1. Opening a Bank Account in Taiwan

 

Who Can Open an Account?

You can open a bank account if you have:

    • Passport (必備)

    • Entry visa or residency status

    • One of the following: oARC (Alien Resident Certificate)

         APRC (Permanent Residency)

         UI No. (for short-term stay, some banks accept)

Short-term visitors may face limitations. Not all banks allow non-residents.

 

Required Documents

Most banks will ask for:

    • Passport

    • ARC / Visa

    • Secondary ID (Health Insurance Card or Driver’s License if available)

    • Local phone number •Address in Taiwan

 

Pro Tips

   • Bring a Chinese-speaking friend (some branches have limited English)

   • Go to urban branches (Taipei / New Taipei / Taichung)

   • Avoid lunch hours (banks can be busy)

 

 

 

2. Applying for a Credit Card

 

Reality Check

Getting a credit card in Taiwan as a foreigner is not easy unless:

   • You have a stable job in Taiwan

   • You can provide proof of income

   • You have an existing bank account

 

Typical Requirements

   • ARC holder (usually required)

   • Salary proof (3–6 months)

   • Tax statement •Employer certificate

 

Easier Alternatives

   • Secured credit card (deposit-based)

   • Debit card (widely accepted)

 

 

 

3. Getting a Mortgage (Home Loan)

Important Truth

Foreigners can apply, but approval depends on:

   • Residency status (APRC preferred)

   • Stable income in Taiwan

   • Credit history

   • Property type & location

 

Typical Loan Conditions

   • Loan-to-value: ~50%–70%

   • Interest rate: slightly higher than locals

   • Down payment: higher requirement

 

Tip

Banks prefer:

   • Long-term residents

   • Professionals (engineers, managers, etc.)

   • Buyers with Taiwanese spouse

 

 

 

4. Recommended Banks (English-Friendly)

Here are banks in Taiwan known for better foreigner support:

CTBC Bank (中國信託)

   • One of the most foreigner-friendly banks

   • Strong digital banking

   • Credit card options for expats

English Website:https://www.ctbcbank.com/english

 

Taipei Fubon Bank (台北富邦銀行)

   • Good for Taipei / New Taipei residents

   • Some branches have English service

   • Strong expat support

English Website:https://www.fubon.com/banking/english

 

Mega International Commercial Bank (兆豐銀行)

   • Government-linked bank

   • Experienced with foreign clients

   • Good for international transfers

English Website:https://www.megabank.com.tw/english

 

HSBC Taiwan

   • Best for international users

   • Fully English environment

   • Easier credit card process (for global customers)

English Website:https://www.hsbc.com.tw/en-tw/

 

Standard Chartered Taiwan

   • Strong expat banking experience

   • International banking services

   • Mortgage options for foreigners

English Website:https://www.sc.com/tw/en/

 

 

 

5. Best Locations for Foreigner-Friendly Service

Look for branches in:

   • Taipei (信義 / 天母 / 大安)

   • New Taipei (板橋 / 新店)

   • Taichung (西屯)

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These areas are more likely to have:

   • English-speaking staff

   • Experience handling foreign clients

 

 

 

FAQ

Can I open a bank account as a tourist?

Usually no, but some banks may allow limited accounts.

 

Can I use foreign credit cards in Taiwan?

Yes, Visa / Mastercard are widely accepted.

 

Which bank is easiest for foreigners?

Generally:

   • HSBC Taiwan

   • CTBC Bank

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If there is any updated information, please feel free to let us know so we can make corrections.

Thank you !

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