The quest for cash in a foreign land is always a gamble. With my YouTrip card in hand, I braced myself at a Cathay ATM, tucked away inside a Taipei Family Mart. The machine hummed, a digital heart beating with the promise of New Taiwan Dollars. I held my breath, the screen flashing the numbers: NT$20,000 withdrawn.
A rush of relief, followed by a quick check of the rate: an impressive 1 SGD to 23.23 TWD. But the true cost was a stark reality check—a service charge of SGD13.57.
This experience brought a crucial lesson into sharp focus: the true cost of convenience is a personal calculation. While the money changer or bank might offer different rates, the ease of an ATM withdrawal is a powerful temptation. Taiwan, despite its modern facade, still largely runs on cash. While Apple Pay is a welcome convenience at major retailers, many of the country's hidden gems and local treasures demand cold, hard currency. The choice, ultimately, is yours—but choose wisely.
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