Currency & Payment
Exchange rates fluctuate daily. Check current rates locally.
Local Currency Overview
Currency type, banknotes, and coin denominations
The currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD, NT$). Notes: NT$100/500/1,000 (and 200/2,000); coins: NT$1/5/10/50.
- Currency
- New Taiwan Dollar (TWD, NT$)
- Notes
- NT$100 / 500 / 1,000 (also 200 / 2,000)
- Coins
- NT$1 / 5 / 10 / 50
- Cash is handy at markets and small eateries
Currency Exchange Tips
Best places and methods to exchange money
Exchange at banks and airport counters; rates are similar and fair. ATMs are widely available if you prefer to withdraw.
- Where
- Banks and airport counters
- Rates
- Regulated; airport rates are reasonable
- ATMs
- Common alternative to cash exchange
- Keep your exchange receipts for reconversion on departure
Credit Card Acceptance
Card brand availability and usage tips
Cards work in hotels, department stores and chains, but many night markets, small eateries and taxis are cash-first. Carry some cash.
- Accepted
- Hotels, malls, chains, convenience stores
- Cash-first
- Night markets, small shops, some taxis
- Contactless
- Growing, esp. in cities
- Visa/Mastercard widely; keep NT$ for street food
ATM Usage
How to withdraw cash and associated fees
ATMs are everywhere, including 24h convenience stores. Many accept foreign cards and offer English menus.
- Find
- Banks and 24h convenience stores
- Foreign cards
- Widely accepted; English menus
- Fees
- Withdrawal fees vary; check your bank
- Convenience-store ATMs are handy after hours
Mobile & Digital Payments
Digital payment services available locally
Local wallets (LINE Pay, Apple/Google Pay) are common in chains, but the EasyCard/iPASS transit cards double as easy small-payment tools.
- Local wallets
- LINE Pay, JKO Pay; Apple/Google Pay
- EasyCard/iPASS
- Tap for transit and shop purchases
- Cash
- Still needed at markets/small vendors
- Top up EasyCard at any convenience store
Tipping Culture
Expected tipping amounts and etiquette
Tipping is not customary. Sit-down restaurants and hotels often add a 10% service charge; otherwise no tip is expected.
- Restaurants
- No tip; some add 10% service charge
- Taxis
- No tip; round up if you like
- Hotels
- Small tip for porters is optional
- Prices are usually as marked
Price Guide
Average costs for meals, transport, and accommodation
Taiwan is affordable. A night-market meal runs NT$100–200; an MRT ride NT$20–65; a cafe coffee NT$100–150.
- Night-market meal
- ≈ NT$100–200
- MRT ride
- ≈ NT$20–65
- Coffee
- ≈ NT$100–150
- Prices are indicative and vary by area
Foreign visitors can claim a 5% VAT refund on purchases of NT$2,000+ (same store, same day) at TRS-labeled stores. Refund in-store or at the airport.
- Minimum
- NT$2,000+ same store, same day
- Eligibility
- Visitors staying under 183 days; show passport
- Where
- In-store small-amount or airport counters
- Look for the TRS (Tax Refund Shopping) label; keep receipts and goods