BGray
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
Hi Monty,

This is the last question I will ask for a while - I promise!  Can you just check if it is easy to change euro in Borneo and also in Singapore?  It would be easier (and cheaper) for me to do this rather than having to take US dollars.  While I'm at it, for the benefit of the other travellers, can you check in the same way if Sterling is also easy to change.  Will the hotels in Kota Kinabalu and in Singapore have a bureau de change or will our TM help us with this?

Best wishes,

Bob

Moderator
(Member)
Hi Bob,

Sorry for the delay in my response, we have been in contact with our agents overseas for the most accurate information.

For both destinations, you can change the foreign currency at the hotel reception or a local bureau de change located in a bank, a shopping mall or the airport. Your Tour Manager will also be able to help you find somewhere to exchange your money. The majority of the bureau de changes accept EUR, USD and GBP.

The currency in Malaysia is the Ringgit (RM), often referred to as the Malaysian Dollar. You will not have any problems changing your foreign currency in Borneo, whether this be Euro or Sterling, especially in Kota Kinabalu.

The currency in Singapore is the Singapore Dollar. There are plenty of banks located at Changi International Airport so you can easily change your currencies at the airport if you would prefer. Also, some larger shops accept GBP too.

I hope this helps.

Kindest regards,

Monty

BGray
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
Hi Monty,

Many thanks, that is most helpful.  I'll change money at the hotel reception in both countries then so.  The easiest option is always the best on holiday!

Best wishes,

Bob

AbbaDave
(Member)
Hi Bob

please ask as much as you like I love it when a tour that I am going on comes up on here

regards currency hotels, airports and banks give poor exchange rates although handy for convenience, I do like to have cash on me rather than run the risk of running short so mine gets ordered online with better exchange rates, Travelex had a currency sale and they often have them and no delivery on orders over £500 but I also carry my debit cards for emergencies

all the best

Dave

BGray
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
Hi Dave,  in little old Ireland we don't have online bureaux de change and Tesco doesn't do it either!  My local bank will only order in major currencies so I don't have a hope of getting currency for many of my holidays before I go.  Thankfully I'm never alone in this and there are usually a few people who need to get currency once on tour.  It is great that hotels in most countries have a currency desk these days and I'm not going to worry if it's a poor exchange rate - convenience wins every time!!  I always notify my bank before I go but I've rarely had to use either my debit or credit card whilst being away in recent years so I must be good at this budgeting lark!

Cheers,

Bob

Toni2909
(Member)
I'm so pleased that all these questions are being both asked and answered, as I would inevitably have been asking them too. As my departure date is well after you guys come home, I trust you will give numerous helpful hints in terms of roughly how much money is needed (I am fortunate and can order in advance), what sort of electrical plugs to be prepared for, etc etc. 

I hope you have an absolutely brilliant time!

Toni

BGray
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
Thanks Toni, I will do my best to write a comprehensive review on my return - unless one of my travelling companions wants to do one instead, of course!

Best wishes,

Bob

AbbaDave
(Member)
Thank you Toni, you too, i am sure we can give you an insight into what things cost and how far spending money goes though we all have different spending habits

yes bob i forgot about you living in Ireland, actually it just crossed my mind after i'd posted and i also meant to say i'm sure both Julia and Monty loves all the little tasks we set them

all the best

Dave

jayli
  • (Member)
(Member)
'BGray' wrote:

Hi Monty,

Many thanks, that is most helpful.  I'll change money at the hotel reception in both countries then so.  The easiest option is always the best on holiday!

Best wishes,

Bob

Hello Bob

I don't know about Borneo but, when I was in Singapore, there was an ATM situated right by the entrance to the local MRT station across the road from my hotel: I used this all week and found it to be by far the most convenient option for obtaining cash. I used my bank's debit card so was billed in my own (non-Euro:-)) currency, with minimal fees and a reasonably good exchange rate

Jim

BGray
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
Hi Jim, 

Thanks for the info - we will be relying on your experience of Singapore to guide us through our time there so I hope you are working on our itinerary!!!

Looking forward to meeting you,

Best wishes,

Bob

Jaya
  • (Member)
(Member)
Hi Bob

I do not mind writing a review on return from this trip and you can then add on if I have missed anything. I will make notes as we go along.

I have already got £150 worth Malaysian currency - I ordered it at the same time when I was ordering my Mexican Pesos. By the way, I managed to spend all £250 worth of pesos!!

Regards

Jaya

Jaya

BGray
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
Hi Jaya,

That is fine with me!  

Best wishes,

Bob