💰 This page covers what you need on the ground: card acceptance by neighborhood, EasyCard setup, night market spending, and day trips. For ATM networks, tipping norms, and currency overview:
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Order TWD → CEI Currency ExchangeDo You Need Cash in Taipei?
Yes, especially for night markets. Taipei is in transition: modern businesses are fully card-friendly, but the night markets, traditional restaurants, and small shops that make the city special are still cash-heavy. Carry NT$1,000–2,000 ($30–60) on you.
Where You Will Need Cash
Night markets (Shilin, Raohe, Ningxia, Tonghua): virtually all food stalls are cash-only. Traditional restaurants and beef noodle soup shops. Small neighborhood shops. Temple donations. Jiufen Old Street (entirely cash). Some tea houses. Budget NT$500–1,000 per night market visit.
Where Cards Work Fine
Xinyi District (Taipei 101 Mall, department stores). Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) via EasyCard or contactless. MRT and buses (EasyCard). Modern cafes and chain restaurants. Hotels. Uber and LINE Taxi. Major museums (National Palace Museum, Taipei 101 observation deck). Similar to Osaka in the cash/card split.
Paying by Card in Taipei
Visa and Mastercard work everywhere that accepts cards. The EasyCard fills gaps at convenience stores, transport, and YouBike. Contactless payments work at modern terminals.
Xinyi District (Taipei 101)
Taipei's most modern district. Taipei 101 Mall, Breeze Center, ATT 4 FUN, and the surrounding department stores are fully card-friendly. Restaurants in the Xinyi area accept contactless. The Taipei 101 observation deck accepts cards. This is the one area of Taipei where you could go entirely cashless for a full day.
Da'an District
The upscale residential and dining district. Yongkang Street's famous restaurants (Din Tai Fung flagship, Ice Monster, Yongkang Beef Noodle) accept cards. The boutiques and cafes around Daan Park accept contactless. Eslite Bookstore (Dunnan branch) is card-friendly. The neighborhood has a high density of excellent independent cafes, nearly all accepting cards.
Ximending
Taipei's Harajuku equivalent, popular with young locals and tourists. Chain stores, movie theaters, and larger shops accept cards. The smaller boutiques, street food stalls along the pedestrian streets, and the Red House Market vendors are mixed. The bubble tea shops (50 Lan, Tiger Sugar) accept cards and EasyCard. Tattoo parlors and smaller independent shops often prefer cash.
Shilin Night Market
Taipei's largest and most famous night market is almost entirely cash-only. The food stalls selling oyster omelets, stinky tofu, pepper buns, and grilled squid all take cash. The game stalls are cash. The underground food court accepts cash. A few established shops on the periphery accept cards, but for the night market experience itself, bring NT$500–1,000 in small bills.
Raohe & Ningxia Night Markets
Raohe Street Night Market is famous for its pepper buns and is almost entirely cash. Ningxia Night Market focuses on traditional Taiwanese food (oyster vermicelli, taro balls, pork liver soup) and is cash-only at every stall. Both are smaller and more food-focused than Shilin. Bring NT$300–500 per market visit.
Zhongshan District
The area between Taipei Main Station and Zhongshan MRT has a mix of Japanese-influenced boutiques, cafes, and the massive underground Zhongshan Metro Mall. All mall shops, department stores (Mitsukoshi, Shin Kong), and sit-down restaurants accept cards. The small alleys with vintage shops and independent cafes are mostly card-friendly. Good nightlife area with card-accepting bars.
Beitou Hot Springs
The hot spring district in Taipei's north. Public hot spring baths (like Millennium Hot Spring, NT$40 entry) are cash at the window. Private hot spring hotels accept cards for room bookings and bath packages. The Beitou Hot Spring Museum is free. Restaurants along Zhongshan Road in Beitou are mixed. The smaller local bathhouses are cash-only.
EasyCard: Your Essential Taipei Tool
How to Get One
Buy an EasyCard at any MRT station service window or convenience store (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) for NT$100 ($3). Load it with cash at MRT station machines or convenience store registers. An iPhone user can add an EasyCard to Apple Wallet. EasyCard gives discounted MRT fares (20% off) and free bus transfers within 1 hour.
Where EasyCard Works
All MRT lines, all city buses, YouBike (public bike share), Maokong Gondola, convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, OK Mart), supermarkets, some restaurants and cafes, parking meters, taxis, and even some vending machines. EasyCard is arguably more useful than a credit card in Taipei because of how widely it is accepted at the small-transaction level.
ATMs & Exchange
These bank ATMs reliably accept foreign cards.
CTBC
E.Sun
Cathay United
Bank of TaiwanConvenience Store ATMs
7-Eleven and FamilyMart stores throughout Taipei have ATMs that accept foreign Visa and Mastercard. They have English screens and are available 24 hours. Taiwan's convenience store density is among the highest in the world, so you are never far from an ATM. Most ATMs dispense up to NT$20,000–30,000 ($600–900) per transaction. Taiwanese bank ATMs generally do not charge operator fees on foreign withdrawals.
Best Exchange Option
Bank of Taiwan at Taoyuan Airport has surprisingly competitive rates and is open for arriving flights. In the city, Bank of Taiwan branches on Zhongxiao East Road and near Taipei Main Station offer fair rates. Since Taiwan ATMs rarely charge fees, using a no-FX-fee debit card at any ATM is often the most convenient approach.
Paying for Transport
Taipei MRT
Clean, efficient, and affordable. EasyCard or contactless Visa/Mastercard at the gates. Fares range from NT$20–65 ($0.60–2) depending on distance. EasyCard gives a 20% discount. Trains run from 6:00 AM to midnight. Every station has English signage. The MRT covers all major tourist areas.
Buses & YouBike
Buses accept EasyCard (tap when boarding and alighting). Free transfer from MRT within 1 hour. YouBike (public bike share) accepts EasyCard at docking stations or can be unlocked via the YouBike app with a credit card. First 30 minutes cost NT$5 ($0.15). An excellent way to explore riverside paths and parks.
Taxis & Ride-Hailing
Taipei's yellow taxis are metered, safe, and affordable. Flag fall is NT$85. Most rides within the city cost NT$150–300 ($4.50–9). Many taxis accept EasyCard payment (look for the reader). Uber operates in Taipei and accepts card payment through the app. The local LINE Taxi app is also popular. Late-night surcharges apply from 11 PM to 6 AM (NT$20 extra).
Taoyuan Airport to Taipei
Taoyuan Airport MRT: 35–50 min to Taipei Main Station, NT$160 ($5). EasyCard or contactless at the gate. Buses (Kuo-Kuang 1819): NT$145, runs 24 hours. Taxis: NT$1,000–1,300 ($30–40). The Airport MRT is the best option for most travelers.
Tipping in Taipei
Do Not Tip
Taiwan does not have a tipping culture. Do not tip at restaurants, cafes, taxis, hotels, or any other service. Some upscale restaurants add a 10% service charge. The price on the menu is what you pay (plus service charge if applicable). Taiwanese service is famously warm and helpful without any expectation of tips.
Prices in Taipei
Taipei is very affordable by developed-city standards. Night market food is absurdly cheap. Modern restaurants and bars are mid-range.
| Item | Price (TWD) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Taiwan Beer (convenience store) | NT$35–45 | $1.05–1.35 |
| Bubble tea | NT$40–70 | $1.25–2.10 |
| Night market snack (per item) | NT$40–80 | $1.20–2.40 |
| 7-Eleven City Cafe | NT$55–65 | $1.65–1.95 |
| Maokong Gondola | NT$120 | $3.60 |
| Beef noodle soup | NT$150–200 | $4.50–6 |
| Din Tai Fung xiao long bao (10 pcs) | NT$220 | $6.60 |
| National Palace Museum | NT$350 | $10.50 |
| Mid-range meal with drinks | NT$400–700 | $12–21 |
| Taipei 101 observation deck | NT$600 | $18 |
| Longshan Temple / Elephant Mountain | Free | Free |
USD estimates based on approximately NT$33 = $1. Rates fluctuate. Night market food is the best food-to-dollar value in Asia.
Day Trips from Taipei
Jiufen (1.5 hours by bus)
The Spirited Away-inspired hillside town. Bus 1062 from MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing costs NT$102 (EasyCard). Jiufen Old Street is cash-only at every food stall, tea house, and souvenir shop. Taro balls, fish balls, and peanut ice cream rolls all require cash. Tea houses overlooking the coast accept cash only. Bring NT$500–1,000. The Gold Museum in nearby Jinguashi costs NT$80 (cash).
Yehliu Geopark (1.5 hours by bus)
The dramatic rock formations on the north coast. Bus 1815 from Taipei Main Station (NT$96, EasyCard). Entry to the geopark is NT$80 (cash or EasyCard at the gate). The seafood restaurants in the fishing village nearby are cash-preferred. Bring NT$300–500.
Pingxi Lantern Village (1.5 hours by train)
Take the train to Ruifang, then transfer to the Pingxi Branch Line (EasyCard on all trains). Sky lanterns cost NT$150–200 each (cash, paid to the vendor). The old street snacks are cash-only. Shifen Waterfall is a free 20-minute walk from Shifen station. Budget NT$500–800 in cash for the day.
Taipei Quick Reference
| Activity | Cards? | Cash Needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xinyi / Taipei 101 | ✅ Everywhere | Not needed | Most modern district |
| Din Tai Fung / Yongkang St | ✅ Yes | Not needed | Flagship accepts cards |
| Shilin Night Market | ❌ No | NT$500–1,000 | Almost entirely cash |
| Raohe / Ningxia markets | ❌ No | NT$300–500 | Food stalls are all cash |
| MRT & buses | ✅ EasyCard or card | Not needed | EasyCard gives 20% discount |
| Convenience stores | ✅ EasyCard or card | Not needed | 7-Eleven, FamilyMart everywhere |
| Jiufen day trip | ❌ No | NT$500–1,000 | Old street is entirely cash |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need cash in Taipei?
Yes, for night markets, small local restaurants, and traditional shops. Malls, chain restaurants, and convenience stores accept cards. Night markets are almost entirely cash. Carry NT$1,000–2,000 ($30–60).
What is EasyCard and do I need one?
EasyCard is a rechargeable stored-value card for MRT, buses, YouBike, and convenience stores. Buy one at any MRT station or convenience store (NT$100). It gives 20% off MRT fares and free bus transfers. More versatile than credit cards at the street level.
Can I use credit cards at night markets?
Almost never. Shilin, Raohe, and Ningxia night markets are cash-only. Bring NT$500–1,000 per market visit.
Where should I exchange money?
Bank of Taiwan at Taoyuan Airport has competitive rates. In the city, Bank of Taiwan branches and ATMs at 7-Eleven and FamilyMart are most convenient. Taiwanese ATMs rarely charge operator fees.
Should I tip in Taipei?
No. Taiwan has no tipping culture. Some upscale restaurants add a 10% service charge. Otherwise, the price listed is what you pay.
How do I get from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei?
Airport MRT: 35–50 min, NT$160. Buses: NT$145, 24-hour service. Taxis: NT$1,000–1,300. The MRT is best for most travelers.
How expensive is Taipei?
Affordable. Night market meals cost NT$80–150 ($2.50–4.50). Sit-down restaurants NT$200–400 ($6–12). Bubble tea NT$40–70 ($1.25–2.10). MRT rides NT$20–65 ($0.60–2).
Tap to Pay Across Taipei
The Wise card converts at the real mid-market rate with no FX markup. Works on the MRT and at shops. Hold TWD, USD, and 40+ currencies. Free ATM withdrawals up to $100/month.
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