Getting a Touch 'n Go Card

How Visitors to Penang Can Get and Use the Touch 'n Go Card and App

If you are visiting Penang and want to get around conveniently, you should consider getting the Touch 'n Go card. It is a prepaid smart card that makes travelling by public transport—such as Rapid Penang buses—a breeze. In addition to transport, it can also be used for parking, tolls, and even at some shops and attractions.

This page explains how to get a Touch 'n Go card while visiting Penang, and whether you can also use the Touch 'n Go eWallet app.

What Is Touch 'n Go?

Touch 'n Go is Malaysia’s leading contactless smart card system. It is widely accepted for:

Public transport: KTM Komuter trains, LRT/MRT in Kuala Lumpur
Tolls on Malaysia’s expressways
Parking in malls and on-street meters
Retail at selected shops, vending machines, and even some attractions

In recent years, it has been enhanced with the Touch 'n Go eWallet, a mobile app that allows cashless QR payments, online reloads, card linking, and more.

Where to Get a Touch 'n Go Card in Penang

1. Buy from Convenience Stores

One of the easiest ways to get a Touch 'n Go card is from major convenience stores. These include:

7-Eleven
MyNews
KK Mart
Petronas Mesra petrol stations

Price: RM10 to RM15 for the card (usually with no credit preloaded). Availability may vary by outlet, so it’s a good idea to check a few places.

When buying, try to ask for the Enhanced TNG card with NFC support, especially if you want to later use the eWallet app to manage your card.

2. Purchase at Transportation Hubs

You can also find Touch 'n Go cards at transport terminals around Penang, including:

Weld Quay (Rapid Penang Bus Terminal)
KTM Komuter Stations (e.g., Butterworth, Bukit Mertajam)
Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal (Butterworth)

Availability may vary, especially at smaller kiosks, but it’s worth checking if you're near one of these locations.

3. Buy Online (If You're Staying Longer)

If you’re in Penang for an extended period or already have a local address, you can purchase Touch 'n Go cards online from:

Shopee (official Touch 'n Go store)
Lazada
Touch 'n Go eWallet app (if already installed)

Note: This is not recommended for short-term tourists, as delivery takes a few days and requires a Malaysian address.

Can Foreign Tourists Use the Touch 'n Go App?

Yes—But There Are Limitations

The Touch 'n Go eWallet app is useful for managing your card, topping up, and making QR payments. However, tourists face a key limitation:

You need a Malaysian mobile number to register for the app.

If you are using a foreign SIM, you won’t be able to sign up for the app, and will have to rely solely on the physical Touch 'n Go card.

If You Have a Malaysian SIM Card

Once you have a local number, you can download the app and register. Then you can:

Link your Enhanced Touch 'n Go card (only possible with NFC-enabled cards)
Top-up your card through the app using online banking or debit/credit card
Scan QR codes to pay at participating shops and restaurants
View transaction history and card balance

This setup is ideal if you are a digital-savvy traveller or staying in Malaysia for an extended time.

If You Don’t Have a Malaysian SIM Card

That’s okay! You can still use the physical card for most of your needs, including:

Accessing KTM trains and ferry terminals
Paying at car parks and some retail outlets

To reload your card, visit participating convenience stores or reload kiosks. Look for the Touch 'n Go logo at the counter or kiosk.

Using the Touch 'n Go Card in Penang

Here’s how you can use the card throughout your visit:

KTM Komuter Trains: Use the card at entry/exit gates just like a train pass.
Ferries: Some ferry services accept Touch 'n Go at the boarding gates.
Parking: Pay for parking at selected on-street meters or shopping mall entrances.
Shops and attractions: Some accept Touch 'n Go card or QR from the app.

Timothy's Travel Tip

If you’re visiting Penang, it’s worth getting a Touch 'n Go card as early as possible. It saves time, avoids the need for small change, and makes travel smoother—especially on public transport.

If you're staying more than a few days and want full digital access, consider getting a prepaid Malaysian SIM card so you can also use the Touch 'n Go eWallet app.

Quick Facts

Touch 'n Go card is a prepaid smart card used widely across Malaysia.
You can buy it in Penang at convenience stores like 7-Eleven, MyNews, and petrol stations.
Cards typically cost RM10–RM15 without credit.
Use it for KTM trains, tolls, parking, and some retail stores.
The Enhanced TNG card supports NFC and can be linked to the eWallet app.
To use the Touch 'n Go app, you need a Malaysian SIM card to register.
The app lets you reload, track spending, and make QR payments.
Foreign tourists can still fully use the physical card without the app.
Top-up can be done at kiosks or participating convenience stores.

Getting a Touch 'n Go Card (3 August 2019)

Page Details

This page was created on 5 July 2025. Hi, my name is Timothy and created it from my research, for my own entertainment, knowledge and to satisfy my curiosity. I am providing the information to you in good faith and hope it is useful. I try to get the details as accurate as possible. I also try to update the page whenever I stumble on new details. So this and all my other pages are perpetual work in progress. If you discover any error, please politely inform me, pointing out where the error lies, and I will correct it as soon as possible. Your helpfulness will keep this page accurate, relevant and helpful to those who need the information.

Taking the bus in Penang