When I first arrived in Malaysia, I had no idea how much I’d rely on apps to navigate daily life. From booking rides to exploring public transport or even planning weekend road trips, these apps quickly became my lifeline.
If you’re a visitor or expat, trust me. These 7 must-have apps will save you time and money. They will also spare you a lot of unnecessary stress. Let me walk you through my experiences with each of them.
Grab – The All-in-One Essential
On my first night in Kuala Lumpur, I stood outside the airport, unsure how to get to my hotel. Someone recommended Grab, and within minutes, I had a car booked. It felt like magic.
Grab isn’t just for rides—it’s your go-to app for food delivery, grocery shopping, and even paying for local services. There are many rainy days in Malaysia. During these times, GrabFood was a lifesaver. I didn’t want to leave my apartment.
Why Grab is a must-have:
- Reliable ride-hailing service anywhere in Malaysia.
- Order food and groceries from your favorite restaurants and stores.
- Cashless payments for seamless transactions.
Download:
InDrive – Ride-Hailing with a Twist
I remember trying InDrive for the first time when Grab was charging high fares during peak hours. With InDrive, you can negotiate the price directly with the driver. It’s an excellent choice if you’re on a budget or taking longer trips.
Why InDrive is great:
- Negotiate ride fares for better deals.
- Perfect for long-distance or off-peak rides.
- A great choice when Grab fares spike.
Download:
Touch ‘n Go eWallet – Your Transport Buddy
On my second day in Kuala Lumpur, I tried to board the MRT. Yet, I was stopped because I didn’t have a card. That’s when I downloaded Touch ‘n Go eWallet. It’s now my key to moving around the city.
From paying for public transport (MRT, LRT, buses) to parking at malls or even tolls, this app does it all. Registration is quick—just your passport and phone number are enough.
Why Touch ‘n Go eWallet is essential:
- Pay for public transport and tolls seamlessly.
- Widely accepted at parking lots and stores.
- Easy to register, even for visitors.
Download:
Moovit – Your Public Transport Guide
Figuring out Malaysia’s public transport system can be tricky, especially for newcomers. That’s where Moovit comes in. On my first solo trip to Petaling Jaya, Moovit helped me navigate the LRT like a pro
Why Moovit is a must-have:
- Real-time public transport updates and schedules.
- Step-by-step navigation for buses, MRT, and LRT.
- Covers major cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
Download:
Airalo – Stay Connected Globally
I always found it frustrating to find a reliable local SIM card upon landing in a new country. But then I discovered Airalo, an eSIM service that provides seamless connectivity wherever you go. It’s perfect for expats and travelers looking to avoid the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards.
Why Airalo is great:
- Affordable data plans for Malaysia and beyond.
- No need for a physical SIM—just download the eSIM.
- Perfect for staying connected during your travels.
Download:
WISE – Smart Currency Exchange for Expats and Travelers
When it comes to exchanging currency at the lowest possible fees, WISE (formerly TransferWise) is a game-changer. Whether you’re an expat sending money back home, or a traveler managing expenses, WISE gets you the best rates. No hidden fees are charged. I’ve used WISE multiple times, and its convenience and transparency have always impressed me.
Why WISE is great:
- Low fees: WISE offers some of the lowest fees compared to traditional banks and money changers.
- Real exchange rates: No markups—get the same rates you see on Google.
- Fast transfers: Send and get money quickly.
- User-friendly app: Manage your transactions and balances with ease.
💡 Pro Tip: Use WISE to manage your Ringgit (MYR) while in Malaysia. You can also transfer money internationally without worrying about high fees.
Download:
SOCAR – Freedom to Explore
One of my favorite weekends in Malaysia was spent driving up to Cameron Highlands with friends. We didn’t own a car, but SOCAR made it so easy to rent one.
SOCAR lets you rent cars by the hour or day, and the process is incredibly straightforward. Whether it’s a quick errand or a long road trip, this app is a must for anyone needing a vehicle.
Why SOCAR stands out:
- Flexible rental options (hourly or daily).
- Convenient pick-up and drop-off locations.
- Perfect for road trips or exploring areas without public transport.
Download:
AirAsia SuperApp – Travel Made Affordable
Planning trips within Malaysia or nearby countries? The AirAsia SuperApp has everything you need, from budget-friendly flights to hotels and even airport transfers.
I used this app to book my first trip to Langkawi, and it was seamless. It’s like having a travel agent that works 24/7.
Why AirAsia SuperApp is a must-have:
- Affordable flights and hotel bookings.
- Exclusive deals and promotions.
- Easy planning for domestic and regional trips.
Download:
Google Maps – Your Ultimate Navigator
No matter where you go in Malaysia, Google Maps is your best friend. I once used it to find a hidden café in Penang that served the best kaya toast. Without it, I would’ve missed out.
Why Google Maps is essential:
- Precise directions for driving, walking, and public transport.
- Discover local hidden gems and restaurants.
- Perfect for navigating unfamiliar areas.
Download:
These 7 apps aren’t just tools—they’re your survival kit for Malaysia. Whether you’re here for a short visit or planning to settle in for the long haul, they’ll save you time. They will also save you money and plenty of headaches.
So, what are you waiting for? Download these apps and start exploring! Have a favorite app that’s not on this list? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your tips!