How to pay for High Speed Rail in Taiwan?

To pay for the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR), you can use credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, JCB, American Express, China UnionPay) online via the official website or T Express app. In-person, you can use cash or credit cards at station ticket counters and vending machines, or pay with cash at convenience stores (7-ELEVEN, FamilyMart, etc.).

Where can I buy Taiwan high speed rail tickets?

Sitemap

• Online Booking.
• T Express Mobile APP.
• Convenience Stores.
• Ticket Vending Machine.
• Purchasing Tickets at THSR Station Ticket Window.
• Group Ticketing.
• EasyCard co-branded Credit Card.
• iPass co-branded Credit Card.

Does Taiwan HSR accept credit cards?

Passengers can use cash, credit cards, and debit cards for payment. VISA, MASTER CARD (including MasterPass), JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, China UnionPay cards are accepted for online payment.

How to pay for trains in Taiwan?

Visitors may purchase tickets by the station windows or vending machines. They may also book tickets online and get the tickets at a train station, post office or convenience store. Payment may be made in cash or with credit card.

How do you pay for the HSR?

VISA, MasterCard, JCB, American Express, and China UnionPay cards are accepted for online payment. (For online payment, we only accept American Express® Cards issued by American Express International Taiwan Incorporation, and CTBC Bank Co., Ltd.

Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Train Guide 2025 – Tickets, Tips & Money-Saving Hacks!

How to buy high speed rail tickets?

Ticketing Channels:

1. 12306 Online Ticketing Platform (including website and mobile app)
2. Designated Ticket Agents.
3. Ticketing Counters and Ticket Machines in stations.

Can I use my credit card to pay my bus fare?

Look for the contactless symbol on your credit or debit card to see if your card is contactless enabled. Then, board a bus with the contactless symbol and instead of paying with cash, simply tap your card or contactless-enabled device onto the reader and wait for the beep.

Can you use a credit card for a train in Taiwan?

Accept Visa, MasterCard, JCB and American Express credit card payments online. (Notice: T Express only accepts American Express® Cards issued by American Express International Taiwan Incorporation, and CTBC Bank Co., Ltd. For other American Express Card holders, please purchase tickets at the Ticket Window.)

Can foreigners buy tickets on 12306?

The English website and mobile app of 12306 China Railway online ticketing platform is available for holders of foreign passport recognized by PRC Government. You can enjoy convenient ticketing service once you have activated a 12306 account and completed identity verification.

Is it better to take the HSR or regular train in Taiwan?

The HSR is not only fast but also extremely punctual. Statistics show an on time rate of over ninety nine percent. I am fully convinced that the high speed trains are the best way to travel quickly between Taiwan's major cities. Forget traffic jams and complicated bus routes, the Taiwan HSR always comes out on top.

Should I bring cash or card to Taiwan?

In fact, visitors should carry cash with them while traveling throughout the country. Some providers will only accept cash, including the famous night markets. Cash is also the ideal payment method for small purchases like bubble tea.

Are there toilets on Taiwan HSR?

Toilets: Located in Cars 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. Accessible Toilets are equipped in the Car 7. Each toilet is equipped with a Western-style toilet, a sink, a soap dispenser, a hand dryer, and a public toilet diaper-changing table. Accessible Toilet is equipped with a baby seat.

Can tourists use the Taiwan EasyCard?

The EasyCard Taiwan (悠遊卡) is Taiwan's most widely used contactless transport and payment card — and for tourists, it's hands-down the easiest way to get around the country.

Which is the best way to buy train tickets?

The best way to book train tickets involves booking early (12+ weeks out) for cheaper "Advance" fares, being flexible with travel times (off-peak is cheaper), using a Railcard for ~1/3 off, and comparing prices across platforms like the Trainline or operator sites (LNER, GWR), often saving by avoiding booking fees and checking for split tickets for major savings, according to Money Saving Expert and National Rail. 

Can you bring luggage on Taiwan high speed rail?

Passenger's Personal Belongings Notice

Passengers shall not exceed 150cm in length per piece, or 220cm in total length, width and height per piece, and 40kg in total weight.

What is the payment method for 12306?

12306 accepts payment with international credit cards (e.g Visa and Mastercard), UnionPay and other designated payment methods in the Mainland.

How to book train tickets for foreigners?

Foreign Tourists (including NRIs) holding valid passport can now avail Foreign Tourist Quota facility to book railway tickets online using IRCTC eTicketing website www.irctc.co.in. International Users can book tickets under Foreign Tourist Quota upto 365 days in advance.

Is there Google pay in Taiwan?

eCommerce Payments Taiwan

Credit and debit cards make up the majority, but alternative payments such as LINE Pay, JKoPay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are also gaining significant momentum .

Which bank is best for foreigners in Taiwan?

The top five banks recommended by foreign professionals, Gold Card holders, and international students from our 2024 survey are: (in alphabetical order) Cathay United Bank, CTBC Bank, E. Sun Commercial Bank, *HSBC, and Mega International Commercial Bank.

How to buy a travelcard?

To get a travel card, decide if you need a public transport card (like London's Oyster/Travelcard) or a travel money card (prepaid/multi-currency), then apply online, via an app, or in person at a provider (bank, Post Office, retailer) with ID, often loading funds or activating it for international use. Public transport cards usually require local registration, while money cards offer global spending and currency management. 

Is it cheaper to buy a bus ticket online or on the bus?

It's almost always cheaper to buy your bus ticket online or via the operator's app before you board, with savings on single fares and significant discounts on multi-day or monthly passes, as onboard purchases often incur a premium or require exact change, making digital booking more convenient and economical. 

How do you pay with contactless?

How do I use my contactless card?

1. Look. Look for the contactless symbol when paying for any items up to the value of £100.
2. Contact. Touch your contactless card against the symbol and hold until the lights turn green.
3. Confirm.