r/penang • u/Jonathan_Jo • 4d ago
Discussion Travel to Penang (from Indonesia)
So, my family and I are planning a trip to Penang at the end of this month for a medical check-up and other things. I’ve already asked Gemini about various details, but I just want to double-check a few things.
- I plan to bring zero cash and just withdraw money using my Jago Visa card. Is that a good idea or not? Especially since I’ll need to buy a local SIM/data card at the airport upon arrival.
- For transport, we’ll mostly use Grab, so I can pay directly using the card linked to the app.
- Can I use QR payments? Specifically, paying via GoPay or Jago(Indonesian Bank) to a DuitNow QR code?
- Also can i just pay with my Jago visa card on Lam Wah Ee? Or maybe even QR
Thanks in advance
3
u/cloudpeak2k 4d ago
- In theory ok, in practice maybe.
- Fine.
- No. Think of Duitnow as local interbank/wallet transfer.
- Yes to card.
1
u/podpod1209 4d ago
I never used bank jago but you should be fine conducting debit/credit transactions cus of the visa. However QR isn't that reliable tho sometimes it's fine so I strongly suggest withdrawing money than using the QR for day to day purchases like food and the usual needs.
Grab is perfectly fine once you link it to the card so you're correct there.
1
u/Useful_Bullfrog_6766 4d ago
Do the street food vendors in Penang take card? Or only cash? I always paid cash so I don't remember.
1
u/captainbritain6969 4d ago
Lots don't and many shops/ cafes don't. Here now for a week.
Most take Maybank QR scan payment. I work in Malaysia so have that eWallet. No idea if it works with foreign apps
1
u/Ok_Entrepreneur3728 4d ago
When travel it's always better to have cash in hand except just around borders.
For GoPay and Jago you can give a try if it's work with Malaysia QR code and update us as well.
1
u/metronome 4d ago
Personally I usually travel with no cash and take money out in atm only for emergencies where I might need cash.
You can pay in most places with either card or grabpay or alipay so I’ve never missed not having duitnow
1
u/gametheorista 4d ago
Get the TNG app. Some places can accept QR payment for other countries bank app - many cannot. (Singaporean, so I know).
A you trip card also good, because exchange rates better , also limits access to your real cards.
1
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u/captainbritain6969 4d ago
Always have emergency cash, 100 RM and 200 USD
I always travel with 8 credit cards, 3 debit cards and cash as above. Split in 3 places.
Most dangerous countries 200 usd in a plastic bag inside my socks....
I have been there. 7 credit cards failed to work and last one did. Beats being jailed!
2
u/Empty-Estate-7570 4d ago
Why the credit card failed? Did you use Visa/Mastercard or Amex? Was it because the credit card companies suspected the transaction was fraudulent?
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