With the GST rising from 8% to 9%, it’s no surprise that many of us will cross the border in search of new things to do in JB to save a pretty penny, whether it’s getting some cheap perms, chilling at the many new cafes in JB or a mani-pedi at the plethora of nail salons around.
But if you’re one to find yourself scrambling to change money before your trip up, fret not, here’s a list of money changers in JB that you can consider stopping by the next time you head north.
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As with all things, the answer depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re someone who prefers convenience, Singapore has a whole slew of money changers to choose from.
That said, money changers in Malaysia – JB included – do offer comparably higher rates, thanks to the lower operating costs in Malaysia. It helps that Singapore has a stronger currency, too.
Image for illustrative purposes only
Image credit: MaxMoney2u via Facebook
If your preferred method of getting from Singapore to JB is via the KTM Shuttle Tebrau, you’ll be glad to know that JB Sentral station has a MaxMoney Money Changer branch. It’s a convenient branch, too, since it opens till midnight daily. That way, you have time to do a quick money exchange run even if you’re catching the 11.45pm train.
Getting there: 12-minute drive from Woodlands Checkpoint
Address: Lot 11, Level 3, Johor Bahru Sentral, Jalan Jim Quee, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 8am-12am, Daily
Contact: +60 7-221 3506 | MaxMoney website
Image credit: SM Money Exchange and Money Transfer via Facebook
Whether you’ve decided to drive to JB or rent a car from one of the many Johor car rentals, consider popping by Suria Muhabat at Petronas Jalan Storey. It’s located at a gas station, so you can pump petrol and get your money changed at the same time. Plus, it’s open 24 hours, which makes it convenient if you’re crossing the border late at night.
Getting there: 10-minute drive from Woodlands Checkpoint
Address: Petronas, Lot 367, Jalan Storey, Bukit Senyum, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily
Contact: +60 7-221 0014 | Suria Muhabat website
If you’re the sort who prefers exploring JB on foot, head over to Wang & Company. Located along Jalan Wong Ah Fook, it’s open till midnight daily, making it perfect for changing money if you’re to do some late-night activities in JB.
The money changer is also located on the same stretch as Kam Long Curry Fish Head, great for silencing your tummy’s rumblings after the arduous journey across the Causeway.
Getting there: 12-minute drive from Woodlands
Address: 26, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 8am-12am, Daily
Contact: +60 19-473 1619 | Wang & Company Currency Exchange website
Image credit: Matthew Chia via Google Maps
The OG of malls in JB, it’s unsurprising that Angsana Mall holds many happy childhood memories for us, with places such as Sahara Bowl surely taking us back to more carefree days. Those looking to change some money before gallivanting down memory lane can head over to Money Exchange Abd Wahab Bin M.Abu Bakar, which is located on the 2nd floor of the mall.
Getting there: 20-minute drive from Woodlands Checkpoint
Address: L2.45 Aras 2, Angsana Johor Bahru Mall, Jalan Skudai, Pusat Bandar Tampoi, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10.30am-9pm, Daily
Contact: +60 7-235 8119
With attractions like 15m-high rock walls, the Blue Ice Skating Rink, and Golden Screen Cinemas, there’s plenty to do at Paradigm Mall.
But if you find your stash of Ringgit dwindling after a day of fun, fret not, the mall also’s home to a Merchantrade Money Changer, which is known to offer good rates. In fact, you can even check the exchange rates on Merchantrade’s website before heading down.
Getting there: 18-minute drive from Woodlands Checkpoint
Address: Paradigm Mall, Paradigm Mall Lot BF -08, Taman Bukit Mewah, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: +60 7-244 8734
Whether you’re looking to snag some groceries at AEON BIG, feast on hotpot at Haidilao, or have a go at one of the many fun rides at Euro Fun Park, Sutera Mall makes for a good destination for those seeking alternatives to more popular malls in JB.
Those wanting a little more cash to splurge on activities such as tufting workshops or indoor karting can head up to the 2nd floor to pay the Wang & Company branch here a visit.
Getting there: 20-minute drive from Woodlands Checkpoint
Address: L2-020a, Sutera Mall, 1, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/4, Taman Sutera Utama, 81300 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: +60 7-558 1616 | Wang & Company Currency Exchange website
Image credit: @suriamuhabat via Instagram
It’s unsurprising that Singaporeans love KSL City Mall, given how there are so many things to do here. If you need cash to catch some flicks at Golden Screen Cinemas or croon your hearts out at I’m A Singer Family Karaoke, you’ll be glad to know that Suria Muhabat has a branch here to replenish your shrinking ringgit stash.
It even has advance collection services, so you can go ahead and spend more time pretending you’re in Greece at Avery-Day, or snagging cute plushies at Superstar.
All you have to do is head over to Suria Muhabat’s website to select your preferred currency and amount to change, before booking an appointment to collect your cold, hard cash.
Getting there: 14-minute drive from Woodlands Checkpoint
Address: LG-BZ10, Ground Floor, KSL City Mall, Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-9pm, Daily
Contact: +60 7-330 9836 | Suria Muhabat website
Suria Muhabat’s not the only money changer in KSL, with Smart Blend Licensed Money Changer having a branch here too. Given that it’s open till 10pm, it’s a lifesaver for those running low on cash midway through a shopping spree at the nearby night market.
Getting there: 14-minute drive from Woodlands Checkpoint
Address: KSL City Mall & Hotel, No. G-01a, Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad, Johor, 80250 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: +60 7-288 2888
Chances are you’ve come across SMJ during your jaunts up north, especially with their bright orange storefronts. The chain boasts 25 outlets in Johor alone, with many of these located in popular areas such as Sunway Big Box, KSL, and Mount Austin.
Those looking to snag some groceries unavailable in Singapore at Village Grocer or feast on hotpot at Bao Jun Hot Pot can do so in peace, knowing that Mid-Valley Southkey is home to an SMJ branch too.
Getting there: 12-minute drive from Woodlands Checkpoint
Address: LG-050A, The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey, No. 1, Persiaran Southkey 1, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening hours: 10am-8pm, Daily
Contact: +60 7-338 3967 | SMJ website
Image credit: Hotelmix
Those in Danga Bay looking to enjoy some fresh seafood at Seafood Market or wanting to unwind with a tipple or two at Marine Beach Bar will be glad to know that Smart Blend has a branch in Beletime Mall. A short 5-minute walk away from the beach, the mall’s home to stores like Aeon Supermarket, Mr DIY, and Skechers, so you can get some shopping done before you head home.
Getting there: 14-minute drive from Woodlands Checkpoint
Address: G37, No. 01-01, Beletime Mall Ground Floor, Bay Point, Persiaran Danga Perdana, 80200 Johor Bahru, Johor.
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Besides housing Malaysia’s largest Ikea, there’s plenty to do at Toppen Shopping Centre, with the likes of indoor playground Game On, MST Golf Arena and the celestial-themed Space & You exhibition all calling the mall home. Should you be worried about running out of cash midway during a spending spree, head over to Wang & Company.
Getting there: 18-minute drive from Woodlands Checkpoint
Address: Lot G36, Ground Floor, Aeon City Shopping Centre, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-9pm, Daily
Contact: +60 7-353 2618 | Wang & Company Currency Exchange website
The nearby W Teratai Trading’s also a good alternative to Wang & Company Aeon Tebrau branch. A short 5-minute walk away from Aeon Tebrau, it’s handily situated across the street from GT Karting, perfect for those looking to fulfil their need for speed.
Getting there: 18-minute drive from Woodlands Checkpoint
Address: 49, Jalan Harmonium 23/14, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm | Sun 12pm-12am
Contact: +60 7-350 0485
Image credit: LAC Money Changer 钱币兑换商 via Facebook
Whether you’re looking for a fun day out at Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park, gorging on a variety of meats at Austin Mookata Buffet, or just chilling at the nature-themed Bloom by Mok Mok, you’ll be glad to know that LAC Money Changer has a branch at Mount Austin. It’s open till 10pm, so you don’t have to worry about a Ringgit shortage when it’s time to pay.
Getting there: 22-minute drive from Woodlands Checkpoint
Address: 18, Jalan Austin Heights 8/9, Taman Austin Heights, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10am-10pm | Sun 10am-7pm
Contact: +60 7-361 4307
Besides their CIQ branch mentioned earlier, MaxMoney also has a branch in Aeon Bukit Indah, perfect for those looking to get some shopping done here.
Getting there: 22-minute drive from Tuas Checkpoint
Address: G77, AEON, Jalan Indah 15/2, Bukit Indah, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-9.20pm, Daily
Contact: +60 7-234 0024
Image credit: Perinaga Cemerlang Sdn Bhd via Google Maps
Early risers can also consider heading over to Perinaga Cemerlang. A 10-minute walk away from Aeon Bukit Indah, the money changer opens at 7.30am, making it great for those wanting to get some brekkie before starting the day.
Getting there: 22-minute drive from Tuas Checkpoint
Address: No. 45, Jalan Indah 15/1, Taman Bukit Indah, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening hours: 7.30am-9.45pm, Daily
Contact: +60 7-232 1009
Whether you’re heading across the Causeway for a regular grocery run or are just looking for a chill weekend getaway, consider popping by these JB money changers the next time you head north to get the best bang for your buck.
Here are some useful guides if you like heading north:
Article originally published on 6th February 2024. Last updated on 13th March 2024.
Cover image adapted from: CashChanger, SM Money Exchange and Money Transfer via Facebook, Matthew Chia via Google Maps, @suriamuhabat via Instagram
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