Hi everyone, welcome back to our family travel blog! In our previous post, we delved into the convenience of exploring Seoul with the T-Money card, a must-have for any traveler in South Korea. Today, we’re excited to shift our focus across the ocean and share our plans for navigating the vibrant streets of Taipei, Taiwan.
This time around, it’s not just my wife and me embarking on this adventure; we have our two little toddlers in tow! We’ve done our research, and for our family’s upcoming Taipei trip, we’ve chosen to rely on the trusty EasyCard, the go-to IC card of Taiwan.
In this post, we’ll dive into why the EasyCard is the perfect companion for our family, offering hassle-free transportation and more in the beautiful and culturally rich city of Taipei. Join us as we share our insights, tips, and experiences about how we plan to make the most of our family adventure using the EasyCard. From exploring iconic landmarks to savoring delicious local cuisine, we can’t wait to show you how this little card will make our journey unforgettable. So, fasten your seatbelts, and let’s embark on this exciting journey together!
EasyCard from Taipei Taiwan
What is EasyCard?
The EasyCard is a contactless smartcard that can be used for public transportation and cashless payments at select stores and attractions in Taipei, Taiwan, and other cities in Taiwan. It is also known as the “yoyo” card by Taiwanese.
Types of EasyCard
There are two types of EasyCard:
- Standard EasyCard: This is the most common type of EasyCard. It can be purchased for NT$100, with NT$100 pre-loaded on the card. The remaining NT$100 is non-refundable.
- Personalized EasyCard: This type of EasyCard can be purchased for NT$100 and customized with your name and photo. You can purchase a Personalized EasyCard at selected convenience stores or online.
Benefits of EasyCard
EasyCard offers a number of benefits, including:
- Convenience: EasyCard can be used for public transportation and cashless payments at select stores and attractions, making it a convenient way to get around Taipei and Taiwan.
- Discounts: EasyCard holders receive a 10% discount on Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) fares for distances less than 70km. They also receive discounts on admission to some attractions.
- Easy to top up: EasyCard can be topped up at convenience stores, MRT stations, and other locations throughout Taiwan.
How to purchase an EasyCard
You can purchase an EasyCard at:
- Convenience stores, such as 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Hi-Life
- MRT stations
- Tourist information centers
- Some hotels and hostels
- Taoyuan Airport
- EasyCard vending machines in both terminals, near the Arrival Hall and the Departure Hall
- Taoyuan Airport MRT service booths in either terminal
- EasyCard online from Klook and pick it up at either airport terminal
| Location | Terminal |
|---|---|
| EasyCard vending machine | Arrival Hall and Departure Hall |
| Taoyuan Airport MRT service booth | Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 |
| Klook pick-up counter | Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 |
How to reload an EasyCard
You can reload your EasyCard at:
- Convenience stores
- MRT stations
- Buses
- Some stores and attractions that accept EasyCard
To reload your EasyCard at a convenience store:
- Go to the cashier and tell them that you want to reload your EasyCard.
- Give the cashier your EasyCard and the amount of money you want to reload.
- The cashier will reload your EasyCard and give it back to you.
To reload your EasyCard at an MRT station:
- Go to an EasyCard vending machine.
- Insert your EasyCard into the vending machine.
- Select the amount of money you want to reload.
- Insert the appropriate amount of money into the vending machine.
- The vending machine will reload your EasyCard and give it back to you.
To reload your EasyCard on a bus:
- Go to the driver’s booth and tell the driver that you want to reload your EasyCard.
- Give the driver your EasyCard and the amount of money you want to reload.
- The driver will reload your EasyCard and give it back to you.
To reload your EasyCard using the EasyCard App:
- Download and install the EasyCard App from the App Store or Google Play.
- Open the EasyCard App and create an account.
- Add your EasyCard to your account.
- Select the amount of money you want to reload.
- Enter your payment information and confirm the transaction.
- Your EasyCard will be reloaded immediately.
To reload your EasyCard using the Easy Wallet Merchant App:
- Download and install the Easy Wallet Merchant App from the App Store or Google Play.
- Open the Easy Wallet Merchant App and create an account.
- Add your EasyCard to your account.
- Select the amount of money you want to reload.
- Enter your payment information and confirm the transaction.
- Your EasyCard will be reloaded immediately.
You can also reload your EasyCard online using the following websites:
- EasyCard Corporation website
- HiNet Life Pay website
- Taiwan Mobile Pay website
Please note that there may be a fee for reloading your EasyCard online.
Riding the Metro Taipei with Children:
Children under 6 years old can ride the Taipei Metro for free. Children aged 6-12 can pay half fare, which is currently NT$8 per ride.
To purchase a half-fare EasyCard for your child, you will need to provide proof of their age, such as a passport, birth certificate, or student ID. You can purchase a half-fare EasyCard at any convenience store or MRT station.
Please note that children aged 6-12 must be accompanied by an adult when riding the Taipei Metro.
Here is a table of the EasyCard fares for children in Taipei:
| Age | Fare |
|---|---|
| 0-5 | Free |
| 6-12 | Half fare (NT$8) |
| 13 and over | Full fare (NT$15) |
Metro Taipei Route Map
Wrap-up of EasyCard
As parents traveling with two little toddlers, convenience is our top priority. The EasyCard’s versatility in providing hassle-free transportation and cashless payments at various stores and attractions is a game-changer for us. We’re already envisioning stress-free family outings, exploring the vibrant streets of Taipei without the need for constant ticket purchases and exact change.
One of the standout advantages of the EasyCard is the discounts it offers. As a family, every bit of savings counts, and the 10% discount on Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) fares for distances less than 70km is a welcome perk. Plus, the reduced admission fees at select attractions will undoubtedly make our family adventures more budget-friendly.
The process of obtaining and reloading our EasyCards is incredibly straightforward, thanks to the widespread availability at convenience stores, MRT stations, buses, and even some hotels and hostels. With vending machines and top-up options at every turn, managing our card balances will be a breeze. For those who prefer a digital approach, the EasyCard App and the Easy Wallet Merchant App offer even more flexibility, making it possible to reload our cards on the go.
But what about our little ones? The Taipei Metro is particularly accommodating for families. Children under 6 years old ride for free, and those aged 6-12 can enjoy half fares, currently set at NT$8 per ride. The process of purchasing a half-fare EasyCard for our children is straightforward, requiring only proof of age, which can be conveniently done at any convenience store or MRT station.
As we eagerly anticipate our Taipei adventure, we’re thrilled to share our experiences with you. Stay tuned for our upcoming posts, where we’ll dive into the city’s iconic landmarks, mouthwatering local cuisine, and the incredible moments we’ll create as a family. The EasyCard is set to be our reliable companion throughout, and we can’t wait to show you how it enhances our journey, allowing us to make the most of this unforgettable family adventure in Taipei.
So, fasten your seatbelts, and let’s embark on this exciting journey together, exploring Taipei, Taiwan, with our trusty EasyCard in hand!
