How to pay for things in Taiwan as a foreigner?

Paying for things in Taiwan as a foreigner requires a mix of cash and digital methods. While major stores accept credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) and mobile payments (Apple/Google Pay, Line Pay), cash (New Taiwan Dollar - NTD) is essential for night markets, small eateries, and transport. Get a physical EasyCard for transit and convenience store purchases.

How to pay in Taiwan as a tourist?

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.

Is it better to use cash or card in Taiwan?

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.

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.

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 .

6 Things You MUST KNOW before traveling to TAIPEI!

Does Taiwan use contactless payment?

Taipei Metro introduces QR code payments on phones, giving riders a contactless alternative to Easy Cards.

Is Apple Pay in Taiwan?

The arrival of Apple Pay in Taiwan continues Apples measured international rollout. First introduced to US customers in 2014, Apple Pay has since expanded to Australia, Canada, China, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland and the UK.

Is it okay to wear red in Taiwan?

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 2/3/4 rule for credit cards?

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. 

How to avoid ATM fees in Taiwan?

Tips to minimise ATM fees in Taiwan

1. Use a multi-currency card like YouTrip, which offers competitive TWD exchange rates with zero FX fees and free monthly ATM withdrawals of S$400. ...
2. Withdraw larger amounts less frequently — this way, you pay fewer flat ATM fees.

Which ATM is best for foreigners in Taiwan?

Look for ATMs at major banks like Cathay United Bank, E. SUN Bank, or those CTBC Bank at 7-Eleven convenience stores, which are known for their higher success rates with foreign cards.

Is it rude not to finish food in Taiwan?

If you're eating with Taiwanese people they will probably insist that you eat more even if you say you're full. The etiquette here is to politely insist you're full. Your host is just being a good host by offering more food and making sure you're not just too shy to eat more.

Do you tip in Taiwan?

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.

How much is a cup of coffee in Taiwan?

On average a cup of coffee in Eastern Asia costs $3.51. The cheapest cup of coffee in Eastern Asia is to be found in Japan, where the average cost is $3.11 per cup. The Taiwanese pay the most for their coffee, the price is $3.78 per cup.

What is prohibited to bring into Taiwan?

These include:

• Drugs. ...
• Firearms , Ammunition , and Knives.
• Goods Infringing Upon the Rights of Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights.
• Antiquities pursuant to the Cultural Heritage Preservation Act.
• Fake or Spurious Currencies/Securities, or Moulds for Printing Counterfeit Currency.
• Live Wildlife or Protected Wildlife Products.

Should I get cash before going to Taiwan?

We recommend that you have access to more than one source of money – bringing a combination of cash and a credit/debit card will give the most security and flexibility while travelling.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for outfits?

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.

Can we flush toilet paper in Taiwan?

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.

What is the coldest month in Taiwan?

January is the coldest month of the year in Taiwan.

How to pay for MRT in Taipei?

The machines only accept cash coins but you can always change a note into coins at the station. You may also purchase a ticket by the counter. Please swipe your card or token before taking a ride. To ensure everyone enjoys a comfortable and safe ride, smoking is entirely forbidden in all stations.

What apps are blocked in Taiwan?

As a result, both the central government and local governments prohibited the downloading, installation, and use of Douyin or TikTok apps on government-issued smartphones, tablets, and computers. In February 2025, Ministry of Digital Affairs announced it would block DeepSeek in government, citing security concerns.

Do Taiwan taxis take Apple Pay?

Q: What are Taiwan taxi payment methods? You can use credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay and cash depending on the app you choose.