How to Use EasyCard, iPASS, and YouBike? An Introduction to Transportation Cards and Bicycle Rentals in Taiwan

One of the first things you need to prepare when you first come to live in Taiwan is a transportation card. Whether you're taking the MRT, bus, train, or buying things at convenience stores, EasyCard and iPASS are very commonly used. If you want to ride a YouBike, you usually need to register as a member first, then link your transportation card or use the app to rent a bike. For international students, new residents, or those who have just come to work in Taiwan, these things might seem a bit complicated at first, but they can actually be divided into three main tasks: buying a card, topping up, and linking to YouBike. What's the difference between EasyCard and iPASS? EasyCard and iPASS are both common electronic stored-value cards in Taiwan. They can be used for public transportation and for small payments at convenience stores or some other shops. Simply put, if you live in the north, you might hear more about EasyCard; if you live in the south, you might hear more about iPASS. However, both cards are now widely accepted, and many forms of transportation and shops can be used with them. If you're just using them for daily commutes, shopping, or riding YouBike, choosing one to start with is sufficient; there's no need to buy both at the beginning. Where can I buy them? EasyCards and iPASSes can usually be purchased at convenience stores, MRT station service counters, or some transportation hubs. Common convenience stores include 7-ELEVEN, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, and OK Mart. When buying a card, pay attention: some cards are blank and have no stored value; some novelty cards are more expensive and may not include usable stored value. Before buying, you can directly ask the clerk: "Does this card have money in it? Or do I need to top it up separately?" If you are only visiting Taiwan for a short period, a regular card is enough. If you plan to live in Taiwan long-term, you might consider registering the card (記名). After registration, if the card is lost, there's a better chance of reporting it lost or handling the remaining balance. How to top up? Topping up is simple. You can top up at convenience stores, MRT station top-up machines, MRT station service counters, or through some apps and devices. The most basic method is to go to a convenience store, hand the card and cash to the clerk, and say: "I want to top up." For example, you can top up NT$100 or NT$500. It's best to check your balance before taking a ride. Especially when taking buses, trains, or riding YouBike, if your balance is insufficient, you might not be able to enter the station, rent a bike, or you may be charged the difference later. How to get a student EasyCard? If you are a student studying in Taiwan, you can check if you are eligible for a student card. Student EasyCards usually require valid student status, and you may need to show your student ID when purchasing or applying. Some schools also directly integrate student IDs into EasyCards or iPASSes, which typically function as both student IDs and transportation cards. It's important to note that having a student card doesn't mean you get student discounts on all transportation. Discounts may vary by city, type of transportation, and subsidy policies. The safest approach is to ask your school's International Affairs Office or Student Affairs Office, or directly check the announcements from the card companies and local transportation authorities. If your school student ID itself is an EasyCard or iPASS, pay special attention when returning the card or seeking a refund. Don't just discard or cut it up; first, confirm the regulations of your school and the card company. What to note about returning cards and refunds? If you are leaving Taiwan or no longer wish to use your EasyCard or iPASS, you can apply for a card return or refund. However, be aware that once a card is returned, it usually cannot be used again. For some cards, such as special edition cards, co-branded cards, or student ID cards, the refund process might differ from regular cards. Before proceeding, it's best to do three things: confirm if the card is still usable, check the remaining balance, and find out where to process the refund. If the balance is high, you might not be able to receive cash on the spot and may need to follow the card company's regulations for alternative refund methods. If it's a student ID EasyCard or iPASS issued by your school, don't treat it as just a regular card. Since it might be linked to your student status, campus access, library, or other school systems, it's best to ask your school first. How to register for YouBike 2.0? To ride YouBike 2.0, you usually need to register as a member first. You can register through the official YouBike app or website. Registration requires a mobile phone number to receive a verification code, and you'll follow the system's instructions to create an account. After completion, you can link your EasyCard or iPASS, or rent a bike using the methods provided in the app. If you are a foreigner, the most common issue is the mobile phone number. Since registration usually requires receiving an SMS verification, having a Taiwanese mobile number first will be more convenient. How to rent a YouBike with a transportation card? After completing member registration and linking your transportation card, you can go to a YouBike station to rent a bike. The general process is: go to the station, find an available bike, follow the instructions on the bike rack or app, and tap your linked EasyCard or iPASS to rent the bike. When returning the bike, park it at a YouBike station and confirm that the bike rack or system shows a successful return. Successful return is crucial. Don't just push the bike in and leave; make sure it's successfully locked and the return is completed. Otherwise, the system may continue to charge you. If you encounter issues like a full station, a faulty bike, inability to return the bike, or billing problems, you can use the YouBike app to check station information or contact customer service. Be safe when using YouBike YouBike is convenient, but it's not a toy. Before riding, you can check the brakes, tires, seat height, and bell. While riding, obey traffic rules: don't ride against traffic, don't run red lights, and don't ride on sidewalks, which can endanger pedestrians. Many cities in Taiwan have a lot of scooters, and road conditions can be more complex than you might expect. If you are unfamiliar with the traffic environment, it's recommended to start with riverside bike paths, areas around parks, or routes with less traffic, rather than immediately riding on main roads. Recommendations for newcomers to Taiwan? If you've just arrived in Taiwan, you can follow this order: First, buy an EasyCard or iPASS. Top it up at a convenience store or MRT station. If you are a student, check if your school offers a student ID transportation card. Once you have a Taiwanese mobile number, register for a YouBike membership. After registration, link your transportation card and try riding on familiar routes first. There's no need to understand all the functions right away. First, learn how to take public transport, top up, and check your balance, then gradually use YouBike, monthly passes, or other features. In Taiwan, your transportation card will become a tool you use every day. Once you buy a card, learn how to top it up, and link it to YouBike, getting around will be much more convenient.