taipei tourist transport card

EasyCard 悠遊卡

What is the Easycard? The Taipei Easycard, or 悠遊卡 (Yōuyóu kǎ), allows passengers to conveniently ride the Taipei MRT or bus systems without the need to constantly search for loose change. 7-11, Family Mart, and other convenience stores and supermarkets also accept the Easycard for payment. The standard card is called 'adult' (普通卡), and student cards (學生卡) and concessionaire cards (優待卡) allow for discounts for some services.

Where can I purchase an Easycard? Easycard can be purchased at all MRT stations and convenience stores such as 7/11 or FamilyMart generally for NT$ 100, with the exception of limited issue cards with special designs which will be more expensive. Card are issued with no balance, so be sure to recharge the card with some credit after purchase. All credit can be later refunded at MRT stations.

Besides the Easycard, there are a few other IC Cards (integrated circuit) that are also available for usage in Taiwan. The iPass (一卡通) is the local card for Kaohsiung, however can also be used island-wide. Other cards include HappyCash (有錢卡) as well as iCash which offers promotions at 7/11 and other shops owned/operated by Uni-President such as Starbucks, Mr. Donut, and Cosmed (康是美).

For convenience, visitors are recommended to recharge the Easycard then use that card to make purchases at convenience stores and other shops to avoid carrying excess change. Receipts eligible for the free lottery can be stored electronically onto the Easycard, which may quickly be verified during the redemption period at convenience store kiosks.

What are some places I use my Easycard?

The popularity of the Easycard has lead to its adoption for events and conferences, allowing participants to have easy identification and access via an Easycard associated with the event.

Some educational institutions have issued student ID cards with an integrated Easycard, allowing students to simply tap their student ID for services within the campus.

Other categories of Easycard available include student and concessionaire card, both of which provide discounts on different transport services. Student cards can be purchased with presentation of a local Taiwan student ID, and student IDs issued in other countries are not accepted. Children under the age of 6 are allowed free entry into the Taipei MRT, and may also have free entry in other places as well. The concessionaire card is available to everyone over the age of 65, and can be purchased after verification of Taiwanese ID or foreign passport.

Besides the standard design, several other types of card designs with popular characters and cartoons are available all over the island. Each convenience store will have a different selection of cards, so shop around to find the most interesting one.

Easycards are also integrated into other financial products in Taiwan such as credit and ATM/debit cards, allowing auto recharge services from the associated account when the Easycard balance is low. Some mobile operators offer Easycard-enabled SIM cards with post-paid contracts, allowing users to launch an app on their phone to emulate the usage of a physical Easycard. Cards have been integrated into other products such as keychains, watches, phone cases, and some mobile handsets.

Local governments have also issued different types of cards to their residents enabling them to more easily access social benefits, allowing convenience when using government services and providing subsidized transportation for groups such as seniors (敬老卡) and the disabled (愛心卡). Cities such as New Taipei allow seniors 60 standard bus fares per month stored on their Easycard, and cards for the disabled and their helpers allow different assistances and serve as proof of disability.

Easycard was launched in 2002, and is built upon MIFARE technology and utilizes either RFID or NFC for its communication with terminals.

Other tips and pointers The Easycard is the best choice for the Youbike public bicycle rental system. The EasyCard is recommended for all public transit, especially train rides from Hsinchu through Taipei out to Ruifang .

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Travel Pass

◎Usage: When entering the gates, place the ticket on the sensor (marked with the Single-Journey Ticket logo). When you hear the piano sound and see a green arrow on the screen, the gate opens. Touch out the same way to leave the station.

Taipei Metro Tickets

Taipei fun passes.

Note: Visit the official Taipei Fun Pass website for more details: https://funpass.travel.taipei

• Data update： 2024-06-01 00:11
• Review Date： 2024-06-01 00:11
• Source： Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation

Using EasyCard in Taiwan: Everything You Need to Know

EasyCard ( official site / order here ) is Taiwan’s most popular and common reloadable smartcard for both locals and travelers. This super handy card can be used to swipe onto public transportation and pay for other things in Taipei an across Taiwan.

Using an EasyCard is simple and easy – hence the name! But there are still quite a few questions you might have about it: How to buy and load it? How to buy cute ones? EasyCard for kids or seniors? Is it the same as the Taipei Fun Pass or iPass? Can I refund the deposit? In this article, you’ll find the most current answers to all those questions and more.

Love saving money? Also read my guide to the best budget flights to Taiwan .

Table of Contents

What is Easy Card?

EasyCard is also called Yoyo Card (Chinese: 悠遊卡 or youyou ka , literally “leisurely traveling card”. Some people colloquially call it their “Taipei MRT Card or just “MRT card”.

This rechargeable smartcard was first introduced in Taipei (see my Taipei city guide ) in 2010 to make it faster and easier for passengers to swipe in and out of Taipei MRT stations .

Over time, it became possible to swipe the card for buses, ferries, YouBike, and even some taxis . It can also be used to pay for items at most convenience stores , as well as some department stores, supermarkets, parking lots, and tourist attractions .

EasyCard acceptance has also spread around the country, including in Kaohsiung city , which has the competing iPass – a similar smartcard that can now also be used across the country.

You can’t pay for EVERYTHING in Taiwan with EasyCard. You’ll still need cash to pay for lots of things, not to mention you can only use cash to top up your EasyCard.

How Much Does it Cost?

One regular, adult EasyCard has a TWD 100 non-refundable deposit . In the past, you could return the card at the end of your trip, and get the 100 dollars back, but now you can’t.

Besides the deposit, you also need to load some money onto the card before using it. A standard adult card costs TWD 500, so that means you’ll have a balance of 400 for riding around.

If you buy it from an MRT station service window, you can ask them to put any amount.

Where Can I Buy It?

The three main ways to buy an EasyCard are on Klook , in any MRT station in Taiwan (including Airport MRT stations), or at any convenience store.

If you buy your EasyCard on Klook before you arrive in Taiwan, there are a few advantages. First, this is the one of the few ways you can buy and load an EasyCard with your credit card .

In Taiwan, you can only buy or load them with cash at most places (Exceptions: EZFly counter at Taoyuan International Airport , but you can only load 200 there, and you can use credit card to buy EasyCards at some convenience stores, but not to load them with money).

You will have to pick it up upon arrival at Taoyuan International Airport. The pickup kiosk is the Unite Traveler Counter . It is located in the Arrivals Hall of each terminal – see the Klook page for a map of each one.

The Unite counter is open 4:30 AM to 11 PM , so I don’t recommend ordering your EasyCard on Klook if you arriving in Taiwan between 10 PM and 3:30 AM (it usually takes about 1 hour to get through the arrival process at Taoyuan Airport).

The Klook deal comes with the option to add TWD 200 or 400. So once you include the 100-dollar deposit, you will need to pay TWD 300 or 500. There’s also the option to add a SIM card by Chunghwa. This is my most recommended SIM Card for Taiwan – see why in my Taiwan SIM card guide .

You can also buy a Chunghwa SIM card on its own , without an EasyCard.

In Any MRT Station

If you are arriving early or late at Taoyuan International Airport, or you don’t want to buy the card on Klook, you can just buy it in the Airport MRT station. You can also do this if you’re landing at Songshan Airport in the Taipei City center or any other airports in Taiwan which are connected to MRT stations.

As you’re walking into the Airport MRT station, watch for the EZfly counter , which sells TWD 300 EasyCards (100 deposit + 200 for spending). They even take credit cards – the only place in Taiwan I’m aware of that you can buy a pre-loaded EasyCard with credit card, besides ordering one on Klook.

Only the Taoyuan Airport MRT station has this EZfly kiosk. In all other MRT stations in the city, you can just buy an EasyCard from the service window, with cash only.

You can also buy a TWD 500 card from the “ IC Card Vebnding / Top Up” machines (100 deposit + 400 for using). The machines only take cash. Note that these are not the same as the machines used for buying single ride tokens (the purple ones on the left above). You can also buy an EasyCard from the Airport MRT station service window . They can put any amount you want.

There are also machines and service windows in every MRT station in Taipei, Taoyuan (including Airport MRT), Taichung , or Kaohsiung. You can buy a card and add any amount you want at the window, in cash only. Service hours are around 6 AM to midnight.

In a Convenience Store

You can also buy an EasyCard at any major convenience store branch in Taiwan. These include 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, HiLife, OK Mart, I-Mei Foods, and Simple Mart.

These convenience stores are EVERYWHERE in Taiwan, so you’ll never have trouble finding one.

How Can I Buy a Cute EasyCard?

Buying your EasyCard at a convenience store has one additional bonus. They carry all kinds of super cute ones! They might feature cartoons, Taiwanese foods, animals, or scenes of Taiwan.

These cute MRT cards are changing all the time, but you can browse the latest cute EasyCard options here . Once in the past, there was even an EasyCard featuring a Japanese p*rn star !

Some of these cute EasyCards cost more, though. You can expect a deposit of TWD 199 to 399 instead of the usual TWD 100 for most of them. But there are even some cute ones which still only cost TWD 100.

At the Pokemon Center in Taipei, you can also buy TWD 100 Pokemon themed EasyCards (same price as a normal one!) at the till.

EasyCards for kids, students, seniors, or disabled?

Kids under six (age 0-5) can ride the MRT for free in Taipei and other cities in Taiwan, including the Airport MRT. If your child is above 115 cm, they may ask the see ID.

Children aged 6-12, seniors, or the disabled can get a concessionaire card . The card only gives some very small discounts. You can only get the concessionaire card at an MRT station or convenience store. You cannot order one on Klook. You may need to show ID proving your age or disability to get it.

Unfortunately, children just visiting Taiwan cannot apply for student MRT cards , which give a bigger discount. If you’re a foreign student in Taiwan, your school or university may issue you a student ID card which also has EasyCard function. If not, you get a student EasyCard at any MRT station by showing your Taiwanese school ID (IDs from schools outside Taiwan won’t be accepted).

How do I Recharge my EasyCard?

When your MRT card runs low or runs out of money, it’s time to reload it. Every time you enter or exit an MRT station, take note of the remaining balance (not possible to see on buses, shops, etc). You can also check the balance of your card at one of the reloading machines or service window in any station or on this website .

It’s possible to dip into your TWD 100 deposit. For example, if your card only has TWD 5 balance left on it, you’ll still be able to enter the MRT. If your ride costs TWD 30, you will have a –25 balance when you exit the station, and it will make a different beeping noise to alert you about this. If your balance is negative, you can’t use your card until you top it up to a positive balance.

To recharge your EasyCard at a machine in the “Easy Card Sales and Top Up” machine in any MRT station, just place your card on the sensor then insert bills. These machines only take TWD 100 bills. When you’re done, take it off the sensor. You can’t top up your card at the single-ride token machine (the one that shows the MRT route map above).

To recharge your EasyCard at the MRT station service window or a convenience store, just hand them the card and cash. Tell them “我要加五百塊”  (I want to add 500 dollars / wo yao jia wubai kuai ) or whatever amount you want to add. These windows will take any bills or even coins.

Topping up EasyCards is cash only . It’s not possible to charge an EasyCard with credit card. To pay for an EasyCard with credit card, buy one on Klook before your trip, but once the TWD 400 runs out, you’ll only be able to reload it with cash.

What’s the Maximum Amount?

The maximum amount you can load onto an EasyCard is TWD 30,000 . Since this is very unlikely for travelers, you don’t have to worry about it.

How Much Discount does the Card Give?

Swiping with an EasyCard is the same price as paying for a single ride on most MRTs and buses. Basically you are paying for convenience, not savings. It’s so much faster to enter an MRT station with EasyCard. Or imagine trying to collect all the exact change for taking a bus when there’s a line of people behind you!

However, EasyCard does give a small discount when transferring (adults TWD 8, concessionaire card holders 4) from a Taipei MRT to a bus (or vice versa) within one hour. You also get a TWD 5 discount when transferring from the MRT to a YouBike.

EasyCard users also get a TWD 20 discount if they swipe to ride Maokong Gondola (weekdays only), or TWD 20 discount if they swipe to enter Taipei Zoo and then to enter Maokong Gondola.

If you use your EasyCard to tide a TRA train, there’s a 10% discount for rides under 70 kilometers.

The Kaohsiung MRT offers a 15% discount to EasyCard users.

Is There an EasyCard App?

Yes, EasyCard has an app called EasyWallet ( Apple / Android ). You can scan the app’s QR code to enter stations.

However, the app is in Mandarin only , and only local citizens or residents (ARC holders) can register for it. Users in Taiwan usually connect their Taiwanese bank account to their EasyWallet app so it will automatically reload money when it runs out.

Where Can I Use EasyCard?

Here’s a list of all the places you can swipe your EasyCard.

Transportation

• MRT : All of them, including Taoyuan Airport MRT, Taipei MRT, Taichung RT, and Kaohsiung MRT
• LRT : All of them, including Danhai Light Rail in Tamsui and Kaohsiung Light Rail
• City buses : All of them across Taiwan. Always swipe when you get on and again when you get off.
• TRA Trains : only for standing tickets on Local, Tze Chiang, or Chu Kuang Trains. You won’t be guaranteed a seat. Find more info in my guide to train tickets in Taiwan .
• Ferries : shorter ones, like from Tamsui to Fisherman’s Wharf or Kaohsiung to Cijin Island, but not to other offshore islands in Taiwan
• Intercity or long-distance buses : Only a few, like buses between Taipei and New Taipei City , most buses within a county, and buses from Sun Moon Lake to Alishan or Chiayi to Alishan .
• Taxis : Only some have a scanner for swiping EasyCard
• Parking lots : Only some. Learn more in my guide to driving in Taiwan .
• YouBike : You need a local phone number to register for an account if you want to use EasyCard to rent a YouBike. You can still rent a YouBike for one-time use with a credit card. Find out how in my YouBike users’ guide .

Other Things

• Convenience stores : All major ones.
• Attractions : Only a few, like Taipei Children’s Amusement Park, Maokong Gondola, Taipei Zoo, Hsinchu Zoo, Yehliu Geopark, National Palace Museum, Taipei Fine Arts Museum
• Street food vendors / night market stalls : only some of them
• Shop and department stores (only some of them, only for purchases of up to TWD 1000), pearl milk tea shops , supermarkets (watch for EasyCard logo at the till)
• Click here to see which shops, restaurants, and so on accept EasyCard .

Where Can I NOT use EasyCard?

• HSR (High Speed Rail) : It’s possible, but only if you get a co-branded EasyCard / HSR credit card from a Taiwanese bank, and even then, you can only sit in the non-reserved section. For most travelers, you can’t. Just buy a non-reserved ticket at the station, or buy a ticket in advance on Klook , T EXpress app, or the official HSR site. See my guide to booking HSR tickets .
• TRC (TRA) Trains : You can’t get a seat reservation if you swipe EasyCard to board the train, so you may have to stand. For Taroko Express, Puyuma Express, and Tze Chiang Limited Express EMU3000, you can’t swipe EasyCard because these trains are reserved seats only. See my guide to booking TRC train tickets in Taiwan .
• Long-distance / intercity buses : Usually for buses between cities, or any bus starting from a bus station or terminal, you’ll need to buy a ticket. You can book some buses online here .
• YouBike : If you don’t have a local phone number to register, you can’t register your EasyCard for YouBike rental. But you can still do a one-time use with credit card.
• Most tourist attractions , like Taipei 101 Observatory , Sun Moon Lake Ropeway , Zhang Mei Ama Leisure Farm , Leofoo Village , E-Da Theme Park , and so on.
• Most street food vendors , night market stalls , small shops , restaurants , and so on. You’ll still need cash for these. Only some take credit cards.

EasyCard vs Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass

EasyCard and Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass are totally different passes. EasyCard is what almost everyone uses for swiping onto transportation and other things across Taiwan. It is rechargeable and you keep using it for as long as you want.

Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass ( buy here on Klook ) is a special pass for tourists only. It is only valid for 1, 2, or 3 days, depending which option you choose. The passes gives you unlimited MRT and bus rides in Taipei, New Taipei City , and Keelung only (no Airport MRT and no buses with 4 digits, like the bus to Jiufen). You can also use it for some Taiwan tourist shuttles on certain day trips from Taipei.

The Fun Pass also includes access to 25 attractions in and around Taipei. That may sound great, but the pass is not cheap and you are unlikely to visit all or even most of those attractions.

To find out if it’s worth the money, make a list of all the attractions you will actually visit, and estimate your total MRT rides (multiple by TWD 30), and see if the pass will be cheaper. If you’re in Taipei or traveling around Taiwan for longer than three days, you’ll probably need to also want to buy an EasyCard.

Note that when you activate the Fun Pass (by using it the first time), that day will count as your Day 1, no matter what time you activate it. So try to start it in the morning to get best use of it.

There’s also a Taipei Transportation Fun Pass , which includes transportation only for one day, plus the option to add Maokong Gondola. And then there’s the newer Klook Pass which covers 2-5 attractions only, no transportation, and a more generoud 30 days to use it.

EasyCard Vs. iPass

EasyCard and iPass are the two most common transportation smartcards in Taiwan. EasyCard started as a Taipei MRT card, while iPass started as a Kaohsiung MRT pass.

In the past, EasyCard was the only one accepted in the north, and iPass the only one in the south of Taiwan.

Today, both passes are accepted almost everywhere in Taiwan. However, EasyCard remains the leader island-wide, with more places accepting it than iPass.

Therefore, for most travelers to Taiwan, I recommend EasyCard , unless you plan to live or spend an extended period of time in Kaohsiung.

What is TPass and All Pass?

Taiwan also has a new monthly unlimited transportation pass called TPASS. It will replace the older “All Pass”. TPASS launched in summer 2023 .

There are three TPASS regions: northern, central and southern Taiwan TPASS. The Northern Taiwan TPASS covers Taipei City, New Taipei City , Keelung, and Taoyuan (including Airport MRT) and costs TWD 1200.

The Central Taiwan TPASS covers Taichung, Miaoli , Nantou , and Changhua. It costs TWD 699 for residents of 999 for non-residents.

The Southern Taiwan TPASS covers Tainan , Kaohsiung, and Pingtung . It costs TWD 999.

The passes can be used for unlimited rides on MRTs, LRTs, local buses, a few ferries, trains that don’t require seat reservation (just like EasyCard), and some intercity buses within the region. it is valid for 30 days.

The Taipei All Pass is discontinued . It was a month-long pass which gave unlimited rides on all MRTs, buses, and the first 30 minutes of YouBike rides in Taipei and New Taipei City (Taoyuan Airport MRT was not included). The pass cost TWD 1280. It was discontinued on June 30, 2023.

Can I Get a Refund for my EasyCard?

You cannot get back your TWD 100 deposit . In the past you could, but this is no longer possible.

However, if you have any remaining money on your card (beside the TWD 100 deposit), you can get it refunded at any MRT station service window. You can only refund up to TWD 3000, and a TWD 20 service fee will be deducted.

So if you are leaving Taiwan, just do this at the service desk at the Airport MRT station just after you swipe out from your last ride.

How Can I Check the Balance on my EasyCard?

There are several ways to check your EasyCard’s balance. In Taiwan, it will show the remaining balance anytime you exit an MRT station. You can also check in on one of the machines in the station or at the ticket window.

Online, you can check an EasyCard’s balance here (Mandarin only, but the page is easy enough to navigate).

If I Leave Taiwan, Can I Still Use My EasyCard Next Time?

EasyCards have no expiration date . Even if you leave Taiwan for many years, you can still bring your EasyCard back and continue using it. (I’ve heard about 20 year limit ­– confirm).

If your card is inactive for two years, you’ll have to reactivate it by adding any amount of money to it.

Why Isn’t My EasyCard Working?

Sometimes, you try to enter a station, and you are pretty sure you have money on your EasyCard, but it won’t let you swipe in. Usually this is because you didn’t swipe out properly the last time you used your card.

All you need to do is go to the MRT service window and tell them the card is not working. They will do some magic, and it will work again.

If you’re already inside the MRT, and it won’t let you leave, just to the same thing. They’ll probably ask you where you started your journey so that they can deduct the appropriate amount.

If you hear some crazy beeping when you enter or exit a station, that’s also usually an indication that something is wrong. Just see the service desk if there’s any problem next time you try to go in or out.

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The 15 best hostels in taipei (experienced traveler reviews), 30 thoughts on “using easycard in taiwan: everything you need to know”.

Hi can we use the easycard for travelling from taipei to taichung?

For buses, not. You’ll need to buy a bus ticket at the bus station ticket windows first. For HSR, no. You can’t swipe EasyCard for riding HSR in Taiwan. For regular (TRA) trains, yes, but only certain ones (Local type, Chu Guang, or Tze Chiang – any number except 3000). You won’t have a reserved seat, so if they are full, you’ll need to stand. You can’t use it for reseervation-only trains, which are Puyuma, Taroko, and Tze Chiang 3000.

Is it possible to use Easycard for Tourist Shuttles in Nantou? (Puli-Qingjing-Hehuanshan)

“klook is the only option for credit card charging of EZCard” Then proceeds to mention that you can also do this at EZFly counter. wut?!

Hello. When I arrived in Taipei I bought an Easycard from a stand at the airport near the MTR I think. I was only offered a”cute” card which I don’t like but the lady only offered a choice of 2 childish cards on keyrings. I paid 495$ and she also said I needed a purple token for the train to the city. Why did I need that token if I could have used the Easycard on the train. Your website says Easycard can be used on trains to the airport. I’m very confused. Can you explain please?

Thanks for pointing this out. I’ve fixed it.

It sounds to me like you paid a lot of money for a “cute” and “collectible EasyCard that didn’t even come loaded with any money. And if you didn’t care about the cuteness, that was definitely a rip off, because normal ones only have a TWD 100 deposit, and you can find some other cute ones at 7-11 which only cost a little more, not 495. And what she said doesn’t even make sense – if that was an EasyCard, you should load money onto it in the station and use it to ride the Airport MRT, which 100% takes EasyCard. That makes me think that the thing you bought was maybe not even an EasyCard but just a keychain or something?

Does each person need their own Easy Card or can a family of 3 share 1 card?

Czy 1 kartą Easy Card mogę płacić za przejazd metrem dla trzech osób ?

No, it only works one card per person.

Each person must use their own card. If one card is swiped twice, it will cause it to malfunction and you won’t be able to exit the MRT without taking it to the service desk so they can fix it.

Hi Nick, Thank you for these useful posts. I just like to confirm that I can swipe the Easy Card to get on the MRT Airport train to and from Taipei Main Station without buying a physical ticket.

Thanks, Hung N.

Yes, you can. It works for any MRT in Taiwan (Airport, Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung).

FYI, when seeking to buy an easy card via credit card, I just did that in a family mart. But topping up is still cash only, so not really a game changer or anything.

Thanks, that’s good to know! So I guess you were only able to pay the deposit for the card with credit card, but not actually load any money onto it?

Hello, thanks for the informative post. Please amend the ‘refund’ section to acknowledge that it is extremely difficult to get a refund when you leave. I am at Kaohsiung airport at 11:30 am on a Wednesday, and the only authorised refund counter is closed. You can no longer get a refund at the airport MTR counter.

Thanks for sharing. Do you mean you tried to refund it in the Kaohsiung International Airport MRT station service window and they wouldn’t do it? Or you only tried inside the airport?

hello Nick, I’m Sandy, I want to ask whether there is a discount on easy cards for children and the elderly for foreigners?

All this information is in the article. Children under 6 ride free. Non-resident children above 6 and seniors don’t get a discount and must use adult EasyCard. Children 6-12 can get a “Concessionaire EasyCard” from the MRT station service desk, but it doesn’t give discounted fares, only lower prices on some other things, including a small discount when transferring between two different types of transportation.

Can we use easycard on Citiair bus? Can we buy MRT day pass with easycard? Pls advise. Thx

If you mean the CitiAir bus from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei, no, you need to buy a ticket for that one. You can buy a ticket from the CityAir ticket window at Taoyuan Airport bus station (T1 or T2) or at Taipei City Hall station.

MRT Day pass is a different card than EasyCard. You can’t combine the two.

Hello Nick, thank you for this. I just want to ask this to make sure. Our arrival at TPE airport is around 2:30 AM. The Ezfly counter at the airport will be open for us around this time, right? I just wanted to make sure since my only option was to purchase from Klook but the booth will be closed by the time we arrive, so this is the best possible option I have at the moment.

Hi Nick, Thank you for the informative posts, I’ve used your site a lot in the past weeks. I wanted to remark something strange that happened at the airport this week. So when I wanted to buy az Easycard at the EZFly counter like you described, both counters that I found on the way to the MRT (one almost directly in front of the MRT-gates, one a bit back) wanted to sell me a combo of a token to a one-way ride to Taipei plus an IPass (which.. why do you need a token, if you have an iPass?). I asked the lady at the second counter, do you sell Easycards? She answered something along the lines of oh it doesn’t matter, they’re practically the same. I was a bit confused with the whole thing, so without asking further went into what seemed like a small convenience store directly across this stall, also by the MRT-gates (although they also had some kind of an EZFly sign and a sign that they sell both cards), I just bought an empty Easycard and then loaded money on it at the automat. I don’t know, it was strange.

In your article, you mentioned that seniors may buy a concessionaire easy card. Question 1- what is the definition of a senior in Taiwan? Question 2 – why would one choose to buy and use a concessionaire card if there aren’t any significant advantages to using it? Isn’t it the same as the regular easy card except the name? Thanks.

hi, travelling to taiwan this July and i would like to know if i can use my easy card in riding high speen rail train and local train. planning to visit Zhongshe folwer market in taichung

For local train yes. For HSR no. HSR please check my HSR booking guide for how to buy the tickets.

Senior = 65+. EasyCard works for many things in Taiwan besides the Taipei MRT, and every place has some differences in terms of discounts. Yes, the adults prices for Taipei MRT are the same for concessionaire. But there may be a better discount for some other things across Taiwan. Concessionaire gives a discount when transfering from MRT to another form of transportation within 1 hour. It has discounts for some LRTs in Taiwan, like Danhai LRT and Ankeng LRT. I’m sure there are some more, but I don’t know which ones. As you can see, there are some discounts, but they are more limited, so it’s barely worth the trouble to get one. Personally, I think it’s silly that they made this card with so few obvious advantages and it’s ridiculous that they don’t offer the same local senior to foreign seniors.

EZfly and the MRT station will not be open in the middle of the night. They open from around 6 AM to midnight.

It’s extremely easy to buy an EasyCard in Taiwan. You can buy it from any convenience store or MRT station in the country. So I don’t think you should worry about it until after you arrive. Since you are arriving at 2:30, you will not be using an EasyCard to get to Taipei or wherrever you will be going. You will need to take the 24-hr bus (buy ticket with cash, not EasyCard) or taxi (cash).

That does sound strange. Thanks for reporting back about it here! Things are always changing in Taiwan so it’s hard for me to keep up with all the changes, but feedback like this helps! iPass is less ideal than EasyCard and that’s wierd/annoying that they would try to sell the token with it. Hopefully they go back to selling EasyCards again.

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EASYCARD CORPORATION

What is EasyCard?

How to use.

Cardholders are required to pass the card over the EasyCard sensor area on fare gates both entering and exiting the MRT stations, with fares deducted from the card. According to Article 11 of the Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation Passenger Transport Rules, the system will automatically deduct NT$20 from the card if users on the Taipei Metro take more than 15 minutes going in and out of the same station or take more than 2 hours entering and exiting the different station. Other requirements are subject to relevant service providers.

Fares can be deducted from the card when the cardholder swipes the card over the EasyCard sensor area on the reader.  

When entering or leaving parking lots, users of the card should pass the card over the EasyCard sensor area on the ticket checking machine as instructed by voice prompts. If needing a receipt, please press the receipt button on the machine when leaving.

Fees can be deducted from the card when the cardholder passes the card over the EasyCard sensor area on the reader. See more at Scope of EasyCard Use . 

• Pass the card over the EasyCard sensor area without waving it.
• People holding cards other than the Adult card should produce relevant documentation. Users of the Student cards on the Taipei and New Taipei City Joint Bus Systems should have relevant identity documents with them for inspection. Those who have no documentation are required to make up the difference by inserting coins. Those who fail to produce the proof or make up the difference and are identified as an impersonator may pay a default penalty, 50 times the amount of an adult ticket, or their Student cards are to be confiscated.
• Users should pay attention to the balance displayed on the screen. If not enough, please add value first before use. If having no intention to continue to use it, users can get the balance back by terminating the contract and suspending the card. 
• EasyCards can be used for purchases of up to NT$1,500 at designated retailers once, up to a maximum of NT$3,000 per day. However, this limit does not apply to payment of government fees, public service charges, miscellaneous school expenses, medical costs, transport services (including the Maokong Gondola or public bikes), and parking fees, or to the transactions in line with the government policy and with the nature of public interest approved by the competent authority.
• When the cardholders complete the deduction, they should request the transaction document from the designated retailers (except for public transport or parking lots) to confirm the correctness of the transaction amount.
• The cardholder should keep the transaction documents (e.g., the original of the order form of deferred goods or services, original invoices, or other certificates sufficient to verify transaction facts) and the original purchase card when purchasing deferred goods or services using the EasyCard at the designated retailers. In the event of any consumption dispute arising from not receiving the goods or services, and no compensation received from the retailer, the EasyCard Corporation is responsible for refunding their money after the cardholders provide the transaction certificate and the original purchase card, which are verified by the corporation.
• If the user’s card is suspended when they use it to pay distance-based fares on a public transport service, the handling procedures for reactivating the card should comply with the regulations of the transport operators.
• The card should avoid exposure to high temperature, bend, wear or cutting damage.
• Please do not swipe multiple cards over the EasyCard sensor area at the same time to avoid poor reaction or repeated deductions.
• Please do not place the cards near the metal products.
• If users swipe the card too swiftly or far away from a card reader, please wait for a moment and pass it over again.
• If you pass the chip EasyCard in the bag, please note that its thickness should not exceed 5cm, and you should let the bag gently touch the sensor area.

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Taipei Metro

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The MRT's many trains and its seamless bus transfer make up Taipei's convenient transport system. You are cordially invited to take the MRT and enjoy the city's beautiful views along the way.

MRT's Public Art

How to Buy Tickets

• There are automatic ticket machines at each station. The machines only accept cash coins but you can always change a note into coins at the station. You may also purchase a ticket by the counter.
• Please swipe your card or token before taking a ride. To ensure everyone enjoys a comfortable and safe ride, smoking is entirely forbidden in all stations. No drinks, food or chewing gums are allowed either within the yellow line in front of the ticket gate.
• When you finish the ride, swipe your one-day pass or Easy Card by the gate and the system will automatically deduct some fees from the card. If you use a token, the machine will take the token away.

Please enter the station on the left side of the gate once you have swiped the card. Go to the platform to take the train.

Wait for the train to come at the waiting area.

The ticket gate will take away your token when you go out. If you use a one-day pass or an Easy Card, just swipe it and go.

Ticket Price and Type

Depending on the distance, a single journey ride starts from NT$20 to NT$65. The one-day pass which may be purchased at each station's service counter is NT$150. On the date of validation you may take the MRT as many times as you like. Each pass may only be used by one person at a time, however.

Ticket info:  Fare and Travel Time Inquiries Ticket type:  The tickets you may use at MRT

Single-Journey Ticket

Taipei Metro One-Day Pass

Routes and Stations

MRT Transport Info:  Routes and Stations

Scenic Spots Near MRT Stations

Taiwan smart card.

EasyCard is a contactless electronic fare-card that may be used at MRT, bus, parking lots, or partnership stores. Just gently touch the sensor machine with the card and the payment will be made. No cash coins are needed and no accidental double purchase may take place. The customer may top up the card in all MRT stations and convenience stores.

EasyCard Web

iPass is easy to carry, safe to use, and does not need cash change. Also, because the customer has to top-up to keep using the card, this helps the customer to keep to his or her budget in addition to paying electronically, thereby reducing the chance of overspending or overexpansion of credit. An electronic fare-card is convenient because:

• The user does not need to bring cash notes or coins anymore, and if more people use electronic fare-cards in a line, it reduces the time of wait.
• No cash change is required anymore. And customer can still carry out a purchase even without enough change.
• The user can easily check transaction info and control own spending.
• The card may be combined with any bonus point system and get free gifts or super-value services back.
• Unlike credit card, no personal info may be stolen with the electronic fare-card.

The iPASS card can be used as a normal ticket for many public transport systems in Taiwan. When you take Taipei Metro, Taoyuan MRT, Kaohsiung MRT, Kaohsiung Light Rail, Taiwan Railway Journey, many city buses and intercity buses in Taiwan, you do not need to wait in line and buy a ticket but simply use iPASS card for your access. You can also use it for the tickets of YouBike, ferries and many car parks in Taiwan. The transaction can be quickly finished by passing your card over the sensor area. In addition to the public transportation, iPASS card is an electronic ticket which can be used for the entry tickets of many tourist attractions and amusement parks and for the purchase in many places like the Department Stores, 7-ELEVEN, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, OK Mart Convenience Stores, PX Mart, and Petrol Stations (CPC, FORMOSA, and NPC). It can also be used in other popular purchasing areas like restaurants, tea chain stores, traditional markets, night markets, and cinemas, etc. The iPASS card not only helps you get rid of the need for preparing the coins and buying the tickets, but it also gives you more discounts when you take the public transportation. The iPASS card can be reused, and the value can be added at any time; therefore, there is no need to purchase new cards. Enjoy your journey in Taiwan by using the iPASS card which provides you an easier and more convenient way in your purchase.

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Getting Around Taipei: Guide to Public Transportation

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• Taipei Metro
• Airport Shuttle
• Maokong Gondola
• Taiwan High-Speed Rail
• Local Trains
• Renting a Car or Scooter
• Tips for Getting Around

Getting around Taipei is convenient and easy—even if you don’t speak Chinese; maps, ticket machines, and station names are in Mandarin and pinyin, which is used to Romanize Chinese characters. The subway and buses are most popular, but taxis and rideshares are also plentiful. The subway and bus system services nearly every place a traveler might want to go while high-speed trains and local rail lines take travelers beyond the city limits. 

How to Ride the Taipei Metro

Built in 1996, Taipei Mass Rapid Transit or Taipei Metro (MRT) has six lines of underground, ground, and elevated tracks that criss-cross Taipei and New Taipei City, which surrounds the capital. Hours of operation are 6 a.m. to midnight daily (first train and last train start times are here). Amenities at each station include attendants, ticket machines, and toilets.

Admission to the trains is via blue plastic single-journey tokens or electronic stored value cards called EasyCards . Travelers can calculate single journey fare here, which depends on journey distance.

• Single Journey: NT$20 - NT$65
• One-day EasyCards Pass: NT$150
• 24hr Taipei Metro Pass: NT$180
• 48hr Taipei Metro Pass: NT$280
• 72hr Taipei Metro Pass: NT$380
• All Pass Ticket: NT$1,280 includes unlimited rides for 30 days on Taipei Metro, Taipei buses, and YouBike bike share.

Passengers with EasyCards get a fare discount between subway and bus if the transfer is done within one hour.  Taipei Fun Passes include unlimited rides on Taipei Metro, Taipei buses, and Taiwan Tourist Shuttle routes.

Taipei Fun Pass (Transportation):

• 1-Day: NT$180
• 1-Day (Maokong Gondola version): NT350
• 2-Day: NT$310
• 3-Day: NT$440
• 5-Day: NT$700

Taipei Fun Pass (Unlimited): Includes entry to 16 attractions, including Taipei 101 , Yehliu Geopark , and Taipei Zoo

• 1-Day: NT$1,200
• 2-Day: NT$1,600
• 3-Day: NT$1,900

How to Pay and Where to Buy Passes

• Single Journey: Blue IC Single Journey Tokens can be purchased from the token vending machines and Metro station information counters in all stations. 
• One-day EasyCards Pass and 24-hour, 48-hour, 72-hour and All Pass: Available for purchase at all Metro station information counters. Each pass can only be used by one passenger at a time.
• Taipei Fun Pass: Can be purchased online . 

Important Things to Know About Riding the MRT

• Announcements are in Mandarin, English, Taiwanese, Hakka, and Japanese.
• Weekday peak hours are 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. On weekends and holidays, service to some stations begins later. Check here. 
• Bicycles are allowed on the Taipei Metro at 83 stations weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Eating, drinking, chewing gum, and smoking are not allowed.
• Passengers must line up to board trains.
• Don't sit in seats designated for the elderly, disabled, pregnant passengers, and those traveling with young children. 
• When riding the escalator, stand on the right and walk on the left.
• Pets are allowed on the Taipei Metro.
• Surfboards are allowed on the first and last subway cars on holidays only.

Travel Routes and Subway Lines 

• Wenhu Line (BR): Brown
• Tamsui-Xinyi Line (R): Red
• Songshan-Xindian Line (G): Green 
• Zhonghe-Xinlu Line (O): Orange
• Bannan Line (BL): Blue
• Circular Line (Y): Yellow

An additional 28 miles is under construction, adding 41 stations to the system. Download an English language map of the Taipei Metro and the Go! Taipei Metro App.

Accessibility Concerns: Taipei Metro has elevators, braille signage, wheelchair-accessible ticket vending machines and train cars. 

Safety Information

• Passengers must stand behind a yellow strip one meter from the platform edge.
• Warning lights flash when a train is approaching the station.
• Warning lights flashing above the platform doors indicate when they are about to close; do not enter or exit when the lights are flashing.
• Platform screen doors have been installed on many routes to prevent passengers falling onto the tracks. There is an under platform clearance where a passenger can find refuge if they fall on the tracks. 
• Harassment on the subway is very rare, even during late night hours.

Taking the Airport Shuttle

The easiest way to travel from Taipei Taoyuan International Airport is the Taoyuan International Airport MRT Line that has 13 express stations from the Taipei Main Station to Taoyuan International Airport’s Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 (there is an additional commuter line extending service beyond the airport to Huanbei Station in Taoyuan). 

Fare Rates: Single journey rides: NT$30 to NT$160. 

Hours of Operation: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Timetables can be found here .

Using the Maokong Gondola

Opened in 2007, the Maokong Gondola has four stations: The 2.5-mile long gondola system includes 31 Crystal Cabins, which have clear, glass-bottom floors. 

Fare Rates: The fare is based on trip length.

• To Taipei Zoo South Station: NT$70
• To Zhinan Temple Station: NT$100
• To Maokong Station: NT$120
• EasyCard holders get NT$20 off on weekdays. 
• Passengers who use their EasyCard to pay for admission to the Taipei Zoo get an NT$20 discount on a subsequent gondola trip.

Hours of Operation: The gondola is open every day except Monday and runs according to the following schedule.

• Tuesday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Friday: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Sunday: 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

How to Ride the Taiwan High-Speed Rail

Introduced in 2007, Taiwan High-Speed Rail travels up to 186 miles per hour. Each train has reserved, unreserved, and business class cars; toilets; a breastfeeding room; and drink vending machines.

• Fare Rates: Ticket prices vary based on start and end stations, train departure time, and route (some trains only make express stops). Ticket sales cease three minutes before a train departs. Passengers cannot buy tickets on the train. Children 12 and older must purchase a full fare.
• Reserved Seat: NT$40 to NT$1,530
• Business Class: Business class includes roomier seats with headrest, footrest, two reading lights, and a 110v electrical outlet, complimentary hot coffee, juice, hot tea, and bottled water, and daily newspapers and magazines.
• Unreserved Seat: NT$35 to NT$1,480. Unreserved tickets can only be purchased on the same day as the trip and are only valid for the same day. Unreserved ticket holders must ride in cars 10-12, which offer seating on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority seating for disabled, elderly, and pregnant passengers is also available in the unreserved cars.

Passengers can save up to 35 percent with the Early Bird Discount when buying tickets for trains that will depart five days after the ticket purchase date; these discounted tickets are limited. Some hotel packages also offer 20 percent off when buying train tickets at the time of hotel reservation. 

How to Pay and Where to Buy Passes: Tickets can be purchased using ticket vending machines at each HSR station; they’re a much faster option than queuing at ticket windows. 

Hours of Operation: The first train from Nangang departs at 5:40 a.m. and from Zuoying at 5:20 a.m. with the last trains arriving at each station at either 11:45 p.m. or midnight daily. Passengers can look up train t imetables and fares here .

Important Things to Know:

• Seats A and E are window seats. 
• Station announcements are in Chinese and English. 
• There is one rail line that begins in Nangang in the north and terminates in Zuoying, near Kaohsiung in the South, making stops at Taipei, Banciao, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Miaoli, Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi, and Tainan along the way. 

Accessibility Concerns: The Taiwan High Speed Rail offers wheelchair accessible seats and a guide service.

How to Ride the Local Trains

The Taiwan Railway provides service to smaller towns and villages on four trains types: 

• Tzuchiang (自強號): air-conditioned express trains
• Chuguang (萬光號): air-conditioned but slower trains
• Fùxīng (復興號): air-conditioned but very slow trains
• Píng kuài (平快號): no air conditioning, very slow, and no reserved seats

Fare Rates: One-way fares begin at NT$20, but passengers can save money by buying a roundtrip fare; it also ensures a return ticket and no worries about the rural train station’s ticket counter being closed. Passengers can calculate the fare here . 

All trains except the píng kuài have reserved seating. If you miss your train, you can still use your ticket on the same route on the same day; however, the ticket converts to an unreserved seat. 

• Trains have bathrooms but no other amenities except for possibly a snack vendor that goes from car to car. 
• Station announcements are almost always in Chinese, but the station names are in Chinese and pinyin.

Riding the Bus

The Taipei Joint Bus System , public buses operated by the government, are air-conditioned, clean, and efficient. Most bus stops have electronic signs that countdown to when the next bus is arriving (passengers can also track the bus ) and placards indicate the route and timetable. 

Fare Rates: The bus fare is charged based on sections, which impacts how much and how often you pay.

• One section: NT$15
• Two sections: NT$30
• Three sections: NT$45

Depending on the route, passengers either pay when getting on or off the bus or both. Look at the electronic sign above the driver: 

• If it has 上 , pay as you get on the bus. 
• If it has a 下, pay when you get off. 
• If you paid when you got on and the sign changes during your trip to 下, this indicates you have traveled through another zone and you have to pay again. Sometimes, the driver will hand you a paper ticket when you get on near where two zones meet. Keep this ticket and return it when you depart; it means you don’t have to pay a second time.
• Double check the number and color of the bus before you get on. Some buses don’t follow the same route coming and going. The color indicated which subway line(s) the bus may stop at.
• Stations are typically called out in Chinese or appear on a digital board. You can plan your trip here and search for bus stops nearby . 
• Pay with exact change or EasyCard

Accessibility Concerns: 300 city buses have low-floor buses to accommodate wheelchair passengers. 

How to Ride the Long-Haul Bus

Long-haul and intercity buses range in quality from standard chartered bus to deluxe affairs. Most depart from Taipei Bus Station, adjacent to Taipei Main Station. Fares vary by bus company, distance, time, and bus quality.

Taking a Taxi

Hailing a yellow, metered taxi is easy except during rush hour and rain storms. Finding a taxi driver that speaks English is hard. Show the driver your destination address in Chinese characters; most drivers are unable to read pinyin. 

Fare Rates: Make sure the driver turns on the meter, which begins at NT$70 for the first 0.77 miles and NT$5 for each additional 0.12 miles. A NT$20 surcharge is added to rides after 11 p.m. Some taxis take credit cards, but ask before your ride begins. Pay in NT$100 or NT$500 notes as most drivers won’t have change for NT$1,000 notes. Taxi dispatch +886 800 055 850 (Press 2 for English service) or 55850 from a mobile phone.

Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are popular as is LINE TAXI , a taxi-hailing service from the LINE mobile app, a popular communication and payment app. Rideshares accept credit card payments.

Accessibility Concerns: Duofu Care & Services offers private accessible transportation.

While Taipei Taoyuan International Airport serves as the main entry point for most travelers to Taiwan, the local Taipei Songshan International Airport handles many domestic flights on smaller aircraft to destinations like Kaohsiung and Taiwan’s offshore islands. Some regional Asia-Pacific flights arrive and depart here. 

How to Ride Bicycles in Taipei

Taipei bike sharing program YouBike has more than 5,000 bicycles at 163 stations, Riders can use their MRT EasyCards, credit cards, or cellphones to rent one of the yellow and orange bicycles. 

Fare Rates:  

• $10NT per half-hour up to four hours. 
• $20NT per half-hour from four hours to eight hours.
• $40NT per half-hour exceeding eight hours.

Renting a Car or Scooter in Taipei

Renting a car or scooter isn’t recommended. If you want to rent a car, you will need an International Driving Permit, which can be obtained from AAA . Riding a scooter may be tempting, but it can be unsafe and isn’t advised. A license is required to drive a scooter or motorcycle with an engine over 50 cc.

Tips for Getting Around Taipei

• Signage on public transit and on roads is often in pinyin, but it’s not always Hanyu Pinyin, so there is often variation in spellings. For example, the city of Pingxi is also spelled Pingshi.
• When looking for a street address, it’s written in reverse from what you might be used to, starting with the postal code, then municipality or county, district, road, section (longer roads are divided into sections), lane, and then alley. Lastly, the street or house number, building and/or floor number, and apartment number. When one road section ends and another begins, the building numbers reset.
• Taipei is relatively safe, even late at night, but travelers should still be aware of their surroundings. In case you need help, call: 119 (Emergency) and 110 (Police)

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Navigating Taipei: Public Transport Made Easy

Taipei is blessed with a very good public transportation system, with a number of options to choose from, and great connectivity to both airports.

Within Taipei, you’ll find yourself using the MRT system the vast majority of the time – it’s clean, reliable and above all, very cheap!

If you’re looking to travel to another city, or to more rural areas, then the Taiwan High Speed Rail is the quickest and best option.

Transport Passes

Taoyuan airport, taoyuan airport mrt, airport bus.

• Songshan to Taipei
• Taipei to Songshan
• Taipei City Buses

Sightseeing Buses

Taxis and uber.

• Walking in Taipei

Outside Taipei

• High Speed Rail (HSR)

Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Buses

The Taiwanese government have introduced an incentive scheme to attract more tourists. They’re giving handouts of NT$5,000 ($165) to 500,000 tourists from May 2023. Click here to read my guide on the Lucky Land Giveaway

One thing I would strongly recommend before using any public transport in Taiwan is to get a transport pass.

Firstly, an EasyCard is an extremely handy contactless smartcard that is accepted on most types of public transportation, and can even be used to purchase goods at convenience stores and shops. Furthermore, you can get discounted travel on the MRT system in Taipei.

This costs only NT$100, but you’ll also need to add credit to use it. These can be purchased from Taoyuan airport, or if you’re coming from Songshan airport, you can get one from a machine in the Songshan airport MRT station (see Songshan section below for a photo of the machine).

You can also purchase these from Klook, and can get a SIM card bundle that also comes with an EasyCard for an extra saving.

Click here to read my guide about the EasyCard

A good alternative to an EasyCard is the Taipei Fun Pass .

There are actually four variants of the fun pass:

• Unlimited  – Free entry to many top attractions and free public transport
• Exploring  – Free entry to many attractions (but not top attractions like Taipei 101). This can be used as an Easycard
• Classic  – Free entry to 3 attractions, can be used as an Easycard
• Transport  – Free use of MRT, city buses and tourist shuttle buses

If you’re coming to Taipei for the first time, and intend on visiting most of the top attractions, then the Unlimited fun pass does offer great value, as you’ll also get free MRT and city bus travel. They’re valid for between 1 and 3 days (depending on the one you buy).

If you prefer to keep your options open, then the Transport fun pass will give you free use of the MRT and city buses for either 1 or 2 days, plus you could add on the Maokong Gondola too, which is a fantastic cable car ride into the mountains that’s right next to Taipei Zoo .

To find out more about the Taipei Fun Passes, click here

Taoyuan airport (TPE) is Taiwan’s main international airport and is located a few miles west of Taipei. It has two terminals, both of which are connected to Taipei Main Station by the Taoyuan Airport MRT (Airport Express).

For details and maps of all services, shops and booths, take a look at the Taoyuan Airport PDF guide.

The Taoyuan Airport MRT (sometimes called the Airport Express) is the best way to travel to the city from Taoyuan Airport.

The Airport MRT is the most comfortable and quickest way to travel between Taoyuan Airport and Taipei Main Station, with trains running   every 15 minutes and taking only 35 minutes to travel in either direction.

A single fare (no returns available) costs only NT$160. Tokens can be purchased at the entrance to the airport MRT, otherwise you can pay with an EasyCard (see my Taoyuan Airport MRT post for locations of these).

You can also purchase a token for cheaper on Klook beforehand, and even get a return for an extra saving.

When returning to Taoyuan Airport at the end of your trip, there is a very handy Early Check-In facility at Taipei Main Station which allows you to check in to your flight and even leave your checked-in luggage there. This is restricted to certain airlines however, which I’ve detailed in my post below.

Note that there is a commuter train that runs on the same line as the express train, so ensure you take the express train as they’re much quicker yet the cost is exactly the same. Read my full guide below for further details about this and departure times.

Click here for my full guide on the Taoyuan Airport MRT

The Airport Express is much quicker and more convenient than taking the bus, so I would only recommend taking a bus if your flight arrives late in the day.

The Airport Bus runs 24/7 and connects both Taoyuan Airport terminals to Taipei Main Station.

• Terminal 1: B1 Arrivals Zone
• Terminal 2: At the northeast arcade of the 1st floor Arrivals lobby.

Bus stations at both terminals are within 5 minutes walk of the arrivals halls.

There are a few buses that take you to different destinations but the 24 hour bus is the 1819 to Taipei Main Station.

Cost and Times

The bus runs 24 hours a day every 15 or 20 minutes and takes approximately 55 minutes to reach Taipei Main Station.

The airport bus costs NT$125  for a single journey. You will need to purchase a ticket from the correct ticketing booth (just look out for 1819 bus on the signs above the booths).

Songshan Airport

Songshan airport (TSA) is smaller than Taoyuan but is located much closer to the city. Although it has two terminals, only terminal 1 is used for international flights.

It does have far fewer services than Taoyuan. If you need to purchase a SIM card, your only option here is a Chunghwa Telecom SIM (see SIM Card page for details).

For details and maps of all services, shops and booths, take a look at the Songshan Airport passegner guide .

Songshan Airport to Taipei

Songshan Airport is located just three stops from the centre of Taipei on the brown line of the MRT.

Should you wish to travel to Taipei Main Station, you can change at Zhongxiao Fuxing and take the blue line in the Dingpu direction. The journey time from Songshan airport to Taipei Main Station is approximately 25 minutes.

You can purchase single tickets to your desired destination, however it’s better to get an EasyCard first, as these offer discounted travel.

You can purchase one from a machine located just outside the MRT entrance.

See the Easycard page for further details

Taipei to Songshan Airport

You simply need to make your way to the brown line and travel north to the Songshan Airport MRT station. The airport is a 5 minute walk from here.

Any money left on your Easycard can be refunded at the MRT information desk immediately after leaving the MRT station.

Check to see if your flight is on time from their flight departure web page .

The underground MRT system, otherwise know as the Taipei Metro, is the best way to get around Taipei.

I would honestly say that the Taipei Metro is the best underground system I’ve ever used, being clean, reliable, efficient and easy to use. Signs and announcements are in English too.

Above all, it is also very cheap, with most journeys costing only $NT20 (about US$0.66).

All of Taipei’s main attractions, with the exception of the National Palace Museum , are easily accessible via the MRT. These include Taipei Zoo and the Maokong Gondola , which are located outside of the city centre.

The MRT also allows for easy access to more rural areas such as Beitou , known for its hot springs, and Danshui , known for its beautiful sunsets.

The only downside to using the MRT is that is can become busy during peak periods, but nothing like the chaos seen in places such as Hong Hong.

I’ve listed all the attractions that can be found on each of the 6 MRT lines in my post below.

Click here for my full guide on the Taipei MRT

City buses are another good option to travel in Taipei.

Generally it’s faster to take the MRT, but on occasion you’ll find it more convenient to take the bus, and there a few attractions that aren’t located near an MRT station.

Although you can pay for rides with cash, it’s much more convenient to use an Easycard on buses.

The City Buses have recently changed the way you pay from them. Previously, you needed to pay either when boarding or leaving, but this proved to be confusing. They have since simplified payment, so now you always need to tap your Easycard when boarding and leaving .

Most of the time, you’ll only need to pay the lowest amount of NT$15.

If you are travelling further afield, say to the National Palace Museum, then you may need to pay NT$30 or up to NT$45.

Useful Information

• Much like the MRT, all notices and announcements have English
• You should also try to avoid sitting in the dark blue seating
• You can get on and off a bus from either the front or back door
• The best way to determine your route when taking buses is to use Google Maps .

YouBikes are a great way to get around Taipei if you’re feeling active.

With hundreds of YouBike stations, and thousands of bikes available, this is a nice option if you want to explore the city at a more personal level. Bike lanes can be found on most major roads, and even extend all the up to Danshui in the north.

The first 30 minutes of rental costs only NT$5, then NT$10 per 30 minutes for the next 4 hours. There are also discounts if you hire a bike within 60 minutes of using the MRT or city bus.

To rent a YouBike, you will need two things:

• Taiwanese SIM card

For further details on how to rent these, please visit my post below.

Click here for my full guide on YouBikes

Sightseeing Buses are the most convenient way to see many of the main attractions and areas in Taipei.

There are just 2 routes:

The blue route circles around central Taipei, and has around 20 stops located close to top attractions such as Taipei 101 and Chiang-Kai Shek Memorial Hall , and buzzing areas like Yongkang Street , Ximending and the Xinyi Shopping District .

The red route travels north, with the final destination being the National Place Museum , but also goes past the largest night market in Taiwan, Shilin Night Market .

For full details of the pricing and routes, please read my detailed guide below.

Click here for my full guide on Sightseeing Buses

Tickets for the sightseeing bus can also be purchased on Klook for an extra saving.

Uber has recently been reinstated to operate in Taipei, so you can book one via their app as you normally would.

Taxis are everywhere in Taipei, so you won’t find it difficult to flag one down. Driver’s though probably won’t speak English, so you’ll need to have Google Maps at hand to show them your destination.

First 1.25km will cost NT$70, with every additional 200m charged at NT$5.

The fares will rise during late nights/early mornings.

Walking in Taipei City

If you enjoy walking, Taipei has a few locations where you’ll find many attractions and places to eat in close proximity of each other.

Be aware that bicycles and sometimes scooters will use pavements, so always be vigilant.

I have devised a few nice walks on my Routes page , which are probably best taken during the cooler months.

I’ve also created a post on the best areas to walk in Taipei .

Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR)

The Taiwan High Speed Rail service is the best way to travel outside of Taipei.

With just two lines (Northbound and Southbound), it travels to every major city on the West side of the island, reaching as far south as Kaohsiung in under 100 minutes.

There are free shuttle buses that will take you from every THSR station into each city, and Tourist Shuttle buses near most stations should you want to visit more scenic locations such as the beautiful Sun Moon Lake or the exquisite mountainous region of Alishan.

Furthermore, the THSR has some excellent deals for foreign travellers, to encourage tourists to see as much of the island as possible. Read my post below to find out more.

Click here for my full guide on the High Speed Rail

With over 60 routes that journey all over Taiwan and travel to all major scenic and cultural spots, including many of Taiwan’s islands, Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Buses are a nice option if you don’t want to fork out extra cash for a private hire vehicle or guided tour. By comparison, their cost is only a fraction of that of a tour coach.

Although there are only 3 routes that are directly accessible from Taipei’s MRT system, there are around 25 further routes that can be taken from many of the High Speed Rail Stations. I have summarised the best of these in my high speed rail post .

Some of the routes have also been designed in such a way that the final destination of one route is close to the starting location of another route, so you can in effect hop off one bus and onto the next one. Other routes circle around and will take you back to your starting location.

There are five routes that are free as part of the Unlimited & Travel versions of the Taipei Fun Passes. Click here to read more about the Fun Pass

If you have brought your bicycle with you, there are about 30 routes specifically designed for cyclists, although it needs to be a foldable bike.

There are also around 15 routes aimed at senior citizens or the disabled, with seat reservations possible and easy access on and off the bus.

How to Use the Tourist Shuttle Buses

• Choose your preferred route. You can do this from their website , or if that’s too confusing then there’s a nice PDF file with all the routes
• Timetables for all buses can be found by locating your route on their website (or by scanning the QR Code on the PDF) and selecting the Fare & Timetable button
• The departing bus stop can also be found using the above method. Look out for the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus Stop sign when you arrive (pictured above)
• You can pay for the ride using your EasyCard. You must tap it when you get on and off the bus each time
• Most buses operate similar to the Sightseeing buses in Taipei, so when you get off at a stop, the bus will depart and you’ll need to wait for one of the next buses. However, there are some cruise-style buses that will wait for you, meaning you’ll remain on the same bus throughout

Cost & Timetables

You can either pay for day pass to make use of a bus route for the entire day, or on some routes it’s possible to pay per stop if you only want to travel part of the way. This will be automatically calculated when using your EasyCard.

The cost of using a Tourist Shuttle Bus per day varies between NT$50 and NT$1,000 depending on the length of the route, although the majority of the buses cost between NT$100 and NT$250 per day.

It is also possible to get two or three day passes on some routes.

The frequency of the buses also varies per route, with some routes as frequent as every 20 minutes, while others can have intervals of up to 3 hours. The number of buses per route can vary from as few as 4 buses per day to as many as 28 per day.

Some routes operate only on weekdays, while others only operate during weekends and holidays – these are all detailed on their website or the PDF file .

If you have found the information on this page helpful, please take a minute to share this post. Your support would be greatly appreciated :)

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2024 Taiwan EasyCard Guide: Price, Where to Buy & FAQs

On our first trip to Taiwan during spring , we immediately searched for a store or kiosk to buy our EasyCard upon landing at Taoyuan International Airport. Unfortunately, the counters offering the card were already closed since we arrived past midnight.

If only we knew that we could buy this Taiwan transport card ahead, taking into account the store hours, we would have done it to avoid the hassle. So, learn from us – secure your EasyCard before arriving in Taiwan.

BUY TAIWAN EASY CARD

We made this guide for you so you know where to buy and how to use the EasyCard in Taiwan.

What is a Taiwan EasyCard?

Often referred to by the locals as the “yoyo card”, an EasyCard in Taiwan is a contactless multifunctional card like the T-Money Card in Korea , Suica Card in Japan , and Octopus Card in Hong Kong . You can top up this card to pay for public transportation including MRTs, buses, and taxis. It has since extended its usage as cashless payment on convenience stores, department stores, and select retailers.

What can EasyCard be used for?

An EasyCard can be used to pay for the following:

1. Public transportation

You can mainly use the EasyCard to pay for your rides on Taiwan’s public transportation such as trains, buses, taxis, public bicycles, ferries, and even for parking. It is accepted as payment on Taipei MRT, Taichung MRT, Taoyuan Airport MRT, Kaohsiung Metro Red and Orange Lines, Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA), and Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR).

2. Convenience stores

You can also use your EasyCard to pay for things you buy from Taiwan’s convenience stores like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, OK, and Hi-Life.

3. Supermarkets and hypermarkets

Aside from convenience stores, you can also use your EasyCard to pay for groceries and items at supermarkets and hypermarkets in Taiwan including Santa Cruz, Simple Mart, and Carrefour, among others.

4. Gift stores

If you want to buy gifts and souvenirs in Taiwan, your EasyCard can be used as payment at gift stores such as Shan Mai Food, Vigor Kobo, Black Bridge, Hsin Tung Yang, and many more.

5. Food and beverage

Many restaurants, cafes, bakeries, fast food chains as well as food courts and beverage stores accept EasyCard as payment. Some of the popular brands include Subway, KFC, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, Mr. Donut, Coco, Yifang Taiwan Fruit Tea, and so much more!

6. Attractions

There are so many attractions in Taiwan that accept EasyCard as payment for admission. Notable ones are Taipei Zoo , Yehliu Geopark , and National Taiwan Museum , to name a few.

7. Retail shops

From bookstores to apparel and cosmetics, EasyCard is also widely accepted. Some of the popular brands are Watsons, MUJI, and Daiso.

*See complete list of EasyCard affiliated brands in Taiwan .

How much does a Taiwan EasyCard cost?

The Taiwan EasyCard price for the card itself without load is NT$100 (US$3.19) . You have an option to buy a card with a top-up of NT$200 or NT$400.

Where can I buy a Taiwan EasyCard?

You can buy your Taiwan EasyCard from the following:

1. Online platforms

We recommend that you buy your Easy Card ahead so you won’t have to worry about where to buy it when you land. 

• Card price: NT$100 (US$3.19)
• Top-up option: NT$200; NT$400
• Nice feature: With SIM card options (4G Unli Data for 3 Days, 5 Days, 7 Days, 10 Days, 15 Days)

BUY EASYCARD ON KLOOK

GetYourGuide

• Top-up option: None
• Nice feature: Reserve now pay later (you’ll be charged 72 hrs before your activity starts)

RESERVE ON GETYOURGUIDE

• Upon arrival, present your mobile voucher and exchange it with an actual EasyCard at the Unite Traveler Counter of Taoyuan International Airport Terminals 1 and 2.
• The Unite Traveler Counter is only open from 4.30am to 11pm. So make sure that your arrival falls within this schedule.
• The mobile voucher is only valid for 180 days from the date of booking confirmation. Meaning, you should not buy your EasyCard more than 6 months before you use it.

2. MRT and bus stations

Since we failed to buy our EasyCard ahead, we had to buy it the next day at the EasyCard Customer Service Center of Taipei Metro Station. You can also buy from Taipei City Hall Bus Station, Taoyuan Metro Station, Taichung Metro, and Kaohsiung Metro Station.

3. Convenience stores

If all else fails, convenience stores are your last option. You can go to any branch of 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, and OK mart to buy your EasyCard.

*See complete list of EasyCard service centers and outlets in Taiwan .

Taiwan EasyCard frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. how do i top up my easycard.

To reload or top up your EasyCard, you can go to the following:

Option 1: Vending machines and service windows at metro stations

You can look for ticket vending machines at MRT stations to top up your EasyCard. Just follow the instructions on the screen, place your card on the sensor, input your desired top up amount, and insert your cash payment. These ticket machines only accept NT$100 bills.

If you don’t know how to use the machine, you can find service windows at MRT stations in Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, and Kaohsiung and ask the staff to load your card.

Option 2: Convenience stores

Alternatively, you can find the nearest FamilyMart, 7-Eleven, Hi-Life, and OK mart and ask the store attendant to top up your EasyCard with your preferred amount.

2. Can I withdraw money from Taiwan EasyCard?

Unfortunately, your EasyCard is not like a debit card where you can withdraw cash. You can only ask for a refund when your card is deactivated and terminated. Should you wish to terminate your card and have the remaining value withdrawn or refunded, you can go to an EasyCard service center or any Taipei Metro information counter.

3. When will my Taiwan EasyCard expire?

Your EasyCard has no expiry date unless you wish to deactivate or terminate it. Any amount left will still be stored in your card. Be sure to keep your EasyCard in good condition in case you’d travel to Taiwan again.

4. Can I still reuse my EasyCard when I’m back to Taiwan?

Of course! You can still reuse your EasyCard when you travel back to Taiwan. As mentioned earlier, your EasyCard will not expire so feel free to recycle it as many times as you want. Again, just make sure to keep your card in good condition. If the chip is broken or damaged, it may not function properly.

5. How long does Taiwan EasyCard last?

Since your EasyCard does not expire, it will last for as long as the card is still functional or until you decide to return and refund it.

6. Is EasyCard refundable?

The amount you paid for the card itself is not refundable, but you can ask for a refund for the remaining amount in your card. Just go to MRT stations or convenience stores selling EasyCards and the money will be given back to you with a deduction of NT$20 as a service fee.

BUY YOUR EASY CARD

That’s it! We basically covered everything you need to know about Taiwan EasyCard. If you have more insider tips to add, feel free to reach out to us on our socials: Facebook ,  Instagram , Twitter ,  YouTube .

Looking for more Taiwan travel inspiration? Check out our Taiwan SIM Card and pocket WiFi guide , Taiwan spring itinerary and Taiwan visa-free entry for Filipinos .

Getting Around Taipei: Your Complete Public Transport Guide

Taipei (臺北) is at once erudite and frivolous. Streets are named after traditional Chinese virtues; bookstores and cultural landmarks abound. But proceed just a few blocks, and you’ll be greeted by nightclubs and shopping streets.

Luckily, getting around Taipei  is always easy thanks to a well-mapped public transport system. This guide shares how you can easily use the Taipei Metro, public buses, public bicycles, and taxis to explore Taipei. And if you want to travel beyond Taipei, we’ve got tips for that too.

TAIPEI PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION GUIDE

Before arrival: maps and apps

Much of Taipei’s public transportation info is available on Google Maps, and you won’t have to worry about language barriers: all Taipei Metro station names and bus stop names are displayed in both English and Chinese. To help you plan your comings and goings, try these:

• The official Taipei MRT map shows information about each station’s location, timetables, and accessibility facilities when you click on each station. You can also find the fares and travel times between stations here .
• On mobile, the Metro Taipei Subway app ( Android / iOS ) works best – trust me, I tried a whole bunch! By tapping on any station on the metro map (note: tap on the line, not the station name) you can find fares and routes to/from each station, as well as station facilities.

While you’re planning your trip, check out the best places to stay in Taipei .

On Arrival: get the EasyCard or iPASS

You’ll most likely land at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), with a smaller chance of arriving at Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) if you fly from Tokyo, Seoul, or various Chinese cities. Either way, go get either the EasyCard or iPASS fare card – both can be used for public transport, taxis, and purchases in food courts or convenience stores.

Where can I buy an EasyCard/iPASS? At the airports, fare cards can be purchased at convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, OK Mart) or at the information counters at Taoyuan Airport MRT stations. Each card costs NT$100, but you’ve got to load your card with some money to use it! Both purchases and reloads of your EasyCard or iPASS must be made in cash.

Can the EasyCard/iPASS be shared? No. You’ll need to get one card per person, as you can’t double-tap when entering the Taipei subway gantries.

Does the EasyCard or iPASS expire? Nope! If you visit Taiwan often, you can simply head to a nearby metro station before departure and use all your loose change into reload your fare card.

If you’d like a refund of your card balance, you can do so at Taipei Metro stations’ information counters (EasyCard only) or Taoyuan Airport MRT information counters (both EasyCard and iPASS). Note that iPASS charges a NT$20 fee to refund cards that have been used for less than 5 times or are less than 3 months old.

Do I have to use an EasyCard or iPASS? I strongly recommend it, since they’re extremely convenient and give discounts when you transfer between metro, bus, and public bicycle. You can also consider getting the Taipei Fun Pass – more details below.

Getting from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei

The Taoyuan Airport MRT line connects the airport to Taipei (as well as to Taoyuan HSR Station and downtown Taoyuan). There are two train services available: Express and Commuter.

• Express trains: 40 minutes, with just two stops between the airport terminals and the city.
• Commuter trains: 53 minutes, through all 12/13 stops between Taoyuan Airport and Taipei Main Station.

Currently, both services cost NT$150, so you should definitely go for the Express service. (Some apps, like Taipei Metro Subway, still show the old fare of NT$160.)

The Taoyuan Metro and Taipei Metro work the same as most subways around the world: tap in and out through the gantries by placing your fare card on the sensor. Your adventure has begun!

Because the Taoyuan Airport MRT only runs from 6am-12mn, you’ll need to take the 24-hour 1819 airport bus to Taipei Main Station if you’re arriving late at night. Fares are NT$140 each way, but you can buy a round-trip ticket on Klook for NT$240 (14% off) .

Finally, if you’d like a little more comfort or will be traveling in a group, you can easily  book an Uber in Taipei. Because the company works with car rental companies instead of individual drivers, you’ll get cars that are more like airport limos; however, the fare for a standard 4-seater is ~NT$800-1200 from Taoyuan Airport to downtown Taipei. I’ve found pre-booked private airport transfers to be cheaper and more convenient.

Getting around Taipei: using the Taipei Metro

Officially known as Taipei Metro, the Taipei MRT is extensive enough that it’ll get you to most tourist attractions – even northerly ones like Beitou hot springs or Tamsui District in New Taipei City. Fares are relatively affordable, ranging from NT$16-64 (fare card) or NT$20-90 (single journey ticket).

• Train announcements are made in English, Chinese, Hokkien (Taiwanese), and Hakka. The Taipei Metro trains also have LED displays in English and Chinese to show upcoming stops.
• Taiwan is quite conscious of accessibility and you’ll find tactile paving, elevators, accessible ticket vending machines, and ramp exits at every station.
• Most stations have a single platform between the tracks in either direction.

Getting around Taipei by public bus

Taipei’s public buses are a little confusing to use, mainly because different bus services have different rules for when to pay! Some require you to tap upon boarding and alighting, while others only require a single tap when boarding or when you get off. You’ll need to watch what other passengers are doing and follow suit (or simply gesture to ask the bus driver if you should tap!)

If you’re a down-to-the-minute planner, Google Maps indicates the arrival times of buses when you tap on any bus stop. While it’s not as accurate as a real-time Taipei bus tracker app, Taipei buses are generally frequent and punctual.

Getting around Taipei by public bicycle

Taipei has a highly successful public bike-share scheme known as YouBike (or Ubike). It’s also got established bike lanes downtown, making cycling safe and convenient. To use YouBike, you’ll need an EasyCard/iPASS + a Taiwan phone number (a prepaid tourist SIM card works fine).

• Register for an account, either at the YouBike website or at any YouBike docking station.
• Enter your local phone number during registration and you’ll receive a confirmation code via SMS.
• Follow the instructions to enter the authorization code, set a password, and link your fare card to your account.
• Congratulations! You can start using YouBike by tapping your card on the sensors at each bicycle dock.

I like the Bus+ ( Android ) app as a Taiwan public bike finder (it’s also a bus tracker app). It’s important to note that unlike in Vancouver or other cities, you can’t rent a YouBike from the same dock immediately after returning it – you’ve got to wait 15 minutes. That said, YouBike rates are really cheap and start at just NT$10 for 30 minutes (in the first 4 hours).

Should you get the Taipei Fun Pass or other transport passes?

When it comes to Taipei MRT tourist passes, you have the option of multi-day passes as well as the Taipei Fun Pass. Let’s do a quick comparison to see which one offers the best value for you:

Taipei Metro Pass

From NT$150 (1 day-72 hours) Unlimited rides on Taipei Metro only. You can also consider the Taoyuan Airport MRT roundtrip + 48-72 hours pass . You’ll get your money’s worth with 4-6 metro rides per day.

Taipei Fun Pass (Transportation)

NT$180-700 (1-5 days) More useful than the Taipei Metro Pass if you’re planning to take public buses in Taipei, since it offers unlimited Taipei Metro, public bus, and tourist shuttle rides. Learn more

U.I.J Hotel & Hostel: Viewing Tainan Through Vintage Lenses

Taipei Fun Pass (Unlimited)

NT$1,200-1,900 (1-3 days) Value for money if you’re doing day trips to Jiufen , Keelung, and Tamsui. Besides unlimited metro/bus/tourist shuttle rides, you get entry to 16 regional attractions, including Taipei 101.

Taipei All Pass Ticket (EasyCard)

NT$1,280 Worthwhile for longer stays. For 30 days, you’ll get unlimited rides on the Taipei Metro, Danhai LRT, Taipei/New Taipei city buses, and 30 minutes free on each YouBike ride.

In addition to the above, there’s also the Taipei Fun Pass (Classic) . At NT$950, it’s essentially a free EasyCard + entry to Taipei 101 and the National Palace Museum (worth NT$950). Get it only if you intend to visit both attractions.

Taipei public transport etiquette & safety

When getting around Taipei in trains and buses, take note of the following:

• When using escalators, stand on the right and move on the left.
• Form a queue by the side of the platform doors and allow passengers to get off before you get on. Courtesy is particularly valued in Taiwan.
• Priority seats at the ends of train cabins are meant for the elderly, pregnant, and handicapped. Using these seats is not frowned upon as long as you give way to those with priority – even for senior citizens who might not look that  old or that in need of a seat.
• There are no women-only cars, but Taipei is generally safe for women. As always, guard your belongings against petty theft.

Traveling around Taiwan from Taipei

Whether you’re heading south to Kaohsiung or exploring Taiwan’s stunning eastern coast, the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) or normal Taiwan Railway trains will get you there. However, you’ll need to purchase tickets to ride as the standard EasyCard/iPASS cards cannot be used to ride on the trains.

I recommend getting the 5 Day Joint Taiwan Train Pass , which gives you unlimited rides on standard trains + two days of unlimited rides on the Taiwan High Speed Rail. At NT$2,800, the pass already covers the cost of a return HSR fare between Taipei and Kaohsiung.

Tip: Use the  Taiwan HSR site and this Taiwan Railway map search to plan your trip and note the trains you plan to take so you can reserve your seats upon collecting your train pass. The Standard pass lets you reserve THSR seats; the Express pass lets your reserve regular train seats and gives you more trains to choose from.

Finally, remember that your EasyCard/iPASS can be used for public transport in all cities in Taiwan. Have fun!

Plan Your Trip

Get there : Compare flights to Taipei Eat: All you need to know about Taiwanese street food Explore: Go on a day trip to nearby Jiufen Sleep: Best places to stay in Taipei

Cover image: Andrew Haimerl / Unsplash

What a thorough guide! It’s so helpful to have info like this all in one place. Taipei has never been particularly on my radar, but your lovely pictures accompanying this post have piqued my curiosity…

Didn’t know Taipei has so easy and cheap public transport system. Glad to know through your post. Bookmarked it for future reference.

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Taipei EasyCard Guide: Taiwan’s Smart Card

I’ve called Taiwan home for over 5 years and love discovering all it has to offer. I made this blog to share Taiwan living and travel resources I wish I’d had when I first arrived.

A Taiwan EasyCard is an integrated circuit (IC) card used to pay for various goods and services throughout Taiwan without cash. These cards start at NT$100 ($3.00) and make your time in Taiwan more convenient.

When moving to Taiwan 5 years ago, the first thing I did was buy an EasyCard. Throughout this guide, I’ll explain my reasoning.

Table of Contents

• An EasyCard is a card that allows you to pay at shops & public transportation without cash.
• You’ll need to pay a NT$100 deposit fee for the card.
• I highly recommend using this card for public transportation; no matter how long you’re in Taiwan.
• The EasyCard doesn’t give you discounts on anything.

What Do I Do With Unused Funds on an EasyCard

You can take your EasyCard to an MRT station information counter and pay a NT$20 ($0.72) fee to refund up to NT$3,000 ($100) of unused funds from your card .

Does the Taiwan EasyCard Expire?

The Taiwan EasyCard does not have an expiration date . Unless you use a Student card. Your funds will remain on the card until you either refund it or spend all your money.

What Is an EasyCard in Taiwan?

EasyCard, Yo Yo Card or 悠遊卡 (Yōuyóu kǎ), is a contactless security smart card developed and maintained by EasyCard Corporation.

The Taipei EasyCard costs NT$100 ($3.60) and has zero balance. You can fill the balances from various mediums I’ll cover in this guide.

You can get it at any Metro station or chain store.

Since 1 April 2010, use has been expanded for convenience stores , department stores, supermarkets, taxis, and other retailers.

Like traditional electronic fare, the card uses RFID technology to work without physical contact.

The maximum amount that you can put on an EasyCard is NT$10,000 ($359) .

Are you worried about your Yo Yo Card failing you?

Each card has a one-year warranty. If the card fails you for any reason, you can exchange it for free.

You don’t have to register your Taipei Smart Card. However, failing to register your card won’t allow you to receive reimbursement or protection if someone steals your card.

Discounts the Card Provides

Using an EasyCard to transfer to and from the following transportation vehicles will receive these discounts [ 1 ]:

• YouBike (Taipei only): rent one within an hour of departing the Taipei MRT & get a NT$5 discount.
• Buses : NT$8, NT$6 & NT$4 discount when transferring between the Taipei Metro & bus within an hour.
• Seniors & children receive a NT$4 discount when transferring.
• Everyone else gets a NT$8 discount.

Interesting EasyCard Designs

You can find Taipei Smart Card designs in various shapes and sizes. For instance, you can carry an official Poké Ball EasyCard or chicken wing smart card that functions like normal. These unique cards usually cost more.

These are limited edition and often difficult to find due to scalpers.

Here’s a link that’ll show you all the current “cute” designs for EZ Cards (Chinese link).

Some cool designs I’ve found include:

• PlayStation controller : 3D card
• Poké Ball : 3D card
• Vitamin C supplement bag : 3D card
• Lycée popsicle : 3D card

3D EasyCards aren’t cards, they’re whatever shape the object they represent is, but have NFC chips inside. These are also EasyCard keychains, which makes them easier to carry.

Where do You Buy These Cards?

Here’s where you can get an EasyCard:

Avoid buying these online if possible. Unless they’re from a known brand. A hacker COULD upload malware to these cards.

Referring to schools. Your education institution will give you an EasyCard once during your orientation.

Some credit cards come with an EasyCard built-in.

Looking for EasyCards like the PlayStation controller picture in the previous section? These are limited edition and aren’t in stock, anymore. But they’re on Shopee (Taiwan’s Amazon). However, they’re marked up and it’s sketchy to buy smart cards online.

Since these cards use NFC, people could install malware on these cards and sell them. I may be paranoid in this scenario. But it’s something to consider.

How to Use it

Hover your card above an IC card sensor and wait until you get a confirmation notice .

These notices include the following:

• Balance display
• A green light with a beep
• Staff notifying you your card was successful
• Gates at public transportations opening

To know if you’re tapping a smart card sensor, pay attention to what surface others use to pay with their smart card. Or search for a surface with the text “IC card.”

If you’re at a convenience store , look for a surface with various cards’ logos. Usually, the cashier will guide you to where you’re supposed to tap your card.

Act confused, and the staff will guide you to the sensor. However, you’ll want to show the employee your Taiwan metro card to notify them that it’s your payment method.

Here’s How to Add Money to an EasyCard

Here’s how you can top up a Taiwan EasyCard:

• Metro & train station touchscreen kiosks
• Convenience stores
• Speak to metro station staff
• Through the EasyWallet app

Most convenience store clerks can’t speak English. Just hand them your EasyCard and cash. They’ll likely understand that you want to refill your card with the amount of cash you presented.

Refilling your card at an MRT station is a different story. All the staff I’ve encountered speak English.

Types of Cards & Who Can Use ’em

Depending on what group you fall under, you can get 1 of these cards:

• Taiwan Adult EasyCard
• Taiwan Student EasyCard
• Co-branded credit card
• Taiwan Concessionaire EasyCard

Taiwanese citizens can get these cards:

• New Taipei City Children’s Cards
• Welfare EasyCard
• Taipei City elementary school digital Student ID EasyCard

I’ll only emphasize the former 4 Yo Yo Cards.

The following sections will explain eligibility requirements for each card.

1. Adult: The Card Most People Will Have

Most folks are eligible for the Adult EasyCard, or 普通卡 (Pǔtōng kǎ). Find these cards anywhere that sells EasyCards. 

2. Student: For Students

You will receive a Student EasyCard from your education facility if the Ministry of Education recognizes you as a student.

An MRT Student EasyCard, 學生卡 (Xuéshēng kǎ), will serve as your identification to check into class, university libraries, and cafeterias .

If you’re considering studying in Taiwan, you’ll want to see my guide on getting a Taiwan Student Visa.

Taipei City elementary school students with a Student EasyCard will get a 40% discount on single-journey MRT rides. New Taipei City elementary school students receive a 60% discount.

Anyone holding a Student EasyCard will receive an NT$8, NT$6, or NT$4 discount when transferring between a city bus and an MRT within an hour. Taipei Metro’s website doesn’t specify what conditions you must meet for a higher discount.

I suppose it varies by trip.

3. SuperCard: EasyCard w/ Higher Balance

The SuperCard is a “buffed” EasyCard that allows holders to have a balance of up to NT$10,000 . Holders will only find this card available on Taiwan’s eCommerce site, momo.com. Users can also add value to their cards through their phone.

But you must do so through the EasyWallet app. An app that doesn’t have English support… And from my experience doesn’t work well. Because it requires an internet connection to work.

There’s also the TPASS Supercard. It doubles as an EasyCard/SuperCard and a TPASS. A TPASS is Taiwan’s newest pass that’ll give you unlimited usage of the following public transportation:

• YouBike bicycle rentals
• TRA (local train)
• Light rail transit (LRT)
• Mass rapid transit (MRT)
• Intercity bus

The pass you choose and price depends on the region visited. There’s a northern, southern, and central TPASS. I’m not covering these in this post. I’ll have a separate guide.

4. Co-branded: For Credit Card Holders

If you’re a part of a bank in Taiwan, you can receive a debit or credit card branded with Smart Pay, JCB, MasterCard, or Visa that doubles as a Taipei EasyCard.

The benefit of this card stems from the ability to automatically top up your EasyCard’s balance in increments of NT$500 ($18).

You won’t find this card useful if you’re a tourist.

If you’re arriving in Taiwan with the intent of staying , you’ll want to consider a co-branded EasyCard if you can get a bank account.

However, there are also EasyCards like:

• Samsung Wallet EasyCard : Use Samsung Pay as an EasyCard.
• Co-branded Telecom EasyCard : SIM card that functions as a credit card & EZ Card.

5. Taiwan Concessionaire EasyCard: For Seniors & Children

The following groups are eligible to receive a Concessionaire Card / 優待卡 (Yōudài kǎ):

• Disabled people : Must have proof of disability.
• Folks aged 65 & older .
• Children : Their website doesn’t specify what ages count as a “child.”

Seniors with these cards will receive a 60% discount on single-journey Taipei Metro rides.

Everything You Can use an EasyCard With

Here’s where you can use an EasyCard [ 2 ]:

This table shows where you can use Taiwan’s EasyCard.

* I couldn’t find an English name.

The following sections will cover some main uses for EasyCards and potential discounts they offer.

Transportation in Taiwan That Accepts it

Use EasyCards to pay for the following public transportation.

1. Taiwan Railway (Local Train)

You can use EasyCard Taiwan to enter and exit the following Taiwan Railway Association (TRA) trains and lines:

If you use an EasyCard to enter these trains and lines, you can get a 10% discount on trains traveling less than 70 kilometers (43 miles).

EasyCards won’t give you discounts on Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR) tickets. And you can’t use a Yo Yo Card for reserved HSR tickets

2. City & Intercity Buses

The following Taiwan city buses accept EasyCards:

• Keelung City
• Tainan City
• Yilan County
• Taichung City

Tap these cards on the IC card sensor when entering and exiting the bus. The first tap notifies the bus you’re on. The second will charge your card based on the distance traveled.

3. Subway Stations

Use an EasyCard to enter the following metro stations:

• Taipei Metro : Carries you through Taipei & New Taipei cities.
• Kaohsiung Metro : Takes you around Kaohsiung City.
• Taichung Metro : Takes you around Taichung City .
• Taoyuan Metro : Will ferry you from Taoyuan (and the airport) to New Taipei & Taipei cities.

You’ll get a 15% discount off the Kaohsiung Metro (KRTC) when using an EasyCard to enter the station [ 3 ].

But you can’t get a discount when using this smart card on other metro systems.

Long-term Taiwan stayers can get a rebate on the Taipei MRT based on the number of trips they take in a month.

Here’s the Taipei MRT rebate chart [ 4 ]:

You’ll get your rebate at the beginning of the following month . Check the MRT ticket machines to see your rebated amount.

Calculate your cashback for the current month by multiplying cumulative fare from the previous month by the cashback ratio. Round this to the nearest dollar.

4. YouBike: Bicycle Rental Service in TW

You can use an EasyCard or iPASS to rent any YouBike 1.0 or 2.0. To use YouBikes , you’ll need to register your card online with a phone number.

I cover how to do this in the guide I linked a second ago.

YouBike (or uBike) is an affordable bike-sharing system in most cities throughout Taiwan.

Okinawa, Japan: EZ Card Use Outside Taiwan

EasyCard and SuperCard holders can pay for goods and services at over 2,000 stores throughout Okinawa.

I couldn’t find any list of places that accept this card on EasyCard’s website. But I know you can use the card to enter the Naha fish market, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, and Kyoda Service Area .

Whether an expat or traveler, you’ll benefit from this additional EasyCard support. Say you’re island hopping in Asia. Go to Taiwan, get an EasyCard, fly for 1.5 hours to Okinawa, and use the card.

To use the card in Okinawa, you must register your EasyCard on the company’s website. And holders CAN’T add value while in Okinawa. Unless you have a Co-branded card. You’ll need to use your crystal ball to guess how much you’ll spend in Okinawa, then add the balance to your card.

Where to Use the Card in Taipei

How about in kaohsiung.

Here are specific uses for the Yo Yo Card in Kaohsiung:

And Taichung?

Here are places you can only use the Easy Card in Taichung:

And Taoyuan

Check out these places to use EasyCards in Taoyuan City:

How To Check Your EasyCard’s Balance

The easiest method is to use ticket kiosks at metro centers .

Adjacent to every MRT service counter, you’ll see a smart card reader that displays your balance and transit history.

You can also download an app like EasyWallet to check your balance anywhere. While the app is only in Chinese, it’s simple to navigate. All you need is a nickname for your card and your card’s number.

Find this number on the lower portion of your EasyCard.

If you don’t want to search for your card’s number, enable near-field communication (NFC), tap your card against your phone, and the EasyWallet app will register your card.

EasyWallet doesn’t update your card’s balance until the next day .

Not near a metro station? Take your smart card to a convenience store and ask the staff to check your balance. You may need to use a translator app.

When you enter a bus or MRT gate, your balance will briefly display on the card reader screen. Note that number, and you won’t need to check it later.

EasyCard vs. Other Taiwan Smart Cards

Taiwan has quite a few Integrated Circuit (IC) cards. You’ll want to know the differences to avoid confusion.

Throughout this portion, I’ll cover information about each card and how it differs from the EasyCard.

1. Versus iPASS

EasyCard has more accessibility than iPASS . Get an iPASS to ensure you have coverage to all services, shops, and restaurants. Otherwise, get an EasyCard.

iPASS works the same as the EasyCard. It started as being exclusive to Kaohsiung and eventually became adopted as a payment method throughout the country.

2. Versus Fun Pass

The Fun Pass targets tourists looking for a stellar deal rather than an explorer. You can purchase the Fun Pass in one-two-, or three-day passes.

These passes shave a large amount from ticket fees that would otherwise pay to enter 16 different tourist destinations.

You also have unlimited access to Taipei’s buses and metro during the duration of these cards.

3. Versus icash 2.0

Purchases with an icash smart card generate points through 7-Eleven’s (Taiwan) parent company, Uni President . The points will go through the Open Point app and eventually provide discounts and freebies.

Upon accumulating enough points.

icash will get you the cash rebate from the Taipei Metro. But you can’t use it with as many places as the EasyCard and iPass in Taipei. For instance, it won’t work with YouBikes.

I only recommend getting an icash if you intend on living in Taiwan.

4. Versus HappyCash

HappyCash is a rewards program that allows cashless payments at places like:

• BigCity shopping centers
• Far Eastern Telecom
• a.mart supermarket

You can generate rewards points. But you can’t use it for public transportation .

How Do I Register My EasyCard?

Visit EasyCard’s website and provide the required documents . You can only register your EasyCard if you’re a foreign resident with a Taiwan ARC ( Alien Resident Certificate ) or APRC (Alien Permanent Resident Certificate) number.

Is EasyCard Safe?

The EasyCard isn’t as secure as a card of this type should be . While it uses multiple encryption techniques, it is susceptible to attacks on its cryptography [ 5 ]. Keep the EasyCard in an RFID-blocking wallet to protect it.

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