7 Lesser Known Websites To List Your Property On
- By CompareHero.my
- November 11, 2021
There are more than just AirBnb to help you list your property for homestay or short term rental!
Airbnb’s website has a tool to help homeowners gauge their expected weekly income and according this tool, home owners in Langkawi can make RM2,801 (S$939.2) a week, followed by those around Malacca’s Jonker Walk (RM2,495 a week), according to AsiaOne news report.
Following closely behind are Penang homestays in Tanjung Tokong (RM2,494) and Pulau Tikus (RM2,449). In Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur, they can expect to earn RM1,676 a week, while those near Taman Pelangi in Johor Baru can expect RM2,287 a week. These figures alone show why it’s time for you to start earning extra income from your property.
But did you know there are several other online platforms out there like AirbnB? These sites can also work wonders for those who wish to list their property or extra rooms for short term rental or homestay. Check out the list below!
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1. Booking.com
The Priceline Group who owns and operates Booking.com is the world’s leader in booking accommodations online. Over 1,000,000 room nights are reserved on Booking.com every day and with the free registration and 24/7 multilingual assistance from the company, you can easily list your property. To get started on Booking.com, click here now!
2. LiveIn.com (previously known as HostelHunting.com)
Image credit: LiveIn
Hostel Hunting is the online marketplace for student accommodations, and is a start-up headed by Loke Weng Leong, Keek Wen Khai (better known as Khai), Joey Lim and Marcus Low. It is currently the fastest and easiest way to find and book a student room.
Providing thousands of verified rooms from hostel owners/operators and educational institutions, this website is particularly useful for homeowners near universities or colleges who are seeking student tenants for their extra rooms.
However do take note that according to reports, HostelHunting is not involved in the tenancy agreement and both parties will need to make the necessary arrangements by themselves.
3. Rentals by TripAdvisor
Powered by TripAdvisor.Inc, TripAdvisor’s Rentals will help you gain exposure to over 350 million travelers a month. Owners will need to pay a booking commission of 3% (excl. value added tax) from the rental cost you’ve set up on your account. It’s as easy as listing your property and once your guests arrive; you will receive payment from the company 24 hours later.
4. Vrbo.com
VRBO can offer you exposure to more than 44 million travelers per month through its international network which includes 25 sites around the world. Interestingly enough, your rental space doesn’t have to be a house for it to be listed in VRBO. According to its website, the acceptable rental properties include barns, boats, cabins, castles and whatever travelers may want to rent during their vacation.
5. Durian Property
Image credit: Durian Property
This is a local homegrown website that is popular for properties and you can post free ads on the website for free and tap into its network of real estate agents, developer and locals who are looking for properties to rent as well.
6. iBilik
Image credit: iBilik
Here’s another local website which offers exposure to what is possibly the largest market share in Malaysia. Upon listing your property and getting approval within two working days, the iBilik.my team will then handle the promotions, online booking, and payment collection of your property. You can then just sit back and wait for guests, Just follow these steps on how to list your property for short term rental here.
7. Homestay.com
Image credit: Homestay
Homestay.com is an accommodation marketplace designed to connect guests to local hosts in over 150 countries, and Malaysia is one of the countries listed. One of its unique features is the website’s video chatting tool which allows guest and host to communicate even before making a booking.
By creating an account and completing your profile with as much information as possible, you will be able to start hosting travelers from around the world while getting extra income! Don’t forget to put your home or property to its best state to get the best rates in the market with an adequate amount of money!
Found a platform you like? Why not get some tips on how to create an eye-catching rental ad next? Check out the article below for more info!
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5 Tourist Attractions in Malaysia That Are Having Discounts & Promos
- By CompareHero.my
- November 10, 2021
With things going back to normal, people are now flocking to tourist attractions again. As many of these places were closed for a very long time, many of them are having special discounts and promos to kickstart things once more.
Related: 8 Hotels In Malaysia That Are Currently Having Exciting Staycation Promos
In this article, we’ll cover 5 well-known touristy spots that you can visit while saving some of your hard-earned money.
1. Zoo Negara
After having to shut its doors for around 4 months, Zoo Negara reopened on October 1st 2021. To welcome people back, they initially had a 20% discount on tickets and special offers for the first 500 visitors.
While that deal in particular is no longer valid, Zoo Negara does have some other promos you can enjoy. First off, if you go in a group of 20 or more people, you get RM2 off your ticket price.
Besides that, if you’d like to plan a family outing or just a corporate event for your colleagues, there’s a special package you can get. It covers Giant Panda visits, one Zoo Star appearance by one of the animals, 5 telematch activities with the event crew, among other things.
2. Legoland
Tucked away in Johor, Legoland is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the state. At this time, there are a few promos that they have in place:
- Annual passes that give you unlimited access to the theme park, discounts on F&B and merchandise/souvenirs
- Member-only deals that give you discounts for underwater dining, rooms at the Legoland hotel, F&B and so on
- 5 month free extension on the annual passes
For more information, check out this link.
3, Langkawi SkyCab
Langkawi’s where pretty much everyone’s been heading to in the last few weeks. If you’re planning to go as well, you would certainly not want to miss the cable car experience, the Langkawi SkyCab. Panorama Langkawi, the company that runs it, is currently offering some deals specially for the month of November.
Prices for tickets have been slashed to the following:
Malaysian
- RM43 for adults
- RM33 for children
Non-Malaysian
- RM85 for adults
- RM65 for children
Do note that this promo will end on 30th November 2021 at midnight.
4. Penang Hill
Penang Hill is a gorgeous hill station, but to get all the way up, you’ll need to use the mini train. Also known as a funicular service, the train ferries people non-stop throughout the day.
Usually, tickets are priced between RM12-RM60 for adults and RM6-RM40 for children, depending on whether you are Malaysian or non-Malaysian. However, there’s something known as the ‘sunrise rate’.
From 6am-8:30am daily, you can catch a round trip on the train for just RM3! However, you’ll need to walk-in to buy the tickets. Please also note that the management holds the right to revise the ticket prices at any time.
5. KL Tower
Last but not least, the iconic KL Tower from which you can see all of KL’s skyline. For the month of November, you only need to pay RM25 to enter the observation deck. Besides that, the first 25 visitors each day from now until 31st December 2021 will receive free gifts.
Both of these promotions are in conjunction with their 25th birthday.
Bring your kids along and if you’re lucky enough, there’ll be free popcorn, cotton candy and sand art on certain days. You can get these while queuing up to purchase your tickets.
Finally, they’re also hosting a TikTok challenge where the winner will be given one free Sky Deck ticket. The winner will also be allowed to get a second ticket at 50% off. If you’d like to participate, more details can be found here.
For those of you who want to make use of these promos, we hope you enjoy yourself! The year’s about to end, and if you’re in holiday mode already, here are some budget-friendly hidden gems in Malaysia that you might want to visit as well:
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4 Reasons Your Credit Card Is Better Than Cash When You’re Travelling
- By CompareHero.my
- November 9, 2021
Travelling overseas for a holiday is nothing short of exciting! The preparation, the anticipation, and the joy of finally being somewhere else. However, Malaysians are often worried about carrying enough local cash, and then splitting them up into separate wallets for safety – what if we told you a credit card would solve most of that issue?
Using a credit card overseas is still a daunting aspect to most Malaysians – even in Malaysia itself. You’ll give yourself the chance of swiping away and building up a credit card statement that you might not be able to repay. Do it responsibly, however, and you’ll be able to reap a lot of awesome benefits.
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1. You can be rewarded for travelling!
You read that right. When spending with a credit card overseas, you can earn reward points, and air miles with the right credit cards. On top of that, you’ll also be able to gain access to airport lounges. You will have to make sure that the credit card you’re intending to use has these features, though.
Reward points & air miles
Earning reward points overseas with a credit card is very much like earning reward points locally, except that you can earn several times more per spending with certain cards. Take the HSBC Visa Signature credit card, for example.
It offers 8x reward points for spending overseas and online shopping, as long as it is in a foreign currency. Alongside that, the HSBC Visa Signature also allows cardholders to access the Plaza Premium Lounges in KLIA, Singapore Changi Airport, and Hong Kong International Airport 6 times a year.
Like everything else, there are certain details and terms and conditions that you should pay attention to before utilizing the credit card. For example, the HSBC Visa Signature caps the reward points at only 30,000 per cardholder per month.
Air miles are a great thing to earn if you’re a frequent flyer! Some credit cards are tailored for the frequent fliers, such as the Standard Chartered WorldMiles World Mastercard. The card allows the cardholder to earn WorldMiles when they spend on flights; the WorldMiles points can then be exchanged into air miles to redeem flight tickets. You’re basically earning a flight ticket for every flight you’re taking!
Airport lounge access
Most credit cards these days grant its cardholders airport lounge accesses, which usually come with complimentary food and beverages, including nice comfy seats, Wi-Fi, and power plugs. The Standard Chartered WorldMiles World card, for example, is one such card that grants its holders accesses to airport lounges.
2. Cashless shopping overseas
The stigma with credit card spending overseas is often that it’ll cost a lot. However, sometimes when you’re buying high-ticket items, it’s much easier to swipe the card than to fiddle with a thick wad of cash. When you shop overseas with a credit card, there are two things to know: Foreign transaction fees and dynamic currency conversion.
When shopping overseas with a credit card, every transaction made in a foreign currency will be converted into Malaysian Ringgit using the USD as the base currency. With this, there will be a foreign transaction fee (between 1-2% of the transaction price). It isn’t too much, especially when you consider the convenience of going cashless.
A dynamic currency conversion (DCC), on the other hand, has your transaction done in Malaysian Ringgit with the exchange rates determined by the merchants you travel to – often higher than paying in the foreign currency through the card issuer (the bank).
3. Be safe with zero-cost travel insurance
Most higher-end credit cards typically come with free travel insurance when you purchase flight tickets. This can easily save the cardholder up to RM200 on travel insurance. The CIMB Visa Signature provides its cardholders with travel insurance that covers up to RM1,000,000 while traveling. Be sure to check with the card issuers what these travel insurances cover, though usually it protects for things such as loss of luggage and flight delays.
4. Make your trip safer and easier
It’s safer to travel and spend using a credit card – did you know that? Wish cash, you risk losing cash, which is usually not recoverable, and you lose the means of paying for anything (especially if you’re in a foreign country). If you lose a credit card, however, you can call up the bank and block or cancel the cards to prevent losing money and get a replacement sent to you.
The next time you travel, consider the use of a credit card instead of cash. It’s not only applicable to foreign travelling, but even within the country! Just keep in mind to not overestimate your ability to repay the bank when the statement comes.
Looking for a new credit card to use during your incoming travels? Just click the link below!
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5 Things You Should Know About AmBank’s New Metal Credit Card
- By CompareHero.my
- November 8, 2021
Just last week, AmBank Malaysia launched a new addition to their family of credit cards. Known as The Metal Visa Infinite Credit Card, or just the ‘Metal Card’, it is said to be very exclusive and packed with privileges for its users.
AmBank has been dropping teasers for The Metal Card since last month, and it was finally unveiled during the KL Fashion Week which ran from 3rd-7th November 2021.
If you’re just hearing about this card for the first time, here are 5 interesting facts you might not have known about it.
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1. You can get it by invitation only
Unlike most credit cards that you can just apply for on your own, The Metal Card is only available through invitation by AmBank. But what’s the criteria to qualify in the first place? According to their website, you need to be a member of AmBank SIGNATURE Priority Banking with Assets Under Management (AUM) above RM2,000,000.
If you meet these requirements, you may be contacted by the bank with an invitation. But if you don’t get a call despite fulfilling the criteria, you’re still allowed to walk into an AmBank branch and let them know you’d like to get the card.
Related: 5 Good Reasons You Should Apply For A Credit Card
2. It’s great for travel & overseas spending
Using the card will give you AmBonus Points. But to sweeten the deal, you can then convert those points to air miles with several world-class frequent flyer or travel reward programmes. Some of them include Enrich, Asia Miles, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer and AirAsia BIG. In total, there are 50 airline partners you can get air miles from through your AmBonus Points.
When you spend with your card overseas, you can get up to 10X AmBonus Points. But take note that online purchases made overseas will not be eligible for these AmBonus Points; they have to be made at a physical store.
Besides these, you’ll also get access to LoungeKey services and Plaza Premium Lounges while travelling.
3. You get cashback up to RM650
Spending overseas isn’t the only thing you get rewarded for. Even for online retail shopping or online food orders made locally, you’re eligible for cashback that’s capped at RM650:
- Online retail shopping – 30% cashback
- Online food orders – 50% cashback
While the cashback applies to most merchants, do note that it excludes merchants for: charity, petrol, government services, and quasi cash transactions.
4. Dine to your heart’s content
Speaking of food orders, if you want to skip takeaway and enjoy some fine dining instead, the Metal Card will still give you rewards for it.
Through this card, you’ll get:
- 2 for 2 Dining Deals at Shangri-La
- Club Marriott Malaysia Privileges
- Complimentary TABLEAPP Elite membership for 1 year
For more information on this, click here.
5. Enjoy flexible payment plans
Cashback, rewards, perks and privileges aside, the Metal Card also allows you to conveniently pay for your purchases through installments.
First off, there’s the 0% Easy Payment Plan programme. Through this, you can enjoy up to 36 months of free instalment payments on hundreds of products, ranging from home and kitchen appliances to gadgets. These products must be purchased from partner merchants only.
A minimum spend of RM500 can give you an instalment payment plan for 3 to 6 months.
Secondly, the AmFlexi-Pay also allows you to pay for an item through installments. The only difference would be that in this one, you can enjoy up to 24 months of instalment payments.
Last but not least, there’s also the Excess Limit Service, which will allow you to spend without worrying about exceeding your credit limit. In order to use this service, you’ll need to contact AmBank’s Customer Service at 03-21786600 and you’ll be charged either RM50 or 2% of your credit limit (whichever is higher).
Related: 4 Things to Know Before Getting Your First Credit Card
And that’s pretty much the 5 key things you need to know about the new AmBank Metal Card. What do you think? Let us know!
Meanwhile, if you’re looking to widen your credit card search, click the link below to see the best credit card deals in Malaysia!
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7 Important Costs You Might Not Be Budgeting For
- By CompareHero.my
- November 5, 2021
Preparing a meticulous budget is indeed the best way to keep track of your daily spending. An effective budget will keep track of every cent going in and out of your pocket, ensuring that it is categorised and allocated properly. However, when some items are forgotten, the budget planning just goes into the drain – being ignorant of your expenses can lead to frivolous spending. Do you know what costs and expenses are commonly neglected?
Before reading on, do keep in mind that some of these expenses may not be relatable to you, but they are the common ones that tend to steer your budget to the wrong side.
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1. Monetary Donations
This monetary donation often gets neglected because it isn’t a common practice for most of us. If you are someone who commonly make monetary donations, it is best for this positive habit to be included in drafting your budget. An effective budget should cover all spending, and this is no exception.
2. Household Expenses & Maintenance Costs
Living in your own house means that everything is your responsibility. It is wise to set aside a certain amount of money that s be spent on household maintenance. Unexpected expenses on repairs and maintenance are often being overlooked and unplanned for, and it will ultimately affect your budget.
A sudden water leak or a broken pipe could cost a lot and requires immediate action. Set aside a certain amount of cash every time you make a budget that is specifically only for house maintenance so that you can stay prepared for these unexpected expenses.
3. Pet Care & Expenses
Like our own sick visits to the doctor, treatment for your sick pets tend to be expensive and unexpected, not to mention the routine check-ups every now and then. You shouldn’t just budget for health, but even for grooming and care products such as special shampoos, food, and even your pets’ toys. With that being said, the inclusion of pet care expenses in your budget will avoid financial complications and keep our heart at ease while looking after our lovely companions.
4. Beauty & Grooming Expenses
Maintaining good looks and even better hygiene isn’t a free affair and will require you to spend money. We aren’t just talking about buying soap, shampoo and cleansers however, we tend to forget that most of us (particularly the ladies) go for special treatments like going to the spa, waxing, or even the occasional essential-care-shopping-spree.
All these expenditures need to be included in your budget planning, even if is just for a packet of facial tissue. Always allocate a specific amount of money that you will spend on pampering yourself (if you need it).
5. Birthdays & Other Occasions
It is best for you to know beforehand for any birthdays or weddings that you are going to attend in a month. With this knowledge, you can allocate your budget for the expenses of buying gifts and other miscellaneous spending. All of these occasions can cost you money and it is best for you to be a step ahead in planning the monthly budget.
6. Parking Fees
Almost unavoidable, especially for those who often drive to work. Budgeting for parking can be easier for those with consistent patterns, as a season pass may be used. Those who drive their cars at unpredictable times may find it slightly more difficult, though not impossible.
Just set aside a certain amount of money for parking, easily calculated by taking the most you’ve spent on parking in a month and adjusting it as you go along.
7. Emergency Funds
A lot of people live in the moment and live paycheck-to-paycheck without any care for savings or emergency funds. It may seem like a “badass” thing to do, but it’ll be tears when the unexpected happens (touch-wood). To play it safe, it’s always important to first pay yourself (savings) in your budget and then to set aside amounts of money for emergencies – don’t shy away from letting it pool either.
Effective financial planning requires due diligence as well as being meticulous. There are certain situations whereby we forget or miss something, but it should not be an excuse for poor budget planning.
Proper budget planning can help us maintain our finances and, to an extent, keep us discipline. Identify your expenses in a period of time, trim the fat, and always remember to prepare a contingency plan or Plan B if something unexpected happens. Want some help with budgeting your expenses? Check out some free apps you can use for this purpose in the link below!
