(FWA 2026/5/21)Are you feeling a bit overwhelmed by the unfamiliar transportation system and daily payment methods after just arriving in Taiwan? If you want to get rid of a pocket full of coins and enjoy a seamless, convenient local life, you definitely need this practical card. The EasyCard is a versatile electronic ticket that integrates public transportation, parking fees, and small purchases all across Taiwan. This practical EasyCard guide for expats in Taiwan will take you through the simplest ways to understand where to use it, how to top it up, and guide you step-by-step on how to register your card, set up auto-top-up, and finally, how to get a refund when you no longer need it.
1. Where can you use an EasyCard?
It covers almost all your daily needs!
Transportation: MRT (Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, Kaohsiung), all city buses across Taiwan, and public bicycles (YouBike).
Shopping: Convenience stores (7-ELEVEN, FamilyMart, etc.), supermarkets, and gas stations.
Other Payments: Parking lots, government fees, and hospital consultation fees.
2. How to use it?
Simply tap the card on the sensor area with the “EasyCard logo” on the ticket gate or card reader to deduct the payment. Please do not wave the card back and forth.
MRT: You must tap both when entering and exiting the station.
Note: According to regulations, the maximum time limit for entering and exiting the same station is 15 minutes; for different stations, it is 2 hours. If you exceed the time limit, the system will automatically deduct a NT$20 timeout fee.
Buses: You must tap both when getting on and getting off.
Parking Lots: Tap according to the voice instructions when entering and exiting. If you need a receipt, press the button when exiting.
Partner Store Checkouts: The maximum limit for a single transaction is NT$1,500, and the daily transaction limit per card is NT$3,000. (There is no such limit for paying government fees, public transportation, utility bills, medical bills, etc.).
3. Running low on funds? How to top-up
The EasyCard can be topped up repeatedly, with a maximum stored value limit of NT$10,000.
Manual Top-up (No limit on the top-up amount, except for Kaohsiung MRT):
Information counters at all Taipei, Taoyuan, and Taichung MRT stations.
Convenience stores with the EasyCard logo (7-ELEVEN, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, OK Mart, I-Mei, Simple Mart).
Passenger service counters at all Kaohsiung MRT stations (each top-up must be NT$100 or its multiples).
Machine Top-up:
“Card Vending/Top-up Machines” located at Taipei and Taoyuan MRT, Danhai Light Rail, and some parking lots (each top-up must be NT$100 or its multiples).
“Single-Journey Ticket Vending Machines” with an EasyCard top-up platform at Taipei MRT, and “Top-up Vending Machines” at Kaohsiung MRT (no amount limit).
4. Afraid of losing your card? Register it to protect your balance
Registering your card protects your rights and allows you to report it lost if it goes missing.
Application for Expats: When applying for a registered adult card, attach a valid “Taiwan A.R.C” (Alien Resident Certificate chip card).
How to apply:
Go to the EasyCard official website or download the “Easy Wallet” APP.
Read and agree to the terms and conditions.
Enter the card number of the EasyCard you wish to register.
Fill in your personal information and complete identity verification.
Submit the application. Review takes about 3 working days, and you will be notified of the result via SMS or Email.
5. How to link your EasyCard to a bank account?
In addition to EasyCard Co-branded cards and Easy Debit cards, any “Registered EasyCard” can be linked to an account at partner financial institutions, allowing you to activate the auto-top-up function.
6. How to activate and use “Auto-Top-Up”?
After completing the account linking application, you still need to activate the auto-top-up. Once set up, it will automatically deduct funds from your bank account to top up when your balance is low.
How to Activate (Tap to Enable): After receiving the completion notice from your financial institution, take your EasyCard to a “FamiPort machine at FamilyMart” or an “EasyCard Add-Value Machine (AVM) at Taipei MRT.” Select “Account Link Setup” or “Easy Wallet Auto-Top-Up Card Setup” on the screen, place the card on the sensor, and the auto-top-up function will be officially activated!
How Auto-Top-Up Works: After activation, when you are taking a ride or making a purchase, if the card balance is less than NT$100, or insufficient to cover the current transaction, the machine will automatically deduct NT$500 (or multiples of 500) from your bank account and add it to your EasyCard, with absolutely no handling fees!
Note: On “offline” equipment such as the High-Speed Rail (HSR), Taiwan Railways (TRA), or some parking lots, auto-top-up cannot be executed. You will still need to manually top up at a machine if you encounter insufficient balance.
7. Leaving Taiwan or no longer using it? How to get a refund
If you no longer need the card, you can get the remaining balance back (the card will be locked after the refund and can never be used again).
Important Notes:
If the refund balance exceeds NT$1,000, on-site processing is suspended, and you must apply for the card return and refund service through the EasyCard official website.
If the refund balance is NT$3,000 or more, it cannot be paid in cash; you must provide your own bank account details to have the balance returned via wire transfer.
Refunds can only be transferred to the cardholder’s own bank account. Do not top up or use the card after applying, and please keep the card until the refund is complete before discarding it.
Refund Locations (Balance under NT$1,000):
EasyCard Customer Service Center at Taipei City Hall Bus Station.
Information counters at all Taipei, Taoyuan, and Taichung MRT stations.
Taichung Bus and Pingtung Bus service centers.
Or send it via registered mail to the EasyCard Corporation.
