Best Credit Cards For Taiwan Travel: Maximize Rewards

Nov 18, 2025 by Alex Braham 54 views

Best Credit Cards to Use in Taiwan: Maximize Rewards

Hey guys! Planning a trip to Taiwan and wondering which credit card will give you the most bang for your buck? You've come to the right place! Navigating the world of credit cards can be tricky, especially when you're thinking about international travel. Taiwan, with its vibrant street food scene, bustling night markets, and stunning natural landscapes, is a fantastic destination. But to make the most of your trip, you'll want a credit card that minimizes fees and maximizes rewards. Let's dive into the best credit cards to use in Taiwan, so you can swipe with confidence and enjoy your travels.

Understanding Your Credit Card Needs for Taiwan

Before we jump into specific card recommendations, let's take a moment to understand what makes a credit card great for international travel, specifically in Taiwan. Think about the fees. Foreign transaction fees can quickly add up, eating into your travel budget. Ideally, you want a card with no foreign transaction fees. This alone can save you a significant amount of money over the course of your trip. Consider the rewards. Earning points, miles, or cashback on your spending is always a plus. Look for cards that offer bonus rewards on travel or dining, as these categories are likely to be significant parts of your expenses in Taiwan. Taiwan is a very cash-based society, and the exchange rate can be an important factor. Evaluate acceptance rates. While credit card acceptance is growing in Taiwan, it's not as ubiquitous as in some other developed countries. Visa and Mastercard are generally more widely accepted than American Express or Discover. However, even with Visa and Mastercard, you'll still need cash for smaller vendors, night markets, and some local shops. Be sure to factor in travel insurance and purchase protection. Some credit cards offer valuable travel insurance benefits, such as trip cancellation insurance, baggage delay insurance, and even emergency medical coverage. Purchase protection can also be a lifesaver if your belongings are lost or stolen. Don't forget about security. Chip-and-PIN cards are widely used in Taiwan, so having a card with this technology is a good idea. Also, be sure to notify your bank of your travel plans before you leave, so they don't flag your transactions as suspicious and freeze your account.

Top Credit Card Recommendations for Taiwan

Okay, let's get to the good stuff! Based on the criteria we just discussed, here are some of the top credit card recommendations for your trip to Taiwan:

1. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a fantastic all-around travel card that earns you miles on every purchase. One of the biggest advantages is that it has no foreign transaction fees, so you can swipe away in Taiwan without worrying about extra charges. The card offers a generous sign-up bonus, which can help offset the cost of your flights or accommodation. You'll earn unlimited 2x miles on every purchase, regardless of the category. This simplicity makes it a great choice for travelers who don't want to keep track of bonus categories. Plus, the miles are flexible and can be redeemed for travel purchases, transferred to partner airlines and hotels, or used for cash back. The card also comes with travel accident insurance and auto rental collision damage waiver, providing some extra peace of mind on your trip. With the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, you can focus on enjoying the sights, sounds, and flavors of Taiwan, knowing that you're earning valuable rewards on every purchase. You also have access to Capital One Entertainment and exclusive access to premium experiences and tickets. It is also good to download the Capital One Mobile app to manage your account, track your rewards, and pay your bills on the go. Overall, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a solid choice for travelers looking for a simple, rewarding, and fee-free way to pay for their expenses in Taiwan.

2. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is another excellent option for travel rewards, especially if you're loyal to the Chase Ultimate Rewards ecosystem. Like the Capital One Venture Rewards Card, it has no foreign transaction fees, so you can use it freely in Taiwan. The card offers a generous sign-up bonus and earns bonus points on travel and dining purchases. This is great for Taiwan, where you'll likely be spending a lot on food and transportation. You’ll earn 5x total points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases. Chase Ultimate Rewards points are incredibly valuable because they can be redeemed for travel through the Chase portal or transferred to a variety of airline and hotel partners. This gives you a lot of flexibility in how you use your rewards. The card also comes with travel insurance benefits, such as trip cancellation insurance and baggage delay insurance. For the redemption of points you can redeem your points for cash back, gift cards, or experiences through Chase Ultimate Rewards. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a strong contender for the best credit card for Taiwan, especially if you're already a Chase customer or value the flexibility of Ultimate Rewards points. The perks and rewards are great and if you want to get the most out of your rewards, it is a good choice.

3. American Express Platinum Card

The American Express Platinum Card is a premium travel card with a hefty annual fee, but it can be worth it if you take advantage of its many benefits. Of course, it comes with no foreign transaction fees. The card offers a generous welcome bonus and earns 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel and 5x points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com. While American Express isn't as widely accepted in Taiwan as Visa or Mastercard, it's still accepted at many major hotels, restaurants, and shops. The real value of the Platinum Card lies in its extensive travel benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, and other airport lounges. It also comes with elite status at Marriott and Hilton hotels, which can get you complimentary upgrades and other perks. Other benefits includes $200 Hotel Credit, $240 Digital Entertainment Credit, $155 Walmart+ Credit, and more. The American Express Platinum Card is a great choice for frequent travelers who want a premium experience and are willing to pay a higher annual fee. If you are a frequent flyer and want to have the best benefits in your travel, you should consider this card.

4. Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card

If you're looking for a simple, no-annual-fee travel card, the Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card is a solid option. It has no foreign transaction fees and earns unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases. Points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, or statement credits. The card also offers a sign-up bonus. While the rewards rate isn't as high as some of the other cards on this list, the lack of an annual fee makes it a good choice for budget-conscious travelers. This is a simple and straightforward rewards program. There are no rotating categories to keep track of, and no minimum redemption amounts. If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, you can earn even more rewards. Depending on your tier, you could earn a 25% to 75% bonus on your rewards. Overall, the Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card is a good choice for travelers who want a simple, no-annual-fee card with no foreign transaction fees. This card is easy to use and it is a great choice for beginners.

Tips for Using Credit Cards in Taiwan

Alright, now that you have a better idea of which credit cards to consider, here are a few tips for using them in Taiwan:

Always opt to pay in local currency (New Taiwan Dollar - TWD). Merchants may offer to charge your card in your home currency, but this usually comes with a less favorable exchange rate.
Be aware of Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). DCC is a process where the merchant converts the transaction amount to your home currency at the point of sale. This may seem convenient, but it almost always results in a worse exchange rate and higher fees.
Carry some cash. As mentioned earlier, cash is still king in Taiwan, especially for smaller vendors and night markets. You can withdraw cash from ATMs, but be sure to check your bank's fees for international ATM withdrawals.
Notify your bank of your travel plans. This will help prevent your card from being flagged for suspicious activity and potentially blocked.
Keep your credit card safe. Be mindful of your surroundings and protect your card from theft. Consider using a RFID-blocking wallet to prevent electronic skimming.
Check your credit card statements regularly. Keep an eye out for any unauthorized charges and report them to your bank immediately.

Conclusion: Swiping Smart in Taiwan

Choosing the best credit card for your trip to Taiwan depends on your individual spending habits and travel preferences. A card with no foreign transaction fees is a must, and rewards on travel and dining can be a great bonus. Whether you prefer a premium travel card with lots of perks or a simple, no-annual-fee option, there's a card out there that's right for you. By doing your research and following these tips, you can swipe smart in Taiwan and make the most of your travel rewards. So, pack your bags, grab your credit card, and get ready to explore the amazing island of Taiwan! Happy travels, guys!