Taipei - Post Report Question and Answers
Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
NO. It's a cash society, even at Costco! You need to make sure you have enough cash on you when you go out to eat or go shopping. Some places that accept cards will only accept one local bank card. You can also pay with some things via LINE Pay or your EasyCard. - Apr 2023
Most large stores/restaurants accept credit cards, however it is still a cash-based society. ATMs are common and safe to use. In general, Taiwan is very safe and you can leave your phone or wallet in a taxi and expect to get it back. - Jul 2020
Credit cards are accepted at most malls and larger restaurants, but Taiwan is still largely a cash economy. ATMs are common and usually quite safe, though I have recently had two friends have their cards compromised. We use ATMs at least weekly and have never had a problem. - Dec 2018
No problem using credit cards, and ATMs are everywhere. Not all ATMs will take foreign cards though, but opening an account at a local bank is easy. - Jul 2018
Taiwan is largely a cash economy, but nicer restaurants and cafes take credit. I have had no issues with security. ATMs are also plentiful and appear safe. - Mar 2017
ATMS are available and safe to use. They are a bit confusing so sometimes I have to walk from corner to corner to find one that will take my card on that particular day. In major stores and restaurants they accept credit cards. - Nov 2016
We used to use our credit card almost exclusively to rack up United miles. Some smaller places don't take credit cards, but most places do. Some restaurants and taxis even take the easy card, which one uses to travel on the subway and buses. And to pay at some parking lots. - Sep 2015
There are ATMs around the city and you can use credit cards at most large stores. Cash is required for smaller shops and the markets. - Aug 2015
Totally safe. - Apr 2015
This is a cash culture, but ATMs are abundant and safe. - Sep 2013
Very safe. I've never even heard of anyone having an issue. - Jul 2013
Credit cards can be used in many larger restaurants, gas stations, and malls. But most purchases are done with cash. ATMs are readily available at 7-Elevens,, which are on almost every street. - May 2013
They have the machines everywhere, but we choose not to use them. - May 2012
Most small stores and restaurants are cash only, but there are ATMs at every 7-11 (which means every corner - sometimes 2 or 3 on a corner). - Jun 2009
