Before you start, work out how much you actually need to carry. Many Dhesu packages already cover hotels, transport, entrance fees and some meals in ringgit, so your spending money mostly goes on food, shopping, tips and extras. That’s usually a much smaller number than people expect. So let’s work out what you need first, then how to carry it.
Step one: find out what’s already paid for
Don’t budget for things you’ve already paid for. Here’s how the Dhesu trips covered in this blog series differ, which shows why you should always read your inclusions list before you exchange a single ringgit.
| Trip | Already covered | Usually still on you |
|---|---|---|
| Bali private tours | Entrance fees, temple sarongs, transfers | Meals not in the itinerary, shopping, spa extras, tips |
| Jakarta and Bandung Whoosh tour | Hotels, listed meals, train tickets, entrance fees | RM40 compulsory tips, RM41 insurance, personal shopping |
| Varanasi 3-day tour | Hotels, breakfast, boat rides, transfers | Lunches, dinners, entrance fees unless stated, tips |
| Shimla and Manali tour | Hotels, breakfast, private vehicle | Lunches, dinners, entrance fees unless stated |
| Buddhist pilgrimage | Hotels, breakfast, guide, vehicle | Lunches, dinners, entrance fees unless stated |
Notice the pattern. Hotels and transport are usually settled in advance, while lunches, dinners, shopping and tips are the cash-heavy bits. Your list of “things I’ll pay for abroad” is mostly food, gifts and small extras.
The money methods, side by side
I’m keeping this general. Fees and limits change by bank and by country, so I won’t quote numbers here. Check your own bank’s current terms before you fly.
| Method | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Cash (local currency) | Small shops, street food, tips, markets, taxis | Easy to lose, and the worst place to keep everything |
| Cash (ringgit, carried abroad) | Exchanging on arrival where rates are decent | Rates vary a lot, and not every place takes ringgit |
| Debit card | ATM withdrawals when you need more cash | Foreign withdrawal fees, daily limits |
| Credit card | Hotels, restaurants, larger shopping | Overseas transaction charges, and some places don’t accept cards |
| E-wallet or travel card | Controlled spending, easy top-ups | Not accepted everywhere, so check coverage for your destination |
The mix matters more than the method. A card that works in one city may not work in a small village, and an e-wallet that’s perfect for one country might be useless in the next.
How much cash should you actually carry?
There’s no single right number, but here’s a way to think about it.
- Day one cash: Enough for the airport transfer tip, a first meal, a SIM or water, and small purchases. Your tour’s airport transfer is usually already arranged, so you don’t need much.
- Daily spending cash: Your food budget for lunches and dinners that aren’t included, plus small tips.
- Shopping cash: Only if you plan to buy at markets where bargaining is the norm and cards aren’t common.
- Emergency cash: A small reserve you don’t touch, kept separate from the rest.
Dhesu notes that the Dubai Gold Souk offers jewellery and traditional goods at negotiable pricing, and that Cibaduyut leather street in Bandung has negotiable prices too. Places like that often work better with cash in hand, because bargaining and card payments don’t always go together.
Exchange before you go, or after you land?
This is the question everyone asks, and honestly the answer is “a bit of both.”
| When | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Before you leave Malaysia | You land with usable cash and no scrambling | You may not get the best rate for every currency |
| At the airport abroad | Convenient after a long flight | Airport counters are often the least generous with rates |
| In town | Often better rates at local money changers | You need to find a trustworthy one and carry your passport |
| ATM withdrawal | Pull out only what you need | Fees from both your bank and the local ATM can add up |
A sensible plan for most people is to exchange a small amount before you go, enough for day one, then top up in town or at an ATM. These rate and fee comparisons are general travel knowledge, not from Dhesu, so check current rates with your bank or money changer.
Currency by destination: what you’ll be handling
Different countries mean different currencies, and that changes how you carry money. Here’s what you’ll deal with on the trips in this series. Always confirm current exchange rates close to your date.
| Destination | Local currency | Dhesu trips |
|---|---|---|
| Bali and Indonesia | Indonesian rupiah | Bali tours, Whoosh tour |
| India | Indian rupee | India tours |
| Thailand | Thai baht | Phuket and Krabi |
| Dubai | UAE dirham | Dubai trips |
| Sri Lanka | Sri Lankan rupee | Sri Lanka tours |
Dhesu doesn’t publish currency or exchange information, so the currency names above are general knowledge. Double-check them before you travel.
Smaller money stuff people forget
- Visa and entry costs. For India, the e-Visa fee is not included in Dhesu’s packages, so budget for it separately. For Sri Lanka, Dhesu says Malaysians currently get the ETA free, valid for 30 days with double entry, since 25 May 2026. Staying longer than 30 days means applying for an extension and paying the fee. Rules change, so confirm before you go.
- Compulsory tips. On the Jakarta and Bandung Whoosh tour, Dhesu lists RM40 in compulsory tour tips as not included. Check whether your own tour has something similar.
- Insurance. Dhesu lists ETIQA travel insurance as an add-on, for example RM41 for 1 to 5 days and RM60 for 6 to 10 days. It’s not included in the package price.
- Shopping you didn’t plan for. Silk in Varanasi, leather in Bandung, gold in Dubai. Leave room in the budget, or you’ll spend the emergency reserve.
- Spending on a cruise. Alcohol, specialty dining, shore excursions, spa and casino aren’t included in the fare. Dhesu notes onboard wifi packages can be expensive too, so set an onboard budget before you sail. More on this in the Star Cruise cabin and booking breakdown.
Keeping your money safe
None of this is complicated, but people skip it.
- Split your cash and cards across different bags, so one loss doesn’t wipe you out.
- Keep copies of your passport and travel documents, as Dhesu’s packing tips suggest.
- Let your bank know you’re travelling, so a foreign transaction doesn’t freeze your card. Check your bank’s own process.
- Keep a power bank with you, because a dead phone means a dead e-wallet.
- Don’t flash large amounts of cash in markets or crowded spots.
- Carry a small day bag for daily cash, and leave the rest locked up at the hotel.
If you want the full packing list, Dhesu’s tips on what to pack for your first Star Cruise cover documents and essentials that apply to any trip.
Why using an agent helps with the money side
A good chunk of money stress disappears when your hotels, transfers, tickets and entrance fees are settled before you leave. Dhesu describes an agent as a point person for cancelled connections, hotel errors and mid-trip changes, and a free quote shows you what’s paid and what isn’t before you commit. Here’s why booking through a travel agent can take away a lot of guesswork, and you can browse all of Dhesu’s destinations to compare what’s included.
Ready to plan a trip with no money surprises?
Tell the Dhesu team where you’re going and they’ll show you exactly what’s included and what’s left for you to pay. Message them on WhatsApp at +6019 320 2877, request a free quote, or send a custom itinerary request to plan around your budget.
