Ready for your trip to Taiwan? Aside from planning itineraries and booking transportation, the most common questions travelers have are: “Where is the best place to exchange money in Taiwan?” and “Can I use my credit cards?”
This practical guide will walk you through Taiwan’s payment landscape to help you prepare before you arrive!
💵 Taiwan Payment Landscape: Cash vs. E-Payments?
Taiwan’s payment environment is highly developed, but cash is still king in many situations.
- Cash-Only Places: Traditional night markets (like Shilin or Ningxia), local food stalls, old streets (like Jiufen and Shifen), and some taxis (not all accept credit cards).
- Credit Cards / E-Payments Accepted: Department stores, convenience stores (7-11, FamilyMart), large restaurant chains, and some modern beverage shops.
💡 Top Tip: Carrying New Taiwan Dollars (NTD) in cash is absolutely necessary. We recommend budgeting around NT$ 1,500 to NT$ 2,000 per person per day in cash (excluding accommodation and pre-booked private tours/transfers).
💱 Where is the Best Place to Exchange NTD? 4 Methods Compared
| Exchange Method | Exchange Rate | Fees | Convenience | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Bank Counters (Taiwan) | Fair | ~NT$ 30 per transaction | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Highly Recommended! You can exchange money immediately after clearing customs. Despite a small fee, the rates are much better than exchanging in your home country. |
| City Bank Counters | Best | Varies | ⭐⭐⭐ | Rates are usually the best, but you must visit during banking hours (Weekdays 09:00-15:30) and wait in line. |
| ATM Cash Withdrawal | Varies by Card | Issuing Bank Fees | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ATMs are everywhere in Taiwan’s convenience stores. Be sure to enable “Overseas Withdrawal” with your home bank before your trip. |
| Exchanging in Your Home Country | Worst | Varies | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Unless you arrive in Taiwan very late at night when airport banks are closed, this is not recommended due to poor exchange rates. |
📱 Pre-Trip Essential: Real-Time Currency Tool
When calculating your budget, getting real-time exchange rates is the key to saving money.
We highly recommend using our EasyXrate International Exchange Rate Platform. This tool offers full English support and allows you to:
- Live Conversion: Check the latest exchange rates for your local currency to NTD.
- Smart Budgeting: Calculate exactly how much NTD you need for your trip.
🚇 The Must-Have Travel Card: EasyCard
When you come to Taiwan, you must get an EasyCard!
- Where to Buy: Airport MRT stations and all convenience stores (7-11, FamilyMart). An empty card costs about NT$ 100, and you can top it up with cash right at the counter.
- Where to Use It: Tap to ride the MRT, buses, and trains. You can also use it to pay at convenience stores, supermarkets, and some drink shops, which saves you from carrying around a pocket full of heavy coins!
🚗 Money and Internet Ready? Leave the Transportation to Us!
Once you have your exchange strategy and EasyCard sorted out, your only remaining worry is how to get from the airport to your hotel easily.
To avoid the stress of landing in Taiwan without enough cash or small change to pay for a taxi, booking your airport transfer online in advance is the smartest choice.
Taiwan EasyRide offers transparent, fixed-price transfer services. The price is confirmed at the time of booking, so you don’t have to rush to find an ATM right after landing. Start your beautiful journey seamlessly!