EasyCard in Taiwan
If you’re planning a trip to Taiwan, there’s one thing you’ll want in your pocket from the moment you land. If there’s one thing you should buy before exploring Taiwan, it’s the Taiwan EasyCard. This small, reloadable smart card is Taiwan’s all-in-one transportation and payment solution, designed to make your journey through the island easy, fast, and cash-free.
It’s the ultimate travel companion, especially for those who want to explore without having to worry about coins, tickets or language barriers. EasyCard can be used on MRT(all), Taiwan Railways (local trains), busses(most), taxis(most), parking lots(most), etc. throughout Taiwan. EasyCard can be used for payment in public transportation, convenience stores, supermarkets, gas stations, etc.. However, EasyCard cannot be used on Taiwan High Speed Rail.
Before you go to Taiwan, it is recommended that you buy an EasyCard and a SIM card in advance. You can pick it up at Taoyuan Airport. When taking the MRT, it is best to have an EasyCard on hand. If you have an EasyCard, you can take the Taoyuan Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station. One way: NT$150.
Tourists take the MRT about four times a day in Taipei, with each trip costing about NT$30, so your daily expenses could exceed NT$120. If you need to buy water or drinks at convenience stores, you can also pay with EasyCard. This way you will know roughly how much you need to top up on your EasyCard. Therefore, you should go to a convenience store to top up your EasyCard as soon as possible after arriving in Taipei.
Why You’ll Love It
No more fumbling for change on buses or ticket machines
Discounted fares on many transportation systems
Fast tap-and-go access to trains, bikes, and shops
Reusable and rechargeable-top up at any MRT station or convenience store
Can be used for years (so bring it back on your next trip)
Where to Use EasyCard
The EasyCard is a contactless smart card used for electronic fare payment. Originally launched in Taipei for public transport, it’s now widely accepted throughout Taiwan in:
MRT systems: Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, Kaohsiung
Light Rail(LRT): All light rails in Taiwan, including New Taipei Light Rail and Kaohsiung Light Rail
City and intercity buses: All city and intercity buses in Taiwan
TRA trains: You can use EasyCard on Taiwan Railways, which is applicable for local trains. If you are travelling by express train, you will need to buy a separate ticket for that. Since you are using an EasyCard and do not have a reservation, you are not guaranteed a seat.
YouBike rentals: If you want to rent a YouBike using an EasyCard, you will need a local phone number to register for an account. Foreigners can still rent YouBikes using foreign credit cards.
Convenience stores: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, OK Mart
Supermarket: Carrefour, PX Mart, SimpleMart…etc.
Government Management Agencies: Maokong, Taipei Zoo…etc.
Taxi: Only some taxis have scanners that accept EasyCards.
Ferry: Short-distance ferry, such as Dadaocheng to Tamsui, Tamsui to Bali, Tamsui to Fisherman’s Wharf or Kaohsiung to Cijin Island
Shop: Some cafes, bakeries, and even movie theaters. If the store has a contract with the EasyCard company, you can use your EasyCard.
Vending machines, parking meters, and some tourist attractions
EasyCard cannot be used on Taiwan High Speed Rail.
How much is EasyCard in Taiwan?
These standard fare cards cost NT$100 (non-refundable) each, excluding deposit and balance.
Load additional balance as needed (minimum NT$100)
To use the EasyCard, you need to recharge a certain amount of money on the EasyCard before you can use it.
How to Use EasyCard?
To use EasyCard, you just need to touch the card reader when get on and off a bus, MRT or train gate. It will also show you the remaining balance on your card.
Where to Buy an EasyCard in Taiwan
You can buy an EasyCard (adult) at several locations:
MRT stations – from service counters or ticket machines
Convenience stores – all major chains sell them (just ask at the counter)
Online (Klook) – Preloaded tourist cards are available for easy pickup at the airport
EasyCard can be reloaded and can be used for MRT, trains, buses, and convenience stores. Once you purchase an EasyCard and keep a sufficient balance, it will be easier and more convenient for you to travel wherever you go in Taiwan.
In Taiwan, children under 6 years old can ride free on all public transportation. If the transport uses a seat reservation system, children will not have their own seat. If there are no seat restrictions on the MRT, city bus or local train, the child can sit in one seat but needs to be supervised by an adult. If your child is under 6 years old but over 115cm tall, station staff may ask to check their ID (passport).
Students with a valid student status recognized by the Ministry of Education can go to the MRT station ticket booth to purchase a Student EasyCard. The ticket seller will check the Taiwan Student ID, so only Taiwanese locals and foreigners studying in Taiwan are accepted. Foreign students coming to Taiwan are not allowed to purchase it. You can also try to buy it at the metro station ticket booth with your foreign student ID.
Seniors or Children below 12 years old can purchase Concessionaire Card with valid IDs. You can can go to the MRT station ticket booth to purchase a Concessionaire Card. Some convenience stores may also sell them.
Purchase EasyCard and SIM Card in Advance
You can buy EasyCard and SIM card in advance before you arrive in Taiwan. Klook offers packages with EasyCard(with Deposit) and SIM Card(Unlimited data). You can pick it up at Taoyuan Airport.
▲Klook exclusive version on sale in limited quantities: NT$200 Deposit (White), NT$400 Deposit (Orange)
EasyCard Package options: Buy it Now (KLOOK)
EasyCard with NT$200 Deposit
EasyCard with NT$400 Deposit
SIM card package options: Buy it Now (KLOOK)
with 3 Days 4G SIM Card (Unlimited data, NT$100 credit for calls)
with 5 Days 4G SIM Card (Unlimited data, NT$50 credit for calls)
with 7 Days 4G SIM Card (Unlimited data NT$150 credit for calls)
with 10 Days 4G SIM Card (Unlimited data, NT$100 credit for calls)
with 15 Days 4G SIM Card (Unlimited data, NT$100 credit for calls)
Taipei Metro (MRT) Unlimited Travel Pass(KLOOK)
Taipei Fun Pass and Taipei MRT Day Pass
- Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass is the only travel pass that combines transportation and attractions
- Visit Taipei 101, National Palace Museum, and over 30 other popular attractions
- Unlimited rides on Taipei MRT, buses, and Taiwan Tourist Shuttle
- A must-have for independent travelers! The “Taipei FunPASS Taipei Fun Card”
- Issued by the Taipei City Government ensures peace of mind and convenience. Even if it’s your first time visiting Taipei, you can easily use it right away.
- Skip the hassle of queuing for tickets and enjoy free entry to over 30 popular attractions in Greater Taipei and Keelung.
- Within the specified period, you can enjoy unlimited rides on Taipei Metro, buses, Taiwan Tourist Shuttle, and Pingxi Line for round trips.
- You’ll also receive exclusive gift packs from four major shopping districts and can even take home the exclusive “Taiwan Night Market Dragon and Tiger” cup for free!
- Travel easily around Taipei with a Taipei Transport Fun Pass that you can pick up right at the airport
- Get unlimited rides on the Taipei MRT, city buses, 6 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle routes. (even opt to add access to the Maokong Gondola)
- Choose between one to two days of unlimited transportation
- Get a premium or a discount on duty-free shopping at EVERRICH and partner shops in four major shopping districts by presenting your Transport Fun Pass
- Upgrade to an and get admission to up to 30 must-visit attractions and 5 local experiences in or near Taipei
- Explore with ease: Must have travel pass when you travel in Taipei
- MRT Pass choices: Select from 1-day, 24-hour, 48-hour or 72-hour that best suits your needs* Skip the queue to enter the gate. Save time to travel in Taipei!
- Easy pickup: Grab your pass at MRT stations or TPE Airport and start using it right away
EasyCard vs iPass
There are two main types of transportation cards in Taiwan: EasyCard and iPass. If you travel to Taipei, EasyCard is still the most popular card. iPASS still lacks some support: you can’t use it to ride the Maokong Gondola, for example. EasyCard is the earliest stored-value card issued in Taiwan. iPass cards were also issued when the Kaohsiung MRT was completed. So if you visit Kaohsiung or southern Taiwan, you’ll see more people using iPass. But it doesn’t really matter, both cards can be used to take public transportation in any city in Taiwan.
Using EasyCard: The Smartest Way to Travel in Taiwan
Whether you’re catching the MRT in Taipei, hopping on a local bus in Taipei, or grabbing a cold drink at 7-Eleven, EasyCard is the most convenient way to travel like a local. The EasyCard does it all – quickly, conveniently, and without fuss.
How to Check EasyCard Balance?
When you enter or leave a bus, MRT or train gate, your card is touched to a reader. It will show you the remaining balance on your card. You can also walk into any 7-11 or FamilyMart and have the cashier scan and check your balance. When your EasyCard balance is low or there is no money left, it’s time to add some money to it.
How to Top Up EasyCard?
EasyCard recharges are in cash only.
No matter where you top up your EasyCard, most the minimum stored value for EasyCard is NT$100 or its multiples. EasyCard can be reloaded and can be used for MRT, trains, buses, and convenience stores. Once you purchase an EasyCard and keep a sufficient balance, it will be easier and more convenient for you to travel wherever you go in Taiwan.
If your EasyCard balance is insufficient or runs out of money, you can easily top up at convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, and OK Mart. The most convenient way is to top up your EasyCard at a convenience store. Some convenience store clerks do not speak English. You just give them your EasyCard and cash. Tell them how much you would like to add. They most likely know you want to add that amount.
You can top up your EasyCard at any metro station ticket booth. You just give them your EasyCard and cash. Tell them how much you would like to add.
For self-service options, you can also use the EasyCard top-up machines at any MRT stations. In the past, the old top up machines and the machines for buying single trip tickets were separate. You can now buy tickets and top up value using the new machines.
- Tap on screen options: Top-up or Single-Journey Ticket
- Place your Easycard on the sensor then insert bills. The white machines only accept NT$100 bills (NT$100 or its multiples), but the silver machines accept coins (No amount limit).
- Please follow the instructions of the machine. When you are finished, simply take your EasyCard from the sensor.
- If you purchase a Single-Journey Ticket, you can receive a token at the bottom of the screen.
Add-value machines
Add-value machines at each station at the Taipei Metro and some car parks (Ticket vending machines/Add-value machines at each station at the Taoyuan Metro)
Minimum top-up each time: NT$100 or its multiples
Single journey ticket vending machines on the EasyCard add-value platform at the Taipei Metro (Add Value/ Automatic Ticket Issue Machine)
Minimum top-up each time: No amount limit
Ticket vending machines/Add-value machines at Kuo Kuang Bus stations (at the East Gate of Taipei Main Station, Nangang Transfer Station, Taoyuan Airport Terminal 1, and Taoyuan Airport Terminal 2)
Minimum top-up each time: NT$100 or its multiples
Top-up with the maximum amount on the EasyCard
The EasyCard can be add-valued repeatedly, with the maximum amount you can add to the card being $10,000. If you do not intend to continue using the card, you can get back the remaining balance by terminating the contract or suspending the card.
If your EasyCard Balance is Insufficient
If your EasyCard balance is insufficient, you can still take the public transportation (MRT, local trains or city bus) once and cannot be used for other small purchases or non-public transportation. Your EasyCard can be deducted once for negative value when you leave the station, but the upper limit is negative NT$60.
Example:
If there is only NT$1 left on your EasyCard, you can still take the metro, Taiwan Railway or city bus. If your MRT fare is NT$50, when you exit the station, your balance will be -49 and the sensor will make a different sound to remind you. If your EasyCard balance is negative, you will not be able to use the EasyCard again until you recharge it to a positive balance.
Note: If you take a city bus
One-segment ticket, regular NT$15; Two-segment ticket, regular NT$30
No deduction will be made for the second-segment fare and the cardholder will be required to pay the fare in cash (NT$15). Please prepare the exact amount as the driver will not provide change. Cash should be inserted into the farebox.
Can I Top Up my EasyCard on The Bus?
You cannot top up your EasyCard on the bus. If your EasyCard balance is insufficient, you can purchase a ticket from the driver with cash. Please prepare the exact amount as the driver will not provide change. Cash should be inserted into the farebox.
EasyCard Taiwan App
EasyCard has an app called Easy Wallet, but the app is only available in Mandarin and only Taiwanese or residents can sign up. Users can connect their Taiwanese bank accounts to their EasyWallet app to automatically top up funds when they run out.
What should I do if my EasyCard is locked?
If you forgot to swipe your EasyCard during your last get off the bus, MRT or train gate, the system will automatically lock out your EasyCard from further use. The driver can unlock your EasyCard, but only if your last usage was on bus system. If you use the card when taking a train, MRT or other means of transportation, please go to the corresponding service counter for assistance.
On the last day of your stay
If you only have a little remaining stored value, I recommend you go to a convenience store and buy something on your last day. You can use your EasyCard to make purchases at convenience stores on the last day of your stay, with a balance close to zero.
Using My EasyCard Next Time
The validity period of EasyCard is 20 years. If you have been away from Taiwan for many years, you can bring your EasyCard back and continue to use it next time. Just go to any Taipei MRT station (including the top up machine and ticket booth) and ask the counter staff to update your card. The card can continue to be used and the balance on the card will not be lost. There is no service fee for EasyCard extension.
Will the balance on EasyCard disappear after it expires?
The balance on the card will not disappear due to ticket expiration. But once the card expires, you will not be able to ride public transportation or make small payments. It is recommended that you take your card to the designated location to renew your card as soon as possible so that you can continue to use the EasyCard function.
If you are only visiting Taiwan for a short period of time, you don’t need to deposit too much money. I recommend you go to a convenience store and buy something on your last day.
EasyCard Validity Check
Please click Check Card Validity to check
Step1: Enter the EasyCard number
Step2: Click “Card Validity Period” to check the service
Step3: Enter the verification code and click Next
How to Refund EasyCard
If you do not intend to continue using the card, you can get back the remaining balance by terminating the contract or suspending the card. If you want to refund the remaining stored value, you can only do so at the Taipei MRT stations. After you return the stored value, the card will be returned to you and cannot be used again after it is locked.
Prepare your trip to Taiwan?✈️
🔥ChiaTe Pineapple Cake / Delivery or Airport Pickup
■ ChiaTe Bakery Pineapple Pastry-Delivery(Home / Hotel) / Airport Pickup (klook)
Buy discounted tickets in advance (Klook)
■ EasyCard and SIM Card Package
■ Taipei 101 Observatory Ticket
■ Taipei Double Decker Sightseeing Bus
■ National Palace Museum Ticket
■ Taipei Fun Pass (Taipei 101, National Palace Museum, Taipei MRT, city buses, and 6 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle)
■ Taipei Transport Fun Pass (Taipei MRT, city buses, 6 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle routes, and Maokong Gondol)
■ Taipei Metro (MRT) Day Pass
■ (Taiwan Pass) HSR + MRT + Taiwan Tourist Shuttle
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Day Pass
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Ticket for non-Taiwanese Discounts or Buy 1 Get 1
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Joint Ticket
■ (Taiwan Pass) Taiwan Railways + MRT + Taiwan Tourist Shuttle