Taiwan is an ultra-connected destination where mobile payments reign supreme, yet where the Taiwan dollar (TWD) in cash and the EasyCard remain essential in everyday life. Here's how to prepare your budget from Paris.
The Taiwan dollar (TWD): what you need to know
The official currency of Taiwan is the New Taiwan dollar, often written TWD or NT$ (the NT prefix standing for "New Taiwan"). Banknotes circulate in denominations of 100, 200, 500, 1,000 and 2,000 NT$, while coins range from 1 to 50 NT$. As a guide, a coffee, a metro ride or a meal at a night market are frequently paid for with small notes, which makes cash very convenient.
The TWD is a currency managed in a relatively stable manner by Taiwan's central bank, but its rate against the euro fluctuates daily according to the markets. For this reason, we never publish a fixed rate in our guides: the right reflex is to check the day's rate before you leave.
A less common currency that's best to anticipate
Unlike the US dollar or the pound sterling, the Taiwan dollar is one of the less common currencies in Europe. The banknotes are not always instantly available in large quantities. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, we strongly recommend that you reserve your TWD online in advance to guarantee the availability of the denominations you want on the day of your pickup.
Taiwan, a digital society… but cash remains useful
Taiwan ranks among the most digitalised societies in Asia: contactless payments, apps, QR codes and ATMs are everywhere in major cities such as Taipei, Kaohsiung and Tainan. Even so, the ground offers a few particularities worth knowing.
- Night markets and small shops: these iconic night markets (Shilin, Raohe, Liuhe) operate very largely in cash. Having small notes saves you many awkward situations.
- Temples, taxis and rural areas: away from city centres and towards mountain sites or the east coast, bank cards are less widely accepted.
- ATMs: there are plenty, particularly in the round-the-clock 7-Eleven and FamilyMart convenience stores. Not all of them accept foreign cards, and withdrawal fees as well as a conversion rate often apply.
The EasyCard, the traveller's essential
The EasyCard (悠遊卡) is a rechargeable transport card you can pick up as soon as you arrive, in metro stations and convenience stores. It works for the metro (MRT), buses, certain regional trains and YouBike self-service bikes, and even lets you pay for small purchases at convenience stores. You top it up with cash: having a few TWD notes on hand right from the airport therefore makes getting around immediately easier. It's the ideal companion for a seamless stay in Taipei.
Our practical tips for managing your money in Taiwan
- Prepare your cash budget from Paris for your first expenses: transport, EasyCard, street food and any tips.
- Favour small notes (100 and 500 NT$) for markets and neighbourhood shops.
- Keep a bank card for hotels, department stores and major purchases, but don't count on it everywhere.
- Bear in mind customs regulations: any transport of cash equal to or above €10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared upon entering and leaving the European Union.
By gathering your currency before departure, you arrive relaxed and focused on what matters: Taiwanese cuisine, the landscapes and the island's warm welcome. Discover all of our available currencies to prepare for this trip and your next destinations.
Exchanging your euros for TWD at Paris Change
Paris Change is a bureau de change approved by the ACPR (Banque de France), a guarantee of seriousness and compliance. Our single shop is located at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel, 75005 Paris (Saint-Michel metro, line 4, RER B and C), in the heart of the Latin Quarter. We offer more than 53 currencies, commission-free, and we are open 7 days a week (Monday to Saturday from 9am to 8pm, Sunday from 10am to 7:30pm). You can reserve your Taiwan dollars online, then come and collect them in store at a time that suits you.
Frequently asked questions
Should you reserve your Taiwan dollars in advance?
Yes, it's strongly advised. As the TWD is a less common currency, reserving online guarantees the availability of the banknotes and denominations you need on the day you collect them in store.
Is cash really necessary in Taiwan?
Yes. Even though Taiwan is highly digitalised, night markets, taxis, small shops and topping up the EasyCard all run on cash. A few TWD notes remain essential in everyday life.
What is the euro / Taiwan dollar exchange rate?
The rate varies daily according to the markets: it is an indicative counter rate. Check the day's rate before your visit or when you reserve online.
Ready to go? Reserve your Taiwan dollars online today and come and collect them at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel, 7 days a week and commission-free. Have a great trip to Taiwan!
