The central Bank of Malaysia is the Bank Negara Malaysia. There are a large number of Commercial, Merchant and Islamic banks in the country, some of which provide internet or telephone banking for the payment of bills and other services. Banks are usually open from Mondays to Fridays (09:30 - 15:30) and Saturdays (09:30 - 11:30) except for the first and third Saturdays of every month. Most major banks have auto teller machine systems which allow deposits and passbook updating to be carried out as well as cash withdrawals. Some offer premium banking facilities.

All major international credit cards are accepted at most tourist hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and shopping complexes. It is possible to apply for a local credit card, billed in Malaysian Ringgit but some issuers are reluctant to give them to expatriates. Cheques are widely accepted.

In order to open an account you will need a reference from your company or a Malaysian contact.

Sending more than RM10,000 overseas in one transaction or taking a similar amount out of the country in cash requires the national bank's (Bank Negara) approval.

Currency exchange is readily available; international bank-to-bank transfers may take several days and require adequate identification.