How to activate CIMB debit card for overseas use and spending abroad

It is the holiday season and you can’t wait to go shopping abroad with your CIMB¹ debit card. But first, you will need to know how to activate your CIMB debit card for overseas spend that’s not in MYR.

Read on for a step-by-step guide on CIMB overseas activation online, as well as any overseas transaction fees you may incur. We'll also introduce the Wise card, a handy travel companion to make seamless card payments when you're overseas.

Can I use a CIMB debit card overseas?

Yes, CIMB debit cards² can be used overseas. You just need to activate them prior to overseas use; this includes foreign currency transactions online and ATM withdrawals outside of Malaysia.

CIMB debit cards that can be used once activated for overseas use include:

• CIMB Preferred Debit Mastercard (Islamic and Conventional)
• CIMB Debit Mastercard (Islamic and Conventional)
• CIMB Visa Debit Card (Conventional)

Do note that overseas use is subject to fees and charges, such as bank exchange rates, foreign transaction fees (for MYR-based debit cards or non-foreign currency cards), ATM withdrawal fees and so on.

There’s also this service called dynamic currency conversion (DCC)³ that you pay for should you choose to transact in MYR while using your CIMB debit card abroad or online. This is a markup – so always pay in the local currency to avoid it.

CIMB debit card overseas transaction fee

When you use your CIMB debit card in a foreign country or currency, you will need to pay overseas rates and charges⁴. This usually includes currency conversion.

Note: Overseas Transactions are subject to currency conversion rate determined by Mastercard/MyDebit plus any other fee that may be charged by Mastercard/MyDebit. Foreign Exchange Fee comprises cross-border fee and administration fee for overseas retail purchase.

CIMB overseas ATM withdrawal fee

If you withdraw money from an ATM overseas with your CIMB debit card, you will also incur charges and fees.

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How to activate CIMB debit card for overseas use?

Prior to boarding the plane, be sure to activate your CIMB debit card for overseas use. Here’s how to do so for a smooth trip ahead.

Activate the overseas usage function of your CIMB debit card via CIMB ATM and CIMB Clicks website (more on that in the next section). This is part of CIMB’s security measures before using your CIMB debit card overseas for transactions of ATM withdrawal abroad.

Step-by-step guide to activating your CIMB debit card for overseas use via ATM:

1. Enter your Debit Card PIN
2. Select ‘Others’.
3. Select ‘ATM/Debit/Credit Card Related’.
4. Select ‘Overseas ATM Services’.
5. Select ‘Activate Permanent’.
6. Enter your 'New I/C Number’ and ‘Confirm’.

You may also need to activate your Card-Not-Present (CNP) transaction⁵ for retail spends using your CIMB debit card such as online shopping on an overseas website. You need to do this via a call to CIMB.

CIMB overseas activation online

As for CIMB overseas activation online, here are the steps to do so via the CIMB Clicks website:

1. Log in to the CIMB Clicks website⁶
2. Go to “Services” and click on “Overseas Spends & Withdrawal”
3. Click and select your card number
4. Go to “Change Status To”, select your preference and click “Submit”
5. Authorise the transaction via Secure TAC or TAC via SMS
6. Your card has been successfully activated

You can also do this via the CIMB OCTO App⁷:

1. Login to CIMB OCTO App > Tap on More on the bottom-right hand corner
2. Tap on Services > Manage Card > Overseas Spending & Withdrawal
3. Select the card that you wish to enable/disable for overseas spending and withdrawal permanently. You can also turn on the function temporarily by selecting a Start and End Date.
4. Review details and Approve via SecureTAC

How to use CIMB debit card overseas

Once you’ve activated your CIMB debit card for overseas use, go ahead with your holiday and use it as per normal. Just ensure that you have enough funds in your account for overseas transactions.

Look also to CIMB deals, especially those related to travel and accommodation. This will only help you stretch your MYR and maximise your spend for a fruitful trip.

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While abroad, you can choose to spend with directly in MYR and let auto-conversion do the trick, or convert to your desired currency with your Wise account. Either way, you’ll get the exchange rate you see on Google, with low, transparent fees from 0.77%.

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1. CIMB
2. CIMB Debit Cards
3. What is dynamic currency conversion (DCC)? - Wise
4. Debit Cards Fees and Charges - CIMB
5. CIMB - Card-not-present function
6. CIMB Clicks
7. CIMB OCTO App
8. Pricing/fees: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information