EasyCard Guide
Taiwan's essential transport card. One card for trains, buses, bikes, and even buying bubble tea.
Where to Buy
MRT Station Kiosks
Most convenient, English available
NT$100 (empty card)
Convenience Stores (7-11, FamilyMart)
Any store, 24/7
NT$100 (empty card)
Taoyuan Airport
Great for tourists arriving
NT$100 + pre-loaded
Online
Order before your trip
NT$100 + shipping
What You Can Use It For
- Taipei Metro (MRT) — 20% discount on some rides
- Buses across Taiwan — seamless transfers
- YouBike — public bike rentals
- Convenience stores — 7-11, FamilyMart, Hi-Life
- Taxis — select taxi fleets accept EasyCard
- Parking — some public parking lots
- Selected attractions — Taipei Zoo, Maokong Gondola
How to Top-Up
| Method | Min | Max | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRT Station Machines | NT$100 | NT$10,000 | Cash only, accepts coins and bills |
| Convenience Store Counter | NT$100 | NT$10,000 | Cash or card payment |
| EasyCard App | NT$100 | NT$5,000 | Credit card, auto-reload |
| ATM Transfer | NT$500 | NT$10,000 | Requires registered card |
EasyCard vs iPASS
| Feature | EasyCard | iPASS |
|---|---|---|
| MRT Discount | Yes | Yes |
| Intercity Bus | Yes | Yes |
| YouBike | Yes | Yes |
| Kaohsiung Metro | Yes | Yes |
| Convenience Stores | Yes | Yes |
| Taichung Buses | Yes | Yes |
| NFC Phone Support | Limited | Limited |
| Design Options | Many | Fewer |
Pro Tip
Get a co-branded EasyCard with your favorite character design at convenience stores. They cost the same but make great souvenirs.
More Details
Getting There
Taipei is served by Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) for international flights and Songshan Airport (TSA) for domestic and regional flights. The Airport Express MRT connects Taoyuan to Taipei Main Station in about 35 minutes.
Where to Stay
Xinyi District is perfect for first-time visitors with easy access to Taipei 101 and shopping. Zhongshan offers a more local experience with great dining. Daan is ideal for students and budget travelers.
Local Customs
Taiwanese people are known for their friendliness and hospitality. Bowing is not required but a nod is appreciated. Remove shoes when entering homes and some traditional restaurants.
Weather Considerations
Taipei has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot and wet (June-August), while winters are cool and damp (December-February). Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons.
Language & Communication
Mandarin is the official language, but Taiwanese Hokkien is widely spoken. English is understood in tourist areas. Download Google Translate with offline Chinese support.
Money & Payments
The currency is New Taiwan Dollar (NTD). Cash is essential for street food and markets. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and major restaurants. ATMs are widely available.
Detailed Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Taipei?
Autumn (October to November) offers the best weather with comfortable temperatures around 20-25°C and minimal rainfall.
Do I need to speak Mandarin to visit Taipei?
No, English is widely understood in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. Translation apps like Google Translate work very well for menus and signs.
How much should I budget per day in Taipei?
Budget travelers can manage on NT$1,500-2,000 per day, while comfortable travel costs NT$3,000-5,000. Luxury travel starts at NT$8,000+ per day.
Is Taipei safe for solo travelers?
Taipei is one of the safest cities in the world with very low crime rates. Solo travelers, including women, generally feel very safe exploring day and night.
Can I use credit cards in Taipei?
Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, chain restaurants, and large stores. However, cash is essential for night markets, street food, and small local shops.
What's the best way to get around Taipei?
The MRT (metro) is the most efficient and affordable way to travel. Buses complement the MRT network. Taxis and Uber are affordable for short trips.
Do I need a visa to visit Taiwan?
Many nationalities including US, UK, EU, Australia, and Japan can enter visa-free for 90 days. Check the Bureau of Consular Affairs website for current requirements.
Is tap water safe to drink in Taipei?
Taipei's tap water is technically safe but most locals boil it or drink bottled water. We recommend drinking bottled or boiled water during your stay.