What Mobile Payment Options Are Available in Taiwan?

Taiwan has rapidly adopted mobile payments over the past few years. While cash is still widely used — especially at traditional markets and small shops — most convenience stores, chain restaurants, and larger retailers now accept at least one form of mobile payment.

Here's an overview of the major platforms:

Key takeaway: Most foreigners in Taiwan end up using LINE Pay as their primary mobile payment (because everyone uses LINE anyway), JKo Pay for night markets and small shops, and Apple Pay or Google Pay for contactless tap-to-pay at larger stores.

LINE Pay

LINE Pay is the most popular mobile payment platform in Taiwan, largely because LINE is the dominant messaging app — virtually everyone in Taiwan uses it.

How to set up LINE Pay

1. Open LINE app → tap the "Wallet" tab at the bottom
2. Tap "LINE Pay" → follow the registration prompts
3. Verify your identity with your Taiwan phone number
4. Link a bank account — you'll need a Taiwan bank account (CTBC, E.Sun, Cathay, and most major banks are supported)
5. Set a payment PIN or enable biometric authentication (fingerprint/face)

Linking your bank account

To add funds or pay directly from your bank:

• Go to LINE Pay → Settings → Bank Accounts
• Select your bank from the list
• Enter your bank account number and verify via SMS
• Some banks require you to also authorize the link through their own banking app

Note for foreigners: You need a Taiwan bank account to use LINE Pay. Foreign credit cards are not supported for linking. If you haven't opened a bank account yet, see our bank account guide.

Where to use LINE Pay

• Convenience stores: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, OK Mart — all accept LINE Pay
• Restaurants: Most chain restaurants and an increasing number of independent restaurants
• Night markets: Many vendors now display LINE Pay QR codes, though cash is still more universal
• Online shopping: PChome, momo, Shopee, and many other e-commerce platforms
• Transportation: Some taxi apps, YouBike (Taipei bike-sharing)
• Bill payments: Utility bills, phone bills, and some government fees

LINE Pay cashback and rewards

LINE Pay regularly offers cashback promotions:

• LINE POINTS: Earn 0.5-3% back on purchases (varies by promotion period)
• LINE Pay card: A co-branded credit card (with specific banks) offering higher rewards — typically 2-3% cashback
• Seasonal campaigns: LINE frequently runs limited-time promotions with higher cashback rates during holidays and shopping festivals
• LINE POINTS can be used as payment at participating stores (1 point = NT$1)

Tip: Check the LINE Pay homepage regularly for ongoing promotions. Cashback rates change frequently.

JKo Pay (街口支付)

JKo Pay has the widest merchant acceptance in Taiwan, especially among small businesses, night market vendors, and local restaurants. If you can only set up one QR-code payment app, this is arguably the most useful one.

Why JKo Pay is so popular

• Lowest merchant fees: JKo charges merchants very low transaction fees, so even tiny shops and night market stalls accept it
• QR code simplicity: Vendors just print a QR code — no special hardware needed
• Night market coverage: JKo has the best coverage at night markets across Taiwan

How to set up JKo Pay

1. Download the JKo Pay app (街口支付) from the App Store or Google Play
2. Register with your Taiwan phone number
3. Verify your identity — you'll need your ARC number and a photo of your ARC
4. Link a bank account for funding (supports most major Taiwan banks)
5. Set a payment PIN and enable biometric login

How to pay with JKo Pay

• Scan to pay: Open the app → tap "Pay" → scan the merchant's QR code → enter the amount → confirm
• Show to pay: Some merchants scan your barcode instead — open the app → tap "Pay" → show your barcode to the cashier
• Online payment: Select JKo Pay at checkout on supported websites

JKo Pay rewards

• JKo Coins: Earn rewards on purchases (rate varies by promotion)
• Partner promotions: Regular discounts with specific merchants
• Referral bonuses: Earn coins when friends sign up using your referral code

Apple Pay & Google Pay

If you prefer tap-to-pay (NFC contactless payments) over scanning QR codes, Apple Pay and Google Pay are your best options. They work exactly as they do in other countries.

Setting up Apple Pay in Taiwan

1. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone
2. Tap "+" to add a card
3. Add a Taiwan-issued bank card (credit or debit) — major banks like CTBC, E.Sun, Cathay United, Taishin, and Fubon are supported
4. Verify the card through your bank (usually via SMS or bank app)
5. Done — double-click the side button to pay at any NFC terminal

Setting up Google Pay in Taiwan

1. Open the Google Wallet app on your Android phone
2. Tap "Add to Wallet" → Payment card
3. Add a Taiwan-issued bank card
4. Verify through your bank
5. Unlock your phone and hold it near the NFC terminal to pay

Where NFC payments are accepted

• Convenience stores: All major chains (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life)
• Department stores and malls: Virtually all of them
• Chain restaurants: McDonald's, MOS Burger, Starbucks, Louisa Coffee, and most chains
• Supermarkets: Carrefour, RT-Mart, PX Mart (some locations)
• Transportation: Taipei MRT, Kaohsiung MRT, some bus routes (with specific bank cards)
• Vending machines: Many newer vending machines support NFC

Important notes for foreigners

• Foreign credit cards do NOT work with Apple Pay/Google Pay in Taiwan for in-store payments. You must use a Taiwan-issued card.
• However, you can keep your home country cards in Apple/Google Pay for online purchases on international websites.
• NFC payment adoption is growing but still not as universal as QR code payments at smaller shops.

Taiwan Pay

Taiwan Pay (台灣Pay) is the government-backed mobile payment platform. It's less popular than LINE Pay or JKo Pay for everyday shopping, but it has unique advantages for government-related transactions.

Key features

• Tax refund integration: Use Taiwan Pay for income tax refund deposits — the refund goes directly to your linked bank account
• Government fee payments: Pay government fees, fines, and some utility bills
• Supported by all banks: Since it's government-backed, virtually every Taiwan bank supports it
• QR code standard: Uses the TWQR standard, which some other payment apps also support

When to use Taiwan Pay

• Paying government fees or fines
• Tax-related transactions
• When a merchant only displays the TWQR code (Taiwan Pay compatible)

For daily shopping, LINE Pay or JKo Pay will serve you better.

How to Set Up Mobile Payment as a Foreigner

Here's the step-by-step process for getting mobile payments working as a foreigner in Taiwan:

Prerequisites

Before you can use any mobile payment platform, you'll need:

1. ARC (Alien Resident Certificate) — required for identity verification on all platforms
2. Taiwan bank account — needed to link as a funding source (see our bank account guide)
3. Taiwan phone number — for SMS verification during registration
4. A smartphone — iPhone (for Apple Pay + LINE Pay) or Android (for Google Pay + LINE Pay)

Recommended setup order

Common setup issues for foreigners

• Identity verification failure: Some apps have trouble reading ARC numbers. If automated verification fails, contact customer support — most platforms have a manual verification process.
• Bank linking rejected: Make sure your bank account name matches your ARC name exactly. Middle name differences can cause problems.
• SMS not received: Some verification SMS messages are delayed. Wait 5 minutes before requesting a new code. If issues persist, try connecting to Wi-Fi instead of mobile data.

Where Can You Use Mobile Payment?

Mobile payment acceptance has expanded dramatically in Taiwan. Here's a breakdown by location type:

Convenience stores

All four major chains — 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, OK Mart — accept LINE Pay, JKo Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and most other major platforms. This is where you'll use mobile payment most frequently.

Supermarkets

Carrefour, RT-Mart, and PX Mart accept most mobile payments. Smaller local supermarkets may only accept specific platforms or cash only.

Restaurants

• Chain restaurants: Almost all accept mobile payment (LINE Pay and NFC are most common)
• Independent restaurants: Varies widely — many now accept LINE Pay or JKo Pay, but some are still cash only
• Food courts in malls: Generally accept all platforms

Transportation

• MRT (subway): Taipei and Kaohsiung MRT accept NFC payments via Apple Pay/Google Pay with specific bank cards. EasyCard and iPASS remain the most convenient options for daily commuters.
• Buses: Limited mobile payment support — EasyCard is still the standard
• Taxis: Many taxi apps (55688, LINE TAXI) accept LINE Pay. Street-hail taxis are mostly cash.
• YouBike: Can be linked to LINE Pay or EasyCard
• High Speed Rail (THSR): Online booking accepts credit cards; in-station purchases accept Apple Pay/Google Pay at some kiosks

Night markets

Night markets are where JKo Pay truly shines — it has the widest acceptance among vendors. LINE Pay is the second most accepted. Many vendors still prefer cash, especially for small transactions under NT$100.

Government services

Taiwan Pay is accepted for government fees, fines, and tax payments. Some government offices also accept LINE Pay for certain services.

Online shopping

LINE Pay and JKo Pay are widely accepted on major e-commerce platforms including PChome, momo, Shopee, and many others.

Which One Should You Use?

Here's our recommendation based on your situation:

Our recommendation for most foreigners: Set up LINE Pay first (since you already use LINE), then add JKo Pay for night markets and small shops, and finally add your Taiwan bank card to Apple Pay or Google Pay for quick tap-to-pay at convenience stores and chains.

Common Questions About Mobile Payment in Taiwan

Do I need a Taiwan bank account to use mobile payment? Yes, for all major platforms. You need a Taiwan bank account to link as a funding source. Foreign credit cards are generally not supported for in-store mobile payments in Taiwan. The only exception is using a foreign card already in your Apple/Google Pay for online purchases on international websites.

Can I use my foreign credit card with Apple Pay in Taiwan stores? No. Apple Pay and Google Pay in Taiwan only accept Taiwan-issued bank cards for in-store NFC payments. Your home country cards won't work at Taiwan payment terminals, even if they're loaded in your Apple/Google Pay wallet.

Is mobile payment safe in Taiwan? Yes. All major platforms use encryption, tokenization, and require authentication (PIN, fingerprint, or face recognition) for each transaction. Taiwan has strict financial regulations, and all payment platforms are supervised by the Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC). Just follow basic security practices: don't share your PIN, enable biometric authentication, and keep your phone's OS updated.

What if a store doesn't accept mobile payment? Always carry some cash as backup. While mobile payment acceptance is growing rapidly, many small shops, traditional markets, and older restaurants still only accept cash. A good rule of thumb: keep NT$500-1,000 in cash on you at all times.

Are there transaction limits? Yes, depending on the platform and your verification level:

• LINE Pay: Up to NT$50,000 per transaction (higher with full verification)
• JKo Pay: Up to NT$30,000-50,000 per transaction
• Apple Pay / Google Pay: Depends on your bank's card limit
• Most platforms have monthly limits as well — typically NT$100,000-300,000

Can I get a refund on a mobile payment? Yes. Refunds are processed back to your original payment method. The timeline varies: LINE Pay and JKo Pay refunds typically take 3-7 business days. NFC payment refunds (Apple Pay/Google Pay) follow your bank's standard refund timeline.

Which payment gives the best cashback? This changes frequently as platforms rotate promotions. As of 2026, LINE Pay generally offers 0.5-1% base cashback with periodic 3-5% promotions. JKo Pay offers similar rates. The best strategy is to check both apps weekly for ongoing campaigns and use whichever has the better deal for your purchase category.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Apple Pay in Taiwan?

Yes, Apple Pay works in Taiwan at most convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life), department stores, chain restaurants (McDonald's, Starbucks, Louisa Coffee), supermarkets (Carrefour, RT-Mart), and even Taipei and Kaohsiung MRT stations. However, you must add a Taiwan-issued bank card to your Apple Pay wallet — foreign credit cards from your home country will not work for in-store NFC payments in Taiwan. To get started, open a Taiwan bank account, get a debit or credit card from a supported bank (CTBC, E.Sun, Cathay United, Taishin, Fubon), and add it to your iPhone's Wallet app.

Do night markets accept mobile payment?

Increasingly yes, but coverage varies. JKo Pay (街口支付) has the widest acceptance at night markets — many vendors display JKo QR codes because of its low merchant fees. LINE Pay is the second most accepted option. However, many vendors still prefer cash, especially for small transactions under NT$100. As a rule of thumb, larger and more tourist-popular night markets (Shilin, Raohe, Fengjia) have better mobile payment coverage, while smaller local markets may still be cash-only. Always carry some cash as backup when visiting night markets.

Do I need a local bank account for mobile payment?

Yes, for all major mobile payment platforms in Taiwan. LINE Pay, JKo Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Taiwan Pay all require a Taiwan-issued bank account or bank card to function for in-store payments. Foreign credit cards are generally not supported. To set up a Taiwan bank account, you need an ARC (Alien Resident Certificate), your passport, and a Taiwan phone number. The process takes 1–2 hours at the bank. See our bank account guide for detailed instructions on which banks are most foreigner-friendly.

Which mobile payment app is most widely accepted in Taiwan?

LINE Pay has the broadest overall acceptance because LINE is Taiwan's dominant messaging app and nearly every business with mobile payment supports it — convenience stores, chain restaurants, online shopping, and many independent shops. However, for night markets and small local businesses, JKo Pay actually has wider coverage due to its low merchant fees. For tap-to-pay at chain stores and department stores, Apple Pay and Google Pay are the fastest and most convenient. Our recommendation: set up LINE Pay first as your primary, add JKo Pay for night markets, and add your Taiwan bank card to Apple/Google Pay for NFC contactless payments.

Related Articles

• How to Open a Bank Account in Taiwan — required before setting up mobile payment
• ARC Application Guide — you need an ARC for identity verification
• Cost of Living in Taiwan — understand daily expenses in Taiwan
• NHI Health Insurance Guide — another essential service for foreigners

Related Reading

• How to Open a Bank Account in Taiwan as a Foreigner — Link your bank to e-wallets
• Best SIM Cards & Phone Plans in Taiwan for Foreigners (2026) — Phone setup for payments
• Shopping in Taiwan: Markets, Malls & Online Shopping Guide (2026) — Where to use mobile pay
• Eating in Taiwan: Food Guide, Budget Tips & Must-Try Dishes (2026) — Paying at restaurants