Here’s How Malaysians Can Withdraw Money From ATMs Overseas

Most of us prefer to take cash along when we travel internationally as it is more convenient for us. We would allocate a certain budget and try our best to stick to it but what happens if you run out of cash? Of course, you can always use your credit cards overseas but not all places accept them. This is when you realise the importance of having cash especially when you spot a street vendor selling some mouthwatering food or pretty souvenir! They’re not gonna accept cards!

In order to shop to your heart’s content, you first need to:

1. Activate your debit card for overseas use before travelling
2. Withdraw from any suitable ATM.

Yes, must activate only can use overseas, okay! It’s actually really simple to activate your card but many people are unaware of how they should do this.

Besides, Bank Negara Malaysia has set a regulation that requires card members to manually opt-in to activate their overseas transactions to prevent them from falling victim to fraud cases.

Here’s how you can activate your debit/ATM card for some of the most popular banks in Malaysia:

1. Maybank

Maybank is one of the most widely used banks in Malaysia and they have numerous ATMs all over the nation. To activate your ATM card, you can do so by:

1. Going to any nearby branch; or
2. Doing it online through the Maybank2U mobile app or website.

If you need more information, call them at 1-300-88-6688.

Source: Maybank

Source: Maybank

PS: There’s a RM12 withdrawal fee when you use it overseas.

2. Public Bank

Source: My PJ

There are three simple ways for you to activate your Public Bank ATM card to be used internationally.

1. Through Public Bank ATM
2. Through the PBe website
3. Just call them directly at 03-2179 5000 for further assistance

You can read more here.

Source: Ready Map

3. RHB Bank

Source: Aspire

To activate your RHB debit card, you can do via any RHB branch, ATMs around the nation or even by giving the RHB Customer Care Centre a call at 03-92068118 for help. Their FAQs state that the charge for an overseas withdrawal is RM12.72, so use it wisely!

Source: Cartoola

4. CIMB Bank

Source: Mole

CIMB bank has branches across Southeast Asia and there are no extra charges if you use their ATM machines in Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and Cambodia. Nice! However, if you can’t find any CIMB ATMs around, then you will find that you can get charged from RM8.48 to RM10.60 per transaction.

Activate your CIMB debit card using:

1. The CIMB Clicks app or website
2. Any CIMB ATMs; or
3. Through the Customer Service Centre at 03-6204 7788.

Source: CIMB

5. Alliance Bank

Source: Alliance Bank

As with the other banks mentioned previously, Alliance Bank has similar procedures where cardholders need to opt-in manually for overseas transactions.

You can do so by:

1. Using any ATM machines available nationwide; or
2. Ccalling the bank’s Customer Service Centre at 03-5516 9988.

Source: The ATM Machines

6. UOB 

Source: Finance Asia

UOB is quite a popular choice among Malaysians although they are not a local bank. If you are one of the cardholders then you would need to:

1. Visit one of the UOB branches nationwide to activate international transactions; or
2. Call one of their call centre numbers here.

They also charge customers RM12.72 for every cash withdrawal made.

Source: Straits Times

7. OCBC Bank

Source: Sharesinv

For OCBC bank’s cardholders, opt-in for international transactions for your debit card by:

1. Calling their customer service number at 03-8317 5000; or
2. Drop in to any OCBC branch throughout Malaysia for activation.

You would also be happy to know that withdrawals done at OCBC ATMs in Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Macau are completely free!

Source: Flickr

8. HSBC Bank

Source: Gulf News

Just like other banks, you must choose to activate your HSBC debit card before you can use it overseas and it has a similar process.

1. Walk in to any HSBC branch;
2. Give their HSBC Contact Centre a call at 03-8321 5400 or 03-8321 5208 to proceed with the activation and you’re good to go for your international shopping spree!

Find out more by visiting their website here.

Source: CNBC

9. AmBank

Source: Onedio

If you need help to activate your AmBank ATM card for overseas withdrawals then you can:

1. Call their service centre at 03 2178 8888
2. Pay a visit to any AmBank branch; or
3. Do it yourself at the nearest AmBank ATM.

Check out Ambank’s website for more details.

Source: Signmasters

10. Hong Leong Bank

Source: Sarawak Directory

It is quite convenient for Hong Leong Bank users to activate their debit cards for overseas withdrawal as they can do it through the mobile app or website. Just follow the steps to opt-in for international transactions or alternatively, you can call their service centre at 03-7626 8899 or walk in to any Hong Leong Bank branch. Log on to their website here for more details.

Now that you know how to activate your ATM card for overseas use, you can go on a shopping spree with peace of mind!

Also read: Is It True Malaysians Should Avoid Getting a Credit Card at All Cost?