🇹🇼 Taiwan · TWD
Taiwan uses the New Taiwan dollar (TWD), and despite being high-tech, it remains a notably cash-oriented society, especially at night markets, small eateries, and local shops. Carry enough cash for daily spending, and use the EasyCard transit card to cover transport and many small purchases conveniently.
The New Taiwan dollar (often written NT$) is the currency. Banknotes are 100, 500, and 1,000 NT$, with less common 200 and 2,000 notes, and coins are 1, 5, 10, 50, and the occasional 20 NT$. The 100 and 500 notes are the most useful for everyday spending. Keep smaller notes for night markets and small vendors.
Cash is still essential in Taiwan, particularly for night markets, street food, small restaurants, and family-run shops. Cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted at department stores, hotels, chain restaurants, and convenience stores, but many smaller places are cash-only. An EasyCard or iPASS covers metro, buses, and many convenience-store and small purchases.
Banks in Taiwan generally offer good, consistent rates for cash exchange and tend to beat hotels and informal changers. Bank ATMs and card payments also track fair rates. Confirm any commission or handling fee at the bank counter before exchanging.
Bank-operated exchange counters at Taoyuan and other airports actually offer reasonable, regulated rates and are convenient for a first batch of cash, though city banks may be marginally better. It is fine to change a modest amount on arrival for transport and food. For larger sums, compare with a downtown bank or use an ATM.
Convenience-store ATMs are everywhere; those in 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and major banks widely accept foreign cards. Look for machines displaying international network logos (Plus, Cirrus). Choose to be charged in NT dollars rather than your home currency to avoid dynamic currency conversion markups.
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan and is generally not expected at restaurants, taxis, or for most services. Many mid-range and upscale restaurants add a 10% service charge automatically, in which case no further tip is needed. You simply pay the listed or totaled price.
The main pitfall is being caught without cash at night markets or small eateries that don't take cards. Watch for dynamic currency conversion at terminals and ATMs and always choose NT dollars. Taiwan is very safe with low scam risk, but still keep small notes handy and confirm any service charge on restaurant bills.
Plan to carry more cash than in card-heavy countries, since night markets and small shops run on it. Having a few thousand NT dollars on hand for daily food and transport is practical, topped up at convenience-store ATMs. Reserve cards for hotels, department stores, and larger purchases.
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