Travel Guide
How to Pay in Taiwan — International Traveler's Guide
EasyCard is a must-have for public transit throughout Taiwan.
Going to Taiwan — Best card to use?
Recommendation
KBank or SCB Mastercard — widely accepted across Taiwan.
Best payment method: EasyCard + credit card
Compare live fees and rates at the main calculator
Hidden fees when paying abroad
FX Fee (Foreign Transaction Fee)
Fee your bank charges for foreign card use — typically 1.5%–2.5% of the transaction.
Spread
The gap between mid-market rate and the rate your bank actually gives — usually 0.5%–2%.
ATM Fee
Withdrawal fees from both your home bank and the local ATM — combined can reach $5–$10 per transaction.
DCC Markup
Extra markup when you choose to pay in your home currency — often 3%–10% above the true market rate.
What is DCC and why should you avoid it?
DCC = Dynamic Currency Conversion
This is when a merchant or ATM offers to charge you in your home currency instead of the local currency. It sounds convenient, but the exchange rate is set by the merchant — which is typically 3%–10% worse than the true market rate.
✋ Always decline DCC — pay in TWD only
In Taiwan, always choose TWD when swiping your card — never your home currency.
Typical Tourist Cost Example
Example: Withdrawing TWD 3,000.00
This example shows how ATM fees and foreign transaction fees can increase your travel costs.
💡 Tip: Withdraw larger amounts fewer times to reduce ATM fees.
Compare rates for Taiwan
Use our calculator to compare real-time fees and rates across banks.
Compare banks for Taiwan →Money-saving tips for Taiwan
- 1.Buy an EasyCard at a Taipei MRT station — works on MRT, buses, and 7-Eleven.
- 2.Night market stalls are almost always cash-only — carry TWD with you.
- 3.Withdraw TWD from Cathay United Bank or E.SUN ATMs inside convenience stores.
- 4.Credit cards are accepted at larger restaurants and department stores.
- 5.5% VAT refund available at the airport if you spend TWD 2,000+.
🚫 What to avoid
Avoid exchanging money at airport bank counters — rates are lower than in-city options.
Popular Attractions in Taiwan
Taipei 101
Former world's tallest tower at 508m — iconic bamboo-stalk architecture with a premium shopping mall and observatory.
Cards accepted at the ticket counter and all shops inside. Excellent food court on B1 accepts cards too.
Jiufen Old Street
Dramatic hilltop former gold-rush town with narrow lantern-lit alleyways — said to have inspired Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away.
Most stalls prefer cash TWD — bring plenty before heading up. ATMs available at the base bus stop.
Sun Moon Lake
Serene alpine lake at 748m with cycling paths, Thao aboriginal culture villages, and a ropeway to the hilltop.
Cards accepted at ropeway and major facilities; carry TWD for lakeside food stalls and small ferries.
National Palace Museum
World's largest collection of Chinese imperial art — 700,000+ objects spanning 8,000 years of history.
Cards accepted. Allow at least half a day — the famous jade cabbage alone draws hour-long queues.
Shilin Night Market
Taipei's largest and most famous night market — giant fried chicken, bubble tea, oyster vermicelli, and more.
Cash TWD is king here — bring plenty. Some larger food vendors accept LINE Pay QR codes.
Festivals & Events
Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival
1–3 days (February, Lantern Festival)
One of the world's most iconic festival events — thousands of glowing sky lanterns rise simultaneously into the night. Nearby Shifen waterfall and old street add to the experience.
💰 Price impact: Accommodation near Pingxi 3× higher
Travel tip: Pingxi's train is packed solid — pre-book special festival trains or take a taxi from Ruifang. Accommodation near Pingxi triples in price; consider staying in Taipei.
Dragon Boat Festival
3 days
Tainan and Taipei host exciting community dragon boat races. Zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) are sold at every convenience store and street stall nationwide.
Travel tip: A public holiday with domestic travel surges — book intercity trains a week ahead. Tamsui River races in New Taipei City are free to watch.
Ghost Month
1 month (7th lunar month)
During the 7th lunar month, the 'gates of the underworld' open. Many Taiwanese avoid big decisions and travel, making this the quietest tourist month of the year.
💰 Price impact: Hotels 15–25% cheaper
Travel tip: Excellent for budget travellers — fewer domestic tourists, reliably lower hotel prices, and fascinating ghost-related temple ceremonies to observe. A hidden gem month.
Moon Festival
3 days
Unlike elsewhere, Taiwan's Moon Festival is synonymous with outdoor BBQ. Families and friends grill together in parks and on rooftops under the full moon.
Travel tip: A fun and unique cultural experience for visitors. Supermarkets sell elaborate mooncake gift boxes in beautiful packaging — a distinctive souvenir to bring home.