EasyCard Guide 2026: Price, Where to Buy & How to Use

Getting around Taipei and other cities is much easier with an EasyCard. Instead of buying a separate ticket for every MRT, bus or train ride, you can simply tap your card and go. The stored balance can also be used at participating convenience stores, shops, restaurants, vending machines and other places.

What Is an EasyCard?

EasyCard is a rechargeable contactless smart card widely used for public transport and small payments. It was first introduced for Taipei's MRT and bus systems but can now be used across many transport networks and participating businesses.

You can commonly use an EasyCard for:

• Taipei Metro
• Taoyuan Airport MRT
• Taichung Metro
• Kaohsiung Metro
• New Taipei Metro and light rail
• Public buses
• Many Taiwan Railway services
• Participating public bicycle services
• Convenience stores
• Supermarkets
• Restaurants and cafés
• Vending machines
• Lockers
• Selected attractions and shops

For most visitors spending several days in Taipei or travelling to different cities, a physical EasyCard is one of the easiest ways to pay for everyday transport.

EasyCard Price

A standard Adult EasyCard costs NT$100.

The NT$100 is the price of the physical card itself. It is not a deposit and does not include any stored balance, so you need to add money before using the card for transport or shopping.

You can choose how much money to add depending on the length of your trip.

For a short stay in Taipei, you can start with a smaller amount and top up again whenever needed.

Special designs and character-themed EasyCards may cost more than the standard card.

Where to Buy an EasyCard

EasyCards are widely available, including at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, so you can buy one soon after arrival.

You can normally buy an Adult EasyCard from:

• Taipei Metro station information counters
• Taoyuan Metro station information counters
• Kaohsiung Metro stations
• EasyCard service centres
• 7-Eleven
• FamilyMart
• Hi-Life
• OK Mart
• Service points or machines at Taoyuan Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
• Convenience stores and transport outlets around the Airport MRT area
• Selected transport service counters

The standard Adult EasyCard is officially priced at NT$100 before any balance is added. Special designs and character-themed EasyCards are also commonly sold at convenience stores, but prices may be higher than the regular card.

Buying your EasyCard at Taoyuan Airport is convenient because you can start using it for eligible transport soon after arrival.

✈️ Airport Tip: Check the Taoyuan Airport to Taipei transport options before your flight. The Airport MRT is one of the easiest ways to reach central Taipei.

How to Top Up an EasyCard

EasyCard can be recharged many times, with a maximum stored value of NT$10,000.

You can top up at places including:

• Taipei Metro stations
• Taoyuan Metro stations
• Taichung Metro stations
• Kaohsiung Metro stations
• EasyCard service centres
• 7-Eleven
• FamilyMart
• Hi-Life
• OK Mart
• Selected ticket and add-value machines

How to Top Up at an MRT Station

Using an add-value machine is simple:

1. Place your EasyCard on the card reader.
2. Select the top-up or add-value option.
3. Choose the amount you want to add.
4. Insert cash as instructed.
5. Wait for the machine to confirm the transaction.
6. Check your new balance.
7. Take your card before leaving.

Some machines have different minimum top-up amounts, so follow the instructions displayed on the screen.

How to Top Up at a Convenience Store

You can also bring your EasyCard to the cashier at a participating convenience store.

Simply tell the staff you want to top up your EasyCard and give them the amount you want to add. Cash is the easiest option for travellers using a physical EasyCard.

💴 Travel Tip: Keep some New Taiwan dollars with you. Cash is useful for topping up your EasyCard and for places that do not accept international cards.

Where Can You Use EasyCard?

EasyCard is accepted across many parts of Taiwan, making it useful even if you are travelling beyond Taipei.

Taipei

You can use EasyCard on:

• Taipei Metro
• New Taipei Metro
• Taipei and New Taipei buses
• Participating light rail services
• Many shops and convenience stores
• Participating public bicycle services

Taoyuan

EasyCard works on the Taoyuan Airport MRT and participating local buses, transport services and businesses.

Taichung

You can use EasyCard on Taichung Metro, participating buses and other supported services.

Kaohsiung

EasyCard is accepted on participating Kaohsiung public transport services, including the metro system.

Acceptance can vary depending on the transport operator or business, so always look for the EasyCard logo before tapping.

How to Use EasyCard on Taiwan Public Transport

EasyCard can be used on many public transport services, including MRT systems, buses and eligible Taiwan Railway trains. How you use it depends on the type of transport.

MRT

Using EasyCard on Taiwan's MRT systems is simple:

1. Make sure your EasyCard has enough balance.
2. Tap the card at the entrance gate.
3. Take the MRT to your destination.
4. Tap the same card again when leaving.
5. The correct fare will be deducted automatically.

Always use the same EasyCard when entering and exiting the station.

Buses

EasyCard is accepted on many public buses.

For most city bus journeys:

1. Tap your EasyCard when boarding.
2. Keep the same card throughout the journey.
3. Tap again when getting off when required.

Check the card reader or instructions inside the bus because tapping rules may vary by route and operator.

Taiwan Railway

EasyCard can be used on many eligible Taiwan Railway services and stations.

When using EasyCard:

1. Tap your card at the station entrance.
2. Take an eligible train.
3. Tap the same card when leaving your destination station.
4. The fare will be deducted automatically.

Electronic stored-value cards cannot be used on certain services, including:

• Taroko Express
• Puyuma Express
• Tze-Chiang Limited Express EMU3000
• Sightseeing trains
• Group trains
• Special designated trains
• Business and other designated carriages

Check the train type before boarding, especially if you are travelling between cities.

Taiwan High Speed Rail

A regular physical EasyCard cannot normally be used as a standard Taiwan High Speed Rail ticket.

Certain EasyCard co-branded credit cards with the required automatic top-up function can be tapped directly for THSR non-reserved seats, but this is different from the regular NT$100 EasyCard commonly purchased by travelers.

For most visitors, purchase a separate THSR ticket for routes such as:

• Taipei to Taichung
• Taipei to Tainan
• Taipei to Kaohsiung
• Taichung to Kaohsiung

Your EasyCard can still be useful for MRT, bus and other eligible local transport before and after your high-speed rail journey.

🚇 Transport Tip: Check your MRT line, bus number, train type and destination before travelling. For longer intercity trips, compare Taiwan Railway and Taiwan High Speed Rail to find the most convenient option.

How to Pay with EasyCard at Shops

EasyCard is not only for transport. You can also use the stored balance for small purchases at many participating businesses.

Look for the EasyCard logo at places such as:

• Convenience stores
• Supermarkets
• Restaurants
• Cafés
• Vending machines
• Selected shops
• Lockers
• Other participating businesses

To pay:

1. Tell the cashier you want to use EasyCard.
2. Check the payment amount.
3. Tap your EasyCard on the reader.
4. Wait for the confirmation sound.
5. Check your remaining balance.

For vending machines, select your item and tap your EasyCard on the card reader when prompted.

How to Check Your EasyCard Balance

You can check your balance when:

• Entering or leaving an MRT station
• Using an MRT ticket or add-value machine
• Topping up at a convenience store
• Paying at participating shops
• Visiting an EasyCard service counter

The remaining balance normally appears on the reader after each transaction.

It is a good idea to check your balance before taking longer journeys so you do not run out of stored value.

How Much Should You Add to Your EasyCard?

The amount depends on how often you plan to use public transport.

• NT$300 to NT$500: Light MRT and bus use
• NT$500 to NT$1,000: Regular public transport use
• NT$1,000+: Longer stays, frequent travel and EasyCard shopping

You can always add more money later, so there is no need to load too much at once.

EasyCard Refund

If you have money left on your EasyCard at the end of your trip, you can request a refund of the remaining balance at eligible EasyCard service locations, including Taipei Metro information counters.

• A NT$20 termination handling fee normally applies.
• The fee may be waived if the card has been used at least five times and held for at least three months.
• The NT$100 card purchase price is not refundable.
• Once the card is terminated, it can no longer be used.

If only a small balance remains, you can also spend it at participating convenience stores before leaving.

EasyCard vs iPASS: Which Is Better?

EasyCard and iPASS are two popular rechargeable stored-value cards in Taiwan. Both can be used for public transport and everyday purchases, so most travelers only need one card.

EasyCard was originally developed around Taipei's public transport system, while iPASS started with Kaohsiung. Today, both cards have much wider acceptance across Taiwan.

EasyCard or iPASS: Which Should You Choose?

Choose EasyCard if:

• You are mainly staying in Taipei.
• You want a card that is easy to find at Taipei Metro stations.
• You plan to use Taipei MRT and local buses frequently.
• You want one card for transport and small everyday purchases.

Choose iPASS if:

• You already have an iPASS Card.
• You find an iPASS design you prefer.
• You are travelling around Kaohsiung or other cities where iPASS is widely available.
• You want similar transport and shopping functions.

For most travelers, the difference is small. Both cards work on many major MRT systems, buses and eligible Taiwan Railway services.

If you already have either EasyCard or iPASS, you normally do not need to buy the other card just for regular public transport.

💳 Card Tip: You do not need both EasyCard and iPASS for most trips. Choose one, keep enough balance on it and use the same card throughout each journey.

Is EasyCard Worth Buying?

EasyCard is useful if you plan to:

• Take the MRT regularly
• Travel by public bus
• Use eligible Taiwan Railway services
• Take the Taoyuan Airport MRT
• Buy snacks or drinks at convenience stores
• Use participating public bicycles
• Avoid buying individual transport tickets

For most travelers using public transport, EasyCard makes getting around much more convenient.

Tips for Using EasyCard

• Keep enough balance before starting a longer journey.
• Carry some New Taiwan dollars for top-ups.
• Each traveler should have their own card for MRT and rail journeys.
• Always tap the same card when entering and exiting.
• Look for the EasyCard logo before paying at a shop.
• Do not bend, cut or damage the card.
• Avoid tapping several contactless cards together.
• Check whether your train is eligible before using EasyCard on Taiwan Railway.
• Buy a separate ticket when taking Taiwan High Speed Rail unless you have an eligible co-branded card.