Here’s your travel guide section for Deep China Travel:
Opening Paragraph (Answering the Question):
Absolutely, you can use your credit card widely across Taipei, and it’s often incredibly convenient! Major international cards like Visa and Mastercard are readily accepted in the vast majority of hotels, larger restaurants (both sit-down and chains), department stores (think Taipei 101 Mall, SOGO, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi), convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart), supermarkets, and attractions. Taipei is a modern city, and card payments are the norm in these places. So, for your main expenses – accommodation, nice meals, shopping, and tickets – your plastic friend is your perfect travel companion.
Follow-up Paragraph (Expanding on Coverage & Caveats):
That said, don’t completely ditch the New Taiwan Dollars (NTD)! While card acceptance is excellent, Taipei still has a vibrant cash culture in specific, often fantastic, experiences. Smaller, traditional eateries (especially noodle shops or local breakfast spots), bustling night markets (hello, Shilin and Raohe!), street vendors selling amazing snacks, very small local shops, traditional temples (for donations or small purchases), many taxis (though ride-hailing apps like Uber work well with cards), and topping up your indispensable EasyCard for public transport usually require cash. Think of it this way: the bigger and more international the establishment, the safer bet your card is; the smaller, older, or more traditional the spot, the more likely cash rules.
What Kinds of Credit Cards Work Best in Taipei?
Stick primarily with Visa and Mastercard. These networks have near-universal acceptance wherever cards are taken in Taipei. American Express (Amex) and Discover are accepted in many major hotels, international chain restaurants, and high-end stores, especially around tourist hubs like Xinyi District or Zhongshan. However, don’t rely on them exclusively at smaller local businesses, even if they display card signs, as the terminal might only accept Visa/MC. Diners Club acceptance is quite limited. Always carry a backup Visa or Mastercard just in case.
Where in Taipei Might I Definitely Need Cash?
This is crucial for truly experiencing local flavor! While your card handles the big-ticket items, your wallet needs NTD for these essential Taipei experiences:
- Night Markets (Shilin, Raohe, Ningxia, etc.): The heart of Taipei street food! Stinky tofu, oyster omelets, bubble tea, grilled meats – it’s almost exclusively cash-only.
- Small Local Eateries & Street Food Stalls: Hole-in-the-wall noodle joints, breakfast places serving dan bing (scallion pancakes), and most bubble tea carts demand cash.
- Traditional Markets (e.g., Dihua Street): While some larger dry goods shops might take cards, most stalls selling snacks, herbs, or small souvenirs operate on cash.
- Temples: For incense, offerings, or small donation boxes.
- Many Taxis: Though increasing, many cabs still prefer cash. Ride-hailing apps (Uber) linked to your card are a reliable alternative.
- EasyCard Top-ups: You must use cash to add value to your EasyCard at convenience stores or MRT station machines. You can pay for the card itself with a credit card at airport MRT stations or tourist service centers.
Where Cash is King in Taipei
| Location Type | Examples in Taipei | Why Cash is Usually Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Night Markets | Shilin, Raohe, Ningxia, Tonghua | Fast-paced, small vendor stalls, low-cost items |
| Small Local Eateries | Noodle shops, breakfast diners | Low overhead, traditional operations |
| Street Food Stalls | Bubble tea carts, scallion pancake | Mobile vendors, simple transactions |
| Traditional Markets | Dihua Street (snack sections) | Small independent stalls, bargaining common |
| Temples | Longshan Temple, Baoan Temple | Offerings, small ritual items, donations |
| Many Taxis | Street-hailed cabs | Older systems, driver preference |
| EasyCard Top-Ups | Machines in MRT stations, 7-Eleven | System limitation for adding value |
Can I Use My Credit Card for Taipei’s Amazing Public Transport?
Here’s the scoop: **You cannot directly swipe your Visa
