Easy Card and iPass are two of the most widely used payment platforms in Taiwan. They are also the most widely used payment methods in Taiwanese daily life. It is also very convenient and fast for the public transportation system or convenience stores.
Here comes the question, which one is better for you?
See below for a comparison we have compiled for you!
Scope of use
Service 
MRT ✅ ✅
BUS
✅ ✅
Taiwan Railway / High Speed Railway ✅ ✅
Bike ✅
(Only for people who have Taiwan ID)✅
(Only for people who have Taiwan ID)
Ferry ✅
(Taipei, Kaohsiung, Kinmen, Lienchiang)✅
(Taipei, Kaohsiung, Kinmen)
Taxi ✅
(Only available for some Taxi companies)✅
(Only available for some Taxi companies)
Parking ✅
(Only available for some Park)✅
(Only available for some Park)
Convenience stores / Super Market
✅
(7-Eleven, FamilyMart, OK, Hi-Life, SimpleMart, PxMart, Wellcome, Jason, Save & Save, RT-Mart, Carrefour, )✅
(7-Eleven, FamilyMart, OK, Hi-Life, SimpleMart, 台糖蜜鄰, PxMart, Dollars, Show Ba, )
Shop ✅
Press Me to see more.✅
Press Me to see more.
Restaurant ✅
Press Me to see more.✅
Press Me to see more.
Leisure & Entertainment ✅
Press Me to see more.✅
Press Me to see more.
Medical institute ✅
Press Me to see more.✅
Press Me to see more.
Where to get？
EasyCard
You can buy it at convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, OK Mart), foreigners please choose Adult card, the Adult card is NTD.100 , some special or commemorative cards are more expensive, but please check with the convenience store staff if the card is suitable for foreigners.
iPass
Please select a standard card.
- Convenient Stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, OK Mart)
- MRT stations.
How to top up?
EasyCard
| Add Value Service Providers | Value recharged each time |
|---|---|
| 1. The information center of each station at the Taipei Metro 2. The information center of each station at the Taoyuan Metro 3. Convenience stores with the EasyCard mark on the doors (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, OK Mart, and I-MEI Foods) throughout Taiwan 4. EasyCard customer service center | Unlimited |
| The information center of each station at the Kaohsiung Metro | NTD.100 or its multiples |
| 1. Add-value machines at each station at the Taipei Metro and some car parks 2. Ticket vending machines/Add-value machines at each station at the Taoyuan Metro | NTD.100 or its multiples |
| Single journey ticket vending machines on the EasyCard add-value platform at the Taipei Metro Add Value/ Automatic Ticket Issue Machine | Unlimited |
| Ticket vending machines/Add-value machines at Kuo Kuang Bus stations (at the East Gate of Taipei Main Station, Nangang Transfer Station, Taoyuan Airport Terminal 1, and Taoyuan Airport Terminal 2) | NTD.100 or its multiples |
iPass
| Add Value Service Providers | Value recharged each time |
|---|---|
| 1. Ticket vending machines/Add-value machines at each station at the Taipei Metro 2. Ticket vending machines/Add-value machines at each station at the Taoyuan Metro 3. Ticket vending machines/Add-value machines at each station at the Kaohsiung Metro | Unlimite |
| 1. Convenience stores with the EasyCard mark on the doors (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, OK Mart, and SimpleMart) throughout Taiwan 2. Supermarket : PxMart | NT$100 or its multiples |
| iPass customer service center | NT$100 or its multiples |
How to use？
Cardholders are required to pass the card over the card sensor area on fare gates both entering and exiting the MRT stations/Bus, with fares deducted from the card.
Fees can be deducted from the card when the cardholder passes the card over the card sensor area on the reader.
For non-reserved seat tickets, cardholders are required to pass the card over the card sensor area on fare gates both entering and exiting the stations, with fares deducted from the card.
How to get refund ?
EasyCard
You can get refund at EastCard service centers and Taipei MRT stations. If the card has not been used for more than three months and more than 5 transactions, an additional handling fee of NTD.20 will be charged, and the card after the refund will be invalid and cannot be used again. Therefore, it is recommended to add a small amount each time. If there is still a balance, keep the card and use it next time you come to Taiwan. More info.
*The balance in the card must be less than NTD.3,000 to be refunded on-site.
iPass
iPass can be refunded at Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung service centers and Kaohsiung MRT stations. If the card has not been used for more than three months and more than 5 transactions, an additional handling fee of NTD.20 will be charged, and the card after the refund will be invalid and cannot be used again. Therefore, it is recommended to add a small amount each time. If there is still a balance, keep the card and use it next time you come to Taiwan. More info.
*The balance in the card must be less than NTD.5,000 to be refunded on-site.
The Difference
- EasyCard can’t be refunded at Kaohsiung MRT stations ; iPass can’t be refunded at Taipei MRT stations.
- EasyCard can’t be topped up at information center of each station at the Kaohsiung MRT but Add-value machines ; iPass can’t be topped up at information center of each station at the Taipei MRT but Add-value machines.