Realistic Guide for Taiwan Travel Currency Exchange, Taipei 3-Day Itinerary, and Budget Overview
If you’re planning a trip to Taiwan, the first question that comes to mind is: how much, where, and how to exchange currency? This article-style guide focuses on Taiwan travel currency exchange and provides a 3-day Taipei itinerary, transportation guide, accommodation tips, and daily budget insights that you can follow immediately. We won’t just list exchange rates. We’ll guide you through every moment, from entering the city from the airport to pulling out your wallet in front of a night market cashier or going up the stairs in Jiufen, saying ‘this is how you do it.’
This article covers the following precisely:
- Taiwan travel currency exchange strategy (Korea vs. Taiwan/cash vs. card/ATM withdrawal)
- 3-day Taipei itinerary (Ximending–Longshan Temple–Jiufen·Shifen–Tamsui·Beitou) and transportation
- How to use the EasyCard, average prices for tickets, admission, and food
- Pros and cons of accommodation areas and approximate accommodation cost ranges
- How to budget and a collection of reservation and discount links
Preparation Before Traveling
Getting a big picture of Taiwan travel currency exchange before you leave makes things much easier. The most practical method is a ‘cash + card + ATM withdrawal’ diversified strategy. Cash is still convenient for night markets, small shops, and cash-only bus routes, while cards are widely accepted in transportation, cafes, and chain stores. Although major cities in Taiwan widely accept international credit/debit card payments, small transactions might be refused due to card processing fees, so some cash is necessary.
Before departing, it’s helpful to pack the following essentials: passport, portable charger (for local maps and payment apps), a multi-adapter (Taiwan commonly uses A/B type outlets), a waterproof zip bag (for sudden rain during the Shifen sky lantern experience), and a slim waist wallet (perfect for the crowded night market environment). Feel free to check these items in advance via the link below.
The Key Points of Taiwan Travel Currency Exchange can be summarized into three:
- Local Airport Exchange: Airport bank counters offer good accessibility and generally fair rates close to the posted rates.
- Advance Exchange in Korea: Pre-reserved exchanges at major banks offer good rates, making it beneficial to prepare some cash beforehand.
- Overseas ATM Withdrawal: International ATM withdrawals are relatively favorable but you should account for both card company/domestic bank overseas withdrawal fees and local ATM additional fees.
Exchange Rate Note: For budget calculation convenience, we’ll assume 1 TWD ≈ 45 KRW (please check the actual rate before your trip). Use this assumption purely for getting a sense of the amount when planning your Taiwan travel currency exchange.
Tip
Before departing, check alerts for international card use, limits for overseas use, and if magnetic stripe usage is allowed. It’s especially safe to verify your account’s PIN, limits, and fees if you plan to use overseas ATM withdrawals.
Transportation
Most travelers use Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) to enter Taipei (Songshan Airport (TSA) is also an option with its proximity to the city). The price of flights can vary significantly depending on the season and departure day, so it’s advantageous to set up search alerts as soon as your dates are fixed.
On arrival at the airport, currency exchange can be done at the bank counters on the arrival floor. Present your passport and request the amount needed, and you can check the actual amount received on the receipt. Starting your Taiwan travel currency exchange at the airport is smooth, and you can opt to exchange more at banks or post offices after reaching the city.
Airport Transfer
The Airport MRT is the most convenient way to get from Taoyuan Airport to downtown Taipei. A regular train ride to Taipei Main Station costs around TWD 150, and the trip takes about 35–45 minutes. If you have a large group or lots of luggage, booking an airport pickup vehicle can save you time.
Tip
Purchasing an EasyCard right at the airport and charging it makes city travel more manageable. The card purchase costs around TWD 100, and recharging is available at stations and convenience stores. Allocating some cash from your Taiwan travel currency exchange to the EasyCard allows for easy transport fare payments.
Note
Avoid unofficial taxis promoted at the airport; opt for the official taxi stand or a pre-booked pickup service. During nighttime or peak hours, taxi fares to downtown usually range from TWD 1,000 to TWD 1,200.
Day 1: Ximending
Let’s start the first day smoothly with Ximending–Longshan Temple–Huaxi Street Night Market. Take the MRT Blue Line (Bannan Line) to Ximen Station. It’s a pedestrian-only area filled with clothing and goods shops and street food stalls. Here’s a basic budget guide:
- Bubble Tea: TWD 50–70 (approx. KRW 2,250–3,150)
- Jipai (Taiwanese-style chicken cutlet): TWD 70–100 (approx. KRW 3,150–4,500)
- Basic MRT fare: starts from mid-to-late TWD 20s
If you exchanged currency only at the airport, you should have enough cash for the first day. While many franchises accept card payments, night markets and street stalls have a distinct preference for cash.
Recommendation
The alleys around the Ximen Red House are filled with independent designer shops and small cafes. If the busy main street feels overwhelming, take a slow walk and shop inside the alleys.
Longshan Temple
Longshan Temple is one of the oldest temples in Taipei, serving as a spiritual center since the 18th century. The ornate dragon sculptures, roof decorations, and locals making wishes in front of incense burners leave a strong impression. There’s no admission fee. It’s a short walk from Longshan Temple Station on the MRT, with many traditional herbalists and local eateries nearby.
Please avoid revealing clothing at the temple and be considerate when photographing worshippers. This can also be a unique local experience: placing a small amount in the donation box and making a wish is a good way to understand Taiwanese culture.
Huaxi Street Night Market
Head to Huaxi Street Night Market near Longshan Temple for dinner. Enjoy a variety of local snacks such as peanut ice cream, grilled squid, and oyster omelet. A simple tasting for one person can be covered with TWD 200–300 (approx. KRW 9,000–13,500). Most payment is in cash, so ensure you have small bills (100, 50, 20 TWD) from your Taiwan travel currency exchange to avoid change mishaps.
Note
The night market can get crowded. Wear your bag on the front and keep your phone in your bag instead of your back pocket. It’s a good habit to immediately verify the number of bills and coins during transactions.
Day 2: Jiufen
On the second day, embark on a small-town journey to the northeastern mountain towns of Jiufen and Shifen. Jiufen is a former gold mining village known for its alley, stairway sceneries, and teahouse culture. Although often mentioned as an inspiration for animation, it’s not an official filming location. Generally, you reach it by taking the Taipei–Ruifang TRA train (about TWD 50–80), followed by a bus/taxi transfer. The bus is inexpensive, around TWD 15, but waiting times can be long on weekends.
- A-MEI Tea House: tea experience, approximately TWD 200–300 per set
- Jiufen Peanut Ice Cream Fuzhu Juan Bing: TWD 50–60
- Souvenir snacks like Pineapple Cake: TWD 150–300
Many shops in the Jiufen alleys prefer cash, so the cash from your Taiwan travel currency exchange will be handy. With many stairs, comfortable shoes are recommended.
Shifen
In Shifen, you can partake in the sky lantern experience in the railway village. Prices range around TWD 150–200 depending on the color and message surfaces. Cash payment is standard. Sky lantern launches are regulated by safety staff, so follow the guidance accordingly.
Note
Be cautious of slippery paths when it’s raining. Materials and retrieval of lanterns adhere to local regulations, and designated areas for the lantern experience must be followed. Flame management is key.
Estimating total daily costs, including transportation, snacks, and experiences at approximately TWD 700–1,200 (approx. KRW 31,500–54,000) per person should cover most activities. If you wish to minimize Taiwan travel currency exchange, find a balance between card and cash usage to reduce financial burdens.
Local tours or shuttles can reduce waiting time and transfer stress. Especially for Jiufen–Shifen connected day tours, clearly defined pickup locations simplify itinerary management.
Day 3: Tamsui
On the third day, take the MRT Red Line to Tamsui. Points of interest include walking through the old town, the fish market’s snacks, and riverside sunsets. Try fishcake skewers, A-Gei (tofu stuffed with glass noodles), and Aiyu jelly at Tamsui Old Street. Taking a ferry across to Bali lets you enjoy the fishing village’s night view. Ferry fares are around TWD 60 one way, usable with cash or transportation cards, so check your EasyCard balance.
Most key churches and historical sites in Tamsui charge small admission fees or are free. Here, the small-denomination bills from your Taiwan travel currency exchange are also handy. As the temperature can drop after sunset, bring a light outer garment.
Beitou
Beitou, known for hot springs, is just a short branch line ride on the Tamsui Line. The geothermal valley’s sulfur steam, hot spring museum, and public hot springs make up enough for a half-day itinerary. Public baths generally cost TWD 50–150 per adult, and many require swimsuits and swimming caps.
Tip
Before visiting the hot springs, pack towels and a change of clothes. Public baths provide lockers and may require coins, so keep TWD 10 and 50 coins handy from your Taiwan travel currency exchange.
EasyCard and Transportation
The EasyCard is a prepaid transport card widely usable on MRT, buses, convenience stores, and vending machines. The purchase cost is around TWD 100, and upon refund, fees may vary based on the card’s condition and duration, so short-term travelers often spend remaining value on snacks or items from convenience stores. An MRT day pass (around TWD 150) is worth considering on high-mobility days.
Post Taiwan travel currency exchange, preloading TWD 300-500 onto a transport card will cover basic travel for 2-3 days. Recharge is available at station counters, automatic machines, and convenience stores, with minimum recharge limits.
Detailed Strategies for Taiwan Travel Currency Exchange
- Advance Exchange in Korea: Prepare primarily small-denomination TWD with favorable bank pre-reservations for night market and bus usage.
- First Exchange at Airport: Useful for late-night arrivals and ATM withdrawal insecurity. Service counters are evenly spread across terminals.
- ATM Withdrawal: Verify international networks (Cirrus/Plus, etc.) and withdraw internationally. Check both card and bank fee conditions.
- Card Payments: Widely accepted in public transport, chains, and accommodation. Some stall vendors or cafes prefer cash only.
Note
Local currency (TWD) amounts exceeding 100,000 TWD upon entry must be declared. Carrying excessive cash increases theft and loss risk, so distribute your Taiwan travel currency exchange funds according to your trip days and consumption habits, using hotel safes as needed.
Local Experience and Booking Tips
In Taipei, Maokong Gondola, National Palace Museum, night market food tours, and day tours to nearby sites such as Yeliu Geopark, Shifen, and Jiufen are popular. Popular time slots often sell out quickly, so book promptly once your plans are set.
When saving cash from Taiwan travel currency exchange is crucial, using mobile vouchers to prepay by card and presenting vouchers on-site can help manage your budget effectively.
Budget and Handy Tips
Here’s a daily budget example (Taipei, per person) assuming 1 TWD ≈ 45 KRW:
- Food: TWD 400–700 (approx. KRW 18,000–31,500) – light breakfast, local lunch, night market dinner
- Transportation: TWD 150–300 (approx. KRW 6,750–13,500) – MRT, buses, small recharges
- Sightseeing/Experiences: TWD 0–300 (approx. KRW 0–13,500) – Free temples/parks, optional experiences
- Cafe/Dessert: TWD 100–250 (approx. KRW 4,500–11,250)
For a 3-day Taiwan travel currency exchange total, estimate TWD 3,000–5,000 (approx. KRW 135,000–225,000) per person, adjusting according to your shopping and experience preferences. Accommodation costs are not included in this total.
Check This Month’s Klook Discount Codes
Local experiences and travel passes can differ significantly depending on whether a discount code is applied. To reduce sightseeing costs without much Taiwan travel currency exchange, always check promotions first.
Check MyRealTrip Discount Codes
Widen your payment options with domestic payments, saving travel currency exchange while securing reservations.
Tip
Start with a 60:40 or 70:30 cash-to-card ratio, and reassess the balance after the second day’s evening based on remaining cash and card usage. Instead of carrying all your Taiwan travel currency exchange funds initially, store the second day’s share separately in a hotel safe.
Accommodation
Accommodation choices depend on what you prioritize: convenience, budget, or night routes.
- Taipei Main Station Area: Transport hub. Easy access to Jiufen and Shifen. Business-class hotels with breakfast usually cost around KRW 80,000–150,000 per night.
- Ximending: Nightlife center. Short shopping and snack routes. Mid-range hotels are about KRW 90,000–160,000 per night.
- Zhongshan/Nanjing Fuxing: Quiet, cafe-filled. Walking distance is comfortable, and airport MRT transfers are easy.
- Beitou: Focuses on hot spring hotels. Check packages that include hot spring use fees.
Identical dates often show price changes. Once your schedule is fixed, book early bird deals, and if it’s a free cancellation product, compare final costs 1–2 weeks before departure. Saving on accommodation through Taiwan travel currency exchange allows more generous allocations to food and experiences.
Taiwan Travel Currency Exchange Checklist
- Cash: Carry less than 10,000 TWD divided by days (withdraw/exchange more if needed).
- Card: At least two cards capable of overseas payment/withdrawal (different brands), stored separately.
- ATM: Identify bank ATMs in airports, main stations, and convenience stores, and check fee conditions.
- EasyCard: Buy on-site at airports/stations, first charge TWD 300–500.
- Receipts: Scan and store exchange/withdrawal receipts in case of loss.
Tips for Using Taiwanese Currency
The typical denominations are bills of 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000 TWD, and coins of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 TWD (200, 2,000 TWD notes are less frequently circulated). For change, TWD 50 coins and TWD 100 bills are commonly exchanged. When planning Taiwan travel currency exchange, mix 100 and 500 TWD bills rather than exclusively high-denomination 1,000 TWD notes.
Note
Avoid isolated ATMs late at night; recommended are those inside banks or stations. After withdrawal, immediately verify the note count and card, and remain aware of your surroundings.
Quick Course Summary
- Day 1: Airport → Taipei Main Station (Airport MRT) → Ximending (Shopping & Snacks) → Longshan Temple (Free) → Huaxi Street Night Market (Cash Focused)
- Day 2: Taipei → Ruifang (Train) → Jiufen (Bus/Taxi) → Shifen (Sky Lantern Experience) → Return to Taipei
- Day 3: Tamsui (Riverside Walk & Ferry) → Beitou (Hot Springs) → Return to City
In each section, focus your Taiwan travel currency exchange cash on night markets, buses, lanterns, and small-scale shop payments, while online prepayments or cards are best for transport passes, entrance tickets, and tours.
Wrapping Up: Final Checkout Steps
By organizing necessities, currency/card checks, and reservations beforehand, you’ll significantly minimize contemplation time at payment spots during your trip. Below are links to each necessary item. Consider pre-booking to suit the situation. Feel free to check the links below.
- Essential Checklist: Prepare Travel Essentials
- Compare Flights: Book the Cheapest Flights
- Airport–City Transfers: Book Airport Pickup
- Local Tours & Entry Tickets: Book Travel Activities
- Additional Monthly Discounts: Check This Month’s Klook Discount Codes
- Hotel Price Comparison: Compare and Book Hotel Prices
- Domestic Payment Discounts: Check MyRealTrip Discount Codes
Though Taiwan travel currency exchange may seem complex, balancing cash, cards, and ATMs ensures a harmonious blend of budget, security, and convenience. Finalize your necessary bookings early and lightly review preparations the day before departure. That way, from the first morning in Taipei, you’ll have the leisure to step out of your accommodation confidently. Have a safe and enjoyable journey.