{"id":9564,"date":"2023-04-19T10:40:32","date_gmt":"2023-04-19T02:40:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/?p=9564"},"modified":"2023-04-19T10:48:50","modified_gmt":"2023-04-19T02:48:50","slug":"how-to-decide-between-a-singapore-tourist-pass-and-ez-link","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/everyday-living\/how-to-decide-between-a-singapore-tourist-pass-and-ez-link\/","title":{"rendered":"Singapore Tourist Pass vs EZ-link Card: Get Unlimited Rides on Singapore&#8217;s Public Transport"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;padding-4-percent&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#fefeff&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;10px&#8221; top_margin=&#8221;-20%&#8221; width=&#8221;5\/6&#8243; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221;]<div class=\"divider-wrap\"><div style=\"margin-top: 5px; width: 100px; height: 10px; margin-bottom: 5px;\" data-width=\"100\" data-animate=\"yes\" data-animation-delay=\"\" data-color=\"accent-color\" class=\"divider-small-border\"><\/div><\/div>[vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Singapore Tourist Pass vs EZ-link Card: Get Unlimited Rides on Singapore&#8217;s Public Transport&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h1|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1681871625861{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Getting around our tiny island is made easier by the simple use of transportation cards. But which card best suits your needs? We dive into the world of smart contactless cards for Singapore&#8217;s Public Transport Services.&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1681871910507{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]The Singapore public transport system is one of the best in the world. Trains, buses, and light rail now connect locales from North to South, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.metroresidences.com\/sg\/expat-life\/explore\/journeying-to-the-east-the-ultimate-guide-to-east-singapore\/\"> East<\/a> to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.metroresidences.com\/sg\/expat-life\/explore\/west-side-story-the-ultimate-guide-to-west-singapore\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">West<\/a>. The latest extension to the renowned MRT system, the Thomson-East Coast Line, opens up new <a href=\"https:\/\/www.metroresidences.com\/sg\/expat-life\/explore\/singapore-apartment-rentals-along-tel\/\">neighbourhoods<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.metroresidences.com\/sg\/expat-life\/explore\/hidden-gems-along-thomson-east-coast-line\/\">attractions<\/a> for locals and visitors alike. Rest assured, you can travel across the beautiful city with absolute ease. What makes it easier is accessing a bus, MRT or LRT with the use of a handy card. The two main heavy-hitters in this category are the Singapore Tourist Pass (STP) and the EZ-link Card.<\/p>\n<p>So here you are fresh of the aviation-boat at Changi Airport. Which card do you get to start your Singaporean journey? Don&#8217;t fret, let\u2019s break it down for you.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#what\"><strong>What are these cards?<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#ezlink\"><strong>Pros and Cons of Ez-link<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#stp\"><strong>Pros and Cons of STP<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#recommend\"><strong>Which we would recommend<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#where\"><strong>Where can I purchase them?<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"divider-wrap\"><div style=\"margin-top: 5px; width: 100px; height: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px;\" data-width=\"100\" data-animate=\"yes\" data-animation-delay=\"\" data-color=\"accent-color\" class=\"divider-small-border\"><\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1564106242489{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]\n<h4 id=\"what\"><b>What are these two cards?<\/b><\/h4>\n[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"img-with-aniamtion-wrap \" data-max-width=\"100%\" data-border-radius=\"none\"><div class=\"inner\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-shadow=\"none\" data-shadow-direction=\"middle\" class=\"img-with-animation \" data-delay=\"0\" height=\"735\" width=\"1200\" data-animation=\"fade-in\" src=\"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/07\/oliur-Z8I-BhVtzn0-unsplash-e1564049628258.jpg\"  alt=\"\" \/><\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1681872169865{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]<b>Singapore Tourist Pass<br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Essentially these two cards are travel cards owned by EZ-link Pte Ltd. The Singapore Tourist Pass (STP) is a contactless pass that offers tourists and travellers unlimited travel on public transport all day long. With it, one will be able to hop on any of Singapore&#8217;s main transport services including basic bus services, express bus services, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/metroresidences.com\/sg\/expat-life\/everyday-living\/public-transport-mrt\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and the Light Rail Transit (LRT). <\/span><\/p>\n<p>However, you won&#8217;t be able to use the STP on bus services such as the Fast Forward, Chinatown Direct, NightRider, Express Service, Night Owl etc. The Sentosa Express isn&#8217;t covered by the Singapore Tourist Pass too.<\/p>\n<p><b><br \/>\nEZ-link Card<br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Every Singaporean&#8217;s staple wallet-mate; the EZ-link card is a smart contactless transportation card. Similar to the STP, with this card, you will be able to ride the buses, MRT and LRT (and all related bus services that you can\u2019t with the STP). <\/span><\/p>\n<p>Unlike its one-trick pony predecessor, this smart card can also be used to pay taxi fares and even selected shopping and dining options. Nowadays, you can even pair it with your debit card and credit card apps, so you can even tap and get on public transport with just your phone.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/metroresidences.com\/sg\/serviced-apartments\/novena\/1786\">Check out Co-living in Singapore; fully furnished, flexible lease and hassle free options!<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1564106489180{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]\n<h4 id=\"ezlink\"><b>Pros and Cons of Ez-link<\/b><\/h4>\n[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"img-with-aniamtion-wrap \" data-max-width=\"100%\" data-border-radius=\"none\"><div class=\"inner\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-shadow=\"none\" data-shadow-direction=\"middle\" class=\"img-with-animation \" data-delay=\"0\" height=\"739\" width=\"1200\" data-animation=\"fade-in\" src=\"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/07\/EzLink-e1564049672797.jpg\"  alt=\"\" \/><\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1564049129182{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]\n<h6><b>Image <a href=\"https:\/\/www.luckyplaza.sg\/how-to-use-ez-link\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">credit<\/a><\/b><\/h6>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1564047561026{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]<b>Pros<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Lets start off with the good<\/span><b>.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> When you get an EZ-Link card, you wont just be able to use it for transportation. As I mentioned earlier, this card can be used to pay a lot of other services. In place of a cash card, the EZ-link card can be used on In-Vehicle Units to pay ERP tolls along the road. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Certain vending machines in Singapore have included accepting EZ-Link card payments too. Fast food restaurants such as McDonald&#8217;s have also accepted EZ-link payments.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The card comes in many different designs and colours, sometimes serving as a collectors item because of this novelty. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><b>Cons<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The EZ-link card is a prepaid card. This means that you have to add value to the card whenever credit runs low. However, it\u2019s pretty easy to do. Just look out for the general ticketing machines at any MRT station and any bus interchange to add value to your card.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Another less than desirable feature of this is that the cards cost $5 and this is not refundable. So if you\u2019re considering getting some of what you paid for back after you\u2019re done with your trip, you might not want to go for the EZ-link card.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1564106507667{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]\n<h4 id=\"stp\"><b>Pros and Cons of STP<\/b><\/h4>\n[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"img-with-aniamtion-wrap \" data-max-width=\"100%\" data-border-radius=\"none\"><div class=\"inner\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-shadow=\"none\" data-shadow-direction=\"middle\" class=\"img-with-animation \" data-delay=\"0\" height=\"627\" width=\"1200\" data-animation=\"fade-in\" src=\"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/07\/singaporetourpass-e1564049706856.jpg\"  alt=\"\" \/><\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1564049358057{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]\n<h6><b>Image <a href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-SpW9v9NzWZ8\/Uv2CUSgn7sI\/AAAAAAAACN4\/Yzo0AgvbW9o\/s1600\/singaporetourpass.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">credit<\/a><\/b><\/h6>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1681872213646{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]<b>Pros<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Unlimited rides and a few options of day-passes; that\u2019s the main selling point. 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.<br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span>The 3-day pass option also comes with a bundle package that includes additional perks and discounts offered by Changi Recommends. So you can still get scrumptious dining options after you toured the major attractions of Singapore.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">STP\u2019s $10 deposit is fully refundable after your days are up. So you won&#8217;t have to worry when your trip is over.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><b>Cons<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b>\u00a0This means that you have to add value to the card whenever credit runs low. However, it&#8217;s pretty easy to do. Just look out for general ticketing machines at any MRT station or bus interchange to add value to your card. If you&#8217;re having trouble, you can still get help from the TransitLink Ticket Offices or Passenger Service Counters at public transport services and stations.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Due to the fact that there is a limited number of options to choose from, a purchase of this card will only see you get to use it for only a certain number of days. Anything over 4 days would mean STP would need to be purchased.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/metroresidences.com\/sg\/serviced-apartments?location=1.2895263%2C103.83978520000005&amp;locationName=Singapore%20River\">Looking to visit Singapore? We&#8217;ve got some serviced apartment options overlooking the Singapore River, just for you!<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1564106574613{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]\n<h4 id=\"recommend\"><b>Which we would recommend<\/b><\/h4>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1681872493288{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A recommendation here would depend on the type of traveller you are. If you\u2019re here on a very short trip involving days that are <\/span>less than a week then I would suggest getting the Singapore Tourist Pass. If you&#8217;re looking for a little trinket, you can get the <a href=\"https:\/\/thesingaporetouristpass.com.sg\/type-of-passes\/#stp-charm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">STP Charm<\/a>, which includes a 1-day pass that you can take home.<\/p>\n<p>While unlimited rides<\/p>\n<p>rides are a huge deciding factor, the flexibility of this card works best for tourists or those on a short trip. The pass comes in a few bundles &#8211; they are split into three options; 1 Day Pass, 2 Day Pass and 3 Day Pass.<\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Type of Pass<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Price<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Duration<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>No. of Rides<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Deposit<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Singapore Tourist Pass<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$10\/$16\/$20<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">1 &#8211; 3 Days<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Unlimited<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$10<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">SG Tourist Pass<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$25<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">3 Days<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Unlimited<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Singapore Tourist Pass Plus (includes attraction bundles)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$38<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">3 Days<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Unlimited<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\nNow, if you are heading over to Singapore for an extended period of time, then definitely get an EZ-Link card. You can top it up whenever you need and you could even use it to make easier payments other shopping and food outlets. <\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1564106605608{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]\n<h4 id=\"where\"><b>Where can I purchase them?<\/b><\/h4>\n[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"img-with-aniamtion-wrap \" data-max-width=\"100%\" data-border-radius=\"none\"><div class=\"inner\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-shadow=\"none\" data-shadow-direction=\"middle\" class=\"img-with-animation \" data-delay=\"0\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" data-animation=\"fade-in\" src=\"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/07\/jh_ticketmachine_18022018-e1564049842939.jpg\"  alt=\"\" \/><\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1564049822257{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]\n<h6><b>Image <a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/sites\/default\/files\/articles\/2018\/02\/18\/jh_ticketmachine_18022018.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">credit<\/a><\/b><\/h6>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1681872288875{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]EZ-links can be purchased at any Transitlink Ticket Offices found in MRT stations and bus interchanges. You could also approach the Passenger Service Centres at the same stations and interchanges or 7-Eleven stores. There&#8217;s one at the MRT station in Changi Airport too, so you can get it the moment you get off the Arrival Hall.<\/p>\n<p>The Singapore Tourism Pass can be purchased at any Transitlink Ticket Offices as well, or the many Singapore Tourist Pass Kiosks.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/metroresidences.com\/sg\/serviced-apartments\/novena\/1785\">Singapore co-living for the modern business traveller; with weekly cleaning and a shared living space!<\/a><\/p>\n<p>But if you&#8217;re a big spender and don&#8217;t mind paying admin fees, you can just tap through the gantries with your Mastercard and Visa contactless bank card. This works for most digital wallets or mobile wallets to pay public transport fares in Singapore, even if they&#8217;re foreign-issued bank cards. The best part is, you don&#8217;t need to sign up![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/6&#8243; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_widget_sidebar enable_sticky=&#8221;true&#8221; sidebar_id=&#8221;blog-sidebar&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;padding-4-percent&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#fefeff&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;10px&#8221; top_margin=&#8221;-20%&#8221; width=&#8221;5\/6&#8243; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Singapore Tourist Pass vs EZ-link Card: Get Unlimited Rides on&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":9572,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,3,13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9564","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-everyday-living","category-explore","category-transportation"],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9564","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9564"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9564\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11764,"href":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9564\/revisions\/11764"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9572"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9564"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9564"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9564"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}