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How Do You Receive Money from Malaysia to India in 2026?

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Editorial team, serviceexportguide.com
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Short answer

You can receive money from Malaysia to India through local MYR account details from a payment platform, a card or payment link, or a SWIFT wire to your Indian bank. Who this is for: Indian freelancers and registered service exporters. Each export needs an EDF and payment within nine months of the invoice.8

MethodAll-in costSpeedFIRA
Local MYR account details from a payment platformNot published in full by any tracked platformVaries by platform; see the platform tableVaries by platform; see the platform table
Card or payment linkFrom about 7.28 to 8.23% (PayPal)23Varies by platformDepends on the platform
SWIFT wire to your Indian bankSet by your bank and any intermediary banks; not comparableDepends on the banks involvedAsk your bank

4,100 MYR = ₹94,531 at the reference rate for 13 November 2026 (European Central Bank data).

Estimated rupees received, on published fees

Sorted by estimated rupees received, highest first. Only providers that publish both their fee and their conversion markup for this currency and method can be estimated.

#Provider and routeBest forFee (+GST)MarkupYou receiveCost
1PayoneerLowest estimated costPayment request paid by credit cardMarketplace payouts such as Amazon or Upwork₹2,788no GST stated1 to 4%₹88,074 to ₹90,8263.92 to 6.83%
2PayPalInternational commercial transaction received into a PayPal account (PayPal checkout or invoice)Clients paying by card or PayPal balance₹4,205no GST stated3 to 4%₹86,713 to ₹87,6167.32 to 8.27%

Where a provider says GST applies to its fee but not at what rate, the range runs from no GST to 18%, the rate Skydo, Stripe and Winvesta state on their pages. Estimates use each provider's published fee, conversion markup, GST on fees and FIRA charge, checked 2026-10-28, against the reference rate. They exclude charges taken by intermediary banks and your own bank, and the rate a provider actually applies at the time of conversion. Check the provider's pricing page before you choose. The order is calculated only from these published numbers; no provider can pay to change its position, and there are no affiliate links.

What are the ways to receive money from Malaysia to India?

The ways to receive money from Malaysia to India compare as follows. Costs are estimates on published fees for MYR 20,000, about USD 5,000 at the ECB reference rate.9

Local MYR accountCard or payment linkSWIFT wire to your bank
Fees and markupNot published in fullFrom about 7.28 to 8.23%23Set by your bank and intermediaries
SettlementVaries by platform; see the platform tableVaries by platformDepends on the banks involved
FIRAVaries by platform; see the platform tableVaries by platformAsk your bank
Regulatory statusCheck the platform's RBI status belowCheck the platform's RBI status belowAuthorised dealer bank
Best forRegular invoices from businessesSmall or one-off paymentsLarge payments to an existing bank relationship

How does each method of receiving money from Malaysia work?

Each method of receiving money from Malaysia works differently, and costs differ by method.

How does a local MYR account work for payments from Malaysia?

A platform gives you account details in Malaysia or in MYR, so your client pays you as it would pay a local supplier. The platform converts the MYR to INR and pays your Indian bank account.

  • Pros: the client pays a local transfer; costs are usually published.
  • Cons: not every platform accepts MYR; conversion markups vary.
  • Cost: no tracked platform publishes full pricing.
  • FIRA: varies by platform; check the platform table below.

How does a SWIFT wire work for payments from Malaysia?

Your client sends an international wire to your Indian bank account using its SWIFT code. Your bank converts the MYR at its buying rate.

  • Pros: no third party between you and the client.
  • Cons: intermediary banks may deduct charges; the conversion rate is usually not published in advance.
  • Cost: set by your bank and any intermediary banks, so it is not comparable here.
  • FIRA: ask your bank how it issues FIRAs for inward remittances.

You send a link or checkout page and the client pays by card. The platform settles INR to your bank.

  • Pros: quick for the client; useful for small or one-off payments.
  • Cons: card pricing is usually higher than bank transfer pricing.
  • Cost: from about 7.28 to 8.23% on published fees.23

How do Malaysian clients usually pay Indian vendors?

Malaysian clients usually pay Indian vendors in Malaysian ringgit (MYR), though you can invoice in another currency if the client agrees. Domestic payments in Malaysia move through the Real Time Electronic Transfer of Funds and Securities System (RENTAS) for interbank settlement, whose ringgit settlement procedures Bank Negara Malaysia publishes, and PayNet's Interbank GIRO (IBG) and DuitNow transfers for everyday account-to-account payments.1011 A client paying from Malaysia enters your local account details or, for a wire, your bank's SWIFT code and your account number. Domestic rails in Malaysia do not reach an Indian bank account directly.

Which platforms are best for receiving MYR in India?

The platforms best for receiving MYR in India are listed by estimated cost on MYR 20,000, cheapest first; platforms without full pricing follow, A to Z.23

PlatformBest forFX markupFeeEstimated cost on MYR 20,000FIRASettlementRBI PA-CB status
PayPalClients paying by card or PayPal balance4Base exchange rate plus a fee. PayPal lists 3.0% above the base exchange rate for 'converting balance and payments received into another currency' and 4.00% for 'conversions in all other cases' (INR listed at 4.00%). The fee page does not say which of the two applies when the balance is converted to INR for transfer to an Indian bank.244.40% plus a fixed fee per international commercial transaction. Fixed fee by currency received, for example 0.30 USD, 0.35 EUR, 0.20 GBP, 0.30 AUD, 0.30 CAD. Approved micropayment accounts pay 6.00% plus a micropayments fixed fee (for example 0.05 USD) instead.27.28 to 8.23%23Free weekly digital FIRA (Foreign Inward Remittance Advise) from February 2026, downloadable under Reports, then Tax, in a business account for the last 12 months; earlier transactions are covered by monthly FIRAs. Custom FIRA: 100 INR plus 18% GST per transaction for up to 20 transactions, or 2,000 INR plus 18% GST for a bulk request above 20 transactions; PayPal says custom FIRAs are issued by Citibank.3PayPal asks users to allow up to 5 business days for funds to show in the bank account, depending on the bank's clearing process.5PayPal's India user agreement says it provides export payment services as an online payment gateway service provider under RBI A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 16 (RBI/2015-16/185) and that PayPal is not a bank in India. RBI's status list as on 16 October 2026 shows PayPal Payments Private Limited under 'Existing PAs-CB which can operate as Payment Aggregator- Cross Border' with 'In-Principle Authorisation Granted'. PayPal is not on RBI's list of Certificates of Authorisation dated 16 October 2026.467

The order comes only from published pricing.

Why do you receive less than the mid-market MYR to INR rate?

You receive less than the mid-market MYR to INR rate because banks and platforms convert at their own rate and may charge a fee on top. Today's MYR to INR reference rate is derived from European Central Bank data.9

For example, a 2% conversion markup on MYR 20,000 costs MYR 400 before any fee. Your FIRA shows the rate actually used,12 so compare it with the reference rate for that day using the FX markup calculator.

How much INR do you receive on $2,000, $5,000 and $10,000 from Malaysia?

The INR you receive from Malaysia depends on the platform. The table works this out from published pricing at today's rate, in MYR.

PlatformBest forINR on MYR 8,200INR on MYR 20,000INR on MYR 41,000Cost on MYR 20,000
PayPalMost INRInternational commercial transaction received into a PayPal account (PayPal checkout or invoice)Clients paying by card or PayPal balance₹1,73,470 to ₹1,75,277₹4,23,161 to ₹4,27,569₹8,67,527 to ₹8,76,5647.28 to 8.23%

Ranked by INR received on MYR 20,000. Reference rate: European Central Bank data for 13 November 2026. Fees, conversion markup, GST on fees and FIRA charges as published by each provider, checked 28 October 2026. Ranges appear where a provider publishes a range or does not state its GST rate. Intermediary bank charges are excluded. See the methodology.

What should you consider when choosing how to get paid from Malaysia?

Consider the total cost and your client's convenience when choosing how to get paid from Malaysia.

  • Total cost: add the fee, the conversion markup and GST on fees, not just the headline fee.
  • Local rail coverage: a local MYR account lets the client pay without an international wire.
  • Settlement speed: check how many working days the rupees take to reach your bank.
  • FIRA: make sure you get a FIRA or e-FIRC for every receipt.
  • Client experience: ask how your client prefers to pay before you choose.
  • Support: check how the platform handles held or returned payments.

What documents and compliance apply to payments from Malaysia?

Payments from Malaysia follow the same Indian rules as any export of services.

  • Export status: work for a client in Malaysia is an export of services when all five conditions in section 2(6) of the IGST Act are met.13 Use the export of services checker if you are unsure.
  • EDF: from 1 October 2026 you give an Export Declaration Form (EDF) to your bank, usually within 30 days from the end of the month of invoicing.8 See the EDF for service exporters.
  • Realisation: the payment must arrive within nine months of the invoice date.8
  • FIRA and purpose code: keep the FIRA or bank advice for each receipt and check that it shows the right purpose code.12
  • e-BRC: generate an e-BRC on the DGFT portal where you need one.14

What tax applies to money received from Malaysia?

Money received from Malaysia is zero-rated for GST and taxable as income in India, and the client may deduct tax in Malaysia.

  • GST: an export of services is a zero-rated supply, so a registered supplier with an LUT invoices it without GST.1516

  • Treaty: India and Malaysia have a comprehensive DTAA signed on 9 May 2012, in force from 26 December 2012 and given effect in India from 1 April 2013.1

  • Article on technical services: Article 13 (Fees for Technical Services).1

  • Treaty rate: 10% of the gross amount of the fees for technical services.1 Fees for technical services are defined as payments for managerial, technical or consultancy services, including services provided through technical or other personnel, excluding services covered by Articles 15 and 16; there is no make-available wording. Royalties are dealt with separately in Article 12. The text has no MFN clause.1

Malaysia's Inland Revenue Board says payments of special classes of income to non-residents, which include payments for advice, assistance or services in connection with the management or administration of a scientific, industrial or commercial undertaking, are subject to 10% withholding tax on the gross amount (or the treaty rate), but for these service payments only the amount attributable to services performed in Malaysia is covered. Contract payments to non-resident contractors for services performed in Malaysia are subject to 10% plus 3% on the service portion.17

If tax is deducted, you may be able to claim credit for it against your Indian tax on the same income; from tax year 2026-27 the claim is made in Form 44.18 See foreign tax credit and DTAA for Indian exporters.

What else should exporters know about Malaysia?

Malaysia has these country-specific points for Indian exporters.

  • Bank Negara Malaysia's foreign exchange policy says a resident is free to make or receive foreign currency payments to or from a non-resident for any purpose, apart from certain derivative transactions, so a Malaysian client can pay an Indian supplier in a foreign currency such as USD.19

How did we verify this?

We checked this page against the sources below on 28 October 2026. Provider fees, conversion markups and RBI payment aggregator (PA-CB) status were checked on 28 October 2026. Rupee amounts use European Central Bank reference rates for 13 November 2026. Read our methodology or report an error.

  1. [1]Income Tax Department: India-Malaysia DTAA text
  2. [2]PayPal India, PayPal Merchant Fees (page last updated 28 March 2024) (checked 2026-10-28)
  3. [3]PayPal India, Foreign Inward Remittance Advise (FIRA) (checked 2026-10-28)
  4. [4]PayPal India, User Agreement for PayPal Services (last updated 13 January 2025) (checked 2026-10-28)
  5. [5]PayPal India Help, How do I transfer funds to my bank account? (checked 2026-10-28)
  6. [6]RBI, Status of Applications received under Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, as on 16.10.2026, Table D (checked 2026-10-28)
  7. [7]RBI, Certificates of Authorisation issued under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, 16 October 2026 (checked 2026-10-28)
  8. [8]RBI: Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026, amended up to 22 September 2026 (regulations 3, 4 and 5)
  9. [9]European Central Bank: euro foreign exchange reference rates
  10. [10]Bank Negara Malaysia: Payment Systems policy documents, including RENTAS (checked 2026-10-28)
  11. [11]PayNet (Payments Network Malaysia): home page listing DuitNow and Interbank GIRO (checked 2026-10-28)
  12. [12]RBI: A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 84 dated 29 February 2012, purpose codes for reporting under FETERS
  13. [13]IGST Act, 2017, section 2(6): definition of export of services (CBIC)
  14. [14]DGFT: eBRC services (self-generation of e-BRC from bank inward remittance data)
  15. [15]IGST Act, 2017, section 16: zero-rated supply (CBIC)
  16. [16]GST Portal user guide: Furnishing of Letter of Undertaking (FORM GST RFD-11)
  17. [17]Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN): Withholding Tax (checked 2026-10-28)
  18. [18]Income-tax Rules, 2026, rule 76 and Form 44 (foreign tax credit), notified 20 March 2026
  19. [19]Bank Negara Malaysia: Foreign Exchange Policy rules for residents, Payment in foreign currency (checked 2026-10-28)

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest way to receive money from Malaysia to India?+

No tracked platform publishes full pricing for receiving MYR, so there is no cheapest route on published fees. Compare written quotes, and check the rate on your FIRA against the reference rate after the first payment from Malaysia.

Do I charge GST to a client in Malaysia?+

No, if the work meets the five export conditions and you invoice under an LUT. An export of services to a client in Malaysia is a zero-rated supply, so a registered supplier with an LUT invoices it without GST.1315

How long can a client in Malaysia take to pay?+

RBI rules require the payment from Malaysia to be realised within nine months of the invoice date for exports invoiced from 1 October 2026, or twelve months if the invoice is in rupees.8

Does India have a tax treaty with Malaysia?+

Yes. India and Malaysia have a comprehensive DTAA signed on 9 May 2012, in force from 26 December 2012 and given effect in India from 1 April 2013. 10% of the gross amount of the fees for technical services.1

Do I need a SWIFT code to receive money from Malaysia?+

Only for an international wire. If your client in Malaysia pays into local MYR account details from a payment platform, the client uses those local details instead. For a wire to your Indian bank, the client needs your bank's SWIFT code and your account number.

How do I track a payment from Malaysia that has not arrived?+

For a wire, ask your client for the SWIFT confirmation (often called the MT103) and share it with your bank. For a platform payment, check the payment status in your platform account and contact its support with the client's transfer reference.

Can I hold MYR received from Malaysia instead of converting it?+

Some exporters keep foreign currency in an Exchange Earner's Foreign Currency (EEFC) account with an Indian bank, but most payment platforms convert to INR automatically. See the [EEFC account guide](/blog/eefc-account-benefits) for the rules and limits.

Can a client in Malaysia pay me by card?+

Yes, through a platform that offers a card checkout or payment link. On published fees, the cheapest card or link route for MYR 20,000 costs about 7.28 to 8.23%.23 Card pricing is usually higher than a bank transfer.

This page is general information for Indian service exporters, not tax or legal advice. Rules change and outcomes depend on your facts, so confirm with a chartered accountant before acting.

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