The Ultimate Guide To Driving From Singapore to Malaysia

Driving to Malaysia? Ensure you have all the necessary documents and preparations before hitting the road from Singapore.

With Singapore and Malaysia being such close neighbours, road trips up north are a popular adventure for many Singaporeans looking to soak in Malaysian culture, food, and shopping. Driving to Malaysia can be super convenient, given the good road connections, but you need to be prepared if it's your first time crossing the border by car.

In this blog post, I'll provide a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know before driving to Malaysia from Singapore. You'll learn about the necessary documents, how to apply for a vehicle entry permit, toll and payment info, road rules, insurance tips, and more. So buckle up and get ready to hit the road to Malaysia!

Table of contents:

• Driving to Malaysia From Singapore Requirements
• What is a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP)?
  • How to Apply for a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP)
• Driving Etiquette and Rules in Malaysia
• Paying Tolls and Charges
• Securing Car and Travel Insurance
• FAQ
  • Can I drive in Malaysia with a Singapore driving license?
  • Do Singapore-registered vehicles need a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) to enter Malaysia?
  • Can I rent a car in Singapore and drive to Malaysia?
• Conclusion

Driving to Malaysia From Singapore Requirements 

Before setting off, make sure you have these important documents to avoid any issues at the customs checkpoint or while driving in Malaysia:

• Passport - Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity to enter Malaysia. Double-check it's stamped properly at both entry and exit checkpoints.
• Driving License - Bring your valid Singapore driving license physical card. Singapore driving license holders can drive in Malaysia for up to 90 days without needing an International Driving Permit (IDP).
• Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) - This mandatory permit is required for all Singapore-registered vehicles entering Malaysia. More details on how to apply for a VEP are below. 
• Touch 'n Go (TNG) Card or Ez Link x TNG Card - These smart cards are required to pay all highway tolls and charges in Malaysia. Don't forget to top-up your card!

What is a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP)?

The Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) is a permit required for foreign vehicles (i.e., Singapore-registered vehicles) entering Peninsular Malaysia. From 1 October 2024, all foreign vehicles entering Malaysia will be required to register for VEP. 

The VEP is an RFID tag that uniquely identifies each registered vehicle. It allows automated detection of vehicles at customs points when entering Malaysia.

To obtain the VEP’s RFID tag, you must register online before driving into Malaysia. A road charge fee of RM20 is also charged each time your vehicle enters Malaysia.

How to Apply for a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP)

To get a VEP for driving a Singapore-registered vehicle into Malaysia, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official VEP portal and enter your personal details and vehicle information. Uploading the vehicle registration card can expedite the process.
2. Wait for the VEP confirmation email with a PDF permit slip. Processing can take up to 2 working days.
3. Download the Touch 'n Go eWallet app while waiting. Choose NRIC as your ID type to sync with your VEP profile.
4. Follow the instructions in the VEP email to complete registration using your Touch 'n Go eWallet details.
5. You'll receive an email once your VEP application is approved.

Here is a guide that walks you through the application process. 

The next step is getting your VEP-RFID tag. The Malaysia Road Transport Department will contact you on where to collect the tag and how to attach it to your vehicle. This tag is valid for 5 years and detects your car automatically at customs. Remember to renew it at least 6 months before expiry!

If vehicle ownership changes, the transferee (buyer) must ensure that the transferor (seller) deregister the vehicle from the system.

Driving Etiquette and Rules in Malaysia 

While driving cultures are similar in Singapore and Malaysia, here are some things to note about road rules and etiquette on your trip:

• Be prepared for potential traffic jams or congestion in Malaysia. Allocate plenty of time between destinations.
• Road accidents are common in Malaysia, so drive cautiously and avoid speeding.
• Rules like no phone use while driving and headlights on at night apply in Malaysia, too.
• Keep your doors locked, and don't leave valuables visible when parking. Park in secure, well-lit areas.
• Avoid parking in dark alleys or isolated spots.
• Having at least 3/4 tank of petrol is required before entering Malaysia. You may get fined if it's lower.

Paying Tolls and Charges

To pay tolls in Malaysia, you must use either a Touch 'n Go (TNG) card or the Ez Link x Touch 'n Go Motoring Card. Credit cards are not accepted at toll plazas.

These cards can be used to pay:

• Highway toll fees
• Checkpoint tolls
• Parking charges
• Road charge of RM20 when entering Malaysia

The TNG card has a 10-year validity. You can top-up your card via the TNG eWallet app.

Alternatively, the Ez Link x TNG card allows contactless payments in Malaysia and Singapore. You can buy these dual-currency cards at 7-Eleven stores and petrol stations in Singapore.

Securing Car and Travel Insurance

When driving in Malaysia, whether in your car or a rental, having comprehensive car insurance coverage protects you financially in case of accidents, damage, or theft. 

Use SingSaver’s car insurance comparison tool to find the most affordable policy with robust benefits for your ride. 

It's also important to get comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical coverage since your regular hospitalisation and surgical insurance in Singapore do not cover outpatient medical expenses abroad. Travel insurance also covers other common issues like lost belongings due to theft. 

Choose a policy that adequately covers you in Malaysia with SingSaver's travel insurance comparison portal. The right insurance gives you peace of mind to focus on enjoying your time there.

FAQ

Can I drive in Malaysia with a Singapore driving license? 

Yes, you can drive in Malaysia with a valid Singapore driving license if your stay in Malaysia does not exceed 90 days. 

You don’t need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Malaysia. Just bring your Singapore driving license physical card and ensure it is in good and readable condition. 

It is a good practice to store a copy of your Singapore license on your phone in case you misplace the physical license while in Malaysia. 

Do Singapore-registered vehicles need a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) to enter Malaysia? 

A Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) is required to enter Malaysia if you drive a Singapore-registered vehicle.

The VEP is issued by Malaysia's Road Transport Department and allows foreign vehicles to enter Peninsular Malaysia. 

As part of the VEP process, RFID tags are issued for each registered vehicle for identification purposes. The tags are non-transferable. Singapore-registered cars are not permitted to enter Malaysia without a valid VEP and RFID tag. 

Can I rent a car in Singapore and drive to Malaysia?

You can generally drive a rental car from Singapore to Malaysia, depending on the rental company's policies. 

Some car rental companies allow you to take their cars into Malaysia, often for a daily surcharge fee. However, rental policies can vary, so it is important to clarify with the company ahead of time if they permit driving into Malaysia and how far you are allowed to go. 

For example, some companies take up car insurance for their fleet that restricts driving up to Kuala Lumpur, while others will permit you to drive further up to Penang. 

Be sure to get confirmation from the rental agent that you can drive their car across the border and understand any fees or restrictions before departing with the vehicle.

Conclusion

We've covered all the essentials - documents, permits, toll payments, road rules, safety, and insurance. You're now fully prepared for a smooth driving trip to Malaysia!

Remember to drive safely, be alert on unfamiliar roads, and don't speed. Enjoy the food, scenery, and shopping. Have a great time, and drive safely!