CAR RENTAL SINGAPORE TO MALAYSIA: FIRST-TIMER’S GUIDE

Whether you are travelling to Malaysia for a meeting, a quick shopping trip, or a vacation, driving a rental car is one of the best modes of transportation. Although public transportation is readily available, a car rental from Singapore to Malaysia allows you to travel at your own pace. This is also ideal for those travelling in groups, with family, especially those with young children, or people with special needs.

If it’s your first time renting a car to cross over to the Golden Peninsula, don’t worry as it is a fairly simple process. Need a rental vehicle for an extended period? No problem, we got your back!

 

At Jack Cars, our cars are VEP-registered. Please note that we don’t provide short-term rentals just for entry into Malaysia, but we’d be happy to help you explore our longer-term options through our Plug-N-Drive Program. Read on to learn more!

READ: What You Need to Know When Buying a Car in Singapore

 

Choosing the Right Rental Car

The first thing you need to decide on is what kind of car you should get for your trip. There are several factors to consider and these will help you narrow down your search for the right vehicle:

 

• Number of passengers

If it’s a solo trip you are having, you can simply opt for a compact car or something a little more stylish, like the BYD SEAL. Meanwhile, a small group or family of 4 can settle for an SUV or a hatchback. Larger groups should get an MPV for maximum comfort of all passengers.

 

• Luggage space

Whether you are going on a weekend staycation or a shopping spree in Malaysia, be sure to check the vehicle’s boot. You don’t want bags stacked up so high at the back of your car that you can’t see anything in your rearview mirror. The BYD e6 has a generous trunk that can fit up to 4 large suitcases plus 1 small suitcase.

 

• City vs rural driving

Some vehicles are built for rough roads while others are better on smooth tarmac. It’s best to know your itinerary so you can find out if you will be driving in or out of the city during the majority of your trip. Of course, there are also cars that are suitable for both city and rural driving, such as the BYD ATTO 3. This reliable SUV has four-wheel drive and off-road capabilities.

 

• Entertainment features

Although the Johor–Singapore Causeway is only about a kilometre long, driving to Malaysia can still take over an hour. You might want to consider entertainment for yourself as the driver and your passengers. The Denza D9 boasts surround-sound speakers, individual multimedia screen panels, opulent captain seats, and even a refrigerator, truly a vehicle that can keep you entertained throughout your journey.

LEARN MORE: Car Leasing vs Car Buying in Singapore

 

Driving from Singapore to Malaysia Guide

Once you have your vehicle of choice in mind, it’s time to get down to essential requirements and other important reminders you will need for travelling from Singapore to Malaysia.

Requirements to Bring

✦ Insurance

For any form of travel, adequate insurance coverage is a must. A Collision Damage Waiver or CDW is usually offered by reputable car rental companies. This type of insurance can reduce your liability if any theft or damage to the rental vehicle occurs. 

Another insurance you might want to consider is a third-party liability or auto insurance. It’s a policy that protects against claims or actions from a third party. For example, if a collision occurs, the driver of the vehicle you collided with might sue you. This is where your auto insurance can come in and protect you from financial losses.

 

✦ Licence and Permits

If you possess a Singaporean licence, this is accepted in Malaysia. However, if you have a foreign driving licence, you may need to obtain an International Driving Permit or an IDP to be allowed to drive in Malaysia. In Singapore, foreigners with a foreign driving licence are allowed to drive within a period of 12 months but beyond that, a Singapore Driving Licence conversion will be required.

Another thing you need to have is a Vehicle Entry Permit or VEP. Malaysia now requires all foreign-registered vehicles entering the country to have this. You may apply for this permit online, however it would be easier to simply rent a car that is already VEP-ready. In some cases, car rental companies will give you a VEP registration confirmation slip.

 

✦ Passport and Visa 

Singaporeans are allowed to stay in Malaysia for up to 30 days free. Make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months. Malaysia has a list of countries that do not require a visa to visit. However, if you’re a passport holder from a country not included in the list, you need to acquire a Malaysian visa before your road trip. 

 

✦ Vehicle Documentation

Wherever you may be driving off to, it’s always a must to bring important documents regarding your vehicle. You should always have your insurance as well as your road tax validity. It also helps to have a copy of the agreement or contract of your car rental with you.

Navigating the Causeway & Border Crossing

There are 2 land border crossings between Singapore and Malaysia. The Johor-Bahru Causeway connects Woodlands, Singapore to Johor Bahru while the Tuas Checkpoint connects Tuas, Singapore to Gelang Patah, Malaysia.

✦ Causeway Congestion

When planning out your journey to Malaysia, make sure to check the traffic before your departure. See live updates and plan ahead especially if there are holidays and events, like Chinese New Year. As much as possible, avoid peak hours during the weekdays, 7 am to 9 am and 6 pm to 8 pm. The Tuas Checkpoint is less crowded than the Johor-Bahru Causeway and is an ideal route for those heading to northern areas of Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur.

 

✦ Border procedures

Drive up to the immigration counter and have your passports ready. For a smoother transition through either the Woodlands or Tuas checkpoints, QR codes may be used in lieu of a passport for immigration clearance, as long as you are eligible.  

The Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has implemented a QR code system to expedite immigration clearance at the Woodlands and Tuas land checkpoints. This system allows eligible travelers to present QR codes generated through the MyICA mobile application in lieu of their physical passports. Eligibility extends to Singapore citizens, permanent residents, long-term pass holders, and foreign visitors traveling by car, motorcycle, lorry, or bus.

However, first-time foreign visitors and those re-entering Singapore with a different passport than their previous visit are required to present their physical passports for initial clearance. After this initial passport verification, they can utilise the QR code on subsequent trips. For those using automated immigration lanes, ensuring biometric identifiers are enrolled with the ICA or Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is essential.

 

✦ Toll charges

When exiting Singapore, you need to use your CEPAS Card or NETS CashCard; the cost for cars is S$0.80 at the Woodlands Checkpoint and S$2.10 at the Tuas Checkpoint. 

In Malaysia, you need a Touch ‘n Go Card or an Ez Link x Touch ‘n Go Motoring Card. A road charge costing RM20 will be paid upon arrival in Malaysia and another RM 0.90 must be paid for the Malaysia PLUS Toll Charge.

 

EVs: A Good & Clean Idea For Singapore to Malaysia Car Rental

Using an EV car rental is one of the best ways to visit Malaysia. It’s safe, environmentally friendly, and can even lower your trip expenditure.

However, driving an EV across the Singapore-Malaysia border has long been fraught with “range anxiety,” the fear of running out of charge. Driving an electric vehicle between Singapore and Malaysia has traditionally raised concerns about charging availability. However, recent infrastructure improvements are addressing these worries. The expansion of the chargEV network, with over 300 charging points in Malaysia and a single app for payment and location, simplifies the charging experience.

Additionally, the installation of fast chargers in Singapore, such as those in Ang Mo Kio, offers quick charging options. While slower chargers are more common in Malaysia currently, the growing accessibility and integration of these networks, alongside services like City Energy’s Go, are making cross-border EV travel more convenient.

If you are looking for a reputable EV car rental company in Singapore, check out Jack Cars. Not only do they have an excellent fleet of EV you can choose from but they also offer the Plug-N-Drive Program where you enjoy the benefits of owning a car without the commitment. More importantly, especially if you’re traveling to Malaysia, our EVs and most of our petrol cars here at Jack Cars are already VEP-registered, simplifying your cross-border travel!

Visit Jack Cars today to find the right EV for your trip from Singapore to Malaysia.