A Complete Guide on the Touch ‘N Go Card in Singapore
Navigating through the bustling streets of Malaysia with a Touch ‘n Go card will make anyone feel like a secret agent armed with the ultimate travel weapon. I certainly felt like one!
With a mere tap, doors to the nation’s wonders swung open, public transport bowed to my whims, and even the payment counters smiled in anticipation. No more fumbling for change or standing in long queues; this little card held the key to seamless adventures.
Now with this handy guide, let’s see all the things that a Touch ‘n Go card can do for you.
What is the purpose of a Touch ‘n Go card in Singapore?
— From touchngoewallet
The Touch ‘n Go card in Singapore serves as a contactless smart card used for seamless and convenient payment across various modes of public transportation and other services in Malaysia.
Like our EZ-Link card, it’s a smart card system that eliminates the need for physical cash or paper tickets, making overall travel and transaction in Malaysia faster and more efficient.
In addition to public transportation, those travelling to Malaysia can use the Touch ‘n Go card at designated retail outlets, parking facilities, and for electronic road pricing (ERP).
Can Singaporeans use Touch ‘n Go cards?
Singaporeans travelling to Malaysia can use the Touch ‘n Go Card for cross-border convenience.
For instance, Singaporean commuters with a Touch ‘n Go card can use it to pay for travel on some buses and trains in Malaysia that support the card.
Meanwhile, the EZ-Link x Touch ‘n Go Motoring Card has allowed Singaporean motorists heading to Malaysia to breeze through tolls, parking lots, and more with just a tap, thanks to the interoperability agreement between the two systems.
However, it can’t be used for public transport in Singapore. Using the local EZ-Link card remains the more widely accepted and convenient option for public transportation and services within Singapore.
How to Use a Touch ‘n Go Card in Singapore
— From kane0430
1. Check for interoperability
First, ensure that the Touch ‘n Go card you have is compatible with the specific services accepting it in Singapore. While some cross-border services exist, it’s best to confirm the acceptance locations beforehand.
Generally, the EZ-Link x Touch ‘n Go Motoring Card can be used for
✔ Toll charges in Singapore (ERP) and Malaysia (VEP toll)
✔ Parking fees in Singapore and Malaysia
✔ Public transportation fares (bus and rail) in Malaysia
✔ Some retail stores in Malaysia
2. Load sufficient value
Before you start your journey, make sure your Touch ‘n Go card has sufficient value or credit. You can top up your card at designated locations in Singapore or Malaysia, depending on where you obtained the card.
You can do so at self-service kiosks, authorised outlets, or online platforms.
3. Identify accepted services
Simply look for the Touch ‘n Go logo or signage at public transportation entry points, such as bus interchanges or MRT stations. These indicate that the card is accepted for payment.
You can also visit the Touch ‘n Go official website for interoperability information, contact its customer support, or check with local transportation providers.
4. Tap and go!
As you board a bus or enter an MRT station, simply tap your Touch ‘n Go card on the card reader located at the entry gate. The fare will automatically be deducted from your card’s balance.
After tapping your card, wait for the transaction to be processed. Usually, you will hear a beep or see a green light on the card reader, indicating a successful transaction.
5. Check balance
Keep an eye on your card balance to avoid inconvenience and to ensure you have sufficient credit for your travels. You can check it at various locations such as self-service kiosks or online portals.
6. Use for other services
In Singapore, Touch ‘n Go cards are primarily accepted for public transportation. However, some car parks may also support this payment method. Check for the Touch ‘n Go logo at the car park entrance or payment machines.
Additionally, some retail shops in Malaysia accept payments via Touch ‘n Go cards. These include Subway (Menara MBC branch only), Sepiring, Watsons Personal Store, The Chicken Rice Shop, NZ Curry House, and others.
7. Enjoy cross-border convenience
If you plan to travel to Malaysia, your Touch ‘n Go card can also be used for toll payments and certain public transportation services. Just tap your way through the cross-border adventure!
How to Buy a Touch ‘n Go Card in Singapore
— From gudfala
Find authorised outlets that sell the Touch ‘n Go card. These outlets might include selected travel agencies, money changers, or other locations with ties to Malaysia.
Currently, most 7-Eleven and Cheers convenience stores carry Touch ‘n Go cards and sell them for S$10. Each card already comes with a S$3 load value in its EZ-Link purse. Here are some Cheers outlets that currently sell TNG cards:
✔ 10 Jurong West Avenue 1
✔ 31 Choa Chu Kang Way
✔ 50 Chua Chu Kang Drive
✔ 50 Chua Chu Kang Avenue 3
✔ 50 Woodlands Avenue 1
✔ 150 Jurong East Avenue 1
✔ 302 Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim
The Touch ‘N Go card is available after Tuas Checkpoint. Take the left lane through immigration, and pull over to buy or top up your TNG card.
Some petrol stations like Caltex, Sinopec, and SPC may carry them for around S$7 each, but these don’t have stored value yet.
You can also look at some Shopee, Lazada, or Carousell online stores for Touch ‘n Go cards, which typically go for S$10 with no load value. You can buy a new or second-hand TNG card.
But check the expiration date if buying second-hand. Ensure it has a minimum balance of RM 20 (about S$6.02) for travel expenses, as it can’t be topped up in Singapore.
2. Visit the outlet
Go to the authorised outlet and inquire about purchasing the Touch ‘n Go card. They will guide you through the process and provide you with the card.
Additionally, a self-service kiosk for Touch ‘n Go cards is a machine or terminal where users can perform various functions related to their Touch ‘n Go cards without the assistance of a staff member.
3. Pay for the card
Pay the required amount for the Touch ‘n Go card, which typically includes the card cost and initial stored value.
In general, payment for a Touch ‘n Go card doesn’t typically require a receipt. When you purchase a TNG card, the payment is usually made directly at the point of sale, and the receipt is not commonly provided for card transactions.
5. Activate and top up
After purchasing the card, you might need to activate it and top up the stored value to use it for your intended purposes.
Secure your TNG card by registering it online on the MYTouchnGo site. If there are discrepancies or if the card is lost or stolen, you can easily make a claim and get your money back.
You can reload your Touch ‘n Go card with RM 10 to RM 500. The maximum limit at any time is RM 1,500.
Top-up TNG cards only through authorised partners. Illegal top-ups can lead to blacklisting and balance forfeiture.
6. Use the card!
Once you’ve activated and topped up the card, you can start using it for specific services in Singapore and cross-border travel between Singapore and Malaysia where the Touch ‘n Go card is accepted.
Crossing the Singapore-Malaysia border with a Touch ‘n Go card costs RM 20 (about S$6.02) via the RFID lane. Ensure your TNG balance is at least RM 20 for a smooth passage, so top up at various places in Malaysia after entering.
To pay for a service or entry, simply tap your TNG card on the card reader at the point of use. This could be when boarding a bus, entering a train station, paying tolls at highways, or making payments at participating merchants.
Where to Top Up a Touch ‘n Go Card in Singapore
— From fk8_sg
You can top up at Touch ‘n Go’s official places, including its customer service counters, hubs, or spots, petrol kiosks, convenience stores, ATMs, pharmacies, self-service kiosks, and selected Toll Plazas.
You can store up to S$ 500 in your EZ-Link purse and up to RM 1,500 in your Touch ‘n Go purse simultaneously.
You can also top up your EZ-Link purse using the Express Top-up service on the EZ-Link app. Please remember that Auto Top-up doesn’t apply to the EZ-Link x Touch ‘n Go Motoring Card.
Can Touch ‘n Go cards expire?
— From chan.h.yee.98
Touch ‘n Go cards can expire. The expiration period for Touch ‘n Go cards varies depending on the type of card and the policies of the issuing company.
Typically, the standard Touch ‘n Go cards have a validity period of five years from the date of issuance.
Keep your TNG card active with at least one recharge or use per year. It deactivates after 12 months of no transactions. Reactivate with S$1.59 (about RM 5.30) deducted from the card balance.
It’s important to remember that the EZ-Link x Touch ‘n Go Motoring card has two purses (EZ-Link and Touch ‘n Go), all valid for a minimum of 5 years from the purchase date.