【悠遊卡】EasyCard Guide in Taiwan
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Imagine having a single card that unlocks the best of Taiwan — whether you’re riding the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), catching a bus, exploring the scenic railways, or even shopping at convenience stores or night markets. Sounds like a miracle, right?
Meet the EasyCard (悠遊卡), pronounced yóuyǒukǎ in Mandarin — your ultimate travel buddy in Taiwan. Think of it… as your golden ticket to hassle-free transportation and beyond. From riding through MRT stations to enjoying night markets without fumbling for cash, the EasyCard is a must-have for anyone exploring this beautiful country.
Ready to discover why this little card is the key to effortless adventures in Taiwan?
Keep reading to unlock all the details!
table of contents
༝ FAQ
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what's an EasyCard?
Think of the EasyCard as your best travel companion in Taiwan. This contactless smartcard makes it super easy to explore the country, whether you’re hopping on public transportation, shopping, or even grabbing a snack. Just tap your card at the reader, and you’re good to go!
Launched by EasyCard Corporation in Taipei in 2000 and widely adopted since June 2002, the EasyCard has revolutionized cashless convenience. It’s designed to simplify daily life, letting you travel and shop with ease from day to night.
How much does an EasyCard cost?
An EasyCard typically costs between $100 and $200 TWD, depending on the design or edition. You can pick one up at local convenience stores like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart, or even at Taoyuan Airport (TPE) when you land.
Harry Potter iPass Dumbledore’s Elder Wand
Difference between iPass vs EasyCard
Both EasyCard and iPass are popular transportation cards in Taiwan, but they have different origins.
EasyCard was initially launched in Taipei, while iPass started in Kaohsiung. Today, both cards are widely accepted throughout Taiwan, giving you flexibility in choosing the one that best suits you!
Special types of EasyCard and iPass cards
For collectors or fans of unique designs, both EasyCard and iPass offer special editions featuring cool themes like Sailor Moon, Pokémon, and even Harry Potter wand-themed cards. These exclusive designs are typically released for pre-order during specific time frames and are frequently sold out fairly quickly.
Keep in mind that most pre-orders require a local address in Taiwan for in-store pickup, usually at convenience stores like 7-Eleven.
I was excited to get the limited edition Harry Potter wands because my girlfriend sent me an Instagram reel showcasing the new iPass wand that was being released (the Harry Potter limited edition wands are no longer available for purchase.) I quickly forwarded the reel to my parents, asking if they could pre-order the wands for me and my partner. They were able to purchase them and picked them up at a nearby 7-Eleven store.
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where to use your EasyCard
You can easily use your EasyCard on these types of transportation options:
Hop on the efficient MRT system to explore cities like Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung.
BUS
Hop on a local bus. Tap your EasyCard when boarding, and again when you’re about to get off the bus
FERRIES
TAIWAN RAILWAYS
This is different than riding the High Speed Rail (HSR). Travel between major cities and towns on Taiwan's extensive rail network.
Scan your EasyCard at the top of your YouBike to rent a bike and explore cities at your own pace!
But that's not all! You can also use your EasyCard to pay at:
CONVENIENT STORES
Think 711, HiLife, FamilyMart, etc. Grab snacks and essentials head to the counter and tap and pay!
VENDING MACHINES
PARKING
You can use your EasyCard in government-run parking lots or some privately run parking lots.
SOME NIGHT MARKETS
SOME SHOPS & SUPERMARKETS
Daiso, COSMED, Muji, Starbucks, Pacific SOGO, and more!
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where to buy your EasyCard
Getting an EasyCard is super easy! Here are the best ways to purchase one:
1. Purchase online at Klook
You can buy an EasyCard online at Klook and pick it up conveniently at Taoyuan Airport (TPE) when you land. This is a great option if you plan to use the MRT immediately after landing.
When buying from Klook, you can also bundle it with a SIM card, which is highly recommended for accessing Google Maps and registering for YouBike (you’ll need a Taiwanese number for this). While purchasing a SIM card isn’t mandatory, it will save you from high international roaming fees and make navigating Taiwan much easier.
You can choose to load your EasyCard with either $200 TWD or $400 TWD at the time of purchase. For infrequent public transportation use, $200 TWD is enough. However, starting with $400 TWD is more convenient if you plan to travel extensively. Reloading is always an option if your balance runs low!
2. MRT stations
You can buy an EasyCard at any city’s MRT station.
You can use the machines with Chinese and English guidance, or you can purchase it at the glass counter where an attendant can assist you.
The base cost for a physical EasyCard is $100 TWD.
You can only get the regular EasyCard design if you purchase at the MRT stations.
3. Convenience stores
Visit Taiwanese convenience stores like 7-11, HiLife, or FamilyMart to find a variety of unique EasyCard designs. These stores usually have a small section near the checkout counter with several cute EasyCard designs to choose from.
If you want to purchase a cute design from a convenience store, it might cost more based on the design you choose.
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top off your EasyCard
Keep an eye on your EasyCard balance to avoid interruptions during your travels. You can always check your balance when tapping in or out at MRT stations, bus rides, railways, or designated machines and service counters in the MRT stations.
Each EasyCard can hold up to $10,000 TWD, so you won’t need to top it off too often if you add a larger amount.
Here are some of the easiest ways to reload your EasyCard:
MRT stations
At MRT stations, look for machines labeled for EasyCard purchases and top-ups. The process is quick and available in English. Most stations allow you to reload without a minimum value requirement, though Kaohsiung Metro requires a minimum of $100 TWD for reloads.
Convenience stores
All major convenience stores in Taiwan — such as 7-Eleven, HiLife, and FamilyMart — can reload your EasyCard. Simply hand your card to the cashier and let them know the amount you’d like to add. This option is convenient if you’re already grabbing snacks or running errands.
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using your EasyCard
Using an EasyCard is super easy!
Just tap your card on the designated reader to pay, whether you’re entering or exiting an MRT station, boarding and getting off a bus, or paying at select shops.
When using public transportation, a screen above the reader will display:
The fare is deducted from your ride.
Your remaining EasyCard balance.
The interface is available in both Chinese and English, making it user-friendly for tourists and locals alike.
Can you add your EasyCard to Apple Wallet?
Unfortunately, EasyCard isn’t available for Apple Wallet users at the moment. 😔 Currently, only Android users can enjoy this feature by adding their EasyCard to Samsung Wallet for tap-and-go convenience.
Here’s hoping for an update soon so that iPhone users can also experience the ease of using their Apple Wallet with EasyCard!
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EasyCard app (optional)
The EasyCard app, also known as EasyWallet (悠遊付) in app stores, is available for download on both Apple and Android devices. While the name might cause some confusion, this app offers a range of features to enhance your experience with EasyCard, but also completely optional to download.
Mobile EasyCards (Androids only!)
With the app, you can register a Mobile EasyCard, eliminating the need for a physical card. Instead, you can use your smartphone or compatible accessories (like a smartwatch) as your EasyCard. This means you’ll never have to worry about losing your card or running out of credit, as you can reload funds directly through the app.
It’s somewhat similar to Apple Pay’s tap-and-go system, such as on the New York subway.
However, a major downside is that the app is currently available only in Chinese, which may present challenges for non-Chinese-speaking users.
With the EasyCard app, you can:
Check your EasyCard balance
Reload your EasyCard
Explore additional features
Register your EasyCard through the app
Registering your EasyCard via the app also offers additional benefits, such as protecting your balance in case your card is lost or stolen.
Here’s how to register:
Download the EasyWallet app
Search for “悠遊付” in your app store and install it on your device.
Create an account
You’ll need a valid Taiwanese phone number to complete registration. This is one reason getting a local SIM card is highly recommended for visitors.
Add your EasyCard
Follow the app’s instructions to link your physical or mobile EasyCard to your account. Once linked, you can check your balance, reload funds, and explore features.
If you're a foreigner, note that although the EasyCard app is in Chinese, you can still purchase and use a physical EasyCard without any issues.
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FAQ
Q: Can foreigners use the EasyCard app?
A: Technically, you can, but it’s all in Chinese. While the EasyCard app is currently available in Taiwan, foreigners can still use a physical EasyCard without any issues.
Q: Can you use EasyCard on Taiwan HSR?
A: Unfortunately, you cannot use your EasyCard for Taiwan's High-Speed Rail (HSR) for now. There is a co-branded EasyCard credit card issued by specific banks in Taiwan that allows access to tap-and-go payments through HSR.
Q: How can I refund my EasyCard?
A: If you lose your EasyCard and suspect others have used it, you can request online to suspend your card. After verification, you'll receive a refund to your designated Taiwanese address or account. You can visit an MRT station booth if you simply want a cash refund. However, you may not be able to recover the initial $100 TWD deposit. It's recommended that you keep your EasyCard with any remaining funds if you plan to return to Taiwan in the future.
Q: What’s the difference between EasyCard and iPass?
A: EasyCard and iPass are popular transportation cards in Taiwan but have different origins. EasyCard was initially launched in Taipei, while iPass started in Kaohsiung. Today, both cards are widely accepted throughout Taiwan, giving you flexibility in choosing the one that best suits you!
Q: What is the EasyWallet app (悠遊付特店)?
A: EasyWallet is a convenient e-payment wallet launched by EasyCard in 2020. It offers a wide range of features, including:
Managing multiple EasyCards: Keep track of up to 20 cards.
Online payments: Shop and pay bills directly from your wallet.
P2P transfers: Send money to friends and family.
Utility payments: Pay bills for insurance, utilities, and more.
Government benefits: Receive cash prizes and subsidies.
Donations: Support the causes you care about.
Q: Will EasyCards expire?
A: No, EasyCards don’t have an expiration date. This means you can use them for as long as you need, saving on plastic waste and avoiding the hassle of replacing cards. If you plan to return to Taiwan frequently, I suggest keeping your EasyCard for future trips. However, if you haven't used your card for two years, you need to recharge your EasyCard at the station to reactivate your card before you can use your EasyCard again.
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EasyCard: EasyCard Co-branded Credit Card
EasyCard: Samsung Pay EasyCard
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check out my Taiwan travel vlog!
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Last Updated: 01.23.2025
Discover the EasyCard, your golden ticket for a seamless travel throughout the country.