Yes, credit cards are widely accepted in Taiwan, particularly for hotels, department stores, and major chain restaurants, with Visa and Mastercard being the most commonly accepted. However, Taiwan is still a cash-first society, and smaller eateries, night markets, and local shops often only accept cash.
Cash is still king in 90% of the places. You can use credit cards in restaurants and convenient stores, but for night markets, taxi etc., most places still take cash.
Most places will take credit card with no problem - especially large chains stores or restaurants. Mobile payment systems are also widely accepted. While LinePay is the most popular, ApplePay, Google Wallet, and more are often accepted as well. Even at night market stalls.
Despite the growth in digital finance, Taiwan still relies heavily on cash. In 2023, cash accounted for over 42% of total transaction volume. Credit card payments are increasing, however, with total card payment value up 20.8% from 2022 to 2023.
Should I exchange money before I travel to Taiwan?
Don't change the currency in the U.S., not a good rate. At Taiwan airport or the local bank is not much difference. At the local bank, if you not have Taiwan passport, there will be some extra charge for currency exchange. So Debit card might be a good idea.
How much cash should I bring to Taiwan for 3 days?
As you can see, budget travelers can comfortably explore Taiwan on around NT$2000 (US$65) per day, while mid-range travelers should prepare about NT$4,000 (US$130).
Yes, you can absolutely wear red in Taiwan; it's a very auspicious color symbolizing good fortune, happiness, and celebration, used extensively in festivals, weddings, and temples, though you should avoid writing someone's name in red ink as it's considered bad luck and a sign of death. Red clothing is common and welcomed, especially during festive times, and generally, you can wear whatever you like, with few restrictions.
What is the main payment method in Taiwan? The most popular digital payment method in Taiwan is the credit card, which is widely used for both online and offline retail. E-wallets like LINE Pay and JKOPAY are also extremely popular for in-store QR code payments, P2P transfers, and bill payments.
The 2/3/4 rule for credit cards is a guideline, notably used by Bank of America, that limits how many new cards you can get approved for: no more than two in 30 days, three in 12 months, and four in 24 months, helping manage hard inquiries and credit risk. It's a strategy to space out applications, preventing too many hard pulls on your credit report and helping maintain financial health by avoiding over-extending yourself.
Yes, modern smartphones should work without a hitch in Taiwan, but roaming with a US carrier can get expensive pretty quickly. The likes of Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile charge eye-watering rates for Pay As You Go calls, messages and data in Taiwan. And be aware that data usage mounts up faster than you think.
ATMs are widespread throughout Taiwan and cash advances can be obtained, but these can incur a relatively large fee so it's best to check with your card issuer before travelling. Plus, Circus and Maestro are the most prevalent cards accepted, and you will be able to use your Visa and Mastercard for cash advances.
Tipping is also not common practice in Taiwan. Patrons don't need to add additional costs to a meal's base price. Servers in the country make a living wage and don't rely on tips. Some locals may consider efforts to tip as rude behavior.
Often, exchanging money before departure offers better rates and lower fees than waiting until you arrive. From bank exchange rates to ATM strategies, learn how to get the best conversion rates and avoid unnecessary fees, ensuring you're never caught without funds during your adventures.
Taipei, Dec. 7 (CNA) Passengers should be able to enter the Taipei Metro system using credit cards or Apple Pay's Express Contactless Protocol (ECP) beginning in July 2026, Taipei Rapid Transit Corp. (TRTC) confirmed to CNA on Sunday.
Putting an arm around someone's shoulder, winking, and pointing with your index finger are all considered rude gestures. You may point with an open hand. Palms facing outward and in front of the face moving back and forth means “no”. Nervous movements, such as tapping your foot, are considered rude.
The "333 rule" in clothing refers to two popular minimalist fashion concepts: the viral TikTok trend of using 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 shoes to create numerous outfits (9 items total) for styling practice, and the more extensive Project 333, where you select 33 items (including clothes, shoes, and accessories) to wear for three months, excluding essentials like underwear, workout gear, and sleepwear, to simplify your wardrobe and reduce decision fatigue. Both methods focus on versatility, quality over quantity, and creating a functional capsule wardrobe.
Toilet paper has short fibers and disintegrates easily, therefore it can be flushed down the toilet, as long as it is not done in large quantities deliberately. If the public toilet has the “Flush Toilet Paper Down the Toilet” sign, please do so as instructed.
