Money, Currency, and a Daily Budget in Taiwan

The currency in Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$, or TWD in banking shorthand). A 100 NT$ note is worth about ₪11–12, but the rate moves, so check it close to your trip. Handling money is simple: plenty of small cash, a card for backup, and zero tipping.

Cash versus card

Taiwan still loves cash. At hotels, chains, and large restaurants a card works smoothly, but at night markets, stalls, buses, and temples: cash only. Since a big part of the experience is street food, you’ll always want small notes in your pocket.

Tips? Not needed

There’s no tipping culture in Taiwan. Restaurants sometimes add a 10% service charge to the bill, and beyond that no one expects you to leave money. Taxi drivers and stalls certainly don’t. It’s a small, pleasant break for the budget.

What it costs — a daily budget

• Budget — about 1,500–2,200 NT$ a day (roughly ₪170–250): hostels, night markets, public transport.
• Mid-range — about 2,500–4,000 NT$ a day (roughly ₪290–460): a mid-tier hotel, restaurants, site entries, the occasional guided tour.
• Sample entries: the Taipei 101 observatory about 600 NT$; many temples free; a night-market meal 100–200 NT$.

Flights and lodging are the big costs; day to day, Taiwan is relatively cheap. For transport planning see the transport guide, and back to the main guide.