Taiwan EasyCard Guide (2026): Purchase, Recharge & Uses
Unlock effortless travel in Taiwan! Discover everything about the essential EasyCard: where to buy, how to top up, check your balance, and all the places you can use it for a smooth trip.
Quick answer
- The EasyCard is a crucial payment card for public transport, convenience stores, and some attractions in Taiwan.
- Purchase your EasyCard at MRT stations, convenience stores, or pre-order online for airport pickup.
- Recharge your card easily at MRT station machines or any convenience store checkout.
- Check your balance via MRT gates, convenience store terminals, or the Easy Wallet mobile app.
- A basic EasyCard purchased locally costs approximately ~$5 (150 TWD).
Planning a trip to Taiwan? Then you absolutely need to know about the EasyCard!
This indispensable card simplifies everything from public transportation to daily shopping across the island.
Join me as I break down everything you need to know: how to purchase and recharge your EasyCard, check its balance, and explore its various types and uses.
Taiwan EasyCard (Taoyuan / Kaohsiung Airport Pickup) - MyRealTripPurchasing Your EasyCard
The Taiwan EasyCard is your go-to payment method for Taiwan's MRT, buses, some taxis, convenience stores, and even certain tourist attractions.💳 It's truly a must-have for getting around!
Once you buy an EasyCard, it has a long validity period of 12 years, meaning you can use it for multiple trips to Taiwan without needing to buy a new one every time.
While you can purchase it at the airport, lines can be incredibly long, especially if you arrive in the early hours. That's why I opted to buy mine in advance online!
Although I was tempted by the cute and unique designs available locally, I chose the airport pickup option to immediately use it on the Kuo-Kuang Bus from the airport.
EasyCard Types & Prices
There are two main types of EasyCards: the standalone card and a bundle with a SIM card.
Typically, the EasyCards sold in Taiwan's convenience stores and supermarkets come without any pre-loaded balance. You'll need to top them up separately. This means you'll need to exchange currency and then recharge the card before use.
For convenience, I highly recommend purchasing your EasyCard online beforehand and picking it up at a Taiwan airport.
Type | Features/Description | Recommended For |
Standalone EasyCard | No pre-loaded balance OR pre-loaded balance included. Ready to use upon pickup. | Short-term travelers, independent travelers |
EasyCard + SIM Card | Includes MRT ticket and 4G SIM card. | Travelers who want to arrange internet and transportation simultaneously |
If you purchase a card locally in Taiwan with a cute design, it usually costs 150 TWD, which is about ~$5.
Below are the prices as of late 2026 from MyRealTrip. You can refer to these when making your purchase.
Package | Price (USD) |
Standalone (requires recharge) | ~$3 |
Includes TWD 200 recharge | ~$11 |
Includes TWD 400 recharge | ~$19 |
Where to Use Your EasyCard
The EasyCard isn't just for transportation in Taiwan; you can also use it at supermarkets and convenience stores just like cash, making it a cashless payment solution.
Think of it like a debit card! Taiwan has a huge number of convenience stores like 7-Eleven, and the EasyCard allows for quick, contactless payments. With just one card, you can truly enjoy your Taiwanese adventure without fumbling for cash.
Category | Usage Locations |
Transportation | All taxis that accept EasyCard payments Taipei/Kaohsiung Metro (MRT) (excluding some lines) Airport MRT Taiwan Railways (TRA) (excluding Puyuma & Taroko Express) City Buses (Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung, Tainan, etc.) Public Bikes: YouBike, T-Bike, C-Bike, and more, available in various cities |
Supermarkets & Convenience Stores | 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, OK Mart, Starbucks, Cosmed, and other major franchise stores |
Attractions | Bali Left Bank Park Maokong Gondola (TWD 20 discount, approximately ~$1, for weekday use) |
Recharging Your EasyCard
If you purchase your EasyCard locally in Taiwan, you'll usually pay a card deposit of 100 TWD (approximately ~$4).
You can recharge your EasyCard at:
MRT station automatic top-up machines
Convenience store counters (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, etc.)
As long as you have cash, you can quickly top up your card at either a machine or with a staff member. The machines even support English, so even first-time visitors can use them with ease!
For my 3-night, 4-day trip to Taiwan, I recharged 200 TWD (approximately ~$7), and it was more than enough to cover my transportation and some meal expenses.
Refunding the deposit can be a bit complicated and bothersome, so it's generally better to simply use up the balance on your card!
Checking Your EasyCard Balance
Checking your EasyCard balance is incredibly simple!
✔️ When you pass through an MRT gate:
👉 The remaining balance will immediately display on the screen!
✔️ Show your card at a convenience store checkout:
👉 The staff will quickly check it with their terminal! You can also see the balance when making a purchase.
✔️ Plus, if you install the EasyCard app (Easy Wallet):
👉 You can check your balance in real-time on your phone!📱 You can also view your transaction history.
Knowing exactly how much money you have left, anytime and anywhere, truly gives you peace of mind!✨
The Taiwan EasyCard is an absolute game-changer for your trip. It helps you save time, save money, and reduce travel fatigue – making it a core essential for exploring Taiwan.
I wholeheartedly recommend this must-have item, especially for first-time visitors to Taiwan!
⬇️ Check EasyCard prices here ⬇️
If you arrive at Taiwan airport early in the morning? Kuo-Kuang Bus 1819 reservation & usage tipsFrequently Asked Questions
What is the price of a designer EasyCard if purchased locally in Taiwan?
Cute and pretty designer EasyCards purchased locally in Taiwan usually cost 150 TWD, which is approximately ~$5. These locally purchased cards generally do not include any stored value, so you need to top them up separately.
How can I top up a Taiwan EasyCard locally?
You can top up your EasyCard at automatic top-up machines inside MRT stations or at convenience store counters (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, etc.). As long as you have cash, you can quickly top up anywhere, whether it's a machine or with staff. Korean language support is also available.
How can I check the balance of my Taiwan EasyCard?
Your EasyCard balance is displayed immediately on the screen when you pass through an MRT turnstile. You can also show your card to staff at convenience store counters, or install the EasyCard app (easy wallet) to check your real-time balance on your phone.
Are there any benefits when using an EasyCard for the Maokong Gondola?
Yes, if you use your EasyCard for the Maokong Gondola on weekdays, you can receive a TWD 20 discount. In addition to the Maokong Gondola, EasyCards can be used like cash for various other public transportation options, supermarkets, and convenience stores in Taiwan.
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