Yahoo Finance How to Drive Into Johor Bahru From Singapore
From brunch at a trendy café in Mount Austin to shopping at KSL City Mall and dinner at a seaside kelong restaurant, Johor Bahru (JB) has it all. But getting around this huge place can be quite a trek without the right wheels.
Having a car makes exploring JB a breeze, whether it’s for a quick day trip or a weekend adventure. If you’re driving from Singapore, the best part is you don’t even need to get out of your car at immigration. If you’re worried about your car, just rent one in JB. Just a heads up: most car-sharing services in Singapore don’t let you take their cars across the border.
No car? No problem. Private car charters are a lifesaver. You can hire a driver to ferry you around, and it’s even better if you’re travelling with a group since costs like insurance, fuel, and tolls are usually included and can be split.
For those thinking of taking a commercial vehicle into JB on your day off, make sure to get a commercial vehicle license in Malaysia, as required by the High Commission of Malaysia.
So if you’ve decided on the type of car for driving into and around JB, read on for a comprehensive guide to ensure your trip goes smoothly.
Before Your Trip to JB
Three-quarter tank rule: Your vehicle’s fuel tank must be at least three-quarters full before crossing in JB. This rule is strictly enforced to ensure that Singaporean drivers don’t take advantage of the cheaper fuel prices in Malaysia. People have been turned away before at the checkpoint for not having their fuel tank three-quarters full. You may also be fined up to $500!
Touch ‘n Go: Get a Touch ‘n Go card, which is essential for toll payments in Malaysia. You can purchase and top up these cards at convenience stores or petrol stations in Singapore before your trip. You’ll need this for the next step.
Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) & RFID: From 1 Oct 2024, all Singapore vehicles entering Malaysia must have a VEP. You’ll have to register for the VEP online, and get the accompanying VEP RFID tag to be attached to your vehicle.
Check our full step-by-step guide on how to get a VEP for driving to Malaysia.
Peak hours to avoid: To avoid heavy traffic, plan your trip outside peak hours, festive periods and public holidays as much as possible. Typically, early mornings and late evenings on weekdays, and midday on weekends, see the least congestion.
Check the traffic situation leading to both Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints on One Motoring, or apps like Beat the Jam or Checkpoint.sg.
Travel insurance: Ensure you have adequate travel insurance which covers vehicle incidents and medical emergencies while in Malaysia.
Bring your passport: This may sound like a no-brainer but even though you just need the MyICA QR code if you’re arriving and departing from Singapore’s land checkpoints by car, you’ll still need your passport in Malaysia.
When you’re in Malaysia, you’re still travelling in a foreign country and your passport functions as your ID, in case you get pulled over for checks. There was a case of a Singaporean woman who didn’t have her passport with her got pulled over by cops and asked to pay a $3,000 fine as “kopi money”.
ALSO READ: 6 Things You Should Know Before Travelling From Singapore to Johor Bahru
During the Trip to JB
At customs and immigration: Always ensure that your passport is stamped correctly at both the Singapore and Malaysia checkpoints. Missing stamps can lead to fines or detainment.
Refuelling: Don’t fill up your tank with Malaysia’s RON95 fuel! Since 2010, Malaysia has not allowed the sale of its highly subsidised RON95 fuel to foreign vehicles. The authorities are getting stricter these days to check for those who fill up on RON95 at petrol kiosks. Even if you think you won’t get caught, Malaysia has also enforced fines on fuel station operators found guilty of letting Singapore cars fill up on petrol, so they’re going to be on the lookout too.
Road conditions: Be prepared for varied road conditions. While the main highways are usually rather well-maintained, some local roads can be less so. This includes walking to and from your car when you’re parked outside.
Speed limit: Adhere to the speed limits: 110 km/h on highways, 90 km/h on main roads, and 60 km/h in urban areas.
Emergency numbers: Keep a list of emergency contacts handy—dial 999 for the police or ambulance in Malaysia. It’s also useful to inform your family or relatives when you’re travelling. In the event of a car breakdown, you can call the Accident Assist Call Centre (AACC) at 15500.
For those who are members, they can call the Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM)—AAMCarfix directly at +60 379 890 351 or the Singapore number at 6748 9911.
Safety: We know the horror stories of Singapore cars getting broken into in JB or having belongings snatched in broad daylight while walking on the street.
As always, be vigilant against theft. Always lock your vehicle and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight. Some people on forums have also suggested buying a steering wheel lock to prevent your car from getting towed, parking with the front of the car in, and not parking in isolated areas.
ALSO READ: How to Take the Bus From Singapore to Johor Bahru
Coming Back to Singapore From JB
Peak times to avoid: Similar to your trip into JB, avoid peak hours when returning to Singapore. Sundays and public holidays tend to see the heaviest traffic, especially in the late afternoon and evening.
By following these guidelines, driving into JB from Singapore can be a smooth and enjoyable experience, allowing you to make the most of your trip without unnecessary hassles.
By following these guidelines, driving into JB from Singapore can be a smooth and hassle-free journey. Once you’ve gotten through the pain of customs, you’ll be cruising through JB enjoying the food and getting some massage and shopping done.
If you know anyone planning a trip to Johor Bahru, share this article with them!
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Original article: How to Drive Into Johor Bahru From Singapore.
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