Driving back from Singapore - what are Malaysian Customs like?

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We have decided to drive to Singapore for the first time - its much quicker than driving from Melaka to KLIA and flying.

We hope to be able to bring a few 'purchases' back with us, including hard to find baking ingredients, some linen and some food items.

Whats it like coming back into Malaysia using the Tuas checkpoint?  Are all cars inspected or is is random or indeed do White Euro types just get waved through........?

Has anyone got any hints and tips or experiences to share so that I might have a stress free journey!:)

Thanks

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hi,

Several times I've driven into Malaysia via the Causeway. The car was pulled over along with all other cars and the boot was inspected. That was all. In the boot were some plastic shopping bags with stuff from Cold Storage. There wasn't a problem.

I imagine the same procedure applies at Tuas. Perhaps some other members have more direct experience.

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Ditto for me. Never had any problems. Only once my car was pulled over, the back of my SUV loaded with Ikea stuff.
Showed my MM2H visa and that's it.

Apparently he knew I was allowed to import household items duty free or he just did not bother.

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Ditto for me. Never had any problems. Only once my car was pulled over, the back of my SUV loaded with Ikea stuff.
Showed my MM2H visa and that's it.

Apparently he knew I was allowed to import household items duty free or he just did not bother.

I thought this only applied when you 1st bring all your stuff to Malaysia!!
I have driven to Singapore & back about 5 times, but never checked at Malaysians customs. Always checked at Singapore customs. Did you drive Sag? What was your experience?

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Yes I drove

Going from Malaysia to Singapore, Malaysian Customs just waved us through but Singapore Customs made me get out of car and checked inside and the boot.  I suspect they were looking for 'people' smuggling?

Coming back it was a wave through at both sides.  A non event really.

It only took 2 1/2 hrs from Melaka to parking at Bugis.  That included buying my epass at Singapore customs as this was my first trip.

Easy Peasy!

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What is the ePass, Sag?  I'm sure I read somewhere on this board that the procedure of taking Malaysian car into Singapore was expensive and cumbersome.  Are you saying that's not so?

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No its cheap and even cheaper at weekends.

You have the tolls (both sides both ways) that can be the most expensive part of the trip (they were for us).

Singapore gives you 10 days a year free  of VEP charges.  Then you need  only pay a $5 a day flat rate ERP charge but we went at the weekend when most ERPS are off.  For Sat & Sun in Singapore we only paid the crossing tolls.

The first time you go though you must but a epass / autopass card at Singapore customs as all Singapore tolls and ERPs etc MUST be paid for using this card at the time of leaving the country.  It took maybe 3 mins to sign up for this card and I was away.  Its just like a Touch n Go card

So its not expensive as long as you are in your 'free' annual 10 days.  Google the subject, there is loads of info, ie:

http://www.newasia-singapore.com/travel_information/driving_into_singapore/driving_in_from_malaysia_20070609365.html

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hi,

Thanks for the information. I'll give it a try in the mercedes next time.

On question though. What do you do for parking. Pay for 24 hours in a car park? Get coupons. Where to leave the car at night if you're not in a hotel?

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I've driven through 2nd link too many times to remember, yes rarely they may stop you, but if its only household stuff say you are tranferring etc, they never bother just wave on after looking. Parking in S'pore over night, you really need to think where are you staying if not in a hotel, if its friends then no problem they should help. Parking in central area is not to be tried very expensive, some areas normal domestic private housing roads, (non HDB) broken white line etc then parking on roards is allowed no coupons, but remember its not a S'pore car plate you are driving, so if you park there one night find another road the next, if you are taxi to collect your car maybe not worth the hassle. Bottom line where are you staying if not in a hotel ? they should be the ones to help.

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Bottom line where are you staying if not in a hotel ? they should be the ones to help.

Well I was thinking that.  Surely you're either going to be staying with friends/family or staying in a hotel?  Unless you're going to boogie the night away at Boat Quay or fritter away those spare dollars at the casino - and then I suppose someone will valet park your jalopy somewhere.