Taiwan EasyCard Guide (2025): Everything Travellers Need to Know

Planning a trip to Taiwan?

Time to sort out your travel game. Smooth metro rides that glide like silk. Convenience store snacks at the tap of a card. Bike rentals that just work.

The Taiwan EasyCard is your golden ticket to tap-and-go freedom across this incredible island.

Here's your 2025-friendly guide to navigating Taiwan like you've lived there forever, thanks to the Taiwan EasyCard.

1. What is the Taiwan EasyCard?

Photo: @iamjoyceuy on Instagram

EasyCard is Taiwan's most popular reloadable smartcard for public transportation and other purchases.

One tap. That's all it takes. MRTs, city buses, TRA local trains, YouBikes – even that late-night 7-Eleven run for bubble tea. The EasyCard handles it all without breaking a sweat.

Think of it as Taiwan's most popular sidekick. Unlike those tourist-only passes, locals use EasyCards every single day. It works in Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, Kaohsiung, and beyond. Taipei MRT users get a sweet monthly rebate when they use an EasyCard.

This little card also opens doors to thousands of cashless spots – supermarkets, pharmacies, parking meters, even select attractions and restaurants. It's like having a magic wand for seamless payments, plus those lovely fare discounts that add up fast.

2. How much does the EasyCard Cost?

Photo: @_nakamayumi on Instagram

• Card cost: USD 3 (non-refundable)

• No preloaded value: Top up with cash after purchase

• Recommended top-up: USD 13-16 for short trips

• Maximum stored value: You can load up to USD 958 on the card, which is more than enough even for longer visits.

3. Does the EasyCard have an expiration date?

Photo: @cocito77 on Instagram

Here's some beautiful news: your EasyCard never expires.

Inactive cards for over 2 years may need a simple top-up to reactivate. This means you can bring the card back on your next trip without issue.

If you forget to top up or don't have enough balance, some transport systems allow your EasyCard to go into a negative balance (up to USD 2) so you can finish your journey. Just remember to top it up before your next ride.

4. Where can you buy an EasyCard?

MRT Stations

Every MRT station in Taipei, Taoyuan, and Kaohsiung sells EasyCards at service counters or vending machines. Machines operate during MRT hours (from 6am-12mn) and provide bilingual instructions. You can purchase an EasyCard at any MRT station in Taiwan.

Convenience Stores

Major chains like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, and OK Mart sell EasyCards at the cashier. Many are open 24/7, making this the most flexible option. The staff can also help with card top-ups and balance checks.

Taoyuan Airport

Pick one up at the Airport MRT station, convenience stores, or tourist counters. Machines and counters generally run from 5am-11pm, but 7-Elevens remain open all night. It's great for late-night arrivals.

Online on Pelago

Want to skip the airport hunt entirely?

Pelago lets you snag your EasyCard before you even board your flight. Tourist-friendly packages that you can book ahead of time and collect at Taoyuan International Airport the second you arrive.

No stress about sold-out stations or stores. No hunting for cute designs that vanished overnight. Plus, you can grab preloaded credit so you're ready to roll from minute one. Plus, your purchase will let you earn KrisFlyer miles, which is perfect for your next destination trip.

And here's the cherry on top: Pelago bundles deals like pairing your EasyCard with a Taiwan SIM Card. Everything sorted in one go.

5. Are there cute designs for the EasyCard?

Photo: @ochibawolf on Instagram

Looking for a cute EasyCard Taiwan design?

Limited editions (Hello Kitty, anime characters, local mascots) are sold at convenience stores, museums, and pop-ups. Expect to pay USD 6-12 depending on the design. Some EasyCards feature popular characters like Hello Kitty and Pokémon, appealing to collectors and fans. Others even have unique designs, such as shaped as a Harry Potter wand or as a plushie.

Note: If you buy a limited-edition EasyCard, this premium is non-refundable and not counted as stored value. Limited edition EasyCards, such as those commemorating anniversaries or featuring popular themes, are often highly sought after and can sell out quickly.

6. How do I use an EasyCard?

MRT & Metro

Tap in and out at gates. Fare is auto-deducted based on distance. Gates show the remaining balance.

Buses

Tap on when boarding and off when alighting. Signs or driver announcements indicate whether you tap once or twice.

TRA Local Trains

Use on non-reserved local trains under 70km. Tap at entry and exit gates. It’s ideal for spontaneous day trips.

YouBike

Photo: @benbenben365 on Instagram

Register your card with a Taiwan mobile number via the YouBike app or kiosk. Alternatively, use the YouBike 2.0 app with a credit card. Once linked, just tap your card on the bike dock. The EasyCard is also accepted for other shared bicycle rentals T-Bike and C-Bike across various cities.

Stores and Services

EasyCard is accepted at most convenience stores, vending machines, parking meters, some cafes, bakeries, and even at select tourist attractions like the Taipei Zoo and Maokong Gondola. Using an EasyCard for MRT and bus rides gives you around a 20% discount compared to cash payments.

7. Where can I use the EasyCard?

Photo: @taiwannearme.official on Instagram

• Taipei MRT

• Taoyuan Airport MRT

• Taipei city buses

• TRA (Taiwan Railway) short-distance trains

• YouBike rentals

• Convenience stores

• Some cafes, parking meters, vending machines

• Limited attractions and ferries

• All metro lines in Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung, as well as local trains on Taiwan Railways

It is not accepted on the High-Speed Rail (HSR) or most long-distance buses. For HSR, you must purchase separate tickets in advance or at the station.

8. How do I top-up the EasyCard?

Photo: @jhsnaps.jpg on Instagram

Top-ups are almost always cash-only, but there you can also use mobile wallets if you have a Taiwan SIM card.

1. MRT Stations: Use add-value machines. Insert NTD 100 (USD 3), NTD 500 (USD 16), or NTD 1,000 (USD 32) notes.

2. Convenience Stores: Ask the cashier. A popular choice if you're also buying snacks or water.

3. Mobile App (EasyWallet): Mostly useful for locals. You’ll need a Taiwan SIM card and local ID to unlock full features like auto top-up or balance tracking. If you do have a local number, the app lets you view past transactions and card balance.

4. Credit Card? Not accepted for top-ups. You can only use cards for pre-purchase platforms like Pelago.

Negative Balance Feature: Your card can go up to USD 2 if you don't have enough credit for a ride. You must top-up before using it again.

9. How can I check my EasyCard balance?

You can view recent trip history and top-up transactions at MRT station counters or using the EasyWallet app (with Taiwan SIM). You can also check your balance on the EasyCard website, but it's only available in Chinese.

Alternatively, you can use the EasyWallet app on your Android NFC-enabled phones or on other third-party apps. Apple devices currently do not support this.

10. Can I refund my EasyCard?

Photo: @taiwannearme.official on Instagram

The card fee is non-refundable. However, you can refund the money you topped-up onto your card.

• Card fee (USD 3): Non-refundable

• Stored value: Refundable minus a USD 0.64 processing fee

Refunds available at:

• Any Taipei MRT service counter

• Taoyuan Airport MRT station (ideal before departure)

If your balance is under USD 0.64, it's best to spend it at a convenience store rather than refund it.

11. What's the difference between the EasyCard and the iPass?

Photo: @cocito77 on Instagram

EasyCard and iPass are the two most common transportation smartcards in Taiwan. Here's what you can expect from both of them.

Functionally, they're nearly the same. EasyCard is more common in northern cities, while iPASS is prevalent in the south. Both are used nationwide and accepted across most transit systems and retail chains.

12. Can I use mobile wallets to store my EasyCard?

• Apple Pay / Apple Wallet: Not supported for EasyCard

• Samsung Pay: Only works with Taiwan-issued Samsung phones

• EasyWallet App: Useful for locals with a Taiwan phone number and ID. Allows limited functions like transaction history and balance check

Some newer MRT gates accept contactless Visa/Mastercard/Apple Pay, but it is not yet available system-wide. Until fully rolled out, carry and use a physical EasyCard.

13. Is the EasyCard worth it for tourist?

Absolutely. For USD 3+ top-ups, EasyCard provides:

• Seamless travel across MRTs (Only valid on non-reserved, local trains. For express or reserved-seat TRA trains, you’ll need a separate ticket.)

• Can also be used on buses and YouBikes

• Small transfer discounts (e.g. USD 0.25 off when transferring between MRT and buses within 60 minutes)

• Quick purchases at stores

• Avoids carrying coins or queuing for tickets

• No expiry (use again on future visits)

• Works in multiple cities with one card

Unless you're taking only taxis or private tours, the card pays for itself in convenience.

14. Can I share my EasyCard?

Photo: @abbinbin on Instagram

No. One card per person. This is because the card is used for proper entry and exit tracking.

15. What happens if I lose my EasyCard?

Photo: @selection_ace on Instagram

Unregistered cards cannot be recovered. You'll need to buy a new one.

16. Do children need an EasyCard?

Photo: @kanahei_ting on Instagram

Yes, children aged 6 and above need their own EasyCard to use public transport. Children under 6 (or under 115cm in height) may travel for free on some systems when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.

There are concession EasyCards available for students and children, which offer discounted fares. However, these require proof of age or student ID and are typically issued to Taiwan residents. Tourists should purchase the standard adult EasyCard for children unless they have local documentation.

17. Are there any more tips before I buy my EasyCard?

Photo: @missc_simplelife on Instagram

• Top up at least USD 15-16 to start your trip smoothly

• Keep NTD 100 notes (around USD 3) handy for machines

• Use your card for small purchases to reduce coin clutter

• Tap cleanly (not with a wallet full of other cards)

• Download the EasyWallet app to track usage (only if you have an Android phone and Taiwan SIM; not functional with international numbers)

• Use the remaining balance before flying out; buy snacks or souvenirs

• Consider Pelago for EasyCard + SIM card or transport bundles

• Hang on to your card for future visits; it never expires

Ready to Explore Taiwan?

The EasyCard Taiwan isn't just a transit tool.

It's your stress-free passport to exploring this incredible island. It simplifies everything, saves time from day one, and lets you wander with complete confidence.

Grab one at the airport or station and discover Taiwan like you were meant to.