Cross-Border Travel
Singapore's proximity to Malaysia makes it a popular weekend getaway destination. Here's everything you need to know about crossing the border for shopping, holidays, or business.
Know Your Options
Singapore has two land border crossing points to Malaysia – the Causeway (north) and the Second Link (west).
The Causeway
Main CrossingThe main crossing connecting to JB Sentral. Most convenient for public transport but also the busiest.
⏱️ Peak wait: 2-4 hours during holidays. Budget extra time!
Second Link
Less CrowdedWestern crossing to Tanjung Kupang (Iskandar Puteri). Generally faster, especially for drivers.
💡 Tip: Better for west coast trips. Has toll charges (S$2.30 + RM35.60).
Getting There
Choose the best mode of transport based on your destination and budget.
Most budget-friendly way to cross. Multiple pickup points across Singapore.
Journey Time: 30–90 minutes
Varies greatly depending on checkpoint queue. Can be 2+ hours on weekends!
🚶 How it works:
Direct coaches to Malaysian cities. Comfortable seats, aircon, and usually includes WiFi.
Transtar, Causeway Link
Aeroline, First Coach
KKKL, Transnasional
Genting Express, Aeroline
KKKL, Transnasional
First Coach, Aeroline
📱 Book your tickets online:
Short shuttle train connecting Woodlands Train Checkpoint to JB Sentral. Bypasses the Causeway jam!
SG → JB (from Woodlands)
~S$5
One-way
JB → SG (from JB Sentral)
RM5 (~S$1.56)
One-way
Journey Time
5 mins
Train ride only
Frequency
Every 30 mins
Peak hours
Smart Fare Tip: Save ~S$3.50 on Round Trip!
Take advantage of the ~3.2x exchange rate (1 SGD ≈ 3.2 MYR):
❌ If you buy both ways from Singapore:
S$5 + S$5 = S$10
✅ Buy each leg from its origin:
S$5 + RM5 (≈S$1.56) = ~S$6.56
*Exchange rate fluctuates. Current rate ~3.2 MYR per 1 SGD.
📍 Getting to Woodlands CIQ: Take Bus 856 or 911 from Woodlands MRT station to Woodlands Train Checkpoint.
🚆 Coming 2026: The Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link will connect Woodlands North MRT directly to Bukit Chagar in JB with a 4-minute train ride!
Best for families or groups. Requires preparation before your first trip.
Valid Passport
Malaysia VEP
Vehicle Entry Permit
MY Insurance
Coverage for Malaysia
Touch 'n Go
For MY tolls & parking
🇸🇬 Singapore Exit
FREE
🇲🇾 Malaysia Entry
RM9.10
🇸🇬 Singapore Exit
S$2.30
🇲🇾 Malaysia Entry
RM35.60
💡 Total one-way via Tuas: ~S$2.30 + RM35.60 (~S$11.13) = ~S$13.43
Petrol is ~50% cheaper in Malaysia!
Many Singaporeans drive across just to fill up. RON95 is subsidized for locals but foreigners can still buy RON97.
3/4 Tank Rule
Singapore-registered cars must have at least 3/4 tank of fuel when leaving Singapore. This is strictly enforced with heavy fines (up to S$500).
Timing Matters
Proper timing can save you hours at the checkpoint. Plan your journey wisely!
Chinese New Year (Eve + Day 1-2)
Expected wait: 4-8 hours. Consider avoiding entirely.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri
Malaysian workers returning home. 3-6 hour delays.
Friday Evenings (5-10 PM)
Weekend exodus. 1-3 hour delays at Causeway.
Sunday Evenings (4-11 PM)
Return rush to Singapore. Similar delays.
School Holidays
March, June, September, December breaks.
Long Weekends
Any public holiday creating 3-day weekend.
Weekday Mornings (Tue-Thu)
Smoothest crossings, often under 30 mins.
Late Night (After 10 PM)
Traffic dies down significantly.
Early Morning (Before 7 AM)
Beat the daily commuter rush.
Mid-week Returns
Returning on Wednesday/Thursday vs Sunday.
Tuas Second Link
Generally 30-50% faster than Causeway.
Shuttle Train (Tebrau)
Bypasses road jam, fixed schedule.
Entry Requirements
Malaysia has relatively relaxed visa policies. Here's what common nationalities need to know.
| Nationality | Visa Required? | Duration Allowed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore Citizens | No visa required | Up to 30 days | Passport with 6 months validity |
| USA / UK / Australia | No visa required | Up to 90 days | Tourist purposes only |
| EU Countries | No visa required | Up to 90 days | Most EU member states |
| Japan / South Korea | No visa required | Up to 90 days | Tourist purposes only |
| China (PRC) | eVisa / Visa on Arrival* | 15-30 days | Check latest policies; changes frequently |
| India | eVisa required | Up to 30 days | Apply online before travel |
| Philippines | No visa required | Up to 30 days | Tourist purposes only |
| Indonesia | No visa required | Up to 30 days | Tourist purposes only |
| Myanmar | No visa required* | Up to 14 days | Since Oct 2025; eVisa needed for longer stays |
Money Matters
Maximize your savings with the right payment methods. Here's what works best across the border.
Best rates at money changers. No fees. Accepted everywhere.
Widely accepted. Competitive rates. Good for tolls & parking.
For big purchases. Earn miles/cashback. Check your card's fees.
Still the best overall option for Malaysia. Accepted everywhere, no transaction fees, and money changers offer better rates than banks or cards.
💱 Current Rate (Dec 2025)
Malaysia's most popular e-wallet. Essential if you're driving – used for highway tolls, parking, and widely accepted at shops and restaurants.
💡 Pro Tip: Link your TnG eWallet to the RFID sticker for seamless toll payments. No more fumbling for cash at gantries!
Credit cards are convenient for big purchases, but watch out for hidden fees. Here's how to maximize value.
Foreign Currency Fee (FCY)
Typically 2.5% - 3.5% of transaction
Dynamic Currency Conversion
Extra 3% - 5% if you pay in SGD
Cash Advance Fee
5% - 8% + interest from day 1
Always pay in MYR when given a choice. Decline DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion).
| Card | FCY Fee | Rewards | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| DBS Altitude Visa | 0% | 1.2 mpd (overseas) | Miles collectors |
| Citi PremierMiles | 0% | 1.2 mpd (overseas) | Miles collectors |
| HSBC Revolution | 0% | 4 mpd (online) | Online bookings |
| UOB PRVI Miles | 3.25% | 1.4 mpd (overseas) | High mpd earners |
| Standard Chartered Visa Infinite | 3.5% | 1.4 mpd (overseas) | Premium perks |
If your card charges FCY fees but offers higher miles, here's how to calculate if it's worth it:
Example: S$500 spend in Malaysia
No-FCY Card (1.2 mpd)
Miles earned: 600 miles
Fee paid: $0
Net cost per mile: $0
High-FCY Card (1.4 mpd + 3.25% fee)
Miles earned: 700 miles
Fee paid: $16.25
Cost per extra 100 miles: $16.25
Verdict:
For most purchases in Malaysia, use a no-FCY fee card. The extra miles from high-FCY cards rarely justify the 3%+ fee. Exception: If your card offers special promotions or bonus miles for overseas spend that push mpd above 2.0.
Hawker stalls & small shops
Cash only. Always carry small MYR notes.
Shopping malls & hotels
Credit cards accepted. Use no-FCY cards.
Tolls & parking (driving)
Touch 'n Go is essential. Get RFID for fastest lanes.
ATM withdrawals
Avoid if possible. High fees (S$5-8 per withdrawal + FCY).
Where to Go
Popular weekend getaways from Singapore.
Shopping, food, and massage at a fraction of Singapore prices.
Perfect family day trip with theme park and water park.
UNESCO heritage city with Peranakan culture and food.
Capital city with Petronas Towers, shopping, and diverse cuisine.
Cool mountain resort with casino, theme park, and outlets.
Beach resort with water park, golf, and luxury hotels.
Need help planning your cross-border adventure? We're here to assist!
Contact Us