Touch 'n Go Card Guide: Where to Buy and How to Use

Introduction

Driving into Malaysia from Singapore? You’ll need a Touch ‘n Go card - Malaysia’s cashless payment system for tolls, parking, and various services. Without one, you’ll face delays at toll plazas and limited payment options.

This guide covers everything you need to know: where to buy Touch ‘n Go cards, how to reload, RFID options for Singapore vehicles, and tips for seamless usage.

What is Touch ‘n Go?

Touch ‘n Go (TNG): A contactless smart card payment system used throughout Malaysia for:

Highway tolls (all major expressways)
Parking (malls, public car parks)
Public transport (LRT, MRT, buses in some cities)
Selected retail stores

Why you need it:

Most Malaysian toll plazas require Touch ‘n Go or RFID
Cash lanes often have longer queues or don’t exist
Parking facilities increasingly cashless
Faster processing than cash payments

Card types:

Standard Touch ‘n Go card: Physical card (blue card)
Enhanced TNG eWallet card: Linked to mobile app
RFID tag: Windscreen-mounted tag for hands-free toll payment

Where to Buy Touch ‘n Go Card

In Singapore (before crossing):

1. Money changers (Mustafa Centre, Lucky Plaza)

Cost: SGD 10-15 (includes RM 10-20 balance)
Pros: Convenient, buy before crossing
Cons: Marked-up price, limited reload value

2. Some petrol kiosks near Woodlands/Tuas

Cost: SGD 12-15
Availability: Limited, call ahead

In Malaysia (after crossing - recommended):

3. Petrol stations (Petronas, Shell, Caltex)

Cost: RM 10 (card) + minimum RM 20 reload
Pros: Cheap, immediate reload available
Locations: All major kiosks in JB

4. 7-Eleven, 99 Speedmart convenience stores

Cost: RM 10 (card fee)
Reload: Minimum RM 10
Widespread: Found everywhere in JB

5. Touch ‘n Go Hubs & Customer Service Centers

Locations: KSL City Mall, City Square, major shopping centers
Cost: RM 10 (card fee)
Services: Card purchase, reload, RFID registration, customer support

6. R&R rest stops along highways

Cost: RM 10 + reload
Convenient for immediate use

Best option for Singaporeans: Buy at first petrol station after crossing JB checkpoint - cheap and immediate reload available.

How Much to Load on Touch ‘n Go Card

Recommended amounts:

For day trips:

Tolls (round trip JB): RM 10-20
Parking: RM 5-10
Total: RM 20-30

For weekend trips:

Tolls (longer routes): RM 30-50
Parking (multiple days): RM 20-30
Total: RM 50-80

For frequent travelers:

Keep RM 50-100 balance
Reload when below RM 20

Minimum reload: RM 10 (most locations)

Maximum balance: RM 500 (standard card limit)

How to Reload Touch ‘n Go Card

Reload locations:

1. Petrol stations

Ask cashier to reload Touch ‘n Go
Minimum RM 10, maximum RM 500
Immediate credit

2. Convenience stores (7-Eleven, 99 Speedmart)

Hand card to cashier
Request reload amount
Pay cash or debit card

3. Toll plaza reload lanes

Designated “Reload” lanes at major toll plazas
Cash payment to booth operator
Card topped up immediately

4. Touch ‘n Go eWallet app

Link physical card to app
Reload via online banking/credit card
Instant top-up

5. ATMs (selected banks)

Maybank, CIMB ATMs support TNG reload
Insert ATM card + TNG card
Follow on-screen instructions

No expiry: Touch ‘n Go balance doesn’t expire. Unused balance remains on card indefinitely.

Touch ‘n Go RFID for Vehicles

What is RFID? Radio Frequency Identification tag affixed to windscreen, allowing automatic toll deduction without stopping or tapping card.

Benefits:

Hands-free toll payment
No need to lower window or reach for card reader
Faster lane processing
Linked to Touch ‘n Go account

How to get RFID for Singapore cars:

Step 1: Buy Touch ‘n Go card

Get standard card first

Step 2: Visit RFID fitment center

Locations: Petronas, Shell stations with RFID service
Bring vehicle and Touch ‘n Go card

Step 3: Install RFID tag

Technician affixes tag to windscreen (top center)
Links tag to your Touch ‘n Go card/account
Installation: 10-15 minutes

Step 4: Reload card

RFID uses balance from linked Touch ‘n Go card
Ensure sufficient balance before toll travel

Cost:

RFID tag: RM 35 (one-time)
Installation: Free (at participating stations)

Note: Singapore vehicles also need VEP RFID tag (separate from Touch ‘n Go RFID).

How to Use Touch ‘n Go at Toll Plazas

Step 1: Approach toll plaza

Look for “Touch ‘n Go” lanes (blue signage)
Avoid “Cash” lanes (red signage)

Step 2: Stop at barrier

Wait for barrier to illuminate (green light)

Step 3: Tap card

Place card on reader (don’t remove quickly)
Wait for beep and display to show deduction
Balance displayed on screen

Step 4: Proceed

Barrier lifts
Drive through

RFID lanes:

Look for “RFID” lanes
Slow down (don’t stop)
Drive through at 20-30 km/h
Automatic deduction, barrier lifts

Common Toll Costs in Johor

Major tolls from JB:

EDL (Eastern Dispersal Link): RM 2.50-4.00
Johor Bahru-Skudai Highway: RM 1.60-3.00
Senai-Desaru Expressway: RM 3.50-7.00
North-South Expressway (NSE): RM 2.00-5.50 (JB to KL sections)

Round trip JB city to Skudai: ~RM 5-8

JB to Kuala Lumpur: ~RM 30-50 (one way, tolls only)

Touch ‘n Go eWallet vs Physical Card

Physical Card (Blue Card):

No app required
Reload at physical locations
Works at all tolls and parking
No online payment features

eWallet App (linked card):

Reload via app (online banking, credit card)
Track spending history
Online payments (Grab, shopping)
Can link physical card to app for both benefits

Best for Singapore drivers: Physical card sufficient for basic use (tolls, parking). eWallet optional for convenience.

Quick Tips for Touch ‘n Go Users

Buy card at JB petrol station (cheapest option)
Keep minimum RM 30 balance to avoid running out mid-trip
Check balance before entering highway (toll plazas display balance)
Reload at convenience stores or petrol stations (easiest)
RFID optional but convenient for frequent travelers
Keep card in car (don’t forget when crossing border)
Physical card doesn’t expire - balance remains indefinitely
Separate from VEP RFID (don’t confuse the two tags)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use Touch ‘n Go card in Singapore? No, Touch ‘n Go is Malaysia-only. Singapore uses CashCard/ERP system.

Q: Where can I buy Touch ‘n Go card in Singapore? Money changers and some petrol kiosks, but cheaper to buy in JB after crossing.

Q: Does Touch ‘n Go balance expire? No, balance remains on card indefinitely with no expiry.

Q: Can I get a refund for unused balance? Officially no, but customer service centers may refund under certain conditions (check TNG policy).

Q: Do I need both Touch ‘n Go and VEP RFID? Yes, they’re separate systems. VEP = vehicle registration (Malaysia immigration). Touch ‘n Go = toll payment.

Q: Can I use Touch ‘n Go for parking in Singapore? No, Touch ‘n Go only works in Malaysia.

Q: How do I check Touch ‘n Go balance? Tap at any toll plaza (balance shows on screen) or check via TNG eWallet app if linked.

Q: Can I share one Touch ‘n Go card between multiple cars? Yes, but inconvenient. Each car should have its own card/RFID for ease of use.

Check our live traffic dashboard for checkpoint conditions before your trip to buy Touch ‘n Go.