Taiwan Handy Hints – EasyCards

Taipei's EasyCard

Want To Get Around Taiwan Easily? Get Yourself An EasyCard Straight Away

The easiest way to get anything or anywhere you want in Taiwan is by purchasing an EasyCard.

An EasyCard is a “touch-n-go” ticketing system issued by the Taipei Metro but can be used for bus services, car parks, supermarkets, train services in other parts of Taiwan, and even some department stores! Who wouldn't like to buy a Prada bag by using an EasyCard instead of their credit card?

The best thing about them is that you can get around Taiwan and buy things really easily without the language issues that come from paying with cash. You just swipe your EasyCard and pay with a smile!.

To get an EasyCard, all you need to do is purchase one from the Information Counter in any of Taipei's Metro Stations or from a convenience store such as 7-Eleven or FamilyMart.

The cost of an EasyCard is as follows:
Adult: NTD $500 – has NTD $400 worth of credit and NTD $100 deposit for the card.   If they are available, you can purchase a NTD $200 card – NTD $100 in credit and NTD $100 deposit.

Concession: NTD $300 –  has NTD $200 worth of credit and NTD $100 deposit for the card. If they are available, you can purchase a NTD $200 card – NTD $100 in credit and NTD $100 deposit.

Once you have the card life gets so much easier. You can recharge your EasyCard at the Taipei MRT Stations, either at the window or via a recharge machine. You can also recharge it anywhere that you can purchase them.

We found that when we were being really touristy, catching the MRT around Taipei, catching Gondolas, or buying snacks, we would go through about NTD $100 in a day. Therefore, if you are in Taipei for seven days, you will probably need NTD $700 worth of credit.

If you are heading out of Taipei to places like Keelung or Hsinchu, you may need to add on some more to pay for the longer train trips.

If you do find you have left over credit on your EasyCard at the end of your stay, head to 7-Eleven or FamilyMart and buy some souvenirs or some snacks for yourself.

I know this sounds like an advert for Taiwan's EasyCard system. However, I really do mean it when I say these things are the greatest. They really made our lives easier while traveling around Taiwan.

Enjoy your stay!