Singaporeans Holidaying In Malaysia To Pay New Tourism Tax Starting July

This article was originally on GET.com at: Singaporeans Holidaying In Malaysia To Pay New Tourism Tax Starting July

Malaysia has announced that its new tourism tax will kick in beginning July 1 this year. This tourism tax is, of course, in addition to its 6% GST. How much will this tourism tax cost you? Well, expect to be taxed between RM2.50 and RM20 each day when you are staying in Malaysia for leisure or business purposes. Even people who visit the country for reasons such as sporting or religious events will not be spared.

While it is known as a ‘tourism tax', both foreigners and Malaysians alike will be affected by this tax that is targeted at accommodation. According to the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, depending on what type of accommodation you hole up in, the tax rates that apply for each night's stay in Malaysia are:

5-star: RM20

4-star: RM10

1 to 3-star: RM5

Unrated and other budget categories: RM2.50

However, Malaysia's new tourism tax will not apply to homestays registered with the Malaysian government. Rooms that are maintained by religious institutions, statutory bodies and governments for non-commercial purposes, as well as premises that offer accommodation but have less than 10 rooms, will be exempted from the tourism tax.

Unless you have plans to stay in Malaysia for a considerably long time, Malaysia's new tourism tax should not be too difficult to stomach given the favourable exchange rate that we Singaporeans can take advantage of. Here, we at GET.com will show you how to save some money while in Malaysia despite the new tourism tax.

Save Some Money While In Malaysia

Going on a day trip to nearby Johor Bahru? Here are some cheap places for good food and drinks at Johor Bahru that you can consider venturing to instead of just hanging around the usual shopping malls like City Square, Komtar JBCC, or KSL.

For those who are on a shopping spree or holidaying in Malaysia, you might want to check out some Maybank credit cards that give you rewards for spending in Malaysia. Earning tangible rewards points and/or cashback on your spending is a great way to ensure that you stretch every dollar that you shell out.

To help you pinch your pennies even more, know that Maybank cardmembers currently get to save up to 50% on dining and accommodation at SPG Hotels and Resorts across Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.

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