EZ-Link vs SimplyGo: which payment method for Singapore transport?
Should I get an EZ-Link card or use SimplyGo contactless in Singapore?
For most tourists, SimplyGo (tapping your contactless bank card) is the simplest option — no card purchase needed, just tap in and tap out. The main advantage of EZ-Link is the integrated fare discount (a transfer rebate you get when combining MRT and bus in one journey), which SimplyGo does not offer. If you will mostly use the MRT alone, SimplyGo is fine. If you combine MRT and buses frequently, EZ-Link saves a small amount per trip. The difference per day is typically under SGD 2. The Singapore Tourist Pass (SGD 17/24/29 for 1/2/3 days unlimited) is the third option — only worth it for high trip volumes.
The Singapore public transport payment landscape
Singapore’s public transport ticketing has simplified significantly over the past decade. Paper tickets for individual MRT journeys no longer exist. Tourists now have three main options:
- SimplyGo — tap any contactless Visa or Mastercard bank card (or phone via Apple Pay/Google Pay)
- EZ-Link card — a purchased stored-value card, topped up as needed
- Singapore Tourist Pass — unlimited travel for 1/2/3 days at a flat daily rate
This guide focuses on the comparison between SimplyGo and EZ-Link, which is the decision most visitors need to make on arrival. For the Tourist Pass analysis, see singapore-tourist-pass-guide.
SimplyGo: the frictionless option
SimplyGo was introduced to allow commuters and visitors to use their existing contactless bank cards directly on fare readers — exactly as you would tap to pay in a shop, except you tap in when boarding and tap out when exiting.
How it works in practice:
- Ensure your credit or debit card has contactless (tap-to-pay) capability — look for the Wi-Fi-like symbol on the card
- At the MRT fare gate: tap your card on the reader, the gate opens
- At your destination: tap out on the exit reader — the system calculates your journey distance and charges the appropriate fare to your card
- On buses: tap in at the front door card reader, tap out at the rear door card reader when alighting
What gets charged: The standard distance-based MRT or bus fare in SGD, charged to your card’s home currency at your bank’s exchange rate. Most international banks apply no or minimal foreign transaction fees on standard debit/credit card payments. Check your card terms — some banks do charge 1–3% foreign transaction fees, which would make SimplyGo marginally more expensive.
Which cards work: Visa and Mastercard contactless cards from most international banks. Amex is not accepted on Singapore transit. JCB is not accepted. If your primary card is Amex-only, you need an EZ-Link card.
Phones and wearables: Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Garmin Pay all work on Singapore transit fare readers if linked to a Visa or Mastercard account. This is the most convenient option — leave your wallet in your bag and tap your phone or watch.
EZ-Link: the traditional transit card
EZ-Link is Singapore’s equivalent of London’s Oyster, Tokyo’s Suica, or Hong Kong’s Octopus — a stored-value card that works across all public transport modes and some retail outlets.
Buying an EZ-Link card: Available at TransitLink Ticket Offices at MRT stations, including Changi Airport. Cost: SGD 10, of which SGD 5 is a non-refundable card fee and SGD 5 is usable credit loaded on the card. Top up at MRT station General Ticketing Machines (GTM), 7-Eleven stores, Cheers stores, and NTUC FairPrice supermarkets.
Minimum balance: The card requires a minimum positive balance to board — it will not let you tap in if the balance is below approximately SGD 0.30. Top up before running low (you can check your balance at any GTM).
The key advantage — integrated transfer fares: When you take a bus and then transfer to the MRT (or vice versa) within 45 minutes as part of a single origin-to-destination journey, the EZ-Link system calculates the combined fare as one journey, giving a discount compared to two separate fares. This is called the integrated fare.
Example: Bus from your hotel to Bugis MRT (SGD 0.90), then MRT from Bugis to Marina Bay (SGD 1.30). Separately, this would cost SGD 2.20. With EZ-Link’s integrated fare, the combined journey fare might be calculated as SGD 1.60–1.80, saving you SGD 0.40–0.60.
SimplyGo contactless cards do NOT receive this transfer discount. Each tap (bus, then MRT) is charged separately at full fare.
The financial difference: real numbers
How much does the transfer discount actually save per day?
It depends on how many multi-modal journeys you make. For tourists:
- Predominantly MRT only: No difference between EZ-Link and SimplyGo. Both charge identical fares.
- One bus + MRT combo per day: EZ-Link saves approximately SGD 0.40–0.70 per trip, SGD 0.40–0.70/day total
- Two bus + MRT combos per day: EZ-Link saves approximately SGD 0.80–1.40/day
Over a 3-day Singapore trip, the maximum integrated fare saving from frequent bus-MRT combinations is approximately SGD 2–5. This is meaningful but not transformative — and must be compared against the SGD 5 non-refundable card cost of the EZ-Link card.
Net financial comparison (3-day trip, active MRT + bus user):
- SimplyGo: no upfront cost, pays slightly more per multi-modal trip, total transport cost ~SGD 25–35
- EZ-Link card: SGD 5 card fee (non-refundable) + travel cost with transfer discounts, total transport cost ~SGD 28–35 (similar or slightly more due to card fee, depending on trip frequency)
Conclusion: For most 3–5 day tourist visits with moderate bus use, the financial difference between EZ-Link and SimplyGo is small — likely under SGD 5 either way. Choose based on convenience, not purely on economics.
When EZ-Link is clearly better
1. You do not have a contactless Visa or Mastercard bank card. If your cards are Amex, JCB, or chip-only (no contactless), you need an EZ-Link card.
2. Your bank charges foreign transaction fees on tap payments. If your bank charges 3% on overseas transactions, SimplyGo becomes meaningfully more expensive for every journey. With an EZ-Link card, you pay the foreign transaction fee only when topping up (one or two ATM/card transactions), not on every ride.
3. You plan to take buses frequently. If your accommodation is not near an MRT station and you need buses to reach it regularly, EZ-Link’s transfer discount adds up.
4. You want a physical souvenir. EZ-Link cards come with various designs (sometimes limited edition). The card is reusable on return visits to Singapore — credit stays valid for years.
5. Your phone battery cannot be relied on. A physical EZ-Link card is independent of your phone.
When SimplyGo is clearly better
1. You have a Visa or Mastercard contactless card (or Apple/Google Pay). No card purchase, no top-up faff, works immediately at any fare reader.
2. Short trip (1–2 days). The SGD 5 non-refundable EZ-Link card cost is a larger proportion of a short trip’s total transport cost. SimplyGo avoids this.
3. Arriving late at night or in a hurry. You can tap SimplyGo at Changi Airport immediately with your bank card — no need to find the TransitLink office, queue, buy a card.
4. No cash for top-up. SimplyGo charges your bank card directly; no need to carry or find cash for top-ups.
5. Travelling with multiple people. Each person with their own contactless bank card can use SimplyGo independently — no need to buy multiple EZ-Link cards.
The three-way comparison summary
| SimplyGo | EZ-Link | Tourist Pass | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | None | SGD 10 (SGD 5 non-refund) | SGD 17/24/29 |
| Transfer discount | No | Yes | N/A (unlimited) |
| Works without phone | Via physical card | Yes | Yes |
| Works with Apple/Google Pay | Yes | No | No |
| Good for heavy transport use | OK | Better | Best |
| Best for | Most tourists | Bus-heavy users | 10+ trips/day |
Practical tips for either option
Top up before you run out: Arriving at a fare gate and being rejected for low balance is embarrassing and requires finding a GTM while the queue builds behind you. Top up when you reach SGD 5 or less remaining.
Check your balance: GTMs at every MRT station concourse allow balance checks. Or ask at any 7-Eleven — they can check and top up your EZ-Link card.
Keep the tap clean: Fare readers work best when your card is held directly over the reader (not through a thick wallet). If tapping fails, remove the card from your wallet and hold it directly.
Multiple cards in wallet issue: If your wallet contains multiple contactless cards (bank card, hotel key, access card), the reader may detect multiple cards and decline the payment. Hold a single card directly to the reader rather than tapping your whole wallet.
Getting connectivity sorted first: Whatever transport payment method you use, get a SIM card or eSIM activated at Changi Airport before heading into the city — Google Maps for navigation, Grab as backup transport, and general connectivity are all worth having from your first moments in Singapore.
Singapore: eSIM data plan Singapore: M1 tourist SIM cardFrequently asked questions about EZ-Link vs SimplyGo
My bank card is Amex — what do I do?
You need an EZ-Link card. SimplyGo only supports Visa and Mastercard contactless. Buy an EZ-Link at the TransitLink Ticket Office at Changi Airport on arrival.
Is there a concessionary rate for tourists?
No — concessionary MRT fares (for Singaporean elderly, students, and persons with disabilities) require specific card types not available to tourists. All tourists pay the standard adult fare, whether using EZ-Link, SimplyGo, or Tourist Pass.
Does SimplyGo work on the Sentosa Express?
No — the Sentosa Express monorail uses a separate payment system. Pay the SGD 4 Sentosa Express fee by card or at the ticket gate. The Sentosa Boardwalk (pedestrian bridge from VivoCity, free) requires no payment.
What is the maximum fare per MRT journey?
The distance-based fare caps at approximately SGD 2.50–3.00 for the longest single journeys (e.g., Changi Airport to Jurong East). Most tourist journeys within the city centre cost SGD 1.20–2.00.
Can I use EZ-Link for things other than transport?
Yes — EZ-Link cards work at selected retail locations (some food courts, convenience stores, fast food chains) that accept EZ-Link payment. The card can also be used for ERP (Electronic Road Pricing — Singapore’s congestion charging system) if you have a car, though this is not relevant to most tourists.
