Taiwan is easy to navigate with Google Maps, but live bus estimates are better checked in Bus+. Carry New Taiwan dollars because night markets, small restaurants and some lodging still require cash, and buy a physical EasyCard or iPASS for buses and wider transit use. No Taiwanese payment app is essential for a short visit. Since July 1, 2026, Taipei Metro accepts international contactless cards and Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay at every gate, but this does not extend to all buses or every metro elsewhere. Use Traditional Chinese for saved addresses and show the written destination to taxi drivers. Uber is the simplest ride app for an overseas account, while local taxi apps may require a Taiwanese phone number. For rail, distinguish Taiwan Railway from High Speed Rail because similarly named stations can be in different places. Enable official weather and disaster alerts during typhoon and earthquake season.
A short-term visitor does not need a Taiwanese payment app.
Carry New Taiwan dollars, at least two physical cards from different networks and a physical EasyCard or iPASS. Major hotels, department stores and many chain businesses accept international cards, but night markets, small restaurants, traditional markets, rural businesses and some accommodation still use cash. Even a card terminal or mobile-payment logo does not prove that an overseas card will be accepted. Choose TWD when a terminal offers currency conversion.
EasyCard is a stored-value transit card, not an app requirement for tourists. An adult card can be bought at major convenience stores and metro information counters, then topped up with cash. It works on many buses, metro systems, eligible Taiwan Railway services, convenience stores and other participating merchants. Since July 1, 2026, every Taipei Metro gate accepts contactless Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover and Diners Club cards plus supported phone wallets.
Contactless bank-card trips do not earn Taipei Metro frequent-rider or transfer benefits, and the same bank-card acceptance should not be assumed on buses or every metro system. LINE Pay, Easy Wallet, iPASS MONEY, JKOPay and Taiwan Pay are designed chiefly around Taiwanese phone, identity, bank or wallet arrangements. LINE routes payment availability according to the account's phone-number country, so linking a foreign card can work for some users but is inconsistent by account, issuer and merchant. It is not a safe essential recommendation.
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How to Pay in Taiwan