As peak travel season arrives, Malaysians are inundated with eye-catching travel deals and “limited-time-only” offers. But amid the booking frenzy, many don’t consider just how far their money can go when they land, especially when hidden fees and poor exchange rates start chipping away at their budget. Wise’s latest survey reveals that even savvy travellers are falling into financial traps that quietly add up, leaving their travel funds stretched thinner than expected. Here’s what the research shows:
- 70% of Malaysians focus on hotel and accommodation costs, while 69% prioritise flight prices—yet only 41% think about how much local currency they receive for each Ringgit.
- A staggering 96% of Malaysians travelling abroad still rely on traditional money exchangers, making them vulnerable to hidden charges.
- Despite 67% knowing that banks apply hidden exchange rate markups and foreign transaction fees as high as 3%, 65% still use local bank cards abroad.
Don’t worry lah! Uncle Tim (content creator Adam Izzy) is here to guide you! Before you fall for the next shiny deal, take heed of Uncle Tim’s practical travel advice:
Flashy Deals & Cheap Flights Can Cost More Than You Think
You found a promo flight, syok! But then comes the extra costs for luggage, seats, and flexibility. Once you land, you may find yourself spending more on essentials like food and transport. Suddenly, that “cheap” trip isn’t so cheap anymore.
Uncle Tim says, “You see cheap-cheap flight, you go book fast-fast. Then later kena add-on charges for everything – bag lah, food lah, even leg space. And then some more, you go expensive country, even one nasi lemak is RM40. Then how?”
Wise Tip: Don’t just look at flight or hotel deals, check the total cost of your holiday. Think about how you’ll spend while you’re there, and consider destinations where your ringgit goes further. That could save you more in the long run than any promo ever could.
Watch Out For the Currency Conversion Trap
The deal might look sweet when booking, but the real cost often creeps in after you land. Even if there are no additional fees, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting a good exchange rate. From poor exchange rates to hidden fees and foreign transaction charges, the way you spend overseas matters just as much as where you go. Relying on money changers or swiping local bank cards? You could be losing out to marked-up rates and sneaky charges that quietly eat into your travel budget.
Uncle Tim advises, “Ah girl, ah boy, your Ringgit can go further – if you don’t simply give it away to bad rates. One swipe, then got 3% charge. Pay in Ringgit instead of local currency? Lagi teruk!”
Wise Tip: Use Wise for the real mid-market exchange rate (same one on Google). And when the card machine asks, always opt to pay in the local currency instead of Ringgit. That’s how they catch you with something called ‘dynamic currency conversion’—very dynamic in taking your duit only.
Bonus Uncle Tim Tips:
- Go Where Your Ringgit Can Stretch Like Roti Canai
“You want to travel but don’t want to cry when checking your bank app? Go where your Ringgit jadi boss. Places like Indonesia, Vietnam, Turkey, Hungary, even Nepal — makan banyak, shopping puas, hotel also value for money. More fun, less sakit hati!”
- “No Fees” My Foot — Don’t Let Them Makan Your Duit!
“They say no fee, but behind your back, they already makan your duit through the exchange rate! Before you change money, do one thing first: Google the real rate, ah! If the rate they give you jauh sangat, better jalan. The closer to Google, the better. Don’t kena tipu, okay?”
- Change in Town, Not in Transit, Don’t Let the Airport Curi Your Sen
“Aiyo, don’t change money at airport or hotel lah, this one is daylight robbery you know! You walk in happy, walk out wallet kosong. Better use your Wise card or withdraw cash from an ATM using Wise. Faster, cheaper, and no need to cry later.”
Conclusion: Don’t Let Your Budget Kena Chop
Deals can be enticing, but don’t let shiny promos distract you from what really matters: how far your Ringgit can go when you arrive. That’s exactly why Wise launched Malaysia’s Wisest Travel Agency pop-up at Pavilion Bukit Jalil last weekend from 11–13 April—to get Malaysians thinking beyond the promos and focus on stretching their Ringgit overseas.
With a bit of Uncle Tim’s wisdom and some savvy planning, Malaysians can avoid the traps that eat into their budgets. Now go ahead, book that trip—but do it the wise way!
