Can I use a Taiwan EasyCard in Japan or Korea?
No. IC cards from each country cannot be used cross-border at all. The systems are technically incompatible and operated by different companies. If you're visiting all three countries on one trip, you'll need to buy three separate cards. Store them in separate pockets and label them so you don't tap the wrong one — the gate will just reject it instantly, not "almost work."
Can I use Mobile Suica on an iPhone bought outside Japan?
Yes. Any iPhone 8 or later — purchased anywhere in the world — supports Mobile Suica via Apple Wallet. You can top up using a foreign credit card without needing a Japanese SIM or local account. Android phones, however, need the FeliCa chip, which is only built into Japan-domestic models. So for most international travellers, iPhone or Apple Watch is the practical way to use Mobile Suica.
Which card is best for a first-time traveller?
It depends on country. For Taiwan, EasyCard is cheapest to start (NT$100 deposit, refundable). For Japan, Mobile Suica on iPhone is best — zero deposit, no plastic to carry, no refund line at departure. For Korea, T-money costs ₩2,500 outright (not a deposit) but works on every subway, bus, and taxi. All three pay for themselves quickly: once you use public transport 3-4 times a day, the per-ride IC fare beats single tickets in every country.
Can T-money in Korea be refunded?
Technically yes, but it's much fussier than Taiwan or Japan. Refunds are only available at convenience stores with the T-money refund sticker (some CU/GS25/7-Eleven branches), and only for the stored balance — the ₩2,500 card cost is not refundable. Single refunds are capped at ₩20,000. Most travellers simply keep the card for their next trip (it doesn't expire) or pass it to a friend heading to Korea.
If I'm visiting all three countries, do I need three cards?
Yes — but with one shortcut. Buy EasyCard at any Taipei MRT station counter (one minute). Buy T-money at Seoul Subway or any 7-Eleven. In Japan, if you have an iPhone, use Mobile Suica via Apple Wallet — no plastic, no deposit, no need to refund at the airport on departure. That saves you both queueing time and one ¥500 deposit.
Can I just tap my contactless credit card instead?
It depends. In Japan, several JR lines and private railways started accepting Visa Touch and Mastercard Contactless in 2025-2026, but coverage is patchy and not every gate works yet. In Taiwan, Taipei MRT still does not accept contactless credit cards — you need EasyCard. In Korea, some subway lines began trials in 2026 but T-money is still standard. For now, an IC card remains the most reliable option in all three countries.