Contactless payments on Singapore MRT/buses

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dajop

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Not sure if this has been discussed on AFF, but a tip for those travelling to Singapore, you can now use contactless MC/Visa cards, including on mobile phones using Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay, for travelling on MRT and buses. This has been available for mastercards since April, and this month for Visa cards.

To do this you need to register, and register the card you will be using, at the SimplyGo portal, or download the SimplyGo app and register there.

More info here:


With this and the Grab App for rideshare/taxis, that's all you need for travelling around Singapore without the need for cash or the previously used Ez-Link card.
 
Good to know.
Shame about the need to register (not need in London or on Sydney trains, buses and ferries)
 
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Shame about the need to register (not need in London or on Sydney trains, buses and ferries)

I thought the same initially, having used contactless cards in London. But now that I've used it here, I like it - the main advantage of registering I'm finding vs London you immediately have a record of your spend (not just your CC transaction list/statement), and you see the fare straight away (notification on phone). If there are any errors (such as happened to me last week, it opened the gate, but didn't register that I'd exited therefore overcharged), there's a very easy process to correct it and claim back incorrect charge. I guess it also stops thieves using non-registered cards.
 
Currently in Singapore and have tried this out this morning.

Downloaded the app last night and setup a card at the hotel breakfast today (took about 2 minutes). Linked it to a Citibank card.

Less than 30 minutes later I was down at an MTR station and touched the card. The screen showed "Bank Card" instead of a dollar balance like you'd see when using a card.
 
Are you charged an international transaction fee each time you use a credit card on the MTR?

I believe it's a 50c fee on foreign cards per processing.

They process the fares either every 7 days or $10 in trips (whichever is first).
 
I believe it's a 50c fee on foreign cards per processing.

They process the fares either every 7 days or $10 in trips (whichever is first).

Thanks, I didn't realise this. According to FAQ, Visa gets charged daily, Mastercard every 5 days (or $15, whichever first). If using a foreign card, best to make it Mastercard then.
 
Still from memory its S$7 for the smartcard plus min $5 topup, or the tourist passes, so it's good value for a short trip
 
Still from memory its S$7 for the smartcard plus min $5 topup, or the tourist passes, so it's good value for a short trip

Its also the convince of not having to top up / worry about a balance.

Not surprisingly it acts exactly like a normal smartcard regarding fares (eg bus to train discounts) - overall very impressive.

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