How To Guide

How to Use Touch ‘n Go for Transport, Shopping, and Other Digital Payments

Touch ‘n Go is a key part of daily life in Malaysia, offering a seamless and cashless way to pay for various services like public transport, shopping, toll roads, and even mobile top-ups via digital payments.

Whether you’re a local or someone based outside Malaysia, there are now more accessible ways to top up Touch n Go, including through platforms like itemku.com, which lets users reload their balance conveniently from Indonesia with denominations ranging from 40 Ringgit up to 200 Ringgit.

If you’re new to the ecosystem, using this fintech application for transport, shopping, and other payments can be a little confusing. To help with that, I am going to discuss how to use Touch ‘n Go for these purposes. Let’s start.

What Is Touch ‘n Go? 

Touch ‘n Go is an electronic financial service widely used in Malaysia. It allows people to make digital payments with the help of a contactless card and a mobile application. The app was primarily designed for easy toll payments. 

However, it has become more advanced in recent years. The company has added multiple features, and now it lets users make digital payments for different things, such as transportation. One of the main reasons for Touch ‘n Go’s popularity is its compatibility and ease of use.

Multiple stores and transport services accept this payment method. It allows Malaysian citizens to make quick payments without any delays or major technical issues. 

What Is Touch ‘n Go?

How to Use Touch ‘n Go for Public Transport?

One of the most common uses of Touch ‘n Go is in public transportation.

You can use the physical card to pay for:

  • LRT and MRT trains
  • RapidKL buses
  • KTM Komuter trains
  • Selected airport shuttle services

To pay, simply tap your TNG card at the gate or reader when entering and exiting the system. It’s fast, contactless, and eliminates the need for buying tickets every time you travel.

For a smoother experience, consider using the TNG eWallet app.

  • Download and install the application. 
  • On the app, tickets are usually presented in the form of QR codes. 
Digital payment
  • Simply pay for the relevant transport ticket. 
Digital payment
  • Then, use the QR code to scan the ticket and use the transport.
QR Code for digital payment

Keep in mind that your card must have sufficient balance before travel, so make it a habit to check regularly and reload when needed. One easy way to ensure you’re always ready is by using online services like itemku.com that offer fast reload options in multiple currencies.

How to Use Touch ‘n Go for Toll Payments? 

Malaysia’s toll roads, or expressways, use an electronic payment system called SmartTAG and RFID. Touch ‘n Go is fully compatible with these systems.

With SmartTAG, you insert your card into a device that sits on your dashboard. It deducts the toll fare automatically as you pass through. RFID works with a sticker tag on your vehicle that’s linked to your TNG eWallet. When driving through RFID lanes, the system deducts the toll fare from your wallet balance.

Both options eliminate the need for cash, speeding up travel and reducing congestion. Just make sure your linked wallet or card has enough balance to cover toll costs.

Also, you need to enable PayDirect using your Touch ‘n Go card linked to the TNG eWallet. Here’s how you can do it: 

  • Launch the Touch ‘n Go eWallet app on your mobile phone. 
  • Click on the “Toll” icon. 
  • Now, select PayDirect. 
  • Once done, click on “Add TNG Card Now”. 
  • Input your 10-digit Touch ‘n Go serial number in the designated space. 
all payments
  • Now you can use the physical TNG card for toll payments easily. 

How to Use Touch ‘n Go for Shopping?

The TNG eWallet app is accepted at many retail locations in Malaysia, from grocery chains like Lotus’s and Mydin to cafes, food courts, and even online stores. To pay, just scan the QR code provided at checkout or let the cashier scan your in-app code.

Here are some everyday purchases you can make using TNG eWallet:

  • Food and beverages
  • Groceries
  • Electronics and accessories
  • Mobile data or prepaid top-ups
  • Movie tickets

It’s worth noting that many promotional discounts are available exclusively to eWallet users, especially during sales campaigns or festive seasons. So if you’re a frequent shopper, using the app can also save you money.

Other Digital Payments You Can Make

Aside from physical goods, Touch ‘n Go can be used for a range of digital payments:

  • Utility bills (electricity, water, internet)
  • Mobile postpaid bills
  • Online gaming credits
  • Insurance and investment products
  • Donations to charity

These features are available directly in the TNG eWallet app, and many of them offer instant confirmation once payment is complete. For budget-conscious users, the app also offers expense tracking and a “PayDirect” function, where you can link your physical card to the app for greater control over toll payments.

Available Options for Touch ‘n Go Topping Up:

Managing your balance is simple with so many reload options:

  • Reload kiosks at train stations
  • Partner retailers like 7-Eleven and Watsons
  • Toll service centers
  • TNG eWallet (for Enhanced cards with NFC)
  • Digital reload platforms like itemku.com, which offers top-up Touch n Go in denominations of 40, 80, 100, and up to 200 Ringgit

Having flexible top-up options ensures you’re never caught off guard, whether you’re on the road or in line at the checkout.

Final Verdict

Touch ‘n Go isn’t just a payment tool, it’s a gateway to a faster, more connected lifestyle in Malaysia. From public transport to groceries and online bills, its versatility makes it a must-have for anyone living in or frequently traveling to the country.

To make the most of your experience, make sure to top up your balance regularly. If you’re based in Indonesia or looking for a simple way to reload online, check out itemku.com. They offer fast and secure top-up options ranging from 40 Ringgit to 200 Ringgit, so you’re always ready for the next ride, purchase, or payment.

Brian Wallace

Brian Wallace is the Founder and President of NowSourcing, an industry leading content marketing agency that makes the world's ideas simple, visual, and influential. Brian has been named a Google Small Business Advisor for 2016-present, joined the SXSW Advisory Board in 2019-present and became an SMB Advisor for Lexmark in 2023. He is the lead organizer for The Innovate Summit scheduled for May 2024.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button