“I want to sort out my credit cards before moving overseas, but which ones should I keep and which should I make new ones?”
Malaysia is a super cashless society. Cards and QR payments can be used at almost all shops other than food stalls. However, if you use a Japanese credit card as is, a ``overseas processing fee (approximately 1.6% to 2.2%)'' will be added every time, resulting in a big loss at Chiritsumo.
In this article, we will introduce the best credit card structure that you should definitely have before moving to Japan.
[Conclusion] If you have these three pieces, your life in Malaysia will be perfect!
- 1Epos Card (for main payment)—No annual fee and overseas travel accident insurance is automatically included.
- 2Sony Bank WALLET (for foreign currency payments)—Although it is a debit card, foreign currency fees and exchange costs are the lowest!
- 3Rakuten Premium Card (Travel/Airport)—Comes with free Priority Pass, so it's a must-have for those who frequently travel to and from Japan.
I will explain the reason in detail.
💳 1. Your strongest ally for foreign currency payments “Sony Bank WALLET”
This is a cash card with Visa debit card issued by Sony Bank.
Since it is not a credit card, there is no screening process, making it the most recommended card for daily shopping in Malaysia.
Biggest advantage: The fees are overwhelmingly low!
If you pay in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) using a standard Japanese credit card, there will be a processing fee of approximately 2%. However, with Sony Bank WALLET, exchange costs are calculated using Sony Bank's exchange costs for currencies other than the 10 eligible currencies, so total fees can be kept to the lowest level.
🏥 2. “Epos Card” as a talisman
Even though the EPOS card has no annual fee for a lifetime, overseas travel accident insurance is included as an additional payment option (*This was revised from automatic inclusion in 2023, but it is still valid if you pay for transportation expenses, etc.).
There is absolutely no harm in having it as a sub-card in case of emergencies, such as when you have just moved and your local medical insurance is not yet valid.
✈️ 3. Unlimited use of airport lounges with “Rakuten Premium Card”
There is an annual membership fee of 11,000 yen, but the benefit that more than makes up for it is that you can apply for ``Priority Pass (Prestige Membership)'' for free.
Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA/KLIA2) has a number of great lounges (such as Plaza Premium Lounge) that you can access with Priority Pass. Being able to use free meals and showers when temporarily returning home or traveling to surrounding countries will greatly improve your QOL.
💡 Bonus advice: Local credit card situation in Malaysia
In fact, local services are even better than Japanese cards.
Once you open a bank account in Malaysia, immediately register for a smartphone payment app called Touch 'n Go eWallet. It can be used anywhere from food stalls to high-end stores, and there are plenty of reward points and cashbacks.
To all readers (summary)
Once you move abroad and remove your residence card, it becomes extremely difficult to issue a new Japanese credit card. Start preparing 2-3 months before your trip and get the cards you need!
If you think "I'm no longer confused about choosing a card," please click the "Like" button and save it.
If you have any other recommended cards, please let us know in the comments section!
