Malaysia's currency is the Ringgit (Ringgit, RM/MYR). Cash is handy for on-course fees, caddie tips and the odd drink, while the resort and restaurants take cards happily. Here's how much to bring and how to manage it.
How much Ringgit to change
This is a pure golf trip — no shopping, no optional tours, with 3 breakfasts and 2 dinners included. You won't need to spend big, but there are plenty of small payments best made in cash: caddie tips, buggy and on-course fees, halfway-house drinks, lunches, taxis and gratuities.
| Currency | Malaysian Ringgit (RM, MYR) · subunit: sen |
|---|---|
| Approx. rate (as of Jun 2026) | roughly RM 1 ≈ KRW 300 (fluctuates) — RM 100 ≈ KRW 30,000 |
| Cash per person | around RM 600–1,000 (tips, lunches, drinks, taxis, contingency) |
| Handy denominations | mostly RM 10 · RM 20 · RM 50 (RM 100 notes are awkward to get change for) |
Changing Korean Won straight into Ringgit at home gives you a poor rate. It's better to change Won into US dollars (USD) in Korea, then swap the dollars for Ringgit at a money changer in Kota Kinabalu. Money changers in town and near the resort offer better rates than the airport. Change a small amount at the airport, and larger sums at a local money changer.
Cards and mobile payments
Visa/Mastercard credit cards are widely accepted at the resort, the golf pro shop and restaurants and shops in town. Always bring at least one card enabled for overseas use. That said, caddie tips, halfway-house drinks, street stalls and markets, and some taxis take cash only.
- 1–2 credit/debit cards enabled for overseas use (carry them separately in case one is lost)
- Cash in RM (small notes mostly)
- Register a card in the Grab app and you can pay for taxis by card too (Chapters 3 & 21)
· Caddie tips (if you use a caddie) · buggy / on-course golf fees (some settled on-site depending on the package) · halfway house and lunch · taxis and Grab · resort drinks / extra meals · massages, souvenirs and so on. For exactly what is settled on-site, check with your coordinator before you travel (LINE @233uigab).
Connectivity — SIM / eSIM / roaming
Kota Kinabalu has good mobile coverage. Data is essential for confirming round bookings, calling a Grab, using maps and checking your MDAC.
| eSIM | The most convenient. Buy and install before you leave Korea, then use the moment you land (look for a 3–5 day Malaysia data plan) |
|---|---|
| Local SIM | Available on the arrivals level at BKI from Hotlink/CelcomDigi and others (passport required) |
| Roaming | Easy to set up but tends to be pricey — for a short trip, an eSIM is best |
Exchange rates and fees change constantly. The figures above are approximate as of June 2026; adjust the amount you bring to suit your own spending habits.