When traveling abroad, one of the biggest challenges is how to pay for things. While I live almost cashless in Japan, overseas, I often have no choice but to use cash. Although cashless payment methods like QR codes are becoming more widespread in many countries, there aren’t many options available for short-term foreign visitors.
However, there are a few cashless payment methods that short-term foreign visitors can use. In this article, I will share my experience using Taiwan’s public transportation IC card, the EasyCard (悠遊カード, YouYou Card). This article is based on my actual experience in October 2023.
Essential for Taiwan Travel! EasyCard (YouYou Card): Usage, Topping Up, and Important Notes
In Taiwan, there is an IC card called the EasyCard (悠遊卡, YouYou Card) that allows for cashless payments. You can purchase the card and top it up, making it very convenient for short-term foreign visitors to use. I will explain how to purchase, use, and top up the card.
1. What is the EasyCard (YouYou Card)?
The YouYou Card is a widely used IC card in Taiwan. It can be used not only for public transportation such as buses, MRT, and some taxis, but also at convenience stores, supermarkets, restaurants, and various other places. Its appeal lies in reducing the need to carry cash, making your travels more comfortable. As of July 2024, the number of YouYou Cards issued exceeds 50 million, and it is said that over 90% of Taiwanese citizens use it.
Who is the EasyCard (YouYou Card) Suitable For?
- People who plan to frequently use trains and MRT, and who will shop at places that accept EasyCard.
- People who are likely to travel to Taiwan multiple times.
2. Benefits of the EasyCard (YouYou Card)
The main benefits of using the YouYou Card are as follows:
- No need to carry cash: If you top up your YouYou Card, you don’t need to carry cash. This not only reduces the risk of pickpocketing or theft but also has the advantage of lightening your luggage.
- Convenient public transport: The YouYou Card can be used on public transportation such as Taipei MRT, Kaohsiung MRT, and Taoyuan MRT. It saves you the trouble of purchasing tickets and allows for smooth travel.
- Easy to top up: YouYou Cards can be topped up at MRT station ticket machines, convenience stores, and some tourist attractions. You can top up with cash or a credit card, making it easy to use.
- Can check usage history: You can check your YouYou Card’s usage history online. Understanding your top-up amounts and usage history can also help with managing your travel budget.
3. How to Purchase a YouYou Card
YouYou Cards can be purchased at MRT station ticket machines, convenience stores, and some tourist attractions. Here’s how to purchase one:
1. MRT Station Ticket Machine You can also purchase at the MRT ticket counter at the airport. If you’re new to this and feeling unsure, it’s best to buy it at a manned counter. Just say “YouYou Card” and pay for the card and the initial fare. I was given a Doraemon-themed card, which I hadn’t seen online beforehand. Perhaps they intentionally gave me that design because I’m Japanese.
- On the touch panel, select “悠遊卡” (YouYou Card).
- Enter your desired top-up amount.
- Pay with cash or credit card.
- Receive your YouYou Card.
2. Convenience Stores
- At the register, tell the staff you want to buy a “悠遊卡” (YouYou Card).
- Tell them your desired top-up amount.
- Pay with cash or credit card.
- Receive your YouYou Card.
3. Some Tourist Attractions
- May be sold at tourist spots such as Taipei 101, Jiufen, and Shilin Night Market.
- Sales locations vary by tourist attraction.
The purchase price of a YouYou Card is NT$100. You can top up in increments of NT$100, starting from a minimum of NT$100.
4. How to Top Up a YouYou Card
YouYou Cards can be topped up at MRT station ticket machines, convenience stores, and some tourist attractions.
- How to top up at station ticket machines: (Video omitted from translation)
- How to top up at convenience store registers: Simply bring your EasyCard and the cash you want to top up with to the register and say “top up” (チャージ), and you’re good to go.
