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Singapore Tourist Pass, EZ Link or Contactless Bank Card? Which One is Better?

Singapore Tourist Pass, EZ Link or Contactless Bank Card? Which One is Better?

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To take public transportation in Singapore, you need either cash or card.

Paying by cash is rather inconvenient because you need to give the exact amount, otherwise no change will be given. Majority people use cards, but which card is better?

There are 3 cards that travellers can use in Singapore: Singapore Tourist Pass, EZ Link and Contactless Bank Cards. Each has its own pros and cons, and each is suited for different types of travellers.

In this post, I write about the details of each card, followed by situations when a certain card is more favourable than the other.

To learn about all the different types of transportation in Singapore, read my in-depth guide about getting around Singapore.

1. Singapore Tourist Pass

Singapore Tourist Pass, EZ Link or Standard Ticket? Which One is Better?
Photo Credit: thesingaporetouristpass

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The Singapore Tourist Pass (STP) is a card that gives you unlimited travel on Singapore’s MRT, LRT and basic bus services for 1 day, 2 days or 3 days depending on which pass you purchase.

Here are what you need to know about STP.

Below are the prices of the STP. The price is inclusive of S$10 refundable deposit.

  • S$22 for 1 day
  • S$29 for 2 days
  • S$34 for 3 days

The deposit will be refunded when you return the card within 5 days after the day of purchase.

Eg: If you purchase the card on Monday, you need to return the card by Saturday to get the deposit back. In other words, if you buy the 3-day pass, you need to activate it latest by Wednesday.

If you decide to keep the card and not return it, the S$10 deposit will be forfeited, and you can continue to use the card as a normal EZ-Link card.

Kids below 0.9m height travel for free on trains and buses when accompanied by a fee-paying adult.

You can buy STP at TransitLink Ticket Office only at certain MRT stations, namely: Ang Mo Kio, Bayfront, Bugis, Changi Airport, Chinatown, City Hall, Farrer Park, Harbourfront, Jurong East, Lavender, Maxwell, Orchard, Raffles Place, Somerset, Woodlands. More details on opening hours here.

You can return STP to TransitLink Ticket Offices at selected MRT stations. Here’s the list of TransitLink Ticket Offices.

Unlimited rides are not applicable for: Sentosa Express monorail, RWS8 bus, Express Services Bus, Fast Forward Bus, Night Owl bus (N bus), NightRider bus (NR bus), Chinatown Direct bus (CT bus) and other premium and niche bus services.

The pass starts when you use it for the first time. The 1-day pass ends when the last public transport has stopped operation (slightly past midnight). Eg: if you use the card for the first time at 6pm on Monday, the 1-day pass will expire on Monday’s night (when the last train and bus have stopped), the 2-day pass will expire on Tuesday’s night and the 3-day pass will expire on Wednesday’s night.

Now, STP offers various deals, from discounted attraction prices to discounted meals.

SG Tourist Pass

sg tourist pass
SG Tourist Pass (Photo Credit: Singapore Tourist Pass)

The SG Tourist Pass is similar to STP, except: it doesn’t include a deposit, you don’t need to return the card after expiry, and it’s slightly more expensive than STP.

There’s only 1 option, which is the 3-day SG Tourist Pass that costs S$29. Thus, if you’re only visiting Singapore for 1 or 2 days, this card may not be the right card for you.

The 3-day SG Tourist Pass is $5 more expensive than the 3-day STP. That means, the cost of the physical card is $5, which is equivalent to the cost of a normal EZ-Link physical card.

Should you get SG Tourist Pass?

You should get SG Tourist Pass if you want to use 3-day unlimited travel pass, and you want to keep the card and continue using it as a normal EZ-Link after the 3-day pass expires.

Singapore Tourist Pass PLUS

Singapore Tourist Pass PLUS (Photo Credit: Singapore Tourist Pass)

The Singapore Tourist Pass Plus (STP+) is an extension from STP. On top of unlimited rides on trains and basic bus services, STP+ offers additional perks.

Here are STP+ facts you should know.

The cost of STP+ depends on where you buy it from. At the moment, it’s sold at Changi Recommends. You can buy it online and collect at the airport, or directly buy from Changi Recommends’ counter. You can’t collect it from MRT Station.

There isn’t any S$10 deposit required, unlike the usual STP. So, at the end of 3 days, you can keep the card or discard it. You don’t need to return it, unlike STP.

There’s only 1 option, which is the 3-day STP+ that costs S$48. Thus, if you’re only visiting Singapore for 1 or 2 days, this card may not be the right card for you.

STP+ will give you the following perks (subjected to change without prior notice):

  • Complimentary 1-hour walking tour
  • Limited Edition Postcard Set
  • $5 credit off for Changi Travel Concierge Service

Should you get Singapore Tourist Pass PLUS or just the normal STP? Is STP+ actually worth it?

In my opinion, STP+ is worth it only if you’re interested to join the free 1-hour walking tour.

If you’re the type of traveler who loves to DIY your travel and would avoid tours as much as possible, or if you’re a budget traveler or slow traveler, you can skip STP+.

2. EZ-Link

Singapore Tourist Pass, EZ Link or Standard Ticket? Which One is Better?

EZ-Link card is the most commonly used travel card by residents and returning visitors. In the beginning, you store a certain value inside the card. Your card’s value will be deducted only when you use it.

The price of an EZ-Link depends on where you buy it from.

If you buy from TransitLink Ticket Offices, Concession Card Replacement Offices and Passenger Service Centres located at all MRT stations, it costs S$12 which consists of S$7 value + S$5 non-refundable deposit.

If you buy from 7-Eleven, it costs S$10 which consists of S$5 value + S$5 non-refundable deposit.

You need to maintain a minimum $3 balance in your EZ-Link in order to be able to board MRT and buses. When your balance falls below $3, you need to top up to continue using it.

Minimum top-up amount is $2. You can top up with Cash as well as Debit/Credit card.

IMPORTANT: with the initial credit of $7, you can only take public transport for about 3 times (assuming $1.5/ride), then your credit will be below $3 (you need to maintain at least $3 in your EZ-Link). You have to top-up before you can use the card again. The minimum top up is $10. Therefore, your total cost becomes $12 + 10 = $22.

To get refund of the unused portion of your EZ-Link, you can return it to any Passenger Service Centre at MRT stations, Ticket Office at MRT stations, Ticket Office at bus interchanges. However, you can’t get back the S$5 non-refundable deposit. Immediate refund is possible for the old EZ-Link without Simplygo.

It was announced on 9 Jan 2024 that everyone will have to upgrade to the new EZ-Link with SimplyGo from 1 June 2024 in order to ride the bus and MRT. However, on 22 Jan 2024, LTA (Land Transport Authority) has canceled the mandatory switch to Simplygo. Therefore, you will continue to be able to use the old EZ-Link.

Currently, it is not possible to get refund immediately for Simplygo EZ-Link. Refund will take 14 days. So, try to use up the credit in your EZ-Link card before leaving Singapore.

EZ-Link can be used at MRT, LRT and most public buses. Furthermore, you can also use EZ-Link for SMRT & TransCab taxis, F&B outlets, and many places you can’t even imagine.

Here’s the full list of places where payment by EZ-Link is accepted. To be honest, the list is too long! For simplicity, at the shop where you’re going to make payment, just look for EZ-Link logo . If there’s EZ-Link Logo, it means you can use EZ-Link to pay.

EZ-Link is valid for 5 years from the date of encoding. At the end of 5 years, you can exchange the card at Ticket Office.

EZ-Link cards can be reloaded (topped up) at all General Ticketing Machines at all MRT Stations, certain bus interchanges, 7-Eleven, ATMs, and other places. Here’s the complete list of places where you can top up your EZ-Link.

You can store a maximum value of S$500 in the EZ-Link.

You can download SimplyGo app to check your current remaining balance, transaction history, as well as to earn points that you can use to redeem freebies or discounted items!

EZ-Link for children under 7 years old

Children under 7 years old can travel for free. If  they are below 0.9m in height, they do not need any card. However, if they are above 0.9m, they need a special card called Child Concession Card. If children are below 7 years old but don’t have these card, they need to pay for the adult fare.

The Child Concession Card can be used for MRT, LRT, basic bus services and express bus services (express buses are those with “e” behind the service number, such as Bus 174e). Do take note that it can’t be used for Premium buses (these buses usually serve residents going to work during peak hours) and Night Riders (these buses only operate in the evening during weekend, such as NR1, NR2, etc).

To apply for Child Concession Card, bring your child’s passport to any TransitLink Ticket Offices.

More information about Child Concession Card can be found here.

NETS FlashPay

NETS FlashPay
Photo Credit: NETS FlashPay

If you haven’t heard about NETS FlashPay, it’s basically similar to EZ-Link. They cost the same, $12 for the first purchase ($5 non-refundable and $7 refundable). It can be used for public transportation, taxi as well as F&B, retail shops, etc.

You can top up via app (with debit/credit card) or by other offline means such as the General Ticketing Machine (GTM) located in every MRT stations, 7-Eleven, etc.

So, is there any difference with EZ-Link at all? Yes there is. The company that issue them are different. EZ-Link was started by Authority while NETS was started by a group of banks in Singapore.

Another difference is the merchants that accept EZ-Link are different from the retail merchants that accept NETS FlashPay. Personally, I feel that I see more NETS FlashPay logo in the shopping malls than EZ-Link logo.

So, why even bother to get NETS FlashPay? Well, if you like the idea of carrying not much cash (notes & coins) around, or you like to be able to collect it from Bangkok (BKK airport or Centralworld) or sent to your home (see below), then you can consider NETS FP.

From 1 June 2024, NETS FlashPay will be replaced by NETS Prepaid Card. It is similar to NETS FlashPay but it is account-based. So, you will need to download NETS app to check transaction history and to top up.

If you have the old NETS FlashPay, you can upgrade it to the new NETS Prepaid Card at any TransitLink Ticket Office.

Where to get NETS FlashPay?

  • Pre-order online and collect at Thailand’s BKK Airport or Centralworld
  • TransitLink Ticket Office. Note: A lot of MRT stations have a TransitLink Ticket Office, but NOT ALL MRT stations have TransitLink. Changi Airport MRT station does have TransitLink Ticket Office.
  • Convenience stores, such as: 7-Eleven, Buzz Pods, Cheers, FairPrice Xpress, Star Mart at all Caltex Petrol Stations
  • Travelex Moneychangers at Changi Airport.

3. Contactless Bank Cards / Mobile Wallets

Contactless Bank Card for Travel in Singapore
Contactless Bank Card (Photo Credit: LTA)

Contactless bank cards refers to any bank cards (debit/credit card) that has contactless logo. It also includes mobile wallets (eg: Apple Pay, GPay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay, etc).

To use contactless bank cards or mobile wallets on public transport, simply tap it on the card reader when entering a bus or MRT station.

Most contactless bank cards can be used for traveling on bus and MRT in Singapore. However, some cards are not accepted (see section 1c of this FAQ on Contactless Bank Card tab).

No registration is required to use contactless bank cards. Train and bus fares will be processed and charged to the bank account or credit/debit card bill directly.

If you want to check your usage history, you can sign up and download TL SimplyGo app. This step is optional. Even if you do not have TL SimplyGo app, you still can use your physical contactless bank cards on Singapore’s public transport.

For mobile wallet usage, simply add your bank cards to your mobile wallet, and ensure your phone is compatible (see section 5a of this FAQ on Contactless Bank Card tab).

If your bank cards are issued by foreign banks, you will incur 2 fees:
1. An administrative fee of $0.60 per day of use
2. Your bank’s currency exchange and/or admin fee

As someone living in Singapore and travel mostly by public transport, my preferred payment method is mobile wallet.

When should you buy Singapore Tourist Pass?

You want to visit a lot of places.

You don’t need the cab, you’re comfortable with using public transport.

You don’t know when you will visit Singapore again.

For 1-day STP, it is worth it if you use public transport more than 8 times a day.

For 2-day STP, it is worth it if you use public transport more than 7 times a day (or 14 times over 2 days)

For 3-day STP, it is worth it if you use public transport more than 6 times a day (or 18 times over 3 days)

When should you buy EZ Link?

You use public transport less than 6 times a day.

You visit Singapore for more than 3 days.

You are a budget traveler and you don’t mind walking or cycling to save money.

You travel slowly. In a day, you might be visiting less than 3 attractions.

You come to Singapore often and you’d like to keep the EZ link card so you don’t have to purchase again when you come next time.

When NOT to buy STP & EZ-Link, and just use Contactless Bank Card / Mobile Wallet?

You prefer the convenience of not having to carry too many cards when traveling.

If your card is issued by foreign bank and you don’t mind paying the currency exchange fee for convenience.

For mobile wallet: You’re comfortable with technology. You have a compatible mobile phone with NFC capability.

You don’t have problems paying your card spending on time.

How to find out the fares?

The easiest way to calculate the public transportation fare is by using the calculator provided by MyTransport.SG.

For your info, if you use EZ Link and you make a transfer from train to bus, bus to train, or bus to bus, within 45 minutes, you will pay for discounted fare due to the new “distance fare scheme.” You don’t need to do anything, it’s automatically adjusted by your EZ Link.

Planning a trip to Singapore? Read my best articles about Singapore.

PS: Have any questions regarding traveling in Singapore? Join All About Singapore Travel Group on Facebook where we discuss about traveling in Singapore.

25 Beautiful Places in Singapore - Trevallog

First published: 31 Mar 2018. Last updated: 12 Apr 2023

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Please share this article if you think it's awesome!

L

Saturday 13th of January 2024

Hi Eva, thank you for the detailed post! I'm trying to decide between and credit card and an EZ link card.

1. I read all EZ link cards have to be switched to the SimplyGo EZ link card, so are the original EZ link cards no longer in use?

2. Does the original EZ link card or SimplyGo EZ link offer refunds in cash? I read that certain refunds are immediate, does that mean cash is given?

3. Whether you use an EZ link card or a credit card to pay for fares, are the prices of the fares charged the same regardless of payment method? It's just that the use of foreign credit card has an additional 0.60 cent and foreign transaction fee charge?

Thank you so much for your help

L

Sunday 4th of February 2024

Sorry Eva, I meant to ask for senior citizen tourists. Thanks!

L

Sunday 4th of February 2024

Thank you Eva. Would you happen to know if seniors get a fare discount and if those discounts are only applicable if the EZ link card is used?

I read your update on how the EZ link cards are back in use and no longer mandatory to get the EZ link SimplyGo, thanks for the update!

L

Thursday 18th of January 2024

@Eva,

Thank you Eva for your help. I guess using contactless credit card is the way to go if I have a card with no foreign transaction fee. Also, since the $0.60 admin fee is only charged per day of use and I'll probably use MRT for 5 days ($3 total), I'll save a little by not paying the $5 for an EZ link card.

Why do you decide to pay with mobile wallet if you live there?

L

Sunday 14th of January 2024

@Eva,

Thank you Eva. Oh, so the EZ link cards are in use until June 2024? For some reason I thought it was 2023.

I was also wondering, when using the EZ link/SimplyGo cards if you transfer within a certain amount of time the fare is reduced or counted as one trip. If I were to use my credit card would this also apply?

And do you know if there is a fee to process the refund on the remaining balance of an EZ link/SimplyGo card?

Thank you so much for your help!

Eva

Sunday 14th of January 2024

Hi L, 1. Yes, the old EZ-link and NETS will no longer be used starting 1 June 2024. If you have the old EZ-Link, you can upgrade it to SimplyGo. 2. The old EZ-link offers refund in cash, but SimplyGo doesn't offer refund in cash, the refund is to a local bank's account. 3. The fare is the same. Yes, you're right, overseas credit card may be charged with $0.60 daily admin fee and forex fee. If you want to avoid these fees, you can use multi-currency card where you load SGD to your card. Otherwise, if your credit card gives points for overseas spending, I think these fees are pretty negligible and worth paying to get the credit card points. Hope it helps!

Lech

Saturday 21st of October 2023

Thanks for the article! I am coming to Singapore in February with my wife and two kids for 6 days. I have Wise multi currency Visa Infinite and I also downloaded Grab app with wallet to pay using QR codes. I have a question. I will probably be using public transport 2-3 times a day. Say, when I enter subway how do I pay for all our family using a single card? Do I have to just tap it 4 times?

Eva

Saturday 21st of October 2023

Hi Lech, glad you find the article useful! It's not possible to use 1 card/1 device for 4 people. If your family member have their own mobile phone, you can add your Wise card detail to their Applepay/Gpay. If they don't have their own mobile, they need to be holding on to a card. Each person must have his/her own device or card.

Eunike

Thursday 5th of October 2023

Halo ci Eva, Blog ini informatif banget ya.. Mau tanya ci.. Kalau aku ada beberapa Ezlink card yang udah expired (2 expired 2020 & 2 expired 2021) itu sisa saldo (under 10 SGD) bisa ditransfer ke 1 atau 2 Ezlink card baru ga ya? Terima kasih, ci..

Eunike

Friday 24th of November 2023

@Eva, Wah sama aja kayak beli baru ya, ci.. Thanks for the info yaa

Eva

Monday 9th of October 2023

Hi Eunike, makasih =) Bole, tapi ada syarat2 nya, misalnya: saldo harus sisa minimum $6, harus bayar $3 utk ganti kartu baru, kalo uda expired 2 tahun atau lebih dikenakan $1 fee. Lengkapnya baca disini ya: https://www.ezlink.com.sg/expiring-ez-link-cards/

Meeza

Sunday 1st of October 2023

Saya dari brunei, saya akan ke singapore dri jam 10 pagi hingga 2 petang keesokan hari nya. Rancangan saya: Changi airport - geylang - clarke clay - bugis street - mustafa centre - changi airport Keesokan harinya cuma jalan-jalan changi airport

card apa yang sesuai bagi saya?

Eva

Monday 9th of October 2023

Hi Meeza, kamu pakai contactless bank card saja :)

Ana

Wednesday 27th of September 2023

Hi ! Please help me to decide. I only have 13 hours of layover and just want to go to merlion, bugis and gardens by the bay. Should i just use my credit card? Thanks

Eva

Thursday 28th of September 2023

Hi Ana, yes just use your credit card!