Taipei Travel Budget Guide: EasyCard vs Night Market Cash Norms (2026)
MRT fares, Shilin Night Market cash rules, and Taoyuan Airport currency exchange tips.
- ✓Taipei's MRT and convenience stores accept EasyCard, but station reload kiosks strictly require Taiwan Dollar cash notes.
- ✓Street food stalls at Shilin and Raohe Night Markets do not accept cards; budget 500 to 1,000 TWD cash per day.
- ✓Airport bank counters at Taoyuan charge a minimal flat 30 TWD fee and provide the most dependable cash exchange rates.
01.Cashless Convenience with EasyCard in Taipei
Taipei boasts one of Asia's best transit networks, accessible via the contactless EasyCard (Yoyo Card).
Major restaurants like Din Tai Fung and department stores accept international Visa and Mastercard cards without issues.
However, station machines that reload EasyCard balances only take paper Taiwan Dollar notes, requiring visitors to hold physical cash.
Purchase your EasyCard at Taoyuan or Songshan Airport metro service desks upon arrival for immediate seamless travel.
02.2026 Taipei Benchmark Price Cheat Sheet
Representative prices across Taipei in New Taiwan Dollars (TWD):
| Item / Experience | Typical Price (TWD) | Approx. USD | Payment Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steamed Pork Xiaolongbao (5 Pcs) | 120 - 160 TWD | ~$3.70 - $5.00 USD | Cards accepted |
| Night Market Giant Fried Chicken | 90 - 120 TWD | ~$2.80 - $3.70 USD | Cash only |
| Boba Milk Tea | 55 - 75 TWD | ~$1.70 - $2.30 USD | EasyCard / Cash |
| Taipei Metro Base Fare | 20 TWD | ~$0.60 USD | EasyCard |
| Direct Bus to Jiufen Old Street | 90 - 110 TWD | ~$2.80 - $3.40 USD | EasyCard |
03.Night Market Cash Handling and ATM Advice
Street vendors at Shilin and Ningxia Night Markets rely on 100 TWD banknotes and 50 TWD coins.
Handing a 1,000 TWD note to small food carts can leave stall operators without adequate change.
Break large bills at convenience stores earlier in the day to keep small notes ready.
Keep the official bank exchange slip from the airport to avoid repeat transaction fees if you exchange leftover TWD back into your home currency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No. Taiwan has no tipping culture. Sit-down restaurants automatically include a 10% service charge on the bill.