Have team members or clients spread across the US and Malaysia? You’re not alone.
Many companies operate globally. But when it comes to sending rewards or thank-you gifts, things can get complicated fast.
Most gift cards issued in the United States or Malaysia are designed strictly for local use. They’re tied to specific currencies (USD or Ringgit), regional merchants, and country-specific payment systems.
For example, a US Amazon gift card won’t work on Amazon Malaysia, and Malaysia-issued gift cards are usually restricted to local platforms and stores.
The challenge? Finding a gift card that works seamlessly in both the US and Malaysia.
This guide explains why most gift cards fail across borders—and highlights solutions like the Toasty Choice Card, which makes US–Malaysia gifting simple and scalable.
How Global Gift Cards Work
Gift cards are one of the most popular ways to reward employees and customers worldwide, but international redemption is still a major pain point.
Most gift cards issued in the US or Malaysia are region-locked, tied to local currencies (USD vs. Ringgit), and limited by brand or licensing agreements.
For example:
- US-issued gift cards typically work only with US merchants and platforms (such as Amazon.com) and are denominated in USD.
- Malaysia-issued gift cards operate in Ringgit and are usually limited to Malaysia-specific websites and in-country retailers.
As a result, a US prepaid card may be declined on Malaysia-based websites, while Malaysia-only cards generally can’t be redeemed in the US. These regional silos make cross-border gifting far more complex than expected.
Key Challenges
Currency restrictions
US cards operate in USD, while Malaysia cards operate in Ringgit. This often leads to conversion issues or declined transactions.
Brand and licensing limitations
Even global brands run country-specific gift card programs, restricting redemption to regional websites and catalogs.
Compliance requirements
Cross-border rewards can introduce different KYC and AML obligations depending on the country.
Fulfillment issues
Physical gift cards add friction through shipping delays, customs handling, and activation problems.
For organizations with employees or customers across both the US and Malaysia, these challenges add up quickly—turning a simple reward into an operational headache.
Criteria for a Gift Card That Works Both in the US and Malaysia
To work smoothly across the US and Malaysia, a gift card should meet three key criteria:
1. Multi-currency support
The card should support USD and Ringgit, either through automatic conversion or localized redemption catalogs.
2. Flexible redemption options
Instead of forcing a single store, the best solution lets recipients choose brands that actually work in their country.
3. Digital delivery
Email delivery avoids shipping delays, customs issues, and manual distribution.
Best Gift Cards That Work Both in the US and Malaysia
When it comes to finding a gift card that works in both the US and Malaysia, only a few options deliver a truly smooth experience for everyone involved.
1. Toasty Choice Card
If you’re looking for a gift card that works in both the US and Malaysia, the Toasty Choice Card is one of the most flexible options available.
It allows recipients to redeem from country-specific catalogs, all managed through a single platform.
Why it’s ideal for US–Malaysia gifting
- Works across 90+ countries, including the US and Malaysia
- Automatically localizes brands and currency
- Fully digital delivery via email
- No fees for senders or recipients
- Centralized tracking and reporting
💡 Example:
An employee in Boston and another employee in Kuala Lumpur receive the same Toasty Choice Card. Each redeems locally, in their own currency, without the need for separate gift card programs.
Malaysia Catalog
Popular options in Russia (subject to change) include:
- Shopee Malaysia
- Grab
- Starbucks
- ZALORA
- Watsons
- Shell
- PlayStation Store
- Adidas
- PUMA
- Decathlon
- Tealive
- Boost Juice
- Haagen-Dazs
- Subway
- TGI FRIDAY’S
- Paris Baguette
- Baskin Robbins
- Sushi Plus
- Italianni’s
- Cong Caphe
- PichaEats
- Flower Chimp
- CakeRush
- Magzter
- TREVO
- Trapo
- OGAWA
- OPTICAL 88
- Russell Taylors
- DirectD
For the full, most up-to-date catalog, view the global catalog here.
2. Swype Global Virtual MasterCard
As an alternative, Toasty also offers the Swype Global Virtual MasterCard, which can be used in both the US and Malaysia wherever Mastercard is accepted.
Important considerations
- Non-USD transactions may incur fees
- Best suited for flexible spending rather than curated gifting
For full details on fees, restricted regions, and usage guidelines, refer to the Swype Global Virtual Mastercard documentation.
How to Send a Gift Card That Works Both in the US and Malaysia
- Sign up
Create an account and start sending in minutes. - Set the amount
Fund in USD; conversion to Ringgit happens automatically at redemption. - Customize
Add branding, logos, and a personalized message. - Upload recipients
Add US and Malaysia recipients manually or via CSV. - Send digitally
Deliver instantly or schedule for a future date. - Track delivery
Monitor delivery and redemption from a single dashboard.
FAQs
Are US Amazon gift cards redeemable in Malaysia?
No. Amazon gift cards are region-locked.
Can Toasty Choice Cards be redeemed in both the US and Malaysia?
Yes. Recipients see a localized catalog based on their country.
What currencies are supported?
Senders fund in USD; Malaysia recipients redeem in Ringgit.
Are there any fees?
No. Toasty is completely fee-free.
How fast can recipients redeem?
Instantly. Gift cards are delivered by email.
Can I send to US and Malaysia recipients in one order?
Yes. Toasty automatically handles localization.
Do recipients need an account?
No account required. Recipients simply click the email and redeem.