Money & Internet
Money
Currency: The New Taiwan Dollar
Taiwan’s currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD), represented by the symbol NT$ or simply $. You’ll also see it abbreviated as NTD in some contexts. Understanding the denominations will help you navigate transactions with confidence.
Coins come in five denominations: $1, $5, $10, $20, and $50. The $20 coin is less common in circulation, so don’t be surprised if you rarely encounter one. Banknotes are issued in $100, $200, $500, $1,000, and $2,000 denominations. The $200 and $2,000 notes are relatively rare and many locals go months without seeing one, so shopkeepers may scrutinise it more carefully, not out of suspicion but simply unfamiliarity. You can view the appearance of Taiwan’s coins and banknotes through the hyperlink.
As of recent exchange rates, NT$1,000 equals approximately £25 or €30, though this fluctuates. This context helps: a bowl of excellent beef noodle soup costs around NT$100-150, a short taxi ride NT$100-200, and a night at a mid-range hotel NT$2,000-3,000.
Cash vs Card: A Hybrid Approach
Taiwan sits in an interesting middle ground between cash-dependent and cashless societies, which means you’ll need to think strategically about payment methods rather than relying solely on one.
Taiwan’s payment landscape reflects its economic development. The country modernised rapidly but maintained strong small-business and traditional market cultures that favour cash’s simplicity and immediacy. Many night market vendors operate on thin margins where card processing fees would be burdensome. Understanding this helps you appreciate why carrying cash isn’t backwardness but practicality.
In addition to night markets, which are predominantly cash-only, small family-run restaurants, traditional breakfast shops, and local temples that accept donations still mainly operate on cash. Some older establishments may have card machines but prefer cash to avoid transaction fees. Street food vendors, by necessity, deal only in physical currency.
On the other hand, chain restaurants, department stores, hotels, convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart), and established retail shops accept cards readily. Taipei and other major cities have near-universal card acceptance in formal retail environments. International credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted, though American Express has spottier coverage.
It is recommended to withdraw NT$3,000-5,000 at a time and keep NT$1,000-2,000 on you daily. Use cards for hotels and larger purchases, cash for everything else. This approach means you’re always prepared without carrying excessive amounts.
Mobile Payments: The New Generation
Taiwan has embraced mobile payments enthusiastically in recent years, creating a parallel payment ecosystem that’s particularly popular among younger Taiwanese.
There are more than ten mobile payment options in Taiwan. Some of the most popular services include LINE Pay, JKO Pay, PX Pay Plus, and Taiwan Pay. These apps link to local bank accounts or credit cards and allow users to make payments by generating or scanning QR codes at participating shops. However, most mobile payment services require a Taiwanese bank account or local phone number to set up, creating a practical barrier for short-term visitors. If you’re staying longer or have Taiwanese contacts, setting up mobile payments can be remarkably convenient for chain stores, cafes, and many restaurants. Apple Pay and Google Pay have growing acceptance, particularly in Taipei and at chain establishments. These work with your foreign cards and may be your easiest mobile payment option.
Where to Exchange Money
Your exchange location greatly affects both the rates you receive and the convenience of the transaction. You can exchange money at all international airports, major banks (such as the Bank of Taiwan), and ATMs, which are widely available in convenience stores, MRT stations, and banks.
It’s recommended to exchange or withdraw around NT$3,000–5,000 at the airport, then use ATMs as needed. To minimise ATM fees, withdraw larger amounts less frequently.
Before travelling, notify your bank of your trip to Taiwan (to avoid card blocks) and confirm any international withdrawal fees. Some banks charge a fixed fee per transaction, so withdrawing larger amounts less often is usually more economical.
Tipping Culture: The Freedom of Not Tipping
Taiwan has no tipping culture, and understanding why this is liberating rather than confusing improves your experience immeasurably.
In Taiwan, service staff receive proper wages, and excellent service is considered standard professional practice rather than something requiring additional payment. Leaving money on the table at a restaurant may confuse staff, who might chase after you thinking you’ve forgotten your change. Most restaurants and taxis all operate without tipping expectations. A meal listed at NT$250 costs exactly NT$250. However, some restaurants include 10% service charges in bills, but this is stated clearly and isn’t an additional tip. Some tour companies catering specifically to international tourists may have tipping customs, but these will be explicitly stated.
Beyond the financial simplicity, no-tipping culture means you can judge service authenticity differently. When restaurant staff are attentive, it’s genuine hospitality rather than tip-seeking behaviour. When taxi drivers help with luggage or offer route suggestions, it’s ordinary courtesy. This creates more relaxed service interactions without the transactional tension that tipping can introduce.
Internet & WiFi
Internet Availability: Staying Connected
Taiwan provides extensive free public WiFi through several programmes. iTaiwan, the government-run service, offers free WiFi at over 10,000 locations including government buildings, libraries, train stations, tourist information centres, and many public spaces. TPE-Free serves Taipei specifically with thousands of hotspots. New Taipei City, Taichung, Kaohsiung, and other cities operate similar municipal networks.
Convenience stores such as 7-Eleven and FamilyMart offer free WiFi in most locations. This is particularly useful because these stores are phenomenally ubiquitous: major city blocks may have multiple locations. The WiFi typically requires accepting terms and conditions and registration. Connection quality varies by location, but it’s sufficient for messaging, navigation, and basic browsing.
Most cafes and many restaurants also offer WiFi, usually with passwords displayed at the counter or provided upon request. Taiwanese cafe culture often embraces laptop users and extended stays, making cafes excellent temporary workspaces. Starbucks and other international chains have reliable WiFi, as do local chains like Louisa Coffee and Cama Café.
Despite the widespread availability of Wi-Fi, most travellers find that purchasing a tourist SIM card or eSIM with data offers far greater convenience. Taiwan’s mobile networks (Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, FarEasTone) offer 4G and 5G coverage that’s reliable even in rural areas and mountainous regions. These are available at airport counters immediately upon arrival.
Communication
Messaging Apps: LINE Dominates
In Taiwan, LINE isn’t merely a popular messaging app: it’s the default communication method. Over 90% of Taiwanese use LINE regularly, making it the equivalent of WhatsApp in Europe or WeChat in China. Tour companies communicate through LINE, restaurants may offer reservation through LINE, and locals you meet will ask for your LINE ID rather than phone number. The app originated in Japan and spread throughout East Asia, establishing dominance before Western alternatives like WhatsApp gained traction. LINE offers messaging, voice/video calls, group chats, and integrated payment services. Its sticker culture - elaborate, often animated emoji sets - forms a distinct communication style you’ll notice immediately in Taiwanese conversations.
As for other messaging apps, younger, internationally-connected Taiwanese may use Instagram DMs, Facebook Messenger, or WhatsApp. WeChat has minimal presence outside interactions with Chinese tourists or businesses. Telegram and Signal exists but remains niche. If coordinating with other Western travellers, these alternatives function fine, but for local interaction, LINE is non-negotiable.
Calling: When Voice Matters
Despite messaging dominance, traditional phone calls remain necessary in specific situations, and understanding when and how to make them prevents communication failures.
If you purchase a local SIM card, domestic calls are inexpensive and typically included in tourist packages or charged minimally. For calling Taiwanese numbers, dial the area code (02 for Taipei, 04 for Taichung, 07 for Kaohsiung, etc.) followed by the number. Mobile numbers begin with 09 and don’t require area codes.
Below are some useful numbers to remember when travelling in Taiwan:
Police: 110 — This connects to police services for crime, accidents requiring police reports (necessary for insurance claims), or situations requiring law enforcement. English-speaking operators are available in major cities, though expect some communication challenges. Police boxes (small police stations) are common in city centres and near tourist areas, marked with red lights. Officers at these stations may have basic English and can help with immediate issues.
Fire and Ambulance: 119 — This single number covers both fire emergencies and medical ambulances. Taiwan’s emergency medical services are efficient and professional. Ambulance transport to hospitals is remarkably affordable (often under NT$1,000) compared to Western countries, though it’s not free. In major cities, some operators speak English; in rural areas, expect Mandarin only. If you’re calling for someone else, having their location precisely identified (using Google Maps coordinates if needed) helps immensely.
Foreigner-specific assistance: The Tourism Bureau’s 24-hour hotline (0800-011-765, toll-free from within Taiwan, or +886-2-2349-1500 from mobile) provides English, Japanese, and Korean assistance for tourists. They can help with translation, connecting you with emergency services, resolving disputes with businesses, or providing information during crises. This number is invaluable when you need help but face language barriers with standard emergency services.
Understanding money and connectivity in Taiwan transforms your experience from reactive problem-solving to confident navigation. You’ll know when to use cash versus cards not from trial and error but from understanding the economic and cultural context. You’ll stay connected not by hunting for WiFi but by choosing appropriate tools before arrival. You’ll communicate through channels Taiwanese actually use rather than hoping your preferred apps work. These aren’t merely practical considerations - they’re the foundation that allows you to focus on what makes Taiwan remarkable rather than struggling with logistical friction.