Taiwan, the “Heart of Asia,” is a vibrant island nation known for its delicious food, stunning landscapes, and incredibly efficient public transportation system. While exploring bustling cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung, or venturing out to scenic spots, knowing how to navigate the public transport and save some bucks is key! This comprehensive guide will break down Taiwan’s essential MRT passes and transportation cards, helping you travel smarter, cheaper, and with ultimate convenience. 💸🚇✨
1. The Essentials: Taiwan’s Top Transportation Cards 💳
Forget fumbling for exact change! Taiwan’s contactless smart cards are your best friends for seamless travel. They’re not just for public transport; think of them as your all-in-one wallet for convenience stores, some taxis, and even specific attractions!
1.1. EasyCard (悠遊卡 – Yōu Yóu Kǎ): The King of the North 👑
- What it is: The most widely used multi-purpose smart card in Taiwan. Think of it as Taiwan’s equivalent of London’s Oyster Card or Hong Kong’s Octopus Card.
- Where it shines: Predominantly in Northern Taiwan (Taipei, New Taipei City, Keelung, Taoyuan), but it’s now increasingly accepted nationwide.
- Where to buy:
- MRT Stations: Information counters or automated ticketing machines (ATM).
- Convenience Stores: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, OK Mart. Just ask the cashier for an “EasyCard.”
- How much does it cost?
- Card fee: NT$100 (non-refundable for standard cards).
- Initial top-up: You’ll need to add value (e.g., NT$100, NT$200, NT$500) on top of the card fee.
- Where can you use it?
- Public Transport: Taipei MRT, Kaohsiung MRT, buses (nationwide), Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) local trains (specific sections), Taoyuan Airport MRT, public bicycles (YouBike). 🚲
- Convenience Stores: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, OK Mart – perfect for snacks, drinks, and daily essentials! 🏪
- Other: Select taxis, some department stores, supermarkets, tourist attractions, and even some vending machines.
- Benefits:
- Discounts: Enjoy a discount on Taipei MRT fares (e.g., 20% off after a certain number of rides, though specific discount structures can vary slightly). You also get discounts when transferring between MRT and buses within a specific timeframe. 💰
- Convenience: No need for cash, just tap and go! Saves time and hassle.
- Refunds: You can get a refund for the unused balance on your card (minus a small service fee if the card was used for less than 5 times or held for less than 3 months). The card fee of NT$100 is generally non-refundable for standard cards.
- Top-up Locations: MRT stations, all major convenience stores.
1.2. iPASS (一卡通 – Yī Kǎ Tōng): The Champion of the South 🏆
- What it is: Another major multi-purpose smart card, similar to the EasyCard.
- Where it shines: Historically strong in Southern Taiwan (Kaohsiung, Tainan, Pingtung), but also accepted nationwide on many services.
- Where to buy:
- MRT Stations (Kaohsiung): Information counters or automated ticketing machines.
- Convenience Stores: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, OK Mart.
- How much does it cost?
- Card fee: NT$100 (non-refundable for standard cards).
- Initial top-up: Add value as needed.
- Where can you use it?
- Public Transport: Kaohsiung MRT, Taipei MRT, buses (nationwide), TRA local trains (more widely accepted than EasyCard for TRA in the past, now quite similar), public bicycles. 🚌🚆
- Convenience Stores: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, OK Mart. 🏪
- Other: Similar to EasyCard, accepted at various shops, supermarkets, and attractions.
- Benefits: Similar discounts and convenience as the EasyCard.
- Top-up Locations: MRT stations, major convenience stores.
1.3. icash 2.0 (愛金卡): The 7-Eleven Star ⭐
- What it is: A third major smart card, primarily affiliated with the Uni-President Group (which owns 7-Eleven in Taiwan).
- Where it shines: While it functions for public transport, its main appeal often comes from its loyalty program and exclusive discounts at 7-Eleven and other Uni-President affiliated stores.
- Where to buy: Exclusively at 7-Eleven stores. 🏪
- How much does it cost?
- Card fee: NT$100 (non-refundable).
- Initial top-up: Add value.
- Where can you use it?
- Public Transport: Accepted on Taipei MRT, Kaohsiung MRT, and most buses nationwide.
- Convenience Stores: Primarily 7-Eleven, but also other affiliated stores like Carrefour.
- Other: Some vending machines and specific partner shops.
- Benefits:
- Loyalty Points: Earn points for purchases at 7-Eleven that can be redeemed for discounts or exclusive items. 🎁
- Promotions: Frequent promotions and discounts specifically for icash 2.0 users at 7-Eleven.
- Top-up Locations: Exclusively at 7-Eleven stores.
Quick Comparison: Which Card for Me?
| Feature | EasyCard | iPASS | icash 2.0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Taipei & North Taiwan | Kaohsiung & South Taiwan | 7-Eleven Loyalty |
| Availability | MRT stations, all conv. stores | Kaohsiung MRT, all conv. stores | 7-Eleven only |
| Public Transport | All major (MRT, bus, TRA, Taoyuan MRT) | All major (MRT, bus, TRA, Taoyuan MRT) | All major (MRT, bus, Taoyuan MRT) |
| Other Uses | Wide acceptance (shops, taxis, bikes) | Wide acceptance (shops, taxis, bikes) | 7-Eleven focus, some other shops |
| Refund (card fee) | Generally non-refundable | Generally non-refundable | Generally non-refundable |
| Best For | Most common choice for any traveler | If primarily starting in the South | 7-Eleven fanatics, loyalty benefits |
Our Recommendation: For most travelers, the EasyCard is the safest and most convenient bet, given its widespread acceptance, especially in the capital, Taipei. You can buy it right at the airport MRT station (Taoyuan Airport MRT) upon arrival! ✈️
2. Maximizing Savings: MRT & Tourist Passes 🎟️
Beyond the general transportation cards, Taiwan offers specific passes designed for tourists looking to explore extensively and save even more!
2.1. Taipei Fun Pass (台北觀光護照): The Tourist’s Best Friend 🗺️
The Taipei Fun Pass is a fantastic option if you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing and using public transport frequently within Taipei and its surrounding areas. There are typically a few variations:
- 2.1.1. Taipei Fun Pass – Unlimited Version:
- What it is: Provides unlimited rides on Taipei MRT, Taipei City Buses (excluding specific routes like intercity buses and scenic area routes), and New Taipei City Buses for a chosen duration (e.g., 1-day, 2-day, 3-day).
- Who is it for? High-intensity sightseers who plan to use public transport heavily. If you plan to take more than 5-6 MRT rides a day, this pass could pay for itself quickly!
- Example Usage: If you visit multiple attractions scattered across Taipei (e.g., National Palace Museum, Taipei 101, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Beitou Hot Springs), you’ll be zipping around on the MRT constantly. This pass offers peace of mind and unlimited travel within its validity.
- Benefits:
- Unlimited Travel: Freedom to hop on and off public transport without worrying about individual fares. 🆓
- Cost Savings: Can be significantly cheaper than buying individual tickets if you’re a frequent rider.
- Where to buy: Major MRT stations (Taipei Main Station, Taipei 101/World Trade Center, etc.), Taoyuan Airport MRT A12/A13 stations, tourist information centers.
- Activation: The pass activates upon first use of public transport. The validity period begins immediately.
- 2.1.2. Taipei Fun Pass – Classic & Explore Versions:
- What they are: These versions usually combine unlimited public transport (similar to the Unlimited Pass) with free entry to a selection of popular attractions.
- Classic: Often includes fewer attractions but covers major ones.
- Explore: Tends to include a wider range of attractions, suitable for a more extensive sightseeing itinerary.
- Who is it for? Tourists who want a curated sightseeing experience and don’t want to buy individual attraction tickets.
- Example Usage: If you plan to visit Taipei 101, National Palace Museum, Maokong Gondola, and the Taipei Zoo, and use public transport frequently, a Classic or Explore Pass could offer better value.
- Benefits:
- Convenience: All-in-one pass for transport and attractions. No need to queue for tickets at each site.
- Guaranteed Savings: If you visit a sufficient number of included attractions, the savings can be substantial.
- Where to buy: Same as the Unlimited Pass.
- Tip: Check the list of included attractions and calculate if the pass cost justifies your planned itinerary. Don’t buy it just for the sake of it – do the math! 💡
2.2. Kaohsiung Sightseeing Pass (高屏澎好玩卡): For Southern Explorers 🏖️
While less widely promoted for just transportation than Taipei’s passes, Kaohsiung also offers various “Sightseeing Passes” (often under the “Kaohsiung Fun Pass” or “Gaoping Fun Pass” names). These often bundle MRT rides with specific attractions, ferry tickets (to Cijin Island, for example), or bus routes.
- How to check: Search for “Kaohsiung Sightseeing Pass” or “Kaohsiung Fun Pass” online or inquire at Kaohsiung MRT stations upon arrival.
- Who is it for? Travelers focusing heavily on Kaohsiung and its immediate surroundings, planning to visit multiple key attractions.
3. How to Choose the Right Card/Pass for You 🎯
This is where you make your smart travel decision! Consider these factors:
3.1. Your Travel Itinerary:
- Taipei City Explorer (1-4 days, intensive sightseeing):
- Recommendation: Taipei Fun Pass (Unlimited or Classic/Explore). If you plan to hit many attractions and use the MRT frequently (5+ rides/day), this is your best bet for convenience and savings. Calculate if the Classic/Explore version’s included attractions align with your interests.
- If less intensive MRT use: An EasyCard with top-up is perfectly fine.
- Taipei & Beyond (5+ days, exploring other cities like Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung):
- Recommendation: A standard EasyCard (or iPASS if you start in the south). These cards are accepted on most public transport systems nationwide, including TRA local trains and intercity buses. A Taipei Fun Pass might still be useful for your specific days in Taipei, but you’ll need a regular transport card for other cities.
- Mainly Southern Taiwan (Kaohsiung, Tainan focus):
- Recommendation: An iPASS. While EasyCard works too, iPASS is historically stronger and sometimes offers specific local promotions in the south. Check for any Kaohsiung-specific sightseeing passes if you’re doing heavy tourism there.
3.2. Your Travel Style:
- The Go-Getter (packs a lot in, uses public transport constantly):
- Recommendation: Taipei Fun Pass (Unlimited) or an equivalent regional pass.
- The Casual Wanderer (enjoys walking, uses public transport occasionally):
- Recommendation: EasyCard or iPASS (pay-as-you-go). You’ll save money by only paying for the rides you take, and the convenience is still there.
- The Budget-Conscious Traveler:
- Recommendation: EasyCard or iPASS. While passes offer unlimited rides, if you don’t use them enough, you might end up spending more. A general transportation card allows you to control your spending.
3.3. Family Travel:
- For young children: Children under 6 (or typically under 115cm) often ride for free on MRT and buses.
- Children above the height/age limit: They will need their own EasyCard/iPASS or be included in a Fun Pass purchase if applicable. Some Fun Passes might have child versions, check details.
Scenario Examples:
- “I’m in Taipei for 3 days and want to see Taipei 101, National Palace Museum, and explore Ximending and Shilin Night Market.”
- Best Bet: A 3-day Taipei Fun Pass (Unlimited) or a Classic/Explore version if the included attractions match your plan. You’ll be taking the MRT a lot!
- “I’m backpacking Taiwan for 2 weeks, starting in Taipei, then going to Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung.”
- Best Bet: Get an EasyCard upon arrival in Taipei. Top it up as needed. It will work across all these cities for MRT, buses, and even some TRA local trains.
- “I’m staying near Taipei Main Station and mostly plan to walk, only taking the MRT for one or two specific trips (e.g., Beitou hot springs).”
- Best Bet: An EasyCard with a small initial top-up. A Fun Pass would likely be overkill.
4. Practical Tips & Tricks for Your Taiwan Journey 💡
- Buying & Topping Up:
- At MRT Stations: Look for ticket vending machines that accept cash and sometimes credit cards. Or head to the information counter for assistance.
- At Convenience Stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, etc.): This is often the easiest way. Just hand your card and cash to the cashier and say “Top-up” (加值 – jiāzhí) and the amount you want to add.
- Checking Your Balance:
- MRT Stations: Use the balance query machines or simply tap your card on the entry/exit gates to see the remaining balance displayed.
- Convenience Stores: Ask the cashier to check for you.
- Apps: The “Go! Taipei Metro” app (for Taipei MRT) allows you to check your EasyCard balance by holding your phone near the card (if your phone has NFC).
- Using the Card: Always tap in and tap out on MRT gates. On buses, it varies: sometimes you tap twice (once entering, once exiting), sometimes just once (entering or exiting, depending on the route and fare structure). Follow the local’s lead or signs!
- Card Deposit: Standard EasyCards/iPASS usually have a non-refundable card fee (NT$100). Some special limited-edition cards might have a higher fee.
- Refunding Unused Balance: You can get a refund for any remaining balance on your EasyCard/iPASS at MRT stations (Taipei/Kaohsiung) or some convenience stores. A small service fee might apply if you’ve held the card for a very short period or used it infrequently. The NT$100 card fee is usually non-refundable.
- Keep Your Card: If you plan to visit Taiwan again, keep your card! The balance doesn’t expire, and you can simply top it up for your next trip. It makes future arrivals even smoother. 🇹🇼❤️
Taiwan’s public transportation system is incredibly user-friendly and efficient. By understanding and utilizing these smart cards and passes, you’ll not only save money but also enjoy a far more convenient and stress-free travel experience. So go ahead, get your card, tap your way around, and immerse yourself in all the wonders Taiwan has to offer! Happy travels! ✨✈️🍜 G