I have a system for maintaining a good amount of change in my wallet. I separate it into 3 compartments:<\/p>\n
COMPARTMENT #1: The RM50 compartment<\/b><\/p>\n
I will always have at least one RM50 in my wallet. If I don’t I will feel uneasy and have this look like I need to go to the ATM!<\/p>\n
It is very important that the RM50 notes are separated from the RM1 notes, which can be easily confused for each other as they are blue-green.<\/p>\n
COMPARTMENT #2: The RM10 or less compartment<\/b><\/p>\n
I will always have at least one RM10 and a few RM1 notes in this compartment. If I don’t, I will strive<\/b> to break a RM50 note.<\/p>\n
This is vital for taxis and vending machines who may not have change. Don’t expect them to come up with change, seriously.<\/p>\n
I get annoyed with 7-11s that don’t have change, but I understand that the kids behind there are just not educated with the idea of maintaining change. Not to be racist, but I do find stalls that are manned by a certain race tend to not have change more often… inability to plan and be prepared is ingrained in their culture, I guess. Who runs Carls Jr. Pavilion so badly that there are no beef or chicken patties on a Sunday at 7pm?<\/p>\n
COMPARTMENT #3: The AUXILLARY CHANGE compartment<\/b><\/p>\n
I keep all my ancient RM1, RM2, RM5 and RM10 notes here. They’re kinda like my collector’s items. I also add at least one modern RM10 note, one RM5 note and 5 RM1 notes in this compartment.<\/p>\n
When you’ve got no change in COMPARTMENT #2, which can happen if you’re hit by a strain of having to take a cab, buy a currypuff, buy a KTM ticket and go to a shopping mall toilet… you may need to break into the emergency COMPARTMENT #3.<\/p>\n
Sometimes I do run out of change in COMPARTMENT #2 and I try to break a RM50 note with a taxi driver. However he may insist that he really has no change. Sometimes, you take a cab to a place in the middle of the night that has no 7-11, or the 7-11 has no change, and you’re both screwed!<\/p>\n
That is when I have to break, uncomfortably, into thy hallowed COMPARTMENT #3. (This is also why I make it a point to replenish COMPARTMENT #2 as soon as possible.)<\/p>\n
I may also open COMPARTMENT #3 if forced into a situation where my friend does not have change for parking. I graciously help my friend, who is obviously then giving me a lift.<\/p>\n
However, it is the responsibility each car owner to be well prepared with their own<\/b> Change Management system, to avoid carrying a heavy wallet full of 50 sen coins!<\/p>\n
Thus, in total, I would minimally have:
\nCOMPARTMENT #1: RM50
\nCOMPARTMENT #2: RM10 + RM1 (x5) = RM15
\nCOMPARTMENT #3: RM10 + RM5 + RM1 (x5) = RM20<\/p>\n
Total carried: RM85<\/p>\n
Of course, there is the ATM card as well. I try to keep my COMPARTMENT #1 having anywhere between RM50 and RM200 (any more, and I would look for a Cash Deposit Machine).<\/p>\n