no matter which currency you need to buy:

Why buy foreign currency in Kota Kinabalu?

Getting your foreign currency in Kota Kinabalu may offer a better deal compared to buying it from the airport or in your destination country. Airport exchange services know they have a captive audience and can add in extra fees and exchange rate hikes, pushing up the price you pay. Exchanging money in your destination eats into your precious holiday time - plus you may be targeted by unscrupulous money changers with bad rates.

Here are a few good reasons to exchange your currency in Kota Kinabalu:

  • As you have time to shop around, you may find you can get better exchange rates
  • Buying currency close to home (or even without leaving home) offers speed and convenience
  • It's far easier to check the safety and reputation of a provider you know, rather than picking one at your destination
  • You won't need to waste your holiday standing in line in a currency exchange store - you can get on with your trip instead

Conclusion

There are a few different ways you might want to currency in Kota Kinabalu. You could head to a bank, choose a physical currency exchange service, or go for an online option.

There are also some great travel money cards from providers like Wise and Revolut which allow you to order a card online or in an app, top up remotely, and spend or make withdrawals overseas easily. Travel money cards are secure and often offer better exchange rates and lower overall costs compared to switching currency at the airport or in a physical location in your destination.

Use this guide to figure out which currency exchange in Kota Kinabalu might be best for you, and don't forget to also take a look at travel money cards to see if popping one in your wallet can help you save.

FAQ - Best places to exchange currency in Kota Kinabalu

When to exchange currency for travel

There's not one single best place to exchange currency for travel, but converting your currency online before you head off can save time - and often money. One convenient option is to get a travel money card from a provider like Wise or Revolut, to add and exchange money with just your phone.

What is the cheapest way to get foreign currency in Kota Kinabalu?

The cheapest way to get foreign currency in Kota Kinabalu will depend on the currency you need and the value you want to exchange. This guide gives some good pointers to locations you may want to compare, but shopping around is still essential. Compare the exchange services in Kota Kinabalu with online and digital services to get the best deal overall.

Should I exchange money before I travel?

Exchanging cash on arrival is inconvenient and can leave you vulnerable to scams and unscrupulous money changing services in your destination. You can exchange money before you go conveniently - or get a travel money card which you can top up digitally and use for spending and withdrawals when you're away, often with great rates and low fees.

Does it matter where you exchange currency?

Yes. If you get a bad exchange rate - or high commission costs - you'll end up with less money in the end for your trip. Before you exchange money, shop around and compare both on and offline options to make sure you get a good deal without excessive fees.

How do I exchange currency after a trip?

Banks and currency exchange stores can exchange your foreign currency back to Malaysian Ringgit - but the rate is unlikely to be as good as it was when you converted in the first place, which means you get less back than you spent. Instead, consider a travel money card like the Wise card which lets you leave your money in dollars and convert on the spot when you make a payment or withdrawal overseas.