How to Buy Crypto in Taiwan?

For many in Taiwan, crypto has become ordinary: a place to try to grow capital and a shortcut for sending money overseas. The next step is figuring out where to get Bitcoin, Ethereum, or USDT with New Taiwan dollars (TWD, 新台幣) — and which banks and platforms support those moves.

This article breaks it all down simply: what the legal status of crypto in Taiwan looks like today, which buying methods locals use most often, and the pros and cons of each option — from local exchanges to global P2P platforms and straightforward card payments.

Is It Legal to Buy Cryptocurrencies in Taiwan?

In Taiwan, it’s legal to own and trade crypto, but the market doesn’t run free on its own — it’s watched over by the Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC, 金管會). In the last few years, the rules have become much tighter. Since 2023, overseas exchanges that aren’t officially registered in Taiwan have been blocked from advertising, and starting in 2024, any platform working with digital assets must sign up as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) and stick to AML(Anti-Money Laundering) and CTF (Counter-Terrorism Financing) standards.

If you live in Taiwan, you can legally purchase coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other cryptocurrencies using TWD. The important part is choosing an exchange that meets FSC standards — that way you won’t run into issues like frozen bank transfers or account, and you’ll have stronger protection as a customer. Overall, crypto is seen as a legitimate way to invest, but the government is still paying close attention to how the industry operates.

Ways to Buy Crypto in Taiwan

In Taiwan, you can buy cryptocurrency with TWD in a variety of ways. No option is ideal for everyone. Some methods are quicker, some are cheaper, and others give buyers the reassurance of tighter regulation — so residents choose what suits them best.

Local Exchanges

The most common and convenient way is to use local exchanges that support direct TWD deposits, such as BitoPro (幣託), MAX by MaiCoin, or XREX. Some of them also offer P2P trading (e.g., BitoPro), but most users simply deposit funds through major Taiwanese banks like CTBC, Cathay United, Taishin, and Fubon. All of these platforms operate under FSC oversight and provide full Chinese-language support.

• Pros: easy TWD deposits, local customer support, compliant with FSC rules.

• Cons: mandatory KYC, sometimes higher fees than global platforms.

Global Exchanges with P2P

Another widely used method is the P2P market on global exchanges such as Binance, Bybit, and Cryptomus. You select a seller, transfer TWD (usually via local bank transfer), and the exchange holds the cryptocurrency in escrow until the seller confirms payment. Once confirmed, the crypto is released to your account.

Although the FSC restricted unregistered foreign platforms from advertising in 2023, Taiwanese users still actively use P2P because of competitive rates and wide availability.

• Pros: flexible choice of sellers with favorable terms, low transaction fees.

• Cons: risk of fraud, so you need to check ratings and reviews carefully.

Buying with a Card

The fastest way to buy crypto in Taiwan is through services like Mercuryo or MoonPay. You can pay with a bank card from Taiwanese banks — CTBC, Taishin, Fubon, or Cathay United, or even with Apple Pay and Google Pay. After the payment, the coins show up in your wallet or exchange almost immediately.

• Pros: very fast and convenient, works directly with local bank cards.

• Cons: higher fees compared to TWD transfers, purchase limits depending on the card and service.

One-Click Exchange Services

Platforms like BitoPro offer “one-click” crypto purchases at a fixed price. This is especially useful for beginners who don’t want to bother with trading interfaces.

• Pros: have user-friendly interfaces, quick execution.

• Cons: limited control over the execution price, fewer customization options for the trade.

Off-Exchange P2P Deals

Some people still arrange trades directly in LINE groups, Facebook groups, or Telegram chats, where they agree on a TWD transfer and the amount of crypto to be delivered.

• Pros: flexible terms, better rates if dealing with trusted contacts.

• Cons: very high scam risk, no dispute resolution, no FSC protection, banks may freeze suspicious transfers.

After understanding the legal status and the different ways to buy crypto in Taiwan, the next step is putting it into practice. Below are two of the most common scenarios for local users.

Step-By-Step Guide: How to Buy Cryptocurrency in Taiwan

The most common way for people in Taiwan to purchase digital assets is through a cryptocurrency exchange. This method is widely used because it combines convenience, security, and direct support for TWD transactions. That’s why in this section we’ll take a closer look at the process step by step:

• Choose an exchange that supports TWD.
• Register an account.
• Set up security.
• Complete KYC.
• Deposit TWD into your account.
• Buy cryptocurrency (directly or via P2P).
• Decide where to store your assets.

Choose an Exchange

Pick a platform that supports deposits and withdrawals in TWD. Popular options include BitoPro, MAX/MaiCoin, XREX, as well as international exchanges like Binance, Bybit, or Cryptomus — just make sure they provide smooth TWD transfers.

Register an Account

Go to the official website or download the exchange’s app. Sign up with your email or phone number, create a strong password, and select Taiwan as your region. This ensures you get access to local deposit and withdrawal methods.

Set up Security

Before adding funds, secure your account. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) —this step greatly reduces the risk of being hacked.

Complete KYC

Next, complete identity verification. Typically, you will need to upload your ID (身分證) or ARC, take a selfie, and provide proof of address. Exchanges use this process to meet FSC requirements and protect users from fraud. Make sure the name on your account matches your bank account name — otherwise, TWD transfers may be delayed.

Deposit TWD

Once your account is verified, fund it with TWD. Most Taiwanese users choose bank transfers from CTBC, Cathay United, Taishin, Fubon, and other major banks. Some local exchanges also allow deposits via convenience stores, which is useful for smaller amounts. Alternatively, you can purchase crypto with a Visa or Mastercard through on-ramp services like Mercuryo.

Buy Cryptocurrency

Now it’s time to make your purchase. Exchanges use trading pairs — for example, BTC/TWD, ETH/TWD, or USDT/TWD — allowing you to buy crypto directly with New Taiwan dollars. If the coin you want is not available in a TWD pair, the easiest method is to first buy USDT with TWD, then trade USDT for your desired cryptocurrency. This is the most common approach, since USDT has high liquidity.

An alternative way to buy crypto is through P2P platforms, where you send TWD directly to the seller, typically by bank transfer, while the exchange keeps the coins in escrow until the payment is verified. For example, Cryptomus P2P offers access to more than 120 digital assets, 40 fiat currencies, and over 560 payment channels, charging only a 0.1% fee — a convenient and affordable option for Taiwanese users.

Decide Where to Store Your Assets

After your purchase, you have two choices. If you plan to trade actively, it’s easier to keep your assets on the exchange for quick access. But for long-term holding, it’s safer to transfer them to an external wallet — hardware or software. Always double-check the correct network (e.g., ERC-20 or TRC-20) and wallet address. To be safe, start with a small test transfer before moving the full amount.

Simple Way to Buy Crypto with Your Credit Card

If you are looking for the most convenient way to purchase cryptocurrency, you can use your Taiwanese bank card (Visa or Mastercard) through Mercuryo on the Cryptomus platform.

Step 1 — Register on Cryptomus

Registration only takes a few minutes. You can sign up via Telegram, Facebook, Google, or email. After creating your account, make sure to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to protect your funds.

Step 2 — Complete KYC

To access financial transactions, you must verify your identity. In the “Settings” section, select KYC verification. Upload a photo of your Taiwan ID (身分證) or ARC, along with a selfie. Once verified, you will be able to use all the platform’s services.

Step 3 — Go to the Dashboard and Select “Receive”

From the main dashboard, click “Receive”, choose the cryptocurrency you want (e.g., BTC or USDT) and the network. If you are paying by card, make sure to select “Fiat” as the option.

Step 4 — Pay via Mercuryo

Choose “Receive via Mercuryo”, then enter the amount you want to pay in New Taiwan dollars (TWD, 新台幣). Mercuryo will automatically calculate the amount of cryptocurrency you will receive.

Step 5 — Confirm Your Purchase

Use your debit or credit card from a local bank — CTBC, Cathay United, Taishin, or Fubon all work. Add your email, check the code that arrives, and then confirm the purchase.

Done! You’ve successfully purchased cryptocurrency with your card through Mercuryo. The funds will be credited to your Cryptomus wallet shortly.

Do You Have to Pay Taxes on Cryptocurrency Investments?

In Taiwan, digital assets are classified as virtual commodities, not as official currency. For most retail investors, occasional trading gains aren’t taxed as capital gains. But if someone trades frequently or in a business-like way, the authorities may treat the income as taxable personal earnings.

If you trade crypto as a company or a professional, your profits are treated like business revenue and taxed accordingly. Everyday investors don’t face a special capital gains tax for now, but AML rules and reporting standards are strict — and the government may tighten regulations later on.

So, crypto is no longer unusual in Taiwan — it’s becoming part of daily money matters. With banks and platforms now handling TWD more smoothly, and the FSC keeping watch, people can feel safer getting started. Whether you like quick card payments, flexible P2P deals, or the structure of licensed exchanges, there’s an option for every type of user.

What counts most is finding a service that’s easy to navigate but still takes security seriously. Cryptomus is a good example of how joining the crypto space can be smooth and safe, without extra hurdles.

In your view, does cryptocurrency have a place in Taiwan’s financial future — and in your own? Share your perspective below.