If you are moving to Taiwan, one of the first things you will probably buy is an EasyCard. It is a stored-value transportation card used for the Taipei MRT, buses, YouBike, convenience stores, and many small everyday payments.
However, Taiwan’s public transport payment system is becoming more flexible. In addition to EasyCard, some MRT gates now support Transit QR Codes, and Taipei MRT is gradually introducing contactless bank card payments, including credit cards and mobile wallets.
What Is an EasyCard?
An EasyCard is a rechargeable contactless card. You add money to the card and tap it when entering and exiting public transport. For most students and long-term visitors, it is still the easiest and most reliable way to get around Taiwan.
You can use an EasyCard for:
- Taipei MRT
- New Taipei MRT
- Most city buses
- YouBike rentals
- Convenience stores such as 7-Eleven and FamilyMart
- Some supermarkets, cafés, and vending machines
Where Can You Buy an EasyCard?
You can buy an EasyCard at most MRT stations and convenience stores. The card itself usually costs around NT$100, and you need to add stored value before using it.
For most international students arriving in Taipei, the easiest places to buy one are:
- Taoyuan Airport MRT stations
- Taipei Main Station
- 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, or OK Mart
- Taipei MRT station service counters
One very convenient option is to pre-order an EasyCard online and pick it up directly at Taoyuan Airport.
This can save time after landing, especially if you arrive late at night, have luggage, or want to start using the MRT immediately without searching for a ticket machine or convenience store.
Klook offers EasyCard packages with different stored-value options, and some packages also include SIM cards for travelers and international students.
Check EasyCard Pickup on Klook
- Airport pickup at Taoyuan Airport (TPE)
- Optional preloaded balance available
- Can be bundled with Taiwan SIM cards
- Useful for MRT, buses, YouBike, and convenience stores
- Good option for travelers arriving without Taiwan cash
How to Use EasyCard on the MRT
Using EasyCard on the MRT is simple:
- Tap your EasyCard at the gate when entering.
- Take the MRT to your destination.
- Tap the same EasyCard again when exiting.
- The fare is automatically deducted from your card balance.
Make sure you use the same card when entering and exiting. If your card balance is too low, you may need to top up before leaving the station.
How to Top Up an EasyCard
You can add money to your EasyCard at MRT station machines, MRT service counters, and convenience stores. Many students top up NT$500 or NT$1,000 at a time, depending on how often they use public transport.
At convenience stores, just give your EasyCard and cash to the cashier and say you want to add value. You can also use top-up machines inside MRT stations.
New Payment Options: QR Code and Credit Card Tapping
EasyCard is still the most convenient choice for most students, but Taipei’s MRT system now has more payment options than before.
1. Transit QR Code
Taipei MRT and some buses now support Transit QR Codes through selected Taiwan payment apps. This is different from a normal store payment QR code. You need to use the transportation QR code feature inside a supported app.
This can be useful if you already use a Taiwan mobile payment app, but it may not be the easiest option for new arrivals who do not yet have a Taiwan phone number or local payment setup.
2. Contactless Credit Card and Bank Card Payment
Taipei MRT is also introducing bank card tapping. This means passengers can tap a supported contactless credit card or debit card directly at the MRT gate, similar to systems used in cities like London, Singapore, or New York.
In the initial stage, Taipei MRT supports selected Visa, Mastercard, and JCB credit cards, along with certain debit cards. You can also use a mobile wallet such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay if it is linked to a supported bank card.
To use it, tap your bank card or phone when entering the MRT station, then tap the same card or device again when exiting. The MRT system calculates the fare automatically.
Can I Use a Foreign Credit Card?
In many cases, yes. If your foreign credit card is a supported contactless Visa, Mastercard, or JCB card, it may work at Taipei MRT gates that accept bank cards. U.S. credit cards with tap-to-pay may be accepted if they are supported by the system and your bank allows overseas contactless transactions.
However, foreign card users should remember:
- Your card may charge a foreign transaction fee.
- The MRT fare is charged in New Taiwan dollars.
- You must tap the same card or device when entering and exiting.
- If you enter with Apple Pay, exit with the same phone or watch.
- If your card does not work, keep an EasyCard as backup.
EasyCard vs Credit Card: Which One Should Students Use?
For short-term visitors, contactless credit card payment is convenient because you may not need to buy a separate transport card immediately.
For international students, exchange students, interns, and long-term residents, EasyCard is still recommended. It works across more places, including buses, convenience stores, YouBike, and many daily purchases. It is also easier to manage if you are living in Taiwan for several months or longer.
| Payment Method | Best For | Good Points | Possible Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| EasyCard | Students and long-term stays | Works on MRT, buses, YouBike, convenience stores | Needs top-up |
| Transit QR Code | People with Taiwan payment apps | No physical card needed | Requires supported app setup |
| Credit card tapping | Visitors and people with contactless cards | No need to buy a ticket or EasyCard first | May not support all cards; foreign transaction fees may apply |
Should You Still Buy an EasyCard?
Yes. Even with QR code and credit card payment options, an EasyCard is still one of the most useful things to have in Taiwan.
If you are staying in Taipei for only a few days, a contactless credit card may be enough for MRT rides. But if you are studying, interning, or living in Taiwan, an EasyCard will make daily life easier.
Final Tip for New Arrivals
When you arrive in Taiwan, buy an EasyCard and add some value right away. You can also try using your credit card or mobile wallet at supported MRT gates, but keep your EasyCard with you as a backup.
This is especially useful during your first few weeks, when you may still be setting up your Taiwan phone number, bank account, student ID, and local payment apps.
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