EasyCard Taiwan: Your Ultimate Guide to Where to Buy This Essential Travel Card!

Planning a trip to the vibrant island of Taiwan? 🇹🇼 Get ready for an incredible adventure! And to make your journey smoother, more convenient, and even more affordable, there’s one item you absolutely must have: the EasyCard (悠遊卡 – Yōuyóu kǎ).

Think of it as your all-in-one magic pass for Taiwan. From zipping around on the Taipei MRT to hopping on local buses, renting a U-Bike, and even paying at convenience stores, the EasyCard is your best friend. But where exactly do you get one? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a complete, up-to-date guide! 👇

1. Why You Absolutely Need an EasyCard for Your Taiwan Trip 🌟

Before we dive into where to buy it, let’s quickly understand why the EasyCard is so indispensable:

• Effortless Public Transportation: Glide through MRT gates, tap onto buses, and even use it on local trains (TRA). No more fumbling for exact change! 🚌🚇
• Fare Discounts: Enjoy slight discounts on MRT and bus fares compared to single-journey tickets. Every penny saved is a penny for more delicious Taiwanese food! 🍜🥟
• Wider Acceptance than Just Transport: Your EasyCard doubles as a digital wallet! Use it at:
  • Convenience Stores: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, OK Mart 🏪
  • Supermarkets: PX Mart, Carrefour (some locations) 🛒
  • Vending Machines: Grab a drink or snack with a tap! 🥤
  • U-Bike Rentals: Taiwan’s popular bike-sharing system! 🚲
  • Select Tourist Attractions & Shops: Keep an eye out for the EasyCard logo!
• Time-Saving: Seriously, the convenience of just tapping and going means more time exploring and less time queuing or calculating fares. ⏱️

2. Where to Purchase Your EasyCard: All the Best Locations! 📍

You’ve landed in Taiwan, bags in hand, ready to explore. Here are the most common and convenient places to get your very own EasyCard:

A. At the Airport: Your First Stop in Taiwan! ✈️

For most international travelers, your journey begins at either Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) or Songshan Airport (TSA). Both offer convenient options.

• Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) – Terminals 1 & 2:

  • Airport MRT Stations: This is often the easiest option right after you clear customs.
    • Locations: Head towards the Taoyuan Airport MRT (which connects directly to Taipei Main Station). You’ll find ticket counters and information desks at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 MRT stations.
    • Process: Go to the “Information Counter” (詢問處) or “Service Counter” and ask for an EasyCard. They usually have staff who speak basic English.
    • Hours: Generally align with MRT operating hours, so it’s quite flexible during the day.
  • Telecommunications Service Centers: These kiosks often sell EasyCards along with SIM cards.
    • Locations: Look for Chunghwa Telecom, Far EasTone, or Taiwan Mobile counters in the Arrivals Hall of both T1 and T2.
    • Hours: Typically from early morning (around 7 AM) until late evening (around 10 PM), but confirm specific timings upon arrival.
  • Convenience Stores: Yes, even at the airport!
    • Locations: You’ll find 7-Eleven or FamilyMart branches in the Arrivals Hall or basement levels of both T1 and T2.
    • Process: Just like any other convenience store (see section B for details). This is a great backup if other counters are closed or busy.

• Songshan Airport (TSA) – Taipei’s City Airport:

  • Taipei Metro (MRT) Station: Songshan Airport has its own MRT station on the Wenhu Line (Brown Line).
    • Location: Head to the MRT station within the airport.
    • Process: Purchase your EasyCard at the information counter (詢問處) inside the MRT station.
    • Hours: Aligns with MRT operating hours (roughly 6 AM to midnight).

💡 Pro-Tip for Airport Purchases: If you arrive late at night, your best bet will likely be a 24/7 convenience store located within the airport terminals.

B. Convenience Stores: Your Best Bet, Everywhere! 🏪

This is hands down the most popular and easiest way to get an EasyCard, especially if you’ve already left the airport or missed the chance there. Taiwan is famous for its incredible convenience store culture – they are everywhere!

• Major Chains:
  • 7-Eleven (統一超商)
  • FamilyMart (全家便利商店)
  • Hi-Life (萊爾富)
  • OK Mart (OK超商)
• Why They’re Great:
  • Ubiquitous: You’ll find them on almost every street corner, literally.
  • 24/7 Availability: Most branches operate round the clock, perfect for late arrivals or early departures.
  • Simplicity: The process is super straightforward.
• How to Buy:
  1. Walk into any of these convenience stores.
  2. Head to the cashier counter.
  3. Simply say: “Wǒ yào mǎi Yōuyóu kǎ” (我 要 買 悠遊卡), which means “I want to buy an EasyCard.” Or, just point to the EasyCard display (they often have them by the counter) and say “EasyCard.”
  4. The staff will ask if you want to top it up immediately. It’s highly recommended to add some value right away! You’ll pay for the card fee (NT$100) plus your desired top-up amount.
  5. You’ll typically receive a standard, plain-design EasyCard. Sometimes, limited-edition or special design cards are available, especially at 7-Eleven or FamilyMart, but they might be slightly more expensive or require specific promotions.

C. MRT (Metro) Stations: Quick & Easy Access! 🚇

If you’re already at an MRT station in Taipei, Kaohsiung, or other cities with metro systems, you can also purchase an EasyCard there.

• Locations: Go to the Information Counter (詢問處) at any MRT station.
• Process: Approach the staff and ask to purchase an EasyCard.
• Important Note: While there are ticket machines at MRT stations, most of them are designed for topping up existing cards or buying single-journey tokens, not for purchasing a new EasyCard itself. Always head to the staffed counter for new card purchases.
• Hours: Aligns with MRT operating hours (typically 6 AM to midnight).

D. TRA (Taiwan Railways Administration) Stations 🚂

For those traveling between cities by conventional train, major TRA stations also offer EasyCard purchases.

• Locations: At the ticket counters of larger TRA stations (e.g., Taipei Main Station, Taichung Station, Kaohsiung Station).
• Process: Inquire at the customer service or ticket counter.

E. High-Speed Rail (HSR) Stations 🚄

Similar to TRA stations, some HSR stations may also have options to purchase EasyCards, either at their service counters or within the convenience stores located inside the station.

• Locations: Check the main service counters or look for convenience stores within the station premises.

3. Getting Started with Your EasyCard: Costs & Topping Up 💳

So, you’ve got your brand-new EasyCard! What’s next?

• Initial Cost: A standard EasyCard itself costs NT$100 (approximately US$3-4). This is a non-refundable card fee. You’ll pay this fee on top of the value you load onto the card.

• Topping Up (Adding Value):

  • Convenience Stores (Easiest!): This is the most common way. Just hand your card and cash to the cashier and say “Jiāzhí NT$” (加值 NT$), meaning “Add NT$___ value.” You can add any amount, usually in increments of NT$100 or NT$500.
  • MRT Station Machines: Many MRT stations have machines that allow you to top up your EasyCard using cash. Simply place your card on the designated reader, insert your bills, and follow the on-screen instructions.
  • MRT Station Information Counters: You can also top up your card at the service counters.
  • Minimum Top-Up: Generally, a minimum of NT$100 is required for top-ups. We recommend loading at least NT$300-500 to start, depending on your planned activities.

• Checking Your Balance:

  • MRT Stations: Tap your card on the fare gates, and your balance will be displayed. There are also designated balance-checking machines.
  • Convenience Stores: Ask the cashier to check your balance for you.
  • EasyCard App: If you have an NFC-enabled smartphone, you can download the official EasyCard App (悠遊卡App) to check your balance and transaction history.

• Refunds:

  • If you have a remaining balance on your EasyCard at the end of your trip, you can get a refund.
  • Where to Refund: Go to the Information Counter at any MRT station or visit an EasyCard Service Center (e.g., at Taipei Main Station).
  • Conditions: A small processing fee (NT$20) might be deducted if your card has been used for less than 3 months or if it has fewer than 5 transactions. The card fee (NT$100) is non-refundable.

4. EasyCard vs. iPASS: A Quick Note 🏷️

You might also hear about the iPASS (一卡通). Both are smart cards used for public transport and purchases.

• EasyCard (悠遊卡): More widely accepted and dominant in Northern Taiwan (Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung).
• iPASS (一卡通): More dominant in Southern Taiwan (Kaohsiung, Tainan).

For most first-time visitors who primarily focus on Taipei and its surroundings, the EasyCard is definitely the way to go. It covers all your major needs in the north, and it’s also accepted in many other cities for buses and even some limited uses in the south.

5. Final Tips for a Smooth EasyCard Experience ✨

• Purchase Early: Get your EasyCard as soon as you arrive, ideally at the airport or your first convenience store.
• Keep it Topped Up: Avoid the hassle of running out of balance mid-journey. A quick top-up at any convenience store takes seconds!
• Look for Special Designs: While standard cards are functional, many stores (especially 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and gift shops) sell limited edition EasyCards featuring popular characters, landmarks, or cute designs. They make great souvenirs! 🐼🌸
• One Card Per Person: Each person needs their own EasyCard as you tap in and out individually.
• Don’t Bend or Damage: Treat your EasyCard like any other smart card to ensure it continues to function properly.

The EasyCard isn’t just a card; it’s your key to unlocking Taiwan’s incredible public transportation system and making everyday purchases a breeze. With your EasyCard in hand, you’re ready to explore every corner of this beautiful island with ease and convenience. Happy travels! 🥳 G