Exploring Singapore on a Budget: The EZ-Link Card Vs Singapore Tourist Pass
Exploring Singapore on a Budget: The EZ-Link Card
Singapore's MRT system covers almost every corner of the island, and their bus network is easy to navigate. The best part? Both the bus and MRT use a single payment method called the EZ-Link card.
Traveling around Singapore is a breeze, and it won't burn a hole in your pocket either. Simply tap the card on a panel when you board the bus or enter the MRT platform. When you disembark or exit the platform, tap the card again to complete the transaction.
Just a quick tip: Remember to tap out when you leave the bus or MRT platform; otherwise, you'll be charged the maximum fare for that trip.
The EZ-Link card has a stored balance that is automatically deducted when you tap it on the panels. When you purchase the card, it already has a value of SGD 10 loaded on it. You can top it up with additional value whenever you run low.
Purchasing the EZ-Link Card
You can easily purchase the Ez-link card at any MRT station or bus terminal. Moreover, you can also find the Ez-link card at various convenience stores like 7-Eleven (including at Changi Airport), Buzz, Cheers, as well as vending machines located at Bugis Junction, Bishan Junction 8, Tampines Mall, and Westgate.
The card costs SGD 15, with SGD 5 covering the card cost (non-refundable), and SGD 10 as the initial balance. The card won't work if the stored value drops below SGD 3. You can top up the card's value at MRT stations, bus interchanges, or 7-Eleven stores. The card can store a maximum value of SGD 500.
Advantages
The EZ-Link card is contactless, so you don't need to insert it into any slot. Just hold the card against the panel, and the system will deduct the balance automatically.
Many locals in Singapore don't even take the card out of their wallets anymore; the card can be read by the panel even if it's inside your wallet. Just make sure it's close to the surface of the wallet for it to work.
Savings: The EZ-Link card is cheaper than paying with cash. On average, each trip costs about SGD 0.17 less with the card compared to using cash. This difference adds up over time, especially if you use Singapore's public transport frequently.
EZ-Link card users also receive an additional SGD 0.25 discount when transferring between a bus and the MRT. These reasons make getting an EZ-Link card essential for budget travelers in Singapore.
However, if you're only staying in Singapore for a couple of days, the savings might not be significant. Since SGD 5 of the card cost is non-refundable, it might be more cost-effective to use cash or another option during a short visit.
Convenience: With an EZ-Link card, you don't need to know the fare for each journey. The system deducts the total fare from your card balance automatically. If your balance gets too low, the card reader will flash green-amber when you swipe the card.
Without an EZ-Link card, you'll need to carry plenty of exact change for the bus and queue up for a ticket every time you enter an MRT station.
Exploring Singapore with the Singapore Tourist Pass
Let me break it down for you. The Singapore Tourist Pass (STP) is a handy card that allows you to use various types of public transportation in Singapore for a specific period. You don't need to buy tickets every time you hop on public transport. Just get yourself an STP, and you're good to go.
Now, let's talk about where to buy the Singapore Tourist Pass. Just like the refund process, you can purchase it at TransitLink Ticket Offices. You'll find them at various locations, including Ang Mo Kio, Bayfront, Bugis, Changi Airport, Chinatown, City Hall, Farrer Park, HarbourFront, Jurong East, Kranji, Lavender, Orchard, Raffles Place, Somerset, Tanjong Pagar, and Woodlands.
There are three types of STP to choose from: the 1-day pass for SGD 20, the 2-day pass for SGD 26, and the 3-day pass for SGD 30. Each pass includes a refundable rental deposit of around SGD 10, which you'll get back when you return the physical card at the end of your journey.
To get your refund, you can visit TransitLink Ticket Offices at convenient locations such as Changi International Airport or SMRT Passenger Service Centres at selected MRT stations like Bugis, Changi Airport, Kranji, Lavender, Dhoby Ghaut, and Marina South Pier.
Buying the pass is easy when you get it directly from these places. The Singapore Tourist Pass is easy to obtain and use. So, exploring Singapore with public transportation becomes an enjoyable experience.
For short layovers or brief stays, the Singapore Tourist Pass is a suitable alternative to the EZ-Link card. It's a contactless stored-value card a significant advantage:
Unlimited use: The pass is valid for an entire day, allowing you to use it as often as you like on Singapore's public transport system. The pass comes in one-, two-, and three-day variants, expiring when the last bus or train ends its service for the day.
Question 1: Is it possible to get a refund for the Singapore Tourist Pass after 7 days of purchasing the pass?
Answer: No, you can only request a refund for the rental deposit within a period of five days starting from the day of purchase.
Question 2: How is the five-day refund window calculated for the rental deposit?
Answer: The five-day refund window begins from the day you purchase your pass. For instance, if you buy a 3-Day Pass on a Monday, you will need to return your card for a refund by Saturday if you want to receive your rental deposit back.
Source : https://thesingaporetouristpass.com.sg/faq/singapore-tourist-pass/
Conclusion
| Pass | Usage Duration | Usage | Payment | Purchase Stations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore Tourist Pass (STP) | 1 - 3 days | MRT, LRT, buses (excluding Fast Forward, NightRider, Night Owl, Express Services, Chinatown Direct, premium buses, etc.) | Pay upfront, then use unlimitedly | Selected stations |
| EZ-Link | Up to 5 years | MRT, LRT, buses, taxis, dining at restaurants, shopping, monorail to Sentosa Island, etc. | Fare based on distance traveled | All stations, bus terminals, 7-Eleven stores |
Understanding the Difference: STP vs. EZ Link
Now, let's clear up the distinction between STP and EZ Link, shall we? Each type of card has its own advantages that can be utilized based on your needs. So, which one is more cost-effective? Well, if you're a tourist planning to explore multiple destinations within a span of one to three days, then the STP would be the more budget-friendly choice. On the other hand, if you're going on a short or long vacation and won't be relying heavily on public transportation, the EZ Link card would be the more economical option.
Remember, whether you go for STP or EZ Link, it all depends on your specific needs. It's best to calculate how many times you'll be using public transportation to determine which option would be more cost-effective for you.
Route / Map Information
To plan your route from point A to point B in Singapore, https://www.google.com/maps with https://gothere.sg/maps is the go-to tool. Simply use the website or app and enter your desired locations in simple terms. This user-friendly search will provide you with a detailed breakdown of the best way to travel, combining both trains and buses. You even have the option to choose between the fastest or most economical route.
Google Maps takes the hassle out of navigating the city. No need for complicated instructions or maps. Just type in your starting point and destination, and let the tool do the rest. It's a quick and easy way to ensure you reach your desired location with ease.
Additional Information :
Quench Your Thirst with Singapore's Tap Water
Here's some fantastic news: you can drink tap water in Singapore without any worries! That means you can save your hard-earned cash and skip buying bottled water. Isn't that great? Just make sure to bring along your trusty water tumbler so you can easily refill it wherever you go. Most accommodations have convenient refilling stations, so don't forget to fill up before you head out for the day. Stay hydrated and enjoy the convenience of Singapore's safe and drinkable tap water!
For more information :
https://www.ezlink.com.sg/card/
https://www.ezlink.com.sg/ez-link-faqs/simplygo-ezlink/#upgraded-ez-link-1
https://thesingaporetouristpass.com.sg/where-to-buy/
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