The Great World

In the previous article about Singapore’s transportation system, I talked about how to get a payment card when using public transportation in Singapore. As promised, in this article I will give you more specific instructions.

Welcome to Singapore, a bustling metropolis known for its seamless blend of culture, cuisine, and cutting-edge technology! If you’re planning a trip to this vibrant city-state, one essential item for your travel checklist is a Singapore Transit Card. It’s not just a ticket to travel; it’s your key to exploring the city with convenience and efficiency.

What is a Singapore Transit Card?

A Singapore Transit Card, commonly referred to as an EZ-Link card or NETS FlashPay card, is a contactless smart card used for public transportation services within Singapore. It simplifies travel by allowing you to tap and go on buses, trains, and even some taxis.

Travelers can purchase single-trip tickets or use stored-value cards like the EZ-Link card or the Singapore Tourist Pass, which offers unlimited rides for a specific duration. These cards can be bought at MRT stations and convenience stores. Alternatively, if you do not own an EZ link card, your debit card or credit card might be able to tap and pay for the MRT and bus ride but if does not, kindly get an EZ link card. In paragraph “Where to Obtain Your Transit Card?”, I will give you more information to have exact choice.

Why Do You Need a Transit Card in Singapore?

If don’t use a transit card, you can’t travel by MRT, and cash is not accepted. You can pay for a bus with cash for a single trip but they don’t give change. Imagine that for each bus trip, you have to pay 2$ but in fact, you only need to pay $1.05 and every day you may be using this vehicle 5 or 6 times. Oh, that needs to be considered.

If you decide to call a car to travel, it will be extremely expensive if your finances are not too abundant, especially if you go alone. Each close travel distance is about $10 and a far distance can cost you $40. If you go in a group of 3-4 people to share, then ok, no problem.

In conclusion, there are three main points for the reason why you need to have a transit card if you want to protect your wallet and be comfortable on the whole trip:

• Convenience: Avoid the hassle of purchasing single-journey tickets.
• Certainly, cost-effective or on the other way: the cheapest way to travel. Enjoy lower fares compared to single-trip tickets.
• Wide Acceptance: Use it on MRT trains, buses, and even at some hawker centers, shops, and attractions.

Where to Obtain Your Transit Card? It’s easy for you to own a transit card.

• Changi Airport: Available at TransitLink Ticket Offices or Automated STP Kiosks.
• MRT Stations: Purchase from ticket machines or TransitLink counters.
• Convenience Stores: Available at 7-Eleven outlets island-wide.

It’s very easy to find where to buy one. And now, you have 2 choices buy an EZ Link/Nets card where you will lose the $5 fee, or the unlimited Tourist Pass where you could get back a 10$ deposit. Read the next paragraph carefully to decide exactly which one you need.

The Ez-link:

This is a widely used type of transit card that can be purchased from any Transitlink ticket box at some SMRT stations. Base price is 15 SGD, including 10 SGD available on the card and 5 SGD non-refundable.

When having an Ez-link card, passengers can get on any bus and make payment at the toll collection box located on the front and rear doors of the bus to automatically pay the fare. Note that when getting on the bus, you should be careful when getting off the bus because otherwise you will be considered as traveling from the bus station to the end of the bus and charged according to this direction.

You can take additional naps (top up – minimum 10 SGD and mine is 100 SGD) at Transitlink ticket booths or through advance nap machines located at MRT stations, 7-Eleven stores or SingPost locations. When you don’t use the money, you can get a refund at SingPost stores.

The Singapore Tourist Pass (STP)

If you only come to Singapore for 3 days or less but travel a lot, you can buy a Singapore Tourist Pass (STP) to travel unlimited times on MRT and buses.

There are 3 types of Singapore Tourist Pass prices: 8 SGD (1 day), 16 SGD (2 days) and 24 SGD (3 days). The condition is to deposit an additional 10 SGD when taking it, within 5 days after expires you need to refund the card and retake the deposit.

STP are now sold at MRT stations, including MRT Changi, Orchard, Chinatown, City Hall, and Raffles Place. Ang Mo Kio, Harbourfront, Bugis and Lavender

Most rides only cost 1SGD –1.5SGD, so if you only make 3–4 short trips a day, should choose The Ez-link. Furthermore, the ticket office for refunds closes in the evening, so remember to come there at a reasonable time for you as if you have to fly early the next morning when these offices are not yet operational, you can lose the deposit.

How to Use Your Transit Card?

Tap and Go: Simply tap your card on the reader when you board a bus or at MRT gantries.

Top-Up: Easily top-up your card at MRT stations, convenience stores, or using mobile apps.

Exploring Singapore with Your Transit Card

Your transit card is your gateway to exploring Singapore’s diverse neighborhoods, from the heritage-rich streets of Chinatown to the futuristic landscape of Marina Bay. Here are some must-visit attractions easily accessible by public transport:

• Marina Bay Sands: Just a short MRT ride away.
• Gardens by the Bay: A few taps away on the MRT or you can walk from Marina Bay Sands, they are close to each other
• Sentosa Island: Reachable by MRT and Sentosa Express.
• Orchard Road: Access Singapore’s shopping haven by bus or MRT.
• Bugis Street: A lively hub of shopping, fine dining, and trendy cafés and bars that stay open long into the night. The market has a great variety of exotic goods, mostly at bargain prices, you can freely shop for items as gifts for relatives and friends.

Additional Tips for Tourists

• Downloading transit apps for example Google Maps is the most convenient app that can help you navigate the public transport system efficiently.
• Keep Your Card Topped-Up: Ensure your card has sufficient balance for your journeys, always maintain a balance above $5.

With your Singapore Transit Card in hand, you’re ready to experience the city’s dynamic pulse, cultural tapestry, and culinary delights with ease. It’s more than just a travel tool; it’s your companion in exploring the Lion City’s charm and efficiency. Welcome to Singapore, and happy exploring!

Do you have any questions about exploring Singapore or using the transit card? Feel free to drop your queries below, and let’s make your Singapore adventure as smooth and enjoyable as possible!

This post is designed to be informative, engaging, and helpful for tourists, encouraging them to make the most of their Singapore visit with the convenience of a transit card.