Ringgit appreciation? What products can genuinely feel the increase in purchasing power?

Summary: Pure imported products or services priced in USD theoretically became cheaper.

Electronics and Technology (Most Direct Experience)

  1. iPhone 17/18 Series: The starting price at launch may be lower due to exchange rate adjustments.
  2. MacBook Pro/Air: Apple officially adjusts global prices periodically based on exchange rate fluctuations.
  3. iPad: Imported educational tablet.
  4. Samsung Galaxy S Series: Flagship phone pricing is highly correlated with the US dollar.
  5. NVIDIA Graphics Cards (RTX Series): Global unified USD pricing, lower procurement costs for local distributors.
  6. PS5 / Xbox Console: Imported hardware.
  7. Intel/AMD Processor (CPU): Computer assembly parts.
  8. Kindle E-reader: Pure imported electronic product.
  9. DJI Drones: Cross-border procurement costs decrease.
  10. Apple Watch / Smart Wearables: Tech Accessories.

Software and Subscriptions (due to being settled in USD)

  1. Netflix subscription fees: Although there is local pricing, long-term pressure is reduced.
  2. YouTube Premium: Cross-border payment membership service.
  3. iCloud / Google One Storage: Official price adjustment or no longer keeping up with increases.
  4. Steam Games: The relative price in the MYR region is cheaper compared to other currency regions.
  5. OpenAI ChatGPT Plus ($20/month): Previously RM84 at a 4.2 conversion rate, now only RM77.6 at 3.88.
  6. Spotify Premium: Cross-national streaming service.
  7. Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential Software Subscription for Designers.
  8. Canva Pro: Online design tool subscription.
  9. LinkedIn Premium: Professional networking subscription.
  10. Zoom Business Membership: Remote work tool.

International Travel and Study Abroad (Most Significant Price Decrease)

  1. US Travel: Hotels, tickets, and dining are all getting cheaper.
  2. Maldives Travel: Locals mostly price in US dollars.
  3. Overseas Tuition Fees (US/Australia/UK): As long as the foreign currency weakens against the Malaysian Ringgit, the burden of tuition fees will significantly decrease.
  4. International Student Living Expenses: The loss when remitting money is significantly reduced.
  5. IELTS/TOEFL Registration Fees: These exam fees are usually pegged to the US dollar.

Imported food and supermarket goods (more obvious in large supermarket chains)

  1. US Imported Cherries/Grapes: Out-of-season fruits.
  2. Australian imported beef: Imported red meat.
  3. Norwegian Salmon: Imported seafood.
  4. Imported infant formula: especially American or European brands.
  5. Imported Chocolates (Ferrero/Godiva): Festive snacks.
  6. Evian mineral water: Imported water.
  7. Imported wine/whiskey: Especially Napa Valley or Scotch imports.
  8. New Zealand Butter/Cheese: Baking ingredients.
  9. Korean/Japanese imported snacks: Only if the Malaysian ringgit also strengthens against the Japanese Yen/Korean Won.
  10. Starbucks peripheral cups: Official imported peripherals.

Personal Hobbies and Luxury Goods

  1. Louis Vuitton / Chanel handbags: Exchange rates will be considered when adjusting prices annually.
  2. Rolex / Swiss watches: Exchange rate is the core of pricing.
  3. Lego building blocks: Imported toys.
  4. Nike Limited Edition Sneakers: Cross-border e-commerce direct mail is cheaper.
  5. Estee Lauder / La Mer: Imported skincare products.
  6. Dyson vacuum cleaner: Imported home appliance.
  7. Kindle Ebook Purchase: Amazon platform spend.

Finance and Commodities (Indirect Impact)

  1. Petrol Prices (RON97): Fluctuating with international oil prices, a stronger Malaysian Ringgit helps curb increases.
  2. US stock investment cost: Lower currency exchange cost.
  3. Cross-border express delivery fees (FedEx/DHL): Fuel surcharge and international shipping fees.
  4. Amazon direct shipping fees: Overall landed price decreases.
  5. International Air Tickets (Ticket Taxes): Fuel surcharge is calculated in US dollars.
  6. Overseas Insurance Premiums: For customers who have purchased USD wealth management insurance.
  7. Imported Car Parts: Cost of parts for repairs on imported cars (e.g. BMW/Mercedes).
  8. Gold price: International gold price is quoted in USD, a stronger Malaysian Ringgit will offset some of the gold price increase.