If you plan to drive north to Malaysia, you need to get a Touch ‘n Go card to pay the Malaysia road charge (RC) at the immigration counter and pay expressway tolls.
For Malaysians, it is simple and easy to get a Touch ‘n Go card. Just imagine how easy we can get an EZ-link card in Singapore.
But it is very inconvenient for Singapore drivers to get a Touch ‘n Go card in Singapore.
This driving to Malaysia guide explains different ways for Singapore drivers to get a Touch ‘n Go card, including getting the card in Singapore and upon arriving at Malaysia.
Why is the Touch ‘n Go card not sold in Singapore?
Plain and simple, Touch ‘n Go card is not allowed to sell in Singapore due to related financial regulations.
A special agreement or a permit is needed if Touch ‘n Go Sdn Bhd intends to sell the card in Singapore. Due to the market size, I guess Touch ‘n Go Sdn Bhd does not bother.
This creates a problem for Singapore drivers: they need to get a Touch ‘n Go card to enter Malaysia, but they cannot get it outside of Malaysia.
As mentioned in the Malaysia VEP guide, you can use Touch ‘n Go eWallet to pay the RM20 road charge if you get the VEP tag. You can reload the Touch ‘n Go eWallet through the app.
The remaining issue is that you still need a Touch ‘n Go card for the trip to collect the VEP tag, which can only be collected in Malaysia.
Of course, there are some (not just one) solutions to this issue.
How to get a Touch ‘n Go card in Singapore?
Although Touch ‘n Go Sdn Bhd cannot sell the card in Singapore, Singaporeans, as an individual, can sell the “used” Touch ‘n Go card as a used product. And you can buy from them, just like buying a second-hand smartphone.
Some smart people can then use this method to make a profit from selling Touch ‘n Go cards in the Carousel. Of course, they cannot mark up too much because everyone knows the card is only RM10.
So, you can check Carousel or other local forums to see whether someone is offering a Touch ‘n Go card.
If you are too lazy or too busy, you can easily get a “used” Touch ‘n Go card without leaving Singapore.
When you get a Touch ‘n Go card in this way, you must know the following:
- The touch ‘n Go card is valid for 10 years (as printed on the card).
- But if the card were not used for more than 365 days, it would be deactivated by Touch ‘n Go Sdn Bhd. You cannot use this card (you can only get the refund in their office).
- You cannot top-up (reload) the Touch ‘n Go card in Singapore. You need to make sure the card has a balance of at least RM20 to pay the RC.
So, do NOT just check the validity date printed on the card. You can check the card validity and balance in the Touch ‘n Go eWallet app.
But you can NOT top up (reload) the Touch ‘n Go card in the app.
How to get a Touch ‘n Go card upon arriving in Malaysia?
Some old drivers may tell you that it is easy and you can get ta Touch ‘n Go card upon arriving in Malaysia.
It was true before August 2018. It is only partially true in 2019.
If you leave Singapore through Woodlands Checkpoint, then you can NOT buy a Touch ‘n Go card upon arriving in Malaysia. You may end up to pay a fine. You cannot top up (reload) Touch ‘n Go card in any counters either
If you leave Singapore through Tuas Checkpoint, yes, you can still get a Touch ‘n Go card upon arriving in Malaysia. There is a Touch ‘n Go kiosk with 4 vending machines before queueing for immigration counters as shown in Google Maps below.
If you want to go through immigration counters on the left side, you can try to keep right. If you want to go through immigration counters on the right side, keep left, as illustrated above.
You will not miss the booth if you pay attention when the two lanes split for immigration counters. The booth is the first “building” in the traffic island.
If the queues are not long, or you travel alone, you can stop the car on the road shoulder and use the vending machine to buy a Touch ‘n Go card or top up the card.
How to get a Touch ‘n Go card for free in Malaysia?
Once you are in Malaysia, a Touch ‘n Go card can be easily purchased in many convenient stores and petrol stations.
But there are many ways to save the RM10 for the card.
Many Singapore drivers get a Watson VIP card (which can be used in Malaysia, not Singapore) at RM18.85. The membership card can also be used as a Touch ‘n Go card, in addition to enjoying discounts in the store. Most items (with a few exceptions) are far cheaper than in Watson stores in Singapore. You can eventually get some relief after paying a lot for the car in Singapore.
Another popular option among Singapore drivers is the Tesco Clubcard. It costs RM10, and can be used as a Touch ‘n Go card as well. Of course, if you like to shop in Tesco, then this card may earn back the card fees and possibly even the expressway tolls for you. You cannot find Tesco in Singapore yet.
Of course, there are many other ways to get a Touch ‘n Go card for free in Malaysia.
Can I top up Touch ‘n Go card in the Touch ‘n Go eWallet App?
If you need to drive to Malaysia, you should install the Touch ‘n Go eWallet App because:
- You need this app and set up your account when you collect your Malaysia VEP tag.
- You can check the balance and transaction history of your Touch ‘n Go cards in this app.
- You can pay the $20 road charge (RC) from this app automatically after you collect your VEP tag. If you eWallet balance is not sufficient, Touch ‘n Go card saved in the app will be used as a failover.
- You can top up your Touch ‘n Go eWallet in the app using your Singapore credit cards.
But, you can NOT top up the Touch ‘n Go card in the Touch ‘n Go eWallet app.
You can NOT convert (or transfer) your eWallet balance to any Touch ‘n Go cards.
So, you still have to top up (reload) your Touch ‘n Go card in Touch ‘n Go kiosks/counters, convenience stores, Watson, Tesco, petrol stations and many other locations.
Do you know how to get a Touch ‘n Go card as a Singapore driver? Do you know how to get a free Touch ‘n Go card in Malaysia?
If you have any questions on how to get a Touch ‘n Go card as a Singapore driver or to use the Touch ‘n Go card, please let us know in the comment box below
The community will help you.
For questions on buying a car in Singapore, please check Singapore car ownership guides page.
For questions on driving a car in Singapore, please check Singapore driving guides page.
For maintaining and servicing your car in Singapore, please check Singapore car maintenance guides page.
For driving from Singapore to Malaysia, please check Dring to Malaysia guides page.
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Safe driving! Happy driving!
Grace Yu
Hi
I need help to make an appointment to collect my VEP Tag. I already received a confirmation slip
and I was asked to set up the TnG E-wallet. When I tried to make an appointment, the message came out as “E-wallet account is not active.” I download the e-wallet via Tng e-wallet App and unfortunately, I key in my passport (not my NRICNo.). I wrote to ask TNG to change to my NRIC No.
How do I proceed to the next step to get an appointment without the E-wallet.
Thanks
simon
Not sure. I guess they will respond very slowly.
Did you try to register a new TnG e-wallet?
Bob
So does this mean that once I get the RFID installed in my car, I technically do not need the TNG card to pay for the road charge and the highway toll payments? Just the TNG e wallet with sufficient funds?
simon
Not at this time. You still need to bring the physical Touch ‘n Go card.
The VEP tag is currently used in the checkpoints only (to pay the RM20 road charge) . The toll gates on the highways still don’t recognize the tag yet. Currently, only Malaysian cars can use the eWallet to pay the toll.
Besides, the Touch ‘n Go eWallet can only check the balance of the TnG card. You cannot top up the card with the eWallet balance.
Anyway, it’s just an implementation issue.
KK
I have collected my VEP tag and is linked to the E wallet and TNG Card. I have heard that I don’t not need to tab the card from others when crossing the custom in JB. The gate will auto open and the toll Rm 2.90 and RC Rm 20. Will auto deduct from the E wallet. But this did not happen to my case. The gate don’t open and I need to tab my card on both machine b4 the gate open. Also only the toll Rm 2.90 is deducted from the E wallet else the Rc will be deducted from my card. I find it a bit weird. I need to top up card and E wallet. So troublesome.
simon
Did you top up the balance for the eWallet?
Although you can add some physical Touch ‘n Go cards into the eWallet app, they will NOT be used by the app. It is a convenience feature for you to check the card balance and transaction history (and that’s all). The balance in your physical cards and the eWallet is NOT transferrable (linked). They are independent. So, if you tap the card, it should NEVER deduct from your eWallet balance. It should only deduct from the specific card used. Inside the app, you can see the transaction history. Sometimes, the transaction is posted immediately. Sometimes, it can take a few days.
Normally, if your eWallet balance is more than RM20, the Road Charge is normally charged from the eWallet and the gate opens automatically (you still have to wait for the passport checking). Of course, the system is broken in that gate, or the officer turned off something, it may not work as expected. You can always check with the officer. Anyway, the keyword is “enough balance in the eWallet app”, not the card. Card balance can only be used when tapped.
For the road toll, Singapore cars have to use the Touch ‘n Go card. (Again, what you see in the eWallet app very likely is the transaction history for that card,) The RFID tags for Malaysian cars (which are offered free now) to pay for tolls without tapping a card. is different from our VEP one. As I know, the feature is NOT enabled for the VEP tag yet.
Candy
Hello.. I needed some help here. With all the reload counters gone now at both customs. Where else can we top up our touch and go card to enter into Malaysia?
I downloaded the app itself n reload money in it, apparently, it can’t be use. They still deduct money from my physical card and the reload amount is also still in my e wallet.
Anyone have encounter these before? Pls help. Thanks.
simon
Did you link the eWallet to VEP? if not, you have to use the physical card.
The balances in the physical cards and the eWallet are independent. You cannot top up the card with eWallet balance. Anyway, it is unclear why they use such a system but don’t make top-up easier with the eWallet.
I think the Touch ‘n Go vending machines are still there if you leave Singapore through Tuas checkpoint. Once in Malaysia, you can easily top up in convenience store or Watsons.
Amos Toh Kok Wah
“The Touch ‘n Go eWallet comes with PayDirect™, a feature which allows you to pass through tolls as usual with your added Touch ‘n Go Card(s), but toll fares will be deducted directly from your eWallet”. This will help resolve most of the top up issue if you are able to link your TNG card to the ewallet.
Daren
Drove to Malaysia via Tuas in June 2022. TNG card from before Covid had expired during the closed border time so is invalid even though it still has value on it. (Must apply online for refund). So bought a new EZLink-TNG card at a 7-11 in SG but cannot load it with cash in SG. And cannot load this card from TNG e-wallet app on phone.
The top-up machines at Malaysia Immigration (2nd Link) have not been working since before Covid (still the same in 2022). I asked Immigration officer how to pay the RM20 Road Charge at immigration booth (which MUST by paid by TNG card – cash or credit card is not accepted). Answer: “Borrow from another driver”. Senior officer confirmed this. (So this is the official answer. Seriously?). Managed to borrow card from another car (Malaysian). Phew.
After Immigration, at first toll booth on 2nd Link road, was able to reload the EZLink-TNG card with ringgit cash (at far-left lane toll booth).
So, Singapore drivers without any valid and loaded TNG card will have this experience at Immigration after Tuas (assume is the same at Causeway). To avoid it, can try to buy a loaded TNG card online (Carousell?) or ask friend in Malaysia to send one. Or borrow from SG friend who already has.
For the future:
1. there is an Enhanced TNG card which can be reloaded from the TNG e-wallet app (think this is what above poster Amos refers to by PayDirect). But this card is sold out in Malaysia as of June 2022 and seems is only being drip-fed into the market.
2. TNG is phasing in RFID tag technology (tag fixed to car can be linked to the e-wallet app). Seems that after SG cars get fitted with RFID tags for VEP, will be able to pay tolls that way. Already some RFID lanes on North-South Highway and in Klang Valley area but not everywhere in Malaysia. (Fitting of VEP RFID tags to SG cars at Johor locations stopped with Covid and has not restarted yet (at 06/22). So only pre-Covid early birds can use it at the moment).
simon
Thank you for sharing the latest info about the TNG card for Singapore drivers. It will be extremely useful for the readers.
Daren
There is so much incorrect and out of date info online about this topic. It’s actually messy and complex. I never saw anything online that indicated the “borrow a card” policy.
Another option: take bus or train to JB to reload your TNG card before driving in. If you have time.
On RFID, as your earlier comment says, the VEP RFID tags for SG car may be different from TNG RFID tags for Malaysian cars. So even the early birds may still have the current problem.
simon
Thank you for sharing the info.
Ade
Hi all, planning to drive up to malaysia for CNY period and as a first timer driving into Malaysia from SG, i did my read ups and homework online.
1. couldn’t get any Touch n Go physical card in Singapore, Malaysia contacts also could not buy any apparent, out of stock everywhere?! Resorting to borrowing from fellow Singaporeans with enough stored value topped up in RM.
2. registered for VEP and got the VEP RFID tag delivered to SG address, good! BUT, could not link VEP RFID tag at all to my Touch n Go e-wallet (verified/activated) even after activating VEP RFID.
3. the Touch n Go e-wallet is for what purpose then?
VEP RFID tag is for what purpose also since can’t link to Touch n Go e-wallet, it says only for Malaysia registered vehicle??!
Wah, i’m so dumbfounded and confused.
Does that mean, I only need to have VEP confirmation letter, passports and physical Touch n GO card with sufficient stored value, the RFID tags of all sorts + e-wallet are useless?
Just don’t want to get caught at custom for not having sufficient paperwork as i plan to 7 hours drive to north malaysia 🙂
simon
1. You can buy EZ-Link x Touch ‘n Go Motoring Card in Singapore. But you can NOT top up RM in Singapore. So, it is more or less useless. SGD and MYR wallets are independent of each other. A few sellers sell this card with pre-loaded RM. Of course, they need to make a profit for the topped amount (normally $30-$50 for RM 50; do you own math).
You can also buy a preloaded TnG card. If you buy in Carousell, it is better to pay when you get the card. Most of them will show you the top-up receipt. Anyway, you need to pay some extra.
Prior to covid-19, there was a vending machine for you to buy and top up the TnG card if you go through Tuas. But it was said it has not been available since 2020.
2. They did add the postage option for the tag collection and let you paste the tag (and send them a photo to activate it). But we do not know how good the service is.
If you cannot link the tag to the eWallet, you can ask for help inside the app. Previously, some users have issues with the IC number and passport number. I think we should use IC number (not the passport number, if I remember correctly). But anyway, you should ask for help inside the app. It is slow. But they do answer.
3. Currently, yes, it is OK if you have the VEP tag and a TnG card (with sufficient balance).
If you successfully link the eWallet with the VEP tag, you do not need the TnG card at the Custom (and at the Custom only; we still have to pay toll fees with the TnG card, not the eWallet, for the time being). And you can top up the wallet in Singapore. You can also use it to make payments in some shops.
If you add a TnG card to the wallet, the card will not be deactivated (for non-activity) unless it is expired. This is good for drivers who do not go to MY often. A dormant TnG card will be deactivated automatically, and it is troublesome to get a refund.
Anyway, currently, eWallet is not considered essential. But it is definitely better to have one.
Technically, the VEP confirmation letter is not sufficient. You need a collection appointment letter or a collected and activated VEP tag. But I guess they probably are not so strict.
SM Chou
Hi Simon, I have not used my TouchNGo card for 3 years. The website info shows this (active).
26.90 | ACTIVE | TNG GENERIC 2.0 | 21/12/2019 15:31:38 | 03/07/2029
Does it mean it still works?
simon
If it is active with balance, then you should be able to use it.
By default, the Touch ‘n Go card becomes inactive if there are no transactions in 12 months. In your case, you probably linked the card to the Wallet, and it would not become inactive.
Please note, once a card is inactive, it cannot be reactivated (and RM5 service fees will be deducted every 6 months until it has 0 value). You can only get a refund from the balance left.
SM Chou
Many thanks for your prompt and clear response!
khai
Can I use my TnG eWallet on my phone and turn on NFC, then use it to tap and pay at Malaysia Customs?
simon
You do not need to do anything in the customs. After linking your Touch n Go eWallet to the VEP, the deduction will be automatic.
However, this does not work for highway tolls. You need to manually pay with a physical card.
Del capo
We can now buy new touch n go NFC cards from TNG eWallet and they deliver to Singapore! I just bought 4 and only 10 ringgit each.
simon
Thanks for sharing the info. Yes, they now finally ship to Singapore, with a shipping charge of RM25.