Trying to figure out if buses and metros in Malaysia take cards or if Ill need small cash. Any recent experiences?
I rode KTM Komuter and LRT with my OCBC Visa via SimplyGo-style gates they accepted Amex and Mastercard too. For buses in Klang Valley, I usually used Touch ‘n Go, but on RapidKL pilot routes I tapped with Visa directly. In smaller towns like Kajang, some buses still required cash especially free ones relying on QR check‑ins. Bottom line: cards work well for metro and commuter trains, buses vary so carry small bills plus a TnG card.
Moved around KL and Johor Bahru used GoKL free city buses with just a debit card tap, no need for TnG in JB. For longer bus rides, I tapped in with my HSBC Mastercard at Causeway Link worked like a charm. But I still kept RM10-RM20 in notes for Smart Selangor BRT routes that needed QR scanning via the CEPat app.
Commuted daily on MRT/LRT with Touch ‘n Go and top‑ups via debit card. In February 2025 they’d rolled out open fare gates so around half the stations accept Visa, Mastercard, Amex, etc. directly. KTM Komuter also fully supports contactless payments and even Apple, Google, and Samsung Pay. Bus networks like GoKL and Causeway Link allow Visa taps on board and QR payments too. Still carry some small cash for the odd free Smart Selangor or rural bus.
Just got back from Kuala Lumpur used both LRT/MRT and RapidKL buses. My Touch ‘n Go card worked everywhere, and I also saw Visa contactless accepted on some buses and KTM Komuter trains. I tapped in and out with my London Barclaycard Visa on KTM Komuter, no issues. For buses, I carried some small notes because not all rural routes support card payments yet, especially on Smart Selangor services which are still QR-based.