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The currency of Malaysia is the Ringgit, with one Ringgit equalling 100 sen. Notes come in denominations of RM1000, 500, 100, 50, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of RM1, as well as 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 sen. RM1000 and 500 notes are in the process of being phased out, and the Ringgit is often referred to as the dollar. Money can only be exchanged at banks and officially licensed bureaus, as well as some hotels. Traveller’s cheques are accepted, though to avoid additional conversion charges they should be in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars. ATMs are available in most areas, and major international credit and debit cards are accepted. See: Visa: http://www.visa.com/atms/ MasterCard: http://www.mastercard.com/cardholderservices/atm/ The import and export of domestic currency is limited to RM1000, and visitors must fill out a Travellers Declaration Form on both entry and exit of the country. Import of foreign currency is unlimited, and export is limited to the amount declared on entry. Business General banking hours in most areas are from 0930 to 1500 Mondays to Fridays and from 0930 to 1130 on Saturdays, with banks in Sabah opening from 0800 until around 1500. Shopping hours vary greatly, though generally tend to be anywhere between 1000 to 2200. Business meetings are formal affairs, and the mixed dynamic of Malaysian culture means there are many customs to observe – generally being polite, conservative and eating with the right hand will certainly help though! Service charges are included in bills at most restaurants and hotels. Taxi drivers are not generally tipped.
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