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Paying in Taiwan: cash, cards and EasyCard

3 min read · Updated 2026-10

Taipei mixes old and new ways to pay. Department stores and chain restaurants take cards, but the small noodle shops, night market stalls and breakfast shops that make solo eating easy are still mostly cash. This is a quick overview; for fares and card rules, check the official sites linked at the end.

What to carry

  1. Some cash, around NT$1,000–2,000 in small notes, for small eateries and stalls. Convenience store ATMs usually accept foreign cards.
  2. An EasyCard (悠遊卡) for buses, the MRT and convenience stores.
  3. A contactless credit card or phone wallet for hotels, malls, chains and the Taipei MRT gates.
Solo tip: On this site, a place marked "Cash only" or "Check on site" may not take cards. Bring cash to be safe.

EasyCard in a nutshell

  • Buy one at an MRT station, a convenience store or Taoyuan Airport. A standard card costs about NT$100, and that card fee is not refunded.
  • Top it up with cash at MRT station machines or a convenience store counter.
  • Tap it on the MRT, buses and in shops with the EasyCard logo.
  • Leftover balance? Spend it at a convenience store before you fly home.

Credit cards and phone wallets

  • MRT: since July 2026 you can tap a credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay at Taipei Metro gates.
  • Usually yes: hotels, department stores, chains, convenience stores and many sit-down restaurants.
  • Usually no: breakfast shops, noodle stalls, night markets and Taiwanese buffets (pay-by-plate canteens).
  • Local apps like LINE Pay and JKOPAY are mostly for people with a Taiwanese phone number or bank account.
  • No tipping. Some sit-down restaurants add a 10% service charge instead.

At the counter

Cashiers may ask about a tax number, an e-receipt barcode or a bag. As a visitor you can answer all of these with 不用，謝謝 (bú yòng, xièxie: no need, thanks).

Check the latest

Fares, card fees and accepted payments change from time to time. Before you go, check:

Useful phrases