If you’re visiting Taiwan and planning to ride the tram, here’s something many tourists don’t realize until it’s too late:

Yes, some stations have ticket machines… but they may only accept coins.

That means carrying paper cash alone may not help you.

My Real Experience in Taiwan

When I arrived at the tram station, I saw a ticket machine and thought:

“No problem, I can just buy a ticket there.”

But then I realized:

The machine only accepted coins.

No card. No banknotes. No easy way if you don’t already have change.

For travelers, this can be frustrating—especially when you’re rushing or carrying luggage.

What You Should Do Instead

To avoid stress, I strongly recommend getting one of these:

• EasyCard

• iPASS

They let you tap and ride easily across Taiwan.

You can also use them for:

• MRT

• Buses

• Convenience stores

• Some taxis and shops

Why This Matters

Many travelers carry bills and assume that counts as cash-ready.

But in Taiwan, coins can matter more than notes for some transport machines.

That small detail can delay your trip.

My Honest Travel Tip

The moment you arrive in Taiwan:

Get a transport card first.

It saves time, avoids confusion, and makes the entire trip smoother.

Especially if you’re hopping between cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung.

Final Thought

Taiwan transport is excellent—but knowing small local details makes a huge difference.

And one of those details is simple:

Ticket machine does not always mean easy payment.

Sometimes… it means coins only.