If you want to use your phone as your EasyCard and you’re not a Samsung user (see here if you are), you can use the Easy Wallet app (Google Play) to beep in and out of the MRT and even use YouBikes! Unfortunately, the Apple version of the app doesn’t include this functionality due to the apparently ongoing tension between Apple and the EasyCard corporation about third-party apps using NFC functionality (although there are rumors this will change).
Click on「我的」 as below:
Continue readingThe Easycard Wallet which could previously tell you your card balance and display your receipts has had a revamp. You can now use the app to make purchases instead of fishing out your Easycard. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to register for the pay function without a Taiwanese ID until the end of May according to a Customer Service representative (ARCs do not meet the required format and no alternative is given for foreign residents to sign up.)
A customer service rep sent the following message, saying that foreign residents will be able to register for the app starting at the end of May. They’re phrasing it like it was a planned rollout as opposed to just bad programming and lack of forethought, but hey… it’s something:
您好：
謝謝您的來信。
有關持居留證者申請悠遊付一事，本公司預計5月底開放，屆時歡迎提出申請。
或建議您可加入本公司facebook粉絲團或LINE官方帳號或留意本公司官網的最新消息，日後您即可接收最新資訊。
以上說明，謝謝~
Thanks to Slava for the tip!
June 3 Update: The app was updated on May 29 to allow foreign ARC holders to sign up as the company promised, more details here.