While cash is still widely used in Taiwan, especially when taking the metro and other public transportation, there are other ways of making payments. One of these is the EasyCard, a contactless “smart card” that is very popular among local and even foreign residents.
Just as GCash and Maya are some of the well-known digital wallets in the Philippines, the EasyCard is basically a household name in Taiwan. In addition to public transportation, this card can be used to buy food and drinks, access museums and public libraries, or even visit the zoo! Let’s get to know more about the EasyCard.
OFW Guide to Using EasyCard in Taiwan
Ever since it was launched in 2002, the EasyCard has become a popular method of paying for transportation, food, and other products and services. Available in several types, the card has multiple uses, and it may be purchased easily across the country.
What is EasyCard?
In 2002, the EasyCard was introduced as a mode of payment on the Taipei Metro, buses, and other public transportation. It is operated by the EasyCard Corporation, formerly known as the Taipei Smart Card Corporation. Over the years, the EasyCard has expanded to other products and services, with card holders using it in convenience stores, department stores, and other establishments.
Occasionally, the EasyCard Corporation releases special edition cards with eye-catching designs. Aside from the common rectangular shape, there are cards in varying shapes and sizes, too!
Types of EasyCard
Generally, there are three main types of EasyCards: Adult, Student, and Concessionaire. Each type is designed for specific users and come with different benefits and features.
Adult
The “Adult” EasyCard is a standard fare card used by the general public. It is available in all Taipei Metro stations and bus stations, as well as in most convenience stores. The card itself costs TWD 100 each, and you can “top up” the card with any amount. The maximum balance that a card can store is TWD 10,000.
Student
As the name says, this EasyCard is designed for students, particularly those who are 12 years old and above, with a valid student ID recognized by the Ministry of Education.
The “Student” EasyCard comes with a special ride discount on the Taipei – New Taipei City – Keelung City bus systems, valid for 20 days from the start of the card’s issuance or registration.
Concessionaire
The “Concessionaire” EasyCard is issued to seniors 65 years old and above, children under eligible legislation, and persons with disabilities. It comes with special discounts and privileges.
Where to Buy EasyCard?
You can buy an EasyCard almost anywhere in Taiwan! Here are some of the places where you can purchase them:
- Major convenience stores, i.e. Family Mart, Hi-Life, OK Mart, and 7-Eleven;
- E-tickets service counters at the airports;
- Information center and charging machines at Taipei, Taichung, Taoyuan, and Kaohsiung Metro stations; and
- Customer service centers of the EasyCard Corporation.
As for some special editions of the EasyCard, you can also buy them on digital platforms like Facebook, PC Home, and Shopee.
Uses of EasyCard
EasyCard can be used to pay for transportation, food and beverages, and various products and services.
Metro Stations
Regular commuters can use the EasyCard to pay for transport fare on the Taipei Metro, Taichung MRT, Taoyuan Metro, Kaohsiung Metro, Taiwan Railway, and Taiwan High Speed Rail. Simply pass the card over the gates when entering and exiting the metro station, and the fare for your ride will be deducted!
Buses
Most buses accept the EasyCard as a means of payment, including city bus systems and some inter-city bus services.
Parking
The EasyCard can be used to pay for services in government-run parking lots (e.g. Taipei City Public Parking, metro park-and-ride) and some private parking lots. Just pass the card over the parking meter, and you will be charged for the length of time you parked your car in the lot.
Ferries
Planning to take a “Blue Highway” tour in Taipei? Ferry services carry passengers for tours along the Keelung River and Tamsui River. The EasyCard can be used to pay for these tours.
Stores
Currently, the EasyCard can be used in more than 10,000 retail outlets in the country! These include convenience stores, pharmacies, supermarkets, department stores, restaurants, cafes, etc. Among them are well known companies like Cosmed, Daiso, Family Mart, Hi-Life, McDonalds, Muji, OK Mart, Pacific SOGO, Px Mart, 7-Eleven, Starbucks, Subway, and many more!
Other Uses
Furthermore, you can use the EasyCard for the following purposes:
- Getting admission tickets to the Taipei Zoo, Hsinchu City Zoo, Maokong Gondola, Yehliu Geo park, and other recreational areas;
- Going to the National Palace Museum, Taipei Fine Art Museum, and other museums;
- Visiting and borrowing materials from public libraries; and
- Renting a YouBike (rental bike).
Mobile EasyCard and Co-branded Cards
These days, you don’t need to have an actual card to be able to use EasyCard. All you need is a “mobile” EasyCard on your phone and you can use it in the same way as a physical card. Some examples of the mobile card are the Telecom EasyCard, Samsung Pay EasyCard, and some co-branded EasyCards.
Telecom EasyCard
This is a type of EasyCard issued by FarEasTone Telecom and Chunghwa Telecom, the two major telecom companies in the country. All you need is a phone with an Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, and these companies can provide you with a SIM that has EasyCard function.
Samsung Pay EasyCard
This is a mobile card issued jointly by Samsung Electronics Taiwan and EasyCard Corporation. It is available for both “Adult” and “Student” EasyCard holders.
Co-branded Cards
Co-branded Cards include debit or credit cards that can be used in the same way as an EasyCard. Banks with JCB, MasterCard, Smart Pay, and Visa banking services provide these mobile cards.
How to Top Up EasyCard
To “top up” or add value to an EasyCard, you can go to the information counter at any metro station, or to any convenience store with an “EasyCard” sticker signage. Likewise, you can also use the value-adding machines in metro stations and come parking lots. Top ups can be made in increments of TWD 100.
EasyWallet Mobile App
Another way to up your EasyCard is by using the EasyWallet mobile app. Launched in 2020, this is a digital wallet that can be used to top up EasyCards, pay bills and insurance fees, and make other transactions. The app can manage up to 20 EasyCards!
The EasyWallet mobile app is available for download on the App Store and Google Play Store.
Contact Information: EasyCard Corporation
For those who have any questions or concerns regarding the EasyCard, you can get in touch with EasyCard Corporation through these contact details:
Address: 11503, Taiwan, Taipei City, Nangang District, Yuanqu St, 3-1, 3F
Telephone: +886 2 412 8880
Email: service@easycard.com.tw
Website: http://www.easycard.com.tw/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/easycard.tw/
Google Map:
Earlier, we mentioned that the EasyCard can be used to rent a bicycle in Taiwan. Check out this article to learn more about renting a YouBike, which is available in cities across the country!