Taiwan 
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Go to the Taiwan guideTaiwan tightened its stance in spring 2025 against certain unregistered third-party top-ups of transport cards in retail chains, affecting how you, as a Swede, can easily recharge your EasyCard. Practically, this means you benefit from loading via official channels like MRT station machines and service counters, especially if you want to avoid declined transactions as staff follow the new procedures.
EasyCard in Taiwan and Why It Deserves a Place in Your Wallet
EasyCard is Taiwan’s most widely used contactless card for public transport and small payments. For those traveling between Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, and Kaohsiung, it becomes a daily tool rather than a souvenir.
The card essentially functions as a prepaid digital wallet. You tap at barriers, on buses, and sometimes even in taxis, and the same card can often be used in convenience stores, certain cafes, and at simpler attractions.
Preparations at Home That Save Time in Taiwan
Make sure your Swedish bank card is enabled for overseas purchases and have a backup, preferably an extra card or a virtual card on your phone. In Taiwan, cash is still common for recharging transport cards, although card payments are becoming more prevalent.
Write down a few keywords on your phone. EasyCard is called 悠遊卡, and topping up is referred to as 加值, pronounced roughly as jia zhi, which can help if you find yourself at a counter without English assistance.
Bring small bills in NTD from day one. This makes loading at machines and bus depots significantly smoother.
Buying EasyCard Upon Arrival
After arrival, it is most common to purchase EasyCard at MRT stations, especially in Taipei. At Taoyuan Airport MRT, you can usually buy the card at the service counter or near the ticket machines, and you often have the option of standard cards or design cards.
The standard card has a one-time cost, and you then load it with balance. Design cards may cost more but function the same within the system.
Alternatives If You Start Your Journey in Another City
In Kaohsiung and Taichung, it is also quick to find EasyCard, often at larger stations and in convenience stores. If staff ask which card you want, the answer is EasyCard, not iPASS, as they are different systems even though they partially overlap in usage.
Loading EasyCard Without Hassle
The most frictionless way is to load cash at MRT station machines or at service counters. The machines often have an English interface, but the button placements vary between cities and operators.
Convenience stores like 7 Eleven and FamilyMart can also load the card, but this is where the tightened procedures are most noticeable. In some stores, you will be directed to cash loading, and certain types of combined payments may be declined if the cashier follows new instructions.
If a store says no to loading, go to the nearest MRT station and load there. It is almost always the fastest solution.
How Much Should You Load
For a normal day in Taipei with MRT and a bus ride, 200 to 400 NTD is often sufficient. If you plan to commute, make multiple transfers, or travel longer distances, 500 to 800 NTD may be more comfortable so you do not have to stop at the machine frequently.
Here is a practical overview with typical levels to help you plan.
| Situation in Taiwan | Reasonable Loading on EasyCard | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| First day, airport to Taipei and a few trips | 300 to 500 NTD | Good starting balance if you want to be flexible |
| 3 days in Taipei with lots of MRT | 800 to 1200 NTD | Less time at machines |
| Only short trips in the area | 200 to 400 NTD | Top up as needed |
| Kaohsiung with metro and bus | 300 to 700 NTD | Depends on how much you move |
| Reserve balance for late nights | 200 NTD extra | Nice if you miss the last loading opportunity |
Using EasyCard in Daily Life in Taiwan
On the MRT, you tap at the barrier both in and out. On buses, it varies; sometimes you only tap when you board, sometimes both on and off, and signs in the bus indicate what applies.
On local buses, it is common for the driver not to speak much English. Follow the screen near the driver’s seat and watch what others do, and you will get it right almost every time.
EasyCard often works in convenience stores for small purchases. It is convenient when you want to buy water, onigiri, or a quick coffee without handling coins.
Common Mistakes That Cost Time
What often causes issues is that travelers confuse different card systems or expect all loading points to accept foreign cards. Taiwan is efficient, but the procedures can be strict when staff follow regulations.
Here are five concrete things to keep an eye on.
- Keep track of whether the bus requires tapping both on and off.
- Expect that cash is safest for loading.
- Do not confuse EasyCard with iPASS if you are buying in southern Taiwan.
- Load a little extra for weekend trips when stations may be busier.
- Double-check your balance before going down to the MRT, especially if you frequently switch lines.
Money, Prices, and How EasyCard Affects Your Budget
Taiwan is often affordable compared to many other major cities in Asia. A short MRT trip can cost around a few tens of SEK, while a bus ride often costs less.
EasyCard allows you to skip buying single tickets and standing in line. The biggest gain is time, but you also get better control over small expenses since many everyday purchases can be deducted from the same balance.
Health and Safety Related to Public Transport
Taiwan’s public transport is generally safe and well-organized. During rainy seasons, floors at stations can become slippery, especially near entrances and escalators, so walk a bit more cautiously when tapping and moving with a backpack.
In Taipei, it is normal to stand on the right in escalators and walk on the left. This is not a visa rule, but it affects how smoothly you navigate during rush hour.
Practical Tips on Site That Feel Taiwanese
If you are going to night markets, EasyCard can be useful in nearby stores, but many food stalls only accept cash. Therefore, keep a small cash reserve even if you use the card for travel.
For day trips, such as to Beitou, Tamsui, or Maokong, EasyCard is especially convenient since you can combine MRT with bus or cable car connections without buying multiple tickets. The balance goes a long way if you load smartly in the morning.
If you need to keep track of entry requirements, visa types, or fees for Taiwan, updated visa requirements and prices can be found at VIZA.se.
When It Is Time to Leave Taiwan
If you have balance left, you can continue using the card in stores and for travel right up until your last day. For certain types of cards and some sales points, refunds for remaining balance may be limited or require you to go to a specific service point, so it is better to plan to use it up on transport and small purchases.
A good final move is to leave the hotel with some margin and use EasyCard for the last stretch to the station or airport line. This way, you avoid stressing over change, and you conclude your trip in the most Taiwanese efficient manner, a quick tap and onward.
