Money: How to Get Cash, ATMs & Currency
Taiwan loves its cash culture, especially when you're wandering through bustling night markets or popping into family-run shops. Sure, you can use cards in plenty of places, but having some New Taiwan Dollars in your pocket will make your life so much easier. Here's what you need to know about handling money during your Taiwan adventure.
Currency Basics Taiwan uses the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD or NT$). You'll see bills in NT$100, NT$500, and NT$1000 denominations, plus coins worth NT$1, NT$5, NT$10, and NT$50. Pro tip: grab some smaller bills when you can. Taxi drivers and street food vendors often struggle with making change from larger notes, especially in smaller towns.
Finding ATMs ATMs are everywhere in Taiwan, and most welcome foreign cards with open arms. Your best bets are convenience stores like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Hi-Life since they're open around the clock and almost always accept international cards. You'll also find reliable ATMs at Taiwanese banks like Bank of Taiwan or CTBC, plus MRT stations, airports, and shopping malls.
When you're hunting for an ATM, look for the PLUS, Cirrus, or Maestro symbols. Most machines offer English menus, which is a lifesaver. You can typically withdraw NT$20,000 to NT$30,000 per transaction, though some ATMs will hit you with a small fee (around NT$100) depending on what your home bank charges.
Credit and Debit Cards Your plastic works great at department stores, chain restaurants, hotels, and major tourist spots. Train ticket machines and online bookings usually accept cards too. But here's where cash still rules: night markets, hole-in-the-wall eateries, local vendors, public buses, and many taxis. Stick with Visa or Mastercard for the best acceptance rates. American Express can be hit or miss.
Currency Exchange Skip the hotel exchange desk and head to the airport, major banks, or authorized exchange counters instead. The rates are much better. You'll need your passport for any exchange, and definitely avoid those sketchy unlicensed services. One more thing: leave your traveler's checks at home. They're practically extinct in Taiwan.
For international money transfers, we recommend Wise for sending money to or from Taiwan. They offer real exchange rates and low, transparent fees that beat traditional banks.
The EasyCard Game Changer Do yourself a favor and grab an EasyCard at any MRT station or convenience store. This little plastic miracle works on trains, buses, MRT, some taxis, convenience stores, and even certain restaurants. You can top it up at machines or service counters, and here's the kicker: you can get a refund for any leftover balance before you head home. It's like having a magic wallet that works almost everywhere.
