Loading Page...

How do I get an MRT card?

You can purchase EZ-Link cards at SimplyGo Ticket Offices, Concession Card Replacement Offices and Ticketing Service Centres located at MRT stations, bus interchanges and Integrated Transport Hubs, at Passenger Service Centres within most MRT Stations and at 7-Eleven stores, including those located at Shell petrol ...



In 2026, the most common way to get a Singapore MRT card (the EZ-Link or SimplyGo card) is at the SimplyGo Ticket Offices or Ticketing Service Centres located within major MRT stations and bus interchanges. You can also purchase them at 7-Eleven, Cheers, or at Changi Airport's Travelex counters. A standard card costs $10 SGD, which includes a $5 non-refundable card fee and $5 in stored value. However, a popular "pro-tip" for 2026 is that you actually don't need a physical MRT card anymore; Singapore’s transit system fully supports "SimplyGo," allowing you to simply tap your contactless Visa/Mastercard or mobile wallet (Apple Pay/Google Pay) directly at the gantry. This deducts the fare directly from your bank account at the same rate as an MRT card, making it the most convenient option for tourists who want to avoid the $5 card fee and the hassle of "topping up" a physical card.

Getting an MRT card depends on which city’s MRT system you’re referring to, as the process varies. Here are the most common ones:

1. Singapore MRT (EZ-Link Card / NETS FlashPay)

This is the most common system referred to as “MRT.” Where to Buy: Ticket Offices / Passenger Service Centers: At any MRT station. Convenience Stores: 7-Eleven, Cheers. TransitLink Ticket Offices: At major bus interchanges and MRT stations. Cost: The card itself costs SGD 5 (non-refundable). You need to top up with a minimum initial stored value (usually SGD 10). Process: Simply ask for an “EZ-Link Card” or “NETS FlashPay Card” at the counter, pay, and it’s ready to use. Modern Alternative: You can now use SimplyGo by tapping your contactless bank card (with the wave symbol) or your mobile wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.) directly at the gates. No physical card needed.

2. Taipei, Taiwan MRT (EasyCard)

  • Where to Buy: Ticket vending machines or information counters at any MRT station. Also available at convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart).
  • Cost: The card itself costs NTD 100 (deposit). You top up value separately.
  • Process: At a vending machine, select “Purchase EasyCard,” pay, and collect it.

3. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Touch ‘n Go Card)

  • Where to Buy: Ticket counters or dedicated Touch ‘n Go kiosks at MRT, LRT, and Monorail stations. Also widely sold at convenience stores (7-Eleven, KK Mart).
  • Cost: The card costs RM 10 (includes RM 5 card cost + RM 5 initial credit).
  • Important: The physical card is being phased out for public transport in favor of the Touch ‘n Go NFC eWallet. You can use the app to generate a QR code to scan at the gates, or get a physical TnG Visa Card.

4. Other Cities (Bangkok, Dubai, etc.)

Most major cities with an MRT system have a similar process: Look for Ticket Offices or Customer Service Centers inside the station. Use Automated Vending Machines (often with an English language option). You may be offered: Single Journey Tokens: For one trip. Rechargeable Smart Cards: For multiple trips (the better option for tourists staying a few days).

General Tips for Any City:

  1. Have Local Cash: Most card vending machines and counters require cash (local currency).
  2. Look for Tourist Passes: Many cities offer 1-day, 3-day, or weekly tourist passes for unlimited travel, which can be more economical.
  3. Ask at Your Hotel: The concierge or staff can give you the most up-to-date local advice and directions to the nearest sales point.
  4. Check Online First: A quick search for “[City Name] MRT tourist card” will provide official guides and options.

To give you the most precise instructions, please let me know which city’s MRT card you need!

People Also Ask

Simply tap your contactless bank card (e.g. credit or debit card) or mobile device at the MRT fare gates or card reader on buses as you would usually do with your current travel card. If you are using your mobile device, remember to place your device a little longer at the fare gates or card reader.

MORE DETAILS

There are several ways to pay for your bus or MRT/LRT rides: contactless bank cards, mobile wallets, stored value cards, concession cards or cash*. Children travel for free on buses and trains if they are below 0.9m in height and are accompanied by a fare-paying commuter.

MORE DETAILS

Pros and Cons of STP The Singapore Tourist Pass is catered towards travellers coming over for a quick holiday. So you can ride any number of rides on buses, MRT and LRT. The 3-day pass option also comes with a bundle package which includes exclusive perks and discounts offered by Changi Recommends.

MORE DETAILS

1. Get a Singapore Tourist Pass (STP), a special EZ-Link stored-value card which will allow you unlimited travel for one, two or three days. The Pass can be bought at the SimplyGo Ticket Office at selected MRT stations listed here. 2.

MORE DETAILS

Simply tap your contactless bank card (e.g. credit or debit card) or mobile device at the MRT fare gates or card reader on buses as you would usually do with your current travel card. If you are using your mobile device, remember to place your device a little longer at the fare gates or card reader. TRANSPORT?

MORE DETAILS

Your EZ-Link card is valid for use for 5 years from the date of issue. A Refund Service Charge of $1 will be charged per month for EZ-Link cards that have expired for 2 years or more.

MORE DETAILS

SG Tourist Pass is a 3-day pass offering unlimited* travel on public transport services, developed in collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). Singapore Tourist Pass Plus is a 3-day pass that includes attraction bundles in addition to unlimited* public transport travel.

MORE DETAILS

Generally, Singapore is pretty cashless - most retailers and restaurants, and even many small food stores at hawker centers, will take a card payment. There are also ATMs everywhere if you decide you really need cash - making spending with a travel card a smart option for many people.

MORE DETAILS

?? Is Singapore expensive as a tourist? In general, it is. But if you really know the city well, you don't have to spend a lot on your Singapore travel budget. You can spend as low as $50 USD per day in SG!

MORE DETAILS

  • FunVee™ Sightseeing Hop On Hop Off Day Pass. ...
  • FunVee Christmas Light up Tour (Seasonal Product) ...
  • FunVee Open top Bus Tour with Breakfast. ...
  • Singapore: Sampan Boat Ride Ticket at the Marina Bay Sands. ...
  • Sentosa Token FUN Pass. ...
  • Singapore Zoo with Tram Ride Experience. ...
  • Admission Ticket for Singapore Cable Car.


MORE DETAILS

Use the contactless payment function of his/her Mastercard card to pay for the fares for MRT train, LRT train and public bus rides in Singapore.

MORE DETAILS