【悠遊卡】EasyCard Guide in Taiwan
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The EasyCard (悠遊卡), pronounced as yóuyǒukǎ in Chinese, is the essential card to have when you arrive in Taiwan.
Why, you ask?
If you plan to use the convenient transportation options in Taiwan, such as the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) stations, buses, Taiwan railways, and more, this card is like your golden ticket to seamlessly get from one destination to the other!
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What is an EasyCard?
Think of the EasyCard as your go-to card for easy travel around Taiwan.
It's a contactless smartcard that you can use for public transportation, shopping, and more. Just imagine tapping your card and effortlessly boarding a train or bus – it's that simple!
EasyCard Corporation was established in Taipei in 2000, and the EasyCard itself has been in use on Taipei’s buses, MRT, businesses, and more since June 2002.
Their goal is to provide cashless and convenient travel with multiple purposes, from day to night for people to use.
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where can you use an EasyCard?
You can easily use your EasyCard on these types of transportation options:
MASS RAPID TRANSIT (MRT)
Hop on the efficient MRT system to explore cities like Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung.BUS
Hop on a local bus. Simply tap your EasyCard when boarding and again when you’re about to get off the busFERRIES
TAIWAN RAILWAYS
This is different than riding the High Speed Rail (HSR). Travel between major cities and towns on Taiwan's extensive rail network.YOUBIKE
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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how to get an EasyCard
Purchasing an EasyCard is incredibly simple! Here are a few ways to get one for yourself:
Purchase online at Klook
You can buy an EasyCard online at Klook and pick it up at Taoyuan Airport (TPE). This is very convenient if you've just landed and want to use the MRT right away to head to your next destination.
If you purchase it from Klook, you can also choose to get a SIM card, which is perfect for registering a YouBike account with your EasyCard, which you need a Taiwanese number for.
If you don’t want to purchase a SIM card, that’s fine, but keep in mind that it won’t be as convenient for using YouBikes and accessing Google Maps. It’s highly recommended to get a SIM card to avoid high international phone fees.
You can choose to load the EasyCard with either $200 TWD or $400 TWD. If you plan to only use public transportation occasionally, $200 TWD will suffice. However, if you plan to use public transportation more frequently, it's better to get the $400 TWD EasyCard. In any case, you can also easily reload your EasyCard when the balance is low.
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. If you do purchase at the MRT stations, you can only get the regular EasyCard design.
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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how to top off your EasyCard
Keep an eye on your EasyCard balance. To do so, you can check your balance at the MRT machines when you’re tapping through to enter or exit the station, or look for designated machines or service counters at the station.
Each EasyCard can hold up to $10,000 TWD at a time. Top up as needed to make sure you have enough for your travels and shopping.
If you're running low, you can reload your EasyCard in a few different ways:
MRT stations
look for the sign to purchase or top up your EasyCard. Most stations don't have a minimum value requirement, except for the Kaohsiung Metro which requires a minimum of $100 TWD.
Convenience stores
You can also reload your EasyCard at any convenience store across Taiwan. When you're grabbing a snack or running errands, simply visit the checkout counter to add value to your card.
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using your EasyCard
It’s super easy!
Simply tap your EasyCard on the designated reader to make payments.
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EasyCard app (悠遊付)
Also known as the EasyWallet (悠遊付) in the app store for some odd reason, the EasyCard app is available for download on both Apple and Android devices.
Mobile EasyCards eliminate the need for a physical card and instead allow you to use your mobile phone or accessories as an EasyCard. This means you’ll never have to worry about running out of credit again and can just load your card through the app.
It’s somewhat similar to Apple Pay, where you can use it for the tap-and-go system on the New York subway. However, one downside is that the EasyCard app is currently available only in Chinese, which could be a barrier for foreigners.
With the EasyCard app, you can:
Check your EasyCard balance
Reload your EasyCard
Explore additional 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.
DOWNLOAD THE EASYWALLET APP
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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 in Chinese, 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).
Q: How can I refund my EasyCard?
A: If you lose your EasyCard and suspect it has been used by others, you can request online to suspend your card. After verification, you'll receive a refund to your designated Taiwanese address or account. If you simply want a cash refund, you can visit an MRT station booth. However, you may not be able to recover the initial $100 TWD deposit. It's recommended to 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: 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!
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. Which 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, my suggestion is to keep 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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check out my Taichung travel vlog!
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