Question 1

What is the "Kota Kinabalu Airport Unofficial Currency Exchange" scam in Kota Kinabalu?

Accepted Answer

Outside the official bank and licensed money changer desks at Kota Kinabalu International Airport, individuals approach arriving tourists offering to exchange currency at rates that appear favorable. In practice the rate is worse than official counters, and some use sleight of hand to short-change during the transaction. Exchange currency only at licensed money changers inside the airport terminal that display official Bank Negara Malaysia licensed changer signage, or use ATMs from major Malaysian banks for the best rates.

Question 2

What is the "Short-Changing at Filipino Market" scam in Kota Kinabalu?

Accepted Answer

Stalls at the Filipino Market handle high transaction volumes and some vendors deliberately return incorrect change, particularly for seafood, sarongs, and souvenir purchases. The market environment is busy and transactions often happen quickly with the assumption that tourists will not recount change carefully. Currency confusion involving similar-looking MYR notes is sometimes used as a pretext. Count change immediately after every transaction and before walking away from the stall. Carry smaller denomination notes to reduce the change required. If the amount seems wrong, politely count it back in front of the vendor before accepting.

Money & ATM Scams in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu Airport Unofficial Currency Exchange

Short-Changing at Filipino Market

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