Best App for Sending Money from Singapore to Malaysia: Why Malaysian Expats are Switching to Panda Remit
Benjamin Clark - 2025-12-31 15:06:57.0 18
You’ve just finished a long week of work in the Lion City. After a quick makan session with friends, you sit down to do the one task every Malaysian expat in Singapore knows well: sending money back home.
You open your traditional banking app, and the frustration hits immediately. The exchange rate looks nothing like what you saw on Google this morning. Then, there’s the "service fee" that eats into your hard-earned savings. To top it off, the app informs you that your family in KL or JB might have to wait 3 business days before the funds actually arrive.
In 2025, losing money to hidden bank fees and waiting half a week for a digital transfer is simply unacceptable. Whether you are paying off a mortgage, supporting your parents, or saving for your next balik kampung trip, you deserve a service that respects your time and your wallet. This is why thousands of Malaysians are now naming Panda Remit as the best app for sending money from Singapore to Malaysia.
The "Why Panda" Factor: Maximizing Your SGD to MYR Value
When you’re working hard in Singapore, every cent counts. Traditional banks often hide their profits in "spreads"—the difference between the mid-market rate and the rate they give you. Panda Remit flips the script by offering transparency and industry-leading rates.
$0 Fees for Your First Transfer
If you are new to the platform, Panda Remit welcomes you with a $0 fee on your first transfer. This allows you to test the speed and efficiency of the service without any overhead costs. While other platforms might lure you in with a "low fee" only to hit you with a poor exchange rate, Panda Remit ensures your first experience is both profitable and seamless.
Competitive SGD-MYR Exchange Rates
Panda Remit is specifically optimized for the Singapore-to-Malaysia corridor. Because they handle high volumes of SGD to MYR transactions, they can offer exchange rates that are consistently closer to the mid-market rate than traditional retail banks. For an expat sending $2,000 SGD home monthly, the difference in exchange rates can easily add up to an extra RM100–RM200 over a few months—enough for a nice family dinner!
The Proof: Why Panda Remit is Safe and Lightning Fast
Safety is the non-negotiable "must-have" for any financial app. You need to know that your money won't vanish into the digital void.
Fully MAS-Regulated
Panda Remit isn't just another startup; it is a Major Payment Institution fully licensed and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). This means they are subject to the same rigorous security audits, capital requirements, and anti-fraud protocols as the biggest banks in Raffles Place. When you send money through Panda Remit, you are protected by bank-grade encryption and global compliance standards.
Instant Funding with PayNow
One of the reasons Panda Remit is hailed as the best app for sending money from Singapore to Malaysia is its integration with local Singaporean infrastructure. You don’t need to deal with complicated IBANs or manual bank transfers. You can fund your remittance instantly using PayNow.
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Open your Panda Remit app.
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Scan the generated QR code or enter the UEN.
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The funds are moved instantly, allowing the remittance process to begin immediately.
Beyond the Causeway: A Global Fintech Powerhouse
While most users start using Panda Remit for the convenience of the Singapore-Malaysia route, they soon realize the platform’s global reach. Panda Remit operates in over 40 countries and regions, including North America, Europe, Oceania, and throughout Asia.
The "Expert" Bonus: Specialized Global Routes
Panda Remit also specializes in complex routes like Japan to China. Most remittance apps struggle with the strict documentation required for Japanese transfers, but Panda Remit has streamlined the process. If you have friends or colleagues looking to send money from Japan, they should know that there is a specific verification process involving a Residence Card and "My Number."
Expert Tip: You can find the detailed registration process for the Japan to China route here: Panda Remit Japan-China Registration Process
Step-by-Step: How to Send Money to Malaysia in Minutes
If you’re used to the clunky interfaces of old-school banking apps, you’ll find the Panda Remit experience refreshing. Here is how you can complete your first transfer in under 5 minutes:
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Download the App: Available on both iOS and Android.
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Verify via Singpass: For Singapore residents, you can use Singpass (MyInfo) to complete your identity verification (KYC) in seconds. No need to upload dozens of photos of your IC.
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Add Recipient: Enter the recipient's bank details or use DuitNow for even faster processing.
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Check the Rate: See exactly how much Ringgit will arrive. What you see is what they get.
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Pay via PayNow: Use your preferred banking app (DBS, OCBC, UOB, etc.) to fund the transfer.
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Track: Receive real-time updates as your money moves across the border.
Mandatory FAQ Section
1. How long does a transfer from Singapore to Malaysia take with Panda Remit?
Most transfers are instant or completed within 2 to 20 minutes. While bank processing times can occasionally take up to one business day, Panda Remit is optimized for real-time SGD to MYR remittances.
2. Is Panda Remit safe and licensed in Singapore?
Yes, Panda Remit is highly secure. It is a Major Payment Institution fully licensed and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). They employ bank-grade encryption and comply with global anti-fraud standards to protect every transaction.
3. What are the Panda Remit fees for Singapore to Malaysia?
Panda Remit is known for low, transparent fees. New users typically receive zero fees on their first transfer. For regular users, the fees remain significantly lower than traditional banks, often with superior exchange rates that offer more Ringgit per SGD.
4. Which Malaysian banks can I send money to?
You can remit funds to all major Malaysian banks, including Maybank, CIMB, Public Bank, RHB, and Hong Leong Bank. Recipients can also receive funds via popular local methods like DuitNow for faster access.
5. Does Panda Remit support other routes like Japan to China?
Yes, Panda Remit is a global specialist. It offers remittance service in more than 40 countries/regions, including Oceania, Asia, Europe, North America and so on. If you need to send money from Japan to China, there is a specific verification process involving your Residence Card and My Number. You can access the official registration guide for that route here: Panda Remit Japan-China Registration Process.
Conclusion: Stop Paying the "Expat Tax"
For too long, Malaysian expats in Singapore have paid an "invisible tax" through high bank fees and poor exchange rates. Choosing the best app for sending money from Singapore to Malaysia isn't just about convenience—it's about financial intelligence.
With Panda Remit, you get the speed of PayNow, the security of an MAS license, and the savings of $0 initial fees. It’s time to make your SGD work harder for your loved ones back home.
Ready to send money home? Download Panda Remit today and claim your $0 fee on your first transfer!

