BANKING

Most international staff and students find it quite easy to withdraw money from local Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) using either a Visa or MasterCard, or by using an ATM card that links to their home checking and/or savings account. ATM systems accessible nearby include Visa, Cirrus, and Plus. Your home bank should be able to tell you if ATMs in Penang, Malaysia will honor your card. Since ATMs limit daily cash withdrawals and are mechanically unpredictable, foreign students are encouraged to bring enough cash and/or travelers checks to cover their first quarter expenses. Personal checks cannot be cashed without a local account in your name. Opening a personal account locally is difficult and not advisable unless you plan to stay in Malaysia long-term.

The Malaysian currency is called Ringgit (RM), although you will sometimes hear it referred to as dollars. Any time you use an ATM to withdraw money it will automatically be converted to Ringgit. The value of the Ringgit is currently 3.3 for one U.S. Dollar.

SCHOOL/STAFF FEES

School fees are to be paid in Malaysian Ringgit at the beginning of each quarter. School fees can be paid with cash, local (Malaysian) personal check or a bank wire transfer (please contact the Accounting Department for details). Cashier's Checks, Money Orders, and personal checks in an approved foreign currency are also accepted for payment of school fees if the base receives the check 6-8 weeks prior to the payment due date. (It takes up to six weeks for checks to clear). In addition, all foreign checks are assessed a US$10 - $20 bank surcharge to convert the currency to Malaysian Ringgit.

Please make all checks payable to YOUTH WITH A MISSION.

SPOUSE NOT ATTENDING SCHOOL

A husband or wife who is not attending a school needs to pay RM 330 ($90 US) per month as well as meal plan fees.

Monthly staff fees are currently as follows:

• RM 30 Administration fees
• RM 200-RM 400 Room rental (depends upon): Number of roommates, Size of room, Length of stay
• RM 160 Weekday meals (there is no meal service on the weekends).
• RM 400-500 Your exact staff fees will be finalized prior to your arrival.

Staff fees are required at the beginning of each month and are to be paid in cash or local personal check. Checks in foreign currency are not accepted for staff fees.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

SMC Penang staffs are encouraged to establish and maintain the following minimum support levels:

• RM 800 per month for singles
• RM 1200 per month for couples
• RM 400 per month for each child

The minimum support level will enable you to pay for staff fees, toiletries and other basic needs, and some local travel. Health insurance, children's education, extensive travel, and/or the purchase of an automobile usually r equires additional funds.

FOOD SERVICE

Staff and students will take turns preparing the meals as part of work duties. Food and menus will be provided. Students who wish to supplement their diet with additional fruits/vegetables are encouraged to budget accordingly. Please note that since most staff and students enjoy eating out on the weekends and preparing their own breakfasts there is no base meal service provided on Saturday, Sunday, or for breakfasts.

(The average cost for a local meal off base would be RM 7 or $2 US, though there are many fast food facilities, international restaurants, and coffee shops where the prices will be higher. For example: Both an ice-blended coffee from Starbucks and a large Big-Mac Value meal from McDonalds cost around RM 10 or $3 US. Bread, jam, fruit, cereals and other breakfast foods are readily available for reasonable prices at nearby shops.)

STUDENT MEAL PLAN

Complete meal plan costs are included with your student fees.

STAFF MEAL PLAN

The basic meal plan includes lunch and dinner Monday through Friday. Prices are based on a per day food cost of RM 8.

• RM 160 ........................ Complete Meal Plan
• RM 80 .......................... Lunches Only
• RM 80 .......................... Dinners Only