Going to JB? Here’s How To Travel Smart and Save Money

This post was originally posted on Planner Bee.

Planning a trip to Johor Bahru?

Whether you’re heading over for a shopping spree, a family outing, or a quick getaway, there’s always something new to discover across the Causeway. From revamped shopping malls and exciting attractions to delicious food and unique experiences, Johor Bahru is a convenient and refreshing escape from Singapore.

Before you go, here’s a practical guide to help you make the most of your visit.

Before going to JB

One of the first things to sort out is getting Malaysian Ringgit. Here are some popular options for currency exchange, including cards and cash services:

Transportation

There are many ways to get to Johor Bahru. The most affordable option is by bus, which costs around S$2 per ride. Buses are available from downtown Singapore or around Woodlands.

You can also take the KTM Shuttle Tebrau train from Woodlands. It remains a popular choice at approximately S$5 per ticket. However, seats sell out quickly, especially on weekends, so advance booking is highly recommended.

For those opting for more convenience, taxis and private hire cars are available at fixed fares, typically cost between S$20 and S$30 one way, depending on where you start your journey in Singapore.

Traffic conditions

Traffic at the Singapore–JB border can vary widely depending on the day and time. During peak hours, especially on weekday evenings and holiday weekends, vehicle queues may last between three to four hours, according to user data from platforms like Instarem, SGJBtaxis, and Reddit.

Outside peak times, waiting times are usually shorter, ranging from 10 to 30 minutes. For smoother travel, try to cross at the following times:

• Weekdays: 6am–8am, 12pm–4pm, or after 9pm
• Weekends: Before 8am or after 1pm for entry, and after 11pm for return trips

Use apps like One Motoring Causeway Cams, Checkpoint.sg, Waze, and BeatTheJam for real-time traffic updates.

Read more: Best Multi-Currency Cards and Travel Credit Cards for Overseas Spending

EV charging stations

If you’re driving an electric vehicle, there are charging points across Johor Bahru.

• Shell Velocity (City Square Mall): Offers AC and DC fast charging options
• ChargeSini at KSL City Mall: Provides AC charging at RM1.14 per kWh and DC fast charging at RM1.24 per kWh
• Tesla Supercharger at Horizon Hills Resort: Tesla owners can charge at RM1.13 per kWh.

Most stations require a Roaming Orajet Card or a local charging app. Charging rates generally range from RM1.00 to RM1.30 per kWh. Check each provider’s app for access instructions and current rates.

What’s cheaper in JB?

Cosmetics

Drugstore makeup and skincare products are significantly cheaper in Johor Bahru. For example, Biore’s Aqua Rich UV Watery Essence sunscreen costs RM35 (S$10.12) in Malaysia for an 85g bottle, compared to S$20.10 in Singapore for a 70g version.

Prices are generally 30% to 50% lower across the board. Malls like The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey, and Danga City Mall frequently offer seasonal promotions. Paradigm Mall JB also has outlet-style beauty stores and treatment combos worth checking out.

Eyewear and contact lenses

Spectacles and contact lenses are also more affordable. A pair of OWNDAYS glasses costs about RM398 (S$130.36) in JB, while the same pair costs S$178 in Singapore.

A box of 1-Day Acuvue Moist lenses for 30 days costs about RM188 (S$56.95) in Johor Bahru, compared to S$58 to S$80 online in Singapore. Optical 88 at Paradigm Mall often has bundle offers and discounts, especially during festive periods.

Outlet stores

For bigger purchases, Johor Premium Outlets is located only an hour’s drive from Singapore. It is open daily from 10am to 10pm. If you don’t drive, you can take a bus from JB Sentral or a taxi for around RM55 (S$16.40). You’ll find brands like Adidas, Nike, Gucci, and Balenciaga. Prices are often up to 50% lower than regular retail.

Pro tip: Look for items that are made in Malaysia or neighbouring countries for the best deal. Some shoppers have noted limited sizes and off-season stock, so you may need to spend time browsing. However, if you’re selective and know what you’re after, the savings can be worthwhile.

Read more: Smart Shopping Tips that Reduce Overspending

Services

Whether you’re out for a spa day or looking to get your hair and nails done, Johor Bahru offers plenty of beauty parlours. If a package deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Be sure to check reviews beforehand.

Massage and nails

Spa and nail treatments in JB are often more affordable than in Singapore. A one-hour foot massage in Singapore usually costs S$35 to S$40. At Bangkok Spa in JB, it’s RM62 (S$20). A 120-minute full-body massage costs RM118 (S$36.66), compared to about S$90 in Singapore.

For nails, a gel manicure in JB costs RM68 (S$20.60), which includes polish removal, a nail hardener, and a mini massage. In Singapore, similar services cost S$20 to S$50.

Dental services

Dental work is generally much cheaper in JB. A dental crown costs about RM800 (S$253), compared to three times that in Singapore. Braces cost RM2,500 to RM3,000 (S$792 to S$950), whereas they cost S$4,000 to S$5,000 in Singapore.

Do factor in travel time for follow-up visits if you’re considering long-term treatments.

Medication

Birth control

In Singapore, the morning-after pill costs S$40 to S$50 plus consultation. In Johor Bahru, you can get it over the counter for around RM16 (S$5). A three-pack of Durex Love condoms costs RM7.20 (S$2.20) in JB, compared to S$4.35 in Singapore.

General medication

Paracetamol, such as Panadol, is cheaper too. In JB, 30 tablets cost RM12.41 (S$3.70). In Singapore, 20 tablets cost around S$7.50. Crestor, a common cholesterol medication, costs S$1.20 to S$2.00 per prescription in Malaysia, compared to S$3 to S$5 in Singapore.

Groceries

Everyday items are often cheaper in JB. A 1-litre bottle of Borges olive oil costs RM30.99 (S$10.68) in Malaysia, versus S$13.90 in Singapore. Quaker Instant Oatmeal is priced at RM9.49 (S$2.88) in JB, compared to S$4.65–S$5.10 in Singapore. A 1-litre bottle of Dettol body wash costs RM20.25 (S$6.14) in JB, while the same item costs S$10.50 in Singapore.

Baby items are also more affordable. A tin of Pediasure costs RM92.60 (S$28.05) in JB, compared to S$46.30 in Singapore. Mamypoko Extra Dry XL diapers are S$0.31 per piece in JB, versus S$0.46 in Singapore.

Pro tip: Visit AEON Tebrau City hypermarket for a wide selection. While some prices have risen due to exchange rates, groceries are still cheaper overall, especially for families buying in bulk.

Websites like Hikers Bay can help compare grocery prices between the two countries.

Alcohol

Beers are slightly cheaper in Malaysia. A can costs RM5.20 to RM9.20 (S$1.55 to S$2.74). Wine is priced similarly to Singapore, around RM70 (S$22) for a mid-range bottle. Spirits like Absolut Vodka cost RM188 (S$56.08), roughly the same as in Singapore.

Petrol

Singapore-registered cars must have at least three-quarters of a tank before crossing into Malaysia, or drivers may face a S$500 fine. Also, foreign vehicles cannot use Malaysia’s subsidised RON95 fuel.

That said, petrol is still much cheaper in JB. As of July 2025, RON97 petrol in Malaysia costs RM3.18 per litre. In Singapore, RON98 averages S$2.70 to 2.90 per litre.

A 50-litre tank in JB costs about S$56, compared to S$135 to S$145 in Singapore. This means you could save up to S$90 per full tank, even after factoring in travel costs.

Activities in JB

Shopping isn’t the only thing to do in Johor Bahru. There are plenty of other activities worth checking out.

Go-kart racing

Go-karting in Singapore can be expensive, with a 10-minute session for adults costing between S$35 to S$50. In Johor Bahru, the same session can cost as little as RM37 to RM55 (S$11.20 to S$16.65).

Karaoke

Singing your heart out at Teoheng in Singapore is affordable and fun. But prices in Johor Bahru are even better. At Sing V KTV, a three-hour session on a weekday afternoon costs RM12 (S$3.80), and that includes unlimited drinks.

Family activities

For a day out with the family, consider visiting water parks like LEGOLAND Malaysia or Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park. Adult tickets range from RM80 to RM100 (S$24.20 to S$30.30), similar to the S$32 you would pay for Adventure Cove in Singapore. Since you’re already in Malaysia, it might be worth making the most of it.

If getting splashed at isn’t your thing, there are other options. Johor Zoo charges RM2 (S$0.61) per adult. You could also take your children horseback riding at Amigos Horse Riding. A 45-minute to one-hour trail ride costs RM110 (S$33.33), which is less than half the price of a similar activity in Singapore.

Several new attractions have also recently opened:

• Sanrio Hello Kitty Town extension in Puteri Harbour now offers more interactive experiences and character meet-and-greets for fans of Hello Kitty and friends.
• JB Secret Mine is an immersive escape room adventure that combines storytelling with puzzle-solving.
• Indoor VR Arena at R&F Mall features a range of virtual reality games and experiences suitable for all ages.

Laws, limits, and prices

It helps to know what not to buy. Not everything in Malaysia is cheaper or easy to bring into Singapore. There are also several restrictions to keep in mind.

Food products

You cannot bring beef, mutton, pork, poultry, or oysters from Malaysia into Singapore. The full list of restricted items is available on the Singapore Food Agency’s website.

You can bring up to 5kg of seafood products, which includes a maximum of 2kg of frozen cooked crab meat and frozen cooked prawn meat. For fresh fruit and vegetables, you are allowed to carry in a small hand-carried amount.

You can also bring up to 5kg or 5 litres of processed food. However, the total value of these items must not exceed S$100 per person.

Tax and duty

As of June 2025, Malaysia has increased some of its taxes and duties. This may affect what you choose to buy across the border. The excise duty on cigarettes has gone up by approximately MYR 4 per pack (about S$1.20). Alcohol duties have also increased by 10% across the board.

For most travellers, these changes are minor. But if you regularly buy alcohol or cigarettes in Malaysia, you may notice the difference. For example, duty on two cartons of cigarettes now costs around MYR 8 more, or about S$2.20.

Alcohol

You need to declare and pay duty if you bring in more than:

• 1 litre of spirits and 1 litre of wine
• 1 litre of spirits and 1 litre of beer
• 1 litre of wine and 1 litre of beer
• 2 litres of wine
• 2 litres of beer

Cigarettes

Cigarettes may seem cheaper in Malaysia, but the duty in Singapore adds up quickly. You will pay S$10.25 for a single pack of 12 sticks. This makes it impractical to bring in cigarettes from Johor Bahru. Electronic cigarettes are banned in Singapore, so you cannot bring those in either.

Medication

You are only allowed to bring up to three months’ worth of medication into Singapore.

Cross-border insurance

If you’re heading to Johor Bahru, consider adding cross-border emergency healthcare to your travel insurance. Plans like Income Travel and MSIG TravelEasy cover general practitioner (GP) visits, hospital stays, and even COVID-19-related medical costs.

Costs typically starts from S$10 per day, which makes it a cost-effective option, especially if you’re planning a longer visit or high-activity trip, such as shopping or going to theme parks. Both Income and MSIG offers customisable coverage, including add-ons for COVID-19, adventure sports, and pre-existing conditions. Generally travel insurance provide various tiers of protection, covering overseas medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation, depending on the plan you choose.

Read more: Best travel insurance

Immigration & safety tips

Singaporeans can now utilise QR code e-gates at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints, speeding up immigration by around 30 per cent. To use this system, set up a profile through the MyICA mobile app, which pulls your details from Singpass or your passport. Once you reach the checkpoint, scan your QR code at the car counter. An officer will then perform a quick facial verification.

This system allows groups to clear immigration more quickly. First-time users will still need to complete biometric verification at the counter. The QR system has proven especially efficient for bus travellers, with some clearing immigration in under five minutes. At the moment, it is available only to Singapore passport holders.

During off-peak hours, queues typically last 10 to 20 minutes, with an extra 2 to 5 minutes for processing. Tuas checkpoint often sees shorter waiting times than Woodlands, with many travellers reporting faster clearance.

For safety, stay alert in busy areas. Snatch theft can occur in crowded malls, so keep your belongings secure. You may also want to register your travel plans with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) for added peace of mind.

Conclusion

With the strong Singapore dollar against the Malaysian Ringgit, it’s no surprise that many Singaporeans head to Johor Bahru to stock up on groceries and essentials. While it’s easy to make the trip across the Causeway, taking a bit of time to plan ahead can help you save money and avoid unnecessary delays.

Before you go, be sure to check current travel rules and regulations. A little preparation goes a long way in making your visit smooth and trouble-free.

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