Is cash still widely used?
Yes and no. Taiwan has solid card acceptance at most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Taipei and other cities. However, night markets — one of Taiwan’s biggest draws — are almost entirely cash-based. Local street food, traditional markets, and smaller towns also lean toward cash.
ATMs and withdrawing cash
Post Office ATMs (marked with a red and white logo) are the most reliable for foreign cards and are found in every post office branch across the country.
- Fees are around NT$100 per withdrawal
- 7-Eleven ATMs also accept foreign cards and are available 24/7 across the island
- Withdrawal limits are typically NT$20,000 per transaction
Card acceptance
Good in cities. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most hotels, chain restaurants, department stores, and larger shops. Night markets, local eateries, and rural areas are predominantly cash-only.
Tips for travelers
- Get an EasyCard (悠遊卡) for MRT, buses, convenience stores, and some restaurants
- Carry NT$500–1,000 in small notes for night market visits
- Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) accept cards and are everywhere
- Taiwan is very safe with low card fraud risk