How to use the EZ-Link Card in Singapore: Guide for Malaysians

If you’re heading to sunny Singapore, whether it be for work or vacation, you’ll most likely be travelling on the country’s world-renowned public transport system.

Buses still accept cash fares, but to travel on the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) trains, you’ll require an EZ-Link card. This guide has everything you need to know, including what it is and how to get it. We’ll also touch on the Wise card, a handy companion to have on your trip to Singapore.

What is the EZ-Link card in Singapore?

The EZ-Link card¹ is an ubiquitous payment card in Singapore, where it can be used for most forms of public transport (bus, MRT and light rail transit (LRT) trains). Launched back in 2002, it’s a non-Account-Based Ticketing (ABT) stored-value contactless smart card that can also be used as a payment method in certain supermarkets and stores.

There are also ABT EZ-Link cards that utilise the SimplyGo system, with the money and data being stored on SimplyGo’s servers. The SimplyGo system also allows commuters to use eligible Visa or Mastercard credit cards in place of an EZ-Link card for fare payments.

The downside of the SimplyGo EZ-Link system and cards is that the card’s balance will not be shown when tapping out of MRT stations or buses, meaning you won’t know how much credit is left on the card unless you find a ticketing machine to check, or use the SimplyGo app.

EZ-Link card price

You might be wondering, how much is an EZ-Link card in Singapore? If you’re purchasing one, it will cost S$10 upfront², consisting of a S$5 non-refundable card cost and a S$5 credit that is preloaded into the card. If you use up the credit, you’ll have to top up the card at station machines or ATMs.

There are even special designs and EZ-Link charms in the form of trinkets that you can hang from your bag or smartphone case. These will cost more and can only be found in EZ-Link vending machines in certain shopping malls and bus interchanges.

If you’re only in Singapore for three days or less, the Singapore Tourist Pass EZ-Link card might be a decent option, offering unlimited rides on public transport for S$17 a day, S$24 for two days and S$29 for three days³.

Where to buy an EZ-Link card?

EZ-Link cards can be easily purchased via any ticketing office or ticketing service center⁴ at MRT stations and bus interchanges, and cards are also available at convenience stores, retail outlets as well as the aforementioned vending machines in shopping malls and bus interchanges.

If you’re looking for the Singapore Tourist Pass, they’re available at selected SimplyGo Ticket Offices, 24/7 automated kiosks, and at the Cheers convenience stores at Changi Airport⁵.

Where to buy an EZ-Link card in Malaysia?

You might be wondering: where to buy an EZ-Link card in Malaysia? Unfortunately for our neighbours, the EZ-Link cards aren’t officially sold over there. However, since the EZ-Link card isn’t tied to any identification, one can always borrow one from someone who already has it if they’re just entering Singapore for a vacation and don’t want to pay for a new card.

For Malaysians travelling via the Woodlands checkpoint, the EZ-Link card is not sold at the checkpoint. The nearest place you can get your EZ-Link card if you’re travelling via Woodlands CIQ would be Marsling, Kranji, or Woodlands MRT station.

How to use the EZ-Link card in Singapore?

The EZ-Link card can be used for all public transport fare payments in Singapore, as well as payments for purchases at selected merchants like McDonalds, KFC, FairPrice supermarkets, 7-Eleven convenience stores and more⁶.

Top ups can be done via ticketing machines or through the SimplyGo app, and all one has to do is tap the card at the entry gantry when starting a journey, and at the exit gantry when ending the journey. For retail purchases, the card just has to be tapped onto the reader.

How to check EZ-Link card balance?

If you’re wondering how to check your EZ-Link card balance, here’s a quick overview of how to do it:

Checking your EZ-Link card balance at an MRT station in Singapore (Non-ABT and SimplyGo EZ-Link cards)

1. Find a self-help machine (Top-Up Kiosk, Assisted Service Kiosk, SimplyGo Kiosk)
2. Place your card on the reader
3. View the remaining balance

Checking your EZ-Link card balance online (Only for SimplyGo EZ-Link cards)

1. Download the SimplyGo app (available worldwide)
2. Register for an account
3. Add your SimplyGo EZ-Link card
4. View the remaining balance

Where to top-up EZ-Link card

Not sure where to go or how to top-up your EZ-Link card? Fret not, it’s incredibly convenient, with top-up kiosks, SimplyGo kiosks and assisted service kiosks⁷ available at MRT stations and bus interchanges.

For an even more convenient method, you can download the SimplyGo app that’s available worldwide and register for an account before adding your EZ-Link card and topping it up. This works with both Non-ABT and SimplyGo EZ-Link cards.

EZ-Link card expiry

All recently issued EZ-Link cards have a validity period of 5 years from the issue date, regardless of where you get it from. The EZ-Link card expiry can be checked on the SimplyGo app, or via self-help ticketing machines.

If you wish to get a refund from an active or expiring EZ-Link card, you can head down to SimplyGo Ticket Offices to get it processed. Valid non-expired EZ-Link cards qualify for immediate refunds below $80, while SimplyGo EZ-Link cards are eligible only for a deferred refund within 10 working days.

Pay for public transport, food and more in Singapore with the Wise card

Whether you’re looking to get an EZ-Link card or feel it’s too much of a hassle, Wise is here to help. The Wise account allows you to exchange, hold and spend up to 40+ currencies in over 150+ countries, so you can top up in a different currency and use that amount to pay for your expenses in Singapore. Conversions are done at the mid-market rate, with low, transparent fees⁸.

You’ll be able to conveniently top-up your EZ-Link card with the Wise card, but if you want to avoid paying the card fee, why not use the Wise card itself to pay for your transportation? You can either use the physical card or add a virtual card to Apple Pay or Google Pay and tap your phone as needed.

The Wise card is perfect for hasslefree, contactless payments in Singapore, and you can even use the card for some free ATM withdrawals of up to 1,000 MYR. You’ll also be able to freeze the card directly from your account so you can rest assured that your money is kept safe.

Save some money with the added convenience when you use the Wise account and card for your next trip to Singapore.

🚀 Get started with Wise

Sources:

1. SimplyGo
2. SimplyGo (Cost of EZ-Link cards)
3. Singapore Tourist Pass
4. SimplyGo (Ticketing service centre locations)
5. SimplyGo (Singapore Tourist Pass)
6. SimplyGo (EZ-Link retail acceptance)
7. SimplyGo (Kiosk locations)
8. Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up-to-date pricing and fee information.