Money & Prices
In general, transport, food and accommodation in Sabah is a bit more expensive compared to other South East Asia countries.
Where to get money in Semporna?
Foreign currencies and travellers' cheques and can be changed for Malaysian Ringgit at Semporna's MayBank.
The local MayBank ATM will allow you to withdraw a maximum of MYR 4,500 (MYR 1,500 per transaction x 3) - accepts Visa, Mastercards, Maestro, Visa Plus, Union Pay, etc.
There are also a money changer kiosk available in Tawau airport.
Free Online Currency Converter: xe.com
What are Sabah Banking Hours?
Monday through Friday from 9.30am to 4pm
What is the Exchange rates for MYR?
(valid only at the time of writing).
100 MYR = 23 USD
100 MYR = 21 EURO
100 MYR = 19 GBP
More about Money & Prices
The local currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), and the honest headline for budgeting: Sabah runs a touch more expensive than the Southeast Asian backpacker average — transport, food and accommodation all sit slightly above what Thailand or Vietnam teach travellers to expect. Not dramatically, but enough that a Bali-calibrated budget needs a small upward revision.
Getting money in Semporna: banks in town exchange major foreign currencies, and ATMs accept international cards — but treat Semporna as your last reliable cash stop before the islands. Out on Mabul, Kapalai or the marine park there are no ATMs, resorts vary in card acceptance (and some add card surcharges), so the working rule we give every guest is: settle what you can in advance, then carry enough ringgit for extras — drinks, tips, boat surcharges, souvenirs from the village.
Rough orientation prices (they drift, so treat as scale, not gospel): a local meal in Semporna costs a few ringgit at the stalls and modestly more at seafront restaurants; town hotel rooms run from budget-backpacker to mid-range; the big-ticket items — dive packages, island resorts, Sipadan permit days — are best quoted live, which is what we do daily.
For a real quote on the whole trip rather than guesswork, contact us with your dates and party — we'll price the package and tell you how much cash to actually carry.