Money in Johor Bahru: Changing SGD, Paying by QR and Avoiding Bad Exchange Rates

The Short Version

You do not need to change a lot of money for a short JB trip. Check the live mid-market rate the same morning, compare two or three licensed changers against it, and change only what you expect to spend in cash. Where a shop accepts it, the Singapore-Malaysia QR link may save you the exchange altogether. We quote no exchange rate in this post on purpose: rates move daily and the pages we found were old or undated.

Step 1: Know the Mid-Market Rate

Before you queue anywhere, look up the SGD to MYR rate on a currency converter such as XE or Wise that morning. That is your benchmark. A changer's board rate will be a little worse; your job is to see how much worse. A few cents adds up on a large amount, but not on a RM100 day trip. Walking across town for a slightly better rate can cost more in fares and time than it saves, so a nearby changer is often fine.

Step 2: Use a Licensed Money Changer

In Malaysia, money-changing is regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) under the Money-Changing Act 1998, and BNM has revoked the licences of changers that broke the rules in the past. We could not open a current public licensee list this run, so we cannot say whether any specific shop is licensed. Before changing, look for a displayed licence, ask to see it, and check BNM's website at bnm.gov.my. Be wary of anyone who approaches you on the street.

Step 3: Skip Changing at Shops and Stalls

Shops that accept SGD cash set their own conversion, and it tends to be less generous than a changer's. If you must pay in SGD, ask for the ringgit price first and compare it with your converter. At Pelangi Capsule Hostel we accept MYR and SGD, but not USD, and our capsule price is RM35 a night.

Cashless Option: DuitNow QR and NETS QR

Since 31 March 2023, Singapore's NETS QR and Malaysia's DuitNow QR have been linked. According to BNM and the Monetary Authority of Singapore, travellers can scan merchant QR codes to pay, including in person. The Singapore participants at launch were DBS, OCBC and UOB, so check your own bank's app for current support and any fees. The official pages state no limits or fees, so confirm those with your bank. A person-to-person PayNow-DuitNow transfer was planned for end-2023, but we did not confirm its present status.

Keep a small amount of ringgit cash for hawker stalls, bus fares and the night market. Our guides to the Tuesday night market and JB public buses show where cash comes up most.

A Simple Cash Plan

• Day trip: change a small amount, or rely on QR. See our day trip guide.
• Weekend: estimate food, transport and one outing, then change that amount only. See the 3-day backpacker itinerary.
• Leftover ringgit: keep it for your next trip instead of changing it back at a worse rate.

FAQ

Can I pay for my capsule in Singapore dollars?

Yes. Pelangi accepts MYR and SGD, not USD. The first night is RM30 when you book direct on our website, then RM35 a night.

Is the City Square changer better than the border?

We could not verify current rates for any shop, so we do not rank them. Compare each against the mid-market rate on the day.

Can I scan a Malaysian QR code with a Singapore bank app?

The official link has existed since March 2023 for participating banks. Check your bank for current support, fees and limits.

How do I check a money changer is licensed?

Ask to see the licence at the counter and check BNM's website. We could not open a current list ourselves.

Sources (checked 2026-10-30)

• Bank Negara Malaysia: QR code payments connectivity, Malaysia and Singapore
• MAS: Launch of cross-border QR code payments connectivity
• Bank Negara Malaysia: money changers and the Money-Changing Act 1998 (2009 release)

Plan Your Stay

Capsule from RM35 a night at 26A Jalan Perang, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru. Check-in from 2:00 PM, check-out 12:00 PM. Book direct on our website for RM30 the first night. See rooms or contact us.

Rates, licences and payment-app support change. This is general information, not financial advice.