Getting New Taiwan Dollars for Your Trip

Taiwan is a wonderful mix of ultra-modern infrastructure and traditional cash-based commerce. While Taipei's MRT is world-class and convenience stores are on every corner, cash remains king for much of what makes Taiwan special — night markets, local restaurants, temples, and small shops.

The New Taiwan Dollar (TWD, symbol NT$) comes in banknotes of NT$100, NT$200, NT$500, NT$1,000, and NT$2,000. The NT$2,000 note is rarely seen and often not accepted at small vendors. Coins include NT$1, NT$5, NT$10, and NT$50. Keep NT$10 coins for buses and parking meters.

Key insight for 2026: Taiwan is catching up on digital payments with LINE Pay and JKoPay growing rapidly, but foreign cards often don't link to these apps. For tourists, the winning combination is: EasyCard for transport and convenience stores, plus cash for everything else.

Best Ways to Get TWD Before You Travel

Taiwan makes it extremely easy to access money upon arrival. The airport exchange counters are competitive, and ATMs are abundant throughout the country.

1. Multi-currency travel card (Wise, Revolut) — Best option. Withdraw from 7-Eleven or bank ATMs at excellent rates. Most Taiwan ATMs don't charge foreign card fees.
2. Exchange at Taiwan airport on arrival — Bank of Taiwan counters at Taoyuan Airport offer very competitive rates, often better than UK bureaux. Open 24/7.
3. Withdraw from ATMs upon arrival — ATMs in the airport arrivals hall accept international cards. Quick and convenient option.
4. Order TWD before travelling — Available from UK bureaux but rates are typically worse than Taiwan. Only useful if you want cash in hand.

Using Cards in Taiwan

Card acceptance in Taiwan is improving but remains limited compared to Japan or Korea. Here's what to expect:

Where cards generally work:

• Hotels and international hostels
• Department stores (Sogo, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, Breeze)
• Chain restaurants and cafes (Starbucks, McDonald's, Din Tai Fung)
• Larger supermarkets (Carrefour, RT-Mart, PX Mart for some)
• Train tickets (THSR, TRA) at station machines and online
• Major tourist attractions with ticket offices

Where you'll need cash:

• Night markets — Taiwan's highlight and 100% cash-only
• Local restaurants, noodle shops, breakfast shops
• Street food vendors and drink stands
• Small shops, traditional markets, temple area shops
• Most taxis (some now accept LINE Pay)
• Hot springs, smaller attractions, temple donations
• Some bus routes (unless using EasyCard)

Pro tip: If a place accepts cards, Visa and Mastercard work best. JCB is also widely accepted. Amex is less common.

EasyCard — Essential for Taiwan Travel

The EasyCard (悠遊卡, Yōuyóu Kǎ) is a contactless stored-value card that's essential for getting around Taiwan efficiently. Think of it as Taiwan's Oyster or Suica card.

Where to get an EasyCard:

• Any Taipei MRT station (customer service window or machines)
• 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, OK Mart convenience stores
• Taiwan Taoyuan Airport (arrivals hall)

Cost:

NT$100 for the card (non-refundable) plus whatever you want to top up. Cards can be topped up at MRT stations, convenience stores, and some buses.

Where EasyCard works:

• All Taipei MRT lines (20% discount vs single tickets)
• Buses throughout Taiwan
• Taiwan Railways (TRA) trains
• YouBike bicycle rentals
• 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and most convenience stores
• Many supermarkets and chain stores
• Some taxis, parking meters, and vending machines

Alternative: iPASS (一卡通) works similarly and is more common in southern Taiwan (Kaohsiung). Either card works on most transport nationwide.

Withdrawing Cash from ATMs in Taiwan

Taiwan has excellent ATM infrastructure. Finding an ATM is never a problem, even in smaller towns.

Best ATMs to use:

• 7-Eleven ATMs (CTBC or Cathay Bank) — Everywhere, 24/7. English available. Most don't charge foreign card fees.
• FamilyMart ATMs — Also widespread with English interface.
• Bank of Taiwan — Reliable, English interface, no foreign card fees.
• First Bank, E.Sun Bank, CTBC — All work well with international cards.

ATM tips:

• Most Taiwan ATMs do NOT charge foreign card fees — your only cost is what your card provider charges
• Withdrawal limits are typically NT$20,000-40,000 per transaction
• Always decline Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) — choose TWD, not your home currency
• English language option is always available
• Post office ATMs (Chunghwa Post) also accept international cards

Taiwan is ATM-friendly: Unlike some Asian countries, Taiwan bank ATMs work reliably with foreign cards. You won't struggle to find working ATMs.

Exchanging Money in Taiwan

If you prefer cash exchange over ATMs, Taiwan has good options:

At Taiwan Taoyuan Airport (TPE):

Bank of Taiwan and other bank counters in the arrivals hall offer excellent rates — often better than UK bureaux. Open 24 hours. The difference from mid-market rates is typically under 2%.

In Taipei and other cities:

• Bank of Taiwan branches — Best rates, found throughout the country. Bring passport.
• Other banks — First Bank, Mega Bank, and others also exchange currency
• Post offices (Chunghwa Post) — Exchange available at larger branches
• Hotel desks — Convenient but rates are typically 3-5% worse

Note: Independent money changers are rare in Taiwan. Banks are the standard for currency exchange. Hours are typically 9am-3:30pm weekdays.

What currency to bring:

USD gets the best rates, followed by EUR, JPY, and GBP. All major currencies are accepted at airport and bank counters.