Malaysia Gold & Currency Rates
Real-time FGJAM gold prices & Bank Negara exchange rates
Most Popular in Malaysia
22K Gold (916)
91.6% Pure Gold โข Per Gram
RM 559.31
24K Gold
999 Pure
RM 502.37
per gram
20K Gold
835 Pure
RM 613.56
per gram
18K Gold
750 Pure
RM 669.83
per gram
USD/MYR
US Dollar
3.8970
1 USD = MYR
๐ฑ Popular Currencies
View All โ2.76
AUD/MYR
0.56
CNY/MYR
4.62
EUR/MYR
5.32
GBP/MYR
0.00
IDR/MYR
0.03
JPY/MYR
Today's Market Summary
22K Gold
Most Popular
RM 559.31
per gram
24K Gold
Investment
RM 502.37
per gram
USD/MYR
US Dollar
3.8970
1 USD = MYR
SGD/MYR
Singapore
3.0889
1 SGD = MYR
Harga Emas Malaysia Hari Ini
Gold Price Malaysia Today โข Live FGJAM Certified Rates
Live Gold Prices
Harga Emas Terkini โข Per Gram (RM)
24K Gold
999 โข 99.9% Pure
22K Gold
916 โข 91.6% Pure
20K Gold
835 โข 83.5% Pure
18K Gold
750 โข 75% Pure
| Purity / Ketulenan | Karat | Buy (RM/g) | Sell (RM/g) | Spread |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
๐ถ
750 Gold (Emas 750)
75.0% Pure โข Daily Wear |
18K | RM 502.37 | RM 480.69 | RM 21.68 |
|
๐
835 Gold (Emas 835)
83.5% Pure โข Good Durability |
20K | RM 559.31 | RM 535.17 | RM 24.14 |
|
๐ฅ
916 Gold (Emas 916)
91.6% Pure โข Most Popular |
22K | RM 613.56 | RM 587.09 | RM 26.47 |
|
๐
999 Gold (Emas 999)
99.9% Pure โข Investment Grade |
24K | RM 669.83 | RM 640.92 | RM 28.91 |
Best for Investment
Pelaburan Emas
999 Gold (24K) offers the highest purity at 99.9%. Ideal for gold bars (jongkong emas) and coins. Best resale value and internationally recognized.
- โ Highest purity (99.9%)
- โ Best resale value
- โ Kijang Emas, gold bars
Best for Jewelry
Barang Kemas
916 Gold (22K) is Malaysia's favorite for jewelry. Perfect balance of purity (91.6%) and durability. Ideal for wedding rings and chains.
- โ Most popular in Malaysia
- โ Beautiful warm color
- โ Durable for daily wear
Best for Daily Wear
Pemakaian Harian
750 Gold (18K) is the most durable. With 25% alloy metals, it resists scratches and dents. Perfect for rings, watches, and everyday jewelry.
- โ Most durable option
- โ Scratch resistant
- โ Affordable luxury
Kira Nilai Emas Anda
Calculate Your Gold Value Instantly
Kadar Tukaran Mata Wang
Currency Exchange Rates โข Bank Negara Malaysia Reference
USD/MYR
US Dollar
3.8970
1 USD = RM
SGD/MYR
Singapore Dollar
3.0889
1 SGD = RM
EUR/MYR
Euro
4.6238
1 EUR = RM
GBP/MYR
British Pound
5.3194
1 GBP = RM
Live Exchange Rates
Kadar Pertukaran Terkini โข Against MYR
| Currency / Mata Wang | Buy (MYR) | Sell (MYR) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
|
๐ฆ๐บ
AUD
Australian Dollar |
2.7645 | 2.7685 | โ |
|
๐จ๐ณ
CNY
Chinese Yuan |
0.5640 | 0.5649 | โ |
|
๐ช๐บ
EUR
Euro |
4.6238 | 4.6301 | โ |
|
๐ฌ๐ง
GBP
British Pound |
5.3194 | 5.3278 | โ |
|
๐ฎ๐ฉ
IDR
Indonesian Rupiah |
0.0002 | 0.0002 | โ |
|
๐ฏ๐ต
JPY
Japanese Yen |
0.0254 | 0.0254 | โ |
|
๐ต๐ญ
PHP
Philippine Peso |
0.0672 | 0.0673 | โ |
|
๐ธ๐ฌ
SGD
Singapore Dollar |
3.0889 | 3.0944 | โ |
|
๐น๐ญ
THB
Thai Baht |
0.1254 | 0.1257 | โ |
|
๐บ๐ธ
USD
US Dollar |
3.8970 | 3.9020 | โ |
Best Places to Exchange
Lokasi Terbaik
- โ Mid Valley - Competitive rates
- โ KLCC - Premium service
- โ Jalan Masjid India - Best for bulk
- โ Bukit Bintang - Tourist friendly
Smart Exchange Tips
Tips Pertukaran
- โ Compare rates at 3+ money changers
- โ Avoid airport exchanges (worst rates)
- โ Weekdays offer better rates
- โ Track rates for a week before large exchanges
For Hajj & Umrah
Jemaah Haji/Umrah
- ๐ธ๐ฆ SAR (Saudi Riyal) is the main currency
- ๐ณ Bring mix of cash + travel card
- ๐ Exchange before peak Hajj season
- ๐ Use licensed money changers only
Complete Gold Buying Guide Malaysia 2026
Panduan Lengkap Membeli Emas di Malaysia - Everything you need to know about buying gold, from understanding purity to finding the best deals.
Before You Buy Gold
Sebelum Membeli Emas
-
1
Check Today's FGJAM Gold Price
Always verify current gold prices on RateX.my before visiting any jeweler. This ensures you know the baseline price.
-
2
Understand Making Charges (Upah)
Making charges range from 5-20% of gold value depending on design complexity. Simple designs have lower upah.
-
3
Verify Gold Hallmark Stamp
All genuine gold in Malaysia must have a hallmark stamp (999, 916, 835, or 750) clearly visible on the piece.
-
4
Get Detailed Receipt
Always request an official receipt showing gold weight, purity, price per gram, making charge, and total price separately.
Expert Pro Tips
Tips Pakar Membeli Emas
-
โฐ
Best Time to Buy
Morning sessions (9AM-12PM) typically offer more stable prices. Avoid buying during festive seasons when demand (and prices) peak.
-
๐ช
Trusted Gold Shops in Malaysia
Stick to reputable jewelers like Poh Kong, Habib Jewels, Tomei, Wah Chan, and SK Jewellery. They follow FGJAM pricing.
-
๐
Compare Multiple Shops
Visit at least 3 different jewelers to compare making charges. Gold price is fixed, but upah varies significantly.
-
๐ณ
Consider Gold Investment Account
For small regular investments, Gold Investment Accounts (GIA) from banks like Maybank, CIMB, or Public Bank are convenient and safe.
โ๏ธ Gold Purity Comparison Chart - Carta Perbandingan Ketulenan Emas
| Purity | Gold Content | Karat | Best For | Durability | Price/g |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 999 Gold | 99.9% | 24K | Investment, Gold Bars, Coins | โญโญ | RM 502 |
| 916 Gold โญ | 91.6% | 22K | Jewelry, Rings, Necklaces (MOST POPULAR) | โญโญโญ | RM 559 |
| 835 Gold | 83.5% | 20K | Bracelets, Bangles | โญโญโญโญ | RM 614 |
| 750 Gold | 75.0% | 18K | Daily Wear, Watches, Rings | โญโญโญโญโญ | RM 670 |
๐ฐ Understanding Making Charges (Upah) - Memahami Upah Pembuatan
Low Upah (5-8%)
Simple, mass-produced designs
- โข Plain chains
- โข Simple rings
- โข Basic bangles
- โข Gold bars
Medium Upah (8-15%)
Moderate complexity designs
- โข Patterned chains
- โข Designer rings
- โข Earrings with settings
- โข Standard pendants
High Upah (15-25%)
Intricate, handcrafted pieces
- โข Handcrafted jewelry
- โข Gem-studded pieces
- โข Custom designs
- โข Antique reproductions
๐ก Pro Tip: When selling gold back, jewelers typically don't pay for making charges. For maximum resale value, choose simpler designs with lower upah, or invest in gold bars (jongkong emas) which have minimal making charges.
Gold Investment Options in Malaysia 2026
Pilihan Pelaburan Emas di Malaysia - Compare different ways to invest in gold and find the best option for your financial goals.
Physical Gold
Gold bars, coins, and jewelry from jewelers like Poh Kong, Habib, or banks.
Gold Investment Account
GIA from Maybank, CIMB, Public Bank, RHB. Buy gold in small amounts.
Kijang Emas Coins
Official gold bullion coins by Bank Negara Malaysia in 1oz, ยฝoz, ยผoz sizes.
Gold ETF
Trade gold like stocks on Bursa Malaysia. E.g., TradePlus Shariah Gold Tracker.
Quick Access Tools
Alat Pengiraan Pantas - Calculators & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Soalan Lazim - Common questions about gold prices, currency exchange, and using RateX.my
๐ฅ Gold Price Questions
What is 916 gold? Apakah emas 916? โผ
916 gold is 22 karat gold containing 91.6% pure gold and 8.4% alloy metals (usually copper and silver). It's the most popular gold purity in Malaysia for jewelry because it offers the perfect balance between purity and durability.
Emas 916 adalah emas 22 karat dengan ketulenan 91.6%. Ia paling popular untuk barang kemas di Malaysia kerana cantik dan tahan lama.
What is FGJAM and why does it matter? โผ
FGJAM (Federation of Goldsmiths and Jewellers Associations of Malaysia) is the official body that sets daily gold prices in Malaysia. All reputable jewelers follow FGJAM rates, making it the benchmark for gold pricing in the country.
When you buy gold, the jeweler's base price should match FGJAM rates. Any difference in final price comes from making charges (upah), not the gold itself.
916 vs 999 gold - which is better for me? โผ
For Jewelry: Choose 916 gold (22K). It's durable enough for daily wear while maintaining a beautiful golden color. Perfect for rings, necklaces, and bracelets.
For Investment: Choose 999 gold (24K). Highest purity means best resale value and international recognition. Ideal for gold bars and coins.
๐ก Pro tip: If buying jewelry as investment, choose simple designs with low making charges for better resale value.
What is making charge (upah)? โผ
Making charge (upah) is the jeweler's fee for crafting the gold into jewelry. It covers labor, design, and overhead costs.
- Simple designs: 5-8% of gold value
- Moderate designs: 8-15% of gold value
- Intricate/custom designs: 15-25% of gold value
โ ๏ธ Important: When selling gold back, jewelers don't pay for making charges. You only get the gold value back.
Best time to buy gold in Malaysia? โผ
Best time of day: Morning (9AM-12PM) when prices are more stable.
Best time of year: Avoid festive seasons (Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali, wedding season) when demand and prices peak.
Best strategy: Track gold prices on RateX.my for a week before making large purchases. Buy when prices dip.
๐ฑ Currency Exchange Questions
Where are the best places to exchange currency? โผ
Best rates in KL:
- Jalan Masjid India - Best for bulk exchanges
- Mid Valley Megamall - Competitive rates, convenient
- KLCC - Premium service, good rates
- Bukit Bintang - Tourist-friendly, many options
โ ๏ธ Avoid: Airport money changers have the worst rates. Exchange before arriving at the airport.
What is the difference between buy and sell rates? โผ
Buy rate: The rate at which the money changer BUYS foreign currency FROM you (when you sell foreign currency).
Sell rate: The rate at which the money changer SELLS foreign currency TO you (when you buy foreign currency).
The difference between these rates is called the spread, which is how money changers make profit.
How often are currency rates updated? โผ
On RateX.my, currency rates are updated based on Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) reference rates, which are published daily.
Money changers may adjust their rates throughout the day based on market conditions and demand.
Tips for Hajj/Umrah currency exchange? โผ
Saudi Riyal (SAR) is the main currency you'll need. Tips:
- Exchange before peak Hajj season for better rates
- Bring a mix of cash (SAR) and a travel card
- Exchange at reputable money changers, not at airports
- Keep some small denominations for tips and small purchases
Is it better to exchange money or use card abroad? โผ
Best approach: Use a combination of both:
- Cash: For small purchases, markets, tips
- Travel cards: BigPay, Wise, Revolut for larger purchases
- Credit cards: For hotels, big retailers (check foreign transaction fees)
๐ก Always decline "pay in MYR" option abroad - choose local currency for better rates.
๐ About RateX.my
How accurate are RateX.my rates? โผ
Our gold prices are based on official FGJAM rates, the same rates used by all legitimate jewelers in Malaysia. Currency rates are from Bank Negara Malaysia reference rates. Prices are updated every 15 minutes for gold and daily for currencies.
Is RateX.my free to use? โผ
Yes, completely free! RateX.my provides free access to gold prices, currency rates, calculators, and all our tools. No registration required, no hidden fees.
Trusted Gold Shops in Malaysia 2026
Kedai Emas Dipercayai di Malaysia - Reputable jewelers that follow FGJAM pricing
Poh Kong
Est. 1976 โข 100+ outlets
Habib Jewels
Est. 1958 โข 40+ outlets
Tomei
Est. 1968 โข 50+ outlets
Wah Chan
Est. 1939 โข 30+ outlets
๐ก Pro Tip: All FGJAM member jewelers follow the same base gold prices. The difference in final price comes from making charges (upah) and design complexity. Always compare upah between shops before buying.
What Affects Gold Prices in Malaysia?
Faktor-faktor yang Mempengaruhi Harga Emas - Understanding gold price movements
International Gold Price
Malaysian gold prices are directly linked to the international gold spot price (XAU/USD). When global gold prices rise or fall, local prices follow. The London Bullion Market sets the daily gold fix that influences prices worldwide.
USD/MYR Exchange Rate
Gold is priced in USD globally. When the Ringgit weakens against USD, gold becomes more expensive in MYR even if international prices stay flat. A stronger Ringgit means more affordable gold locally.
Economic Uncertainty
Gold is a "safe haven" asset. During economic crises, market volatility, or geopolitical tensions, investors flock to gold, driving prices up. Stable times often see gold prices moderate.
Interest Rates
When central banks raise interest rates, gold becomes less attractive compared to interest-bearing assets. Lower rates tend to boost gold prices as the opportunity cost of holding gold decreases.
Festive Demand
Local demand spikes during festive seasons (Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali) and wedding seasons. High demand can push local premiums above international prices.
Inflation Hedge
Gold is traditionally seen as an inflation hedge. When inflation rises and currency purchasing power falls, gold prices typically increase as investors seek to preserve wealth.
Zakat Emas
Gold Zakat Calculator
Understanding Zakat on Gold in Malaysia
Zakat on gold (zakat emas) is obligatory for Muslims who own gold that meets the nisab threshold and has been held for one lunar year (haul). The nisab for gold is 85 grams of pure gold.
Nisab for Gold
85g
of pure gold (999)
Zakat Rate
2.5%
of total gold value
Emas 916 vs Emas 999 - Perbandingan Lengkap
Complete comparison between 22K and 24K gold to help you make the right choice
Emas 916 (22 Karat)
91.6% Pure Gold โข Most Popular
๐ Composition
91.6% pure gold + 8.4% alloy metals (copper, silver, zinc) for strength and durability
โ Advantages
- โข More durable and scratch-resistant
- โข Beautiful warm golden color
- โข Suitable for daily wear
- โข Lower price per gram
- โข Widely available and popular
โ Disadvantages
- โข Lower purity than 999
- โข Slightly lower resale value per gram
- โข May cause allergic reactions in some people
๐ฏ Best For
Wedding rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and any jewelry meant for regular wear
Current Price
RM 559.31/g
Emas 999 (24 Karat)
99.9% Pure Gold โข Investment Grade
๐ Composition
99.9% pure gold - virtually no alloy metals. The purest form of gold available commercially
โ Advantages
- โข Highest purity available
- โข Best resale value
- โข Internationally recognized
- โข Hypoallergenic (no allergic reactions)
- โข Best for long-term investment
โ Disadvantages
- โข Very soft and easily scratched
- โข Not suitable for daily wear jewelry
- โข Higher price per gram
- โข Can bend or deform easily
๐ฏ Best For
Gold bars (jongkong emas), Kijang Emas coins, investment gold, and Gold Investment Accounts (GIA)
Current Price
RM 502.37/g
๐ฏ Kesimpulan / Conclusion
Choose 916 Gold if you're buying jewelry for wearing - weddings, daily wear, or gifts. It's beautiful, durable, and the most popular choice in Malaysia.
Choose 999 Gold if you're investing for the long term - gold bars, coins, or savings accounts. Highest purity means best resale value and international liquidity.
About RateX.my
Malaysia's Trusted Platform for Gold Prices & Currency Exchange Rates
FGJAM Certified Rates
Our gold prices are based on official FGJAM rates - the same rates used by all legitimate jewelers in Malaysia.
BNM Reference Rates
Currency exchange rates are sourced from Bank Negara Malaysia's official reference rates, ensuring accuracy.
Real-Time Updates
Gold prices updated every 15 minutes. Currency and crypto rates updated in real-time throughout the day.
What We Offer
4
Gold Purities
50+
Currencies
30+
Crypto Assets
100%
Free to Use
Gold in Malaysia - History & Market Overview
Sejarah Emas di Malaysia - Understanding the Malaysian gold market and its significance
๐๏ธ History of Gold in Malaysia
Gold has been an integral part of Malaysian culture for centuries. The Malay Peninsula was historically known as the "Golden Chersonese" by ancient traders, referring to its rich gold deposits.
Traditional Malay royalty adorned themselves with intricate gold jewelry, and gold coins were used as currency during the Malaccan Sultanate period (1400-1511). This deep-rooted tradition continues today, with gold jewelry being an essential part of Malay, Chinese, and Indian wedding customs.
The modern gold market in Malaysia is regulated by FGJAM (Federation of Goldsmiths and Jewellers Associations of Malaysia), established to standardize gold pricing and protect consumers.
๐ Malaysian Gold Market Today
Today, Malaysia has a thriving gold market with thousands of licensed jewelry shops across the country. The industry is valued at over RM 5 billion annually, with gold jewelry being popular for weddings, festivals, and investment.
Key facts about Malaysia's gold market:
- 916 gold (22K) is the most popular purity for jewelry
- FGJAM sets daily gold prices followed by all jewelers
- Major gold hub areas include Jalan Masjid India (KL) and Jalan AR (Penang)
- Bank Negara issues Kijang Emas gold coins
- Islamic gold investment options like GIA are widely available
๐ Gold Price Milestones in Malaysia
2010
~RM 135/g
916 Gold
2015
~RM 165/g
916 Gold
2020
~RM 265/g
916 Gold
2026 (Today)
RM 559/g
916 Gold
Wedding Gold Guide Malaysia 2026
Panduan Emas Perkahwinan - Complete guide to buying gold for Malaysian weddings
Malay Wedding (Mas Kahwin)
Mas Kahwin is a mandatory gift from the groom to the bride in Islamic marriages. Common amounts:
- Selangor: RM 80 (symbolic) + gold gifts
- Johor: RM 22.50 + gold gifts
- Kelantan: RM 100 + gold gifts
Budget: RM 5,000 - RM 20,000+ for gold jewelry sets
Chinese Wedding (Si Dian Jin)
Si Dian Jin (ๅ็น้) refers to the "Four Touches of Gold" - a traditional set given by the groom's family:
- Gold necklace (้กน้พ)
- Gold earrings (่ณ็ฏ)
- Gold bracelet (ๆ้ฏ)
- Gold ring (ๆๆ)
Budget: RM 10,000 - RM 50,000+ for complete set
Indian Wedding (Thali)
Thali/Mangalsutra and elaborate gold jewelry are central to Indian weddings. Common items:
- Thali (sacred wedding pendant)
- Heavy gold necklaces (haram)
- Bangles and bracelets
- Waist belt, hair accessories
Budget: RM 15,000 - RM 100,000+ for full set
๐ก Tips for Buying Wedding Gold
- โ Start early: Begin shopping 3-6 months before the wedding to compare prices and designs
- โ Track gold prices: Monitor prices on RateX.my and buy when prices dip
- โ Compare upah: Making charges vary significantly between shops
- โ Choose 916 gold: Best for jewelry - durable and beautiful
- โ Avoid festive seasons: Prices and upah are higher during CNY, Deepavali, wedding season
- โ Get detailed receipts: Ensure gold weight, purity, and upah are itemized
- โ Check buyback policy: Reputable shops offer buyback at market rates
- โ Consider insurance: Protect valuable wedding gold with jewelry insurance
Currency Guide for Malaysian Travelers
Panduan Mata Wang untuk Pelancong - Essential currency information for popular destinations
Singapore
SGD - Singapore Dollar
Tips:
- Exchange at JB money changers for best rates
- Touch 'n Go & BigPay accepted at many places
- ATM withdrawal fees can be high
Thailand
THB - Thai Baht
Tips:
- Exchange in Thailand for better rates
- SuperRich exchange chain has best rates
- Avoid exchanging at airports and hotels
Indonesia
IDR - Indonesian Rupiah
Tips:
- 1 MYR โ 4,000 IDR (easy calculation)
- Bring USD and exchange in Indonesia
- Use authorized money changers only
Saudi Arabia
SAR - Saudi Riyal
Hajj/Umrah Tips:
- Exchange before departure for peace of mind
- Bring small denominations for tips
- Credit cards widely accepted in malls
United Kingdom
GBP - British Pound
Tips:
- Wise/Revolut cards offer best rates
- Contactless payment everywhere
- Order GBP online for collection
Australia
AUD - Australian Dollar
Tips:
- Use travel cards for best rates
- Australia is highly cashless
- Tipping not expected
Ar-Rahnu
Islamic Gold Pawn / Pajak Gadai Islamik
Understanding Ar-Rahnu in Malaysia
Ar-Rahnu is an Islamic pawnbroking system that allows you to pledge gold as collateral for a loan, following Shariah principles. Unlike conventional pawnshops, Ar-Rahnu doesn't charge interest (riba) but uses a safekeeping fee (ujrah) structure.
How Ar-Rahnu Works
- Pledge your gold jewelry
- Receive loan (60-70% of gold value)
- Pay monthly safekeeping fee (wadiah)
- Redeem gold within agreed period
Ar-Rahnu Providers
- โข Bank Rakyat Ar-Rahnu
- โข Agro Bank Ar-Rahnu
- โข Ar-Rahnu YaPEIM
- โข Pos Ar-Rahnu (Pos Malaysia)
๐ก Tip: Know the current gold price (check RateX.my) before visiting Ar-Rahnu to estimate how much you can borrow. Typical loan is 60-70% of your gold's market value.
Gold Jewelry Care & Maintenance
Penjagaan Barang Kemas Emas - Keep your gold jewelry looking beautiful for years
Regular Cleaning
Clean with mild soap and warm water. Use a soft brush for intricate designs. Rinse and dry with a soft cloth.
Avoid Chemicals
Remove jewelry before swimming, cleaning, or applying perfume. Chlorine and chemicals can damage gold alloys.
Proper Storage
Store pieces separately in soft pouches or lined boxes. Prevent scratching by keeping items from touching each other.
Professional Service
Get professional cleaning and inspection annually. Jewelers can check for loose stones and worn clasps.
๐ Gold Shopping Locations in Malaysia
๐๏ธ Kuala Lumpur
- Jalan Masjid India - The heart of gold shopping in KL. Dozens of shops, competitive prices.
- Pavilion KL - Premium brands like Poh Kong, Habib, luxury jewelry.
- Mid Valley Megamall - Wide variety, family-friendly shopping.
- KLCC Suria - High-end jewelry, international brands.
- Petaling Street - Budget options, need to verify authenticity.
๐๏ธ Penang
- Jalan AR (Campbell Street) - Famous gold street, traditional shops.
- Gurney Plaza - Modern shopping, branded jewelers.
- Queensbay Mall - Variety of gold shops, good promotions.
- 1st Avenue Mall - Downtown George Town, convenient access.
๐ Johor Bahru
- City Square JB - Multiple gold shops, near customs.
- KSL City Mall - Popular local mall, competitive prices.
- AEON Tebrau City - Family shopping, trusted brands.
- Paradigm Mall JB - Newer mall, modern jewelry stores.
๐บ๏ธ Other Major Cities
- Ipoh - Jalan Sultan Iskandar Shah, old town gold shops.
- Malacca - Jonker Street, Dataran Pahlawan mall.
- Kuching - Spring Shopping Mall, The Hills Shopping Mall.
- Kota Kinabalu - Suria Sabah, Imago Shopping Mall.
Track Gold & Currency Rates Live
Bookmark RateX.my for real-time FGJAM gold prices and Bank Negara currency rates. Always know the market before you buy!