Cards exclusively, charged in quarter-hour increments, and expire in due time like a normal meter. In addition to being usable on the Taipei Metro and buses, the EasyCard is also accepted at public garages adjacent to Metro stations and in other areas of Taipei. As of 2008, the EasyCard can be used to pay for boat rides in areas such as Tamsui. Designated retailers As of 1 April 2010, EasyCards can now be used to pay for purchases at some stores including 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Cosmed, OK Mart, Hi-Life, Starbucks, and Pacific SOGO. The EasyCard can now be used at over 10,000 retail outlets throughout Taiwan. In 2011, card usage is expected to be expanded to gas stations and fast food chains. Other uses In addition to payment, the EasyCard has also been used as a multifunctional card. At the 2010 World Model UN Conference held in Taipei, the card served as a ticket, meal coupon, and identification card (in addition to its regular uses). Limited edition cards have also been sold to raise money for charity. Other areas of use In addition to paying for public transit, parking, and select retailers, the EasyCard can also be used for: Most buses in multiple areas in Taiwan Ferries (Taipei Blue highway). Admission into the Taipei Zoo, and a some museums, festival activities and recreational areas. Library cards, allowing the user to borrow materials from Taipei or Yilan Public Libraries. Digital IDs, including Student ID Cards. YouBike bicycle sharing system. (Registration with the YouBike system with registered mobile telephone is required) Payment and recharge EasyCards can be used for purchases of up to NT$1,000 at available stores once, up to a maximum of NT$3,000 per day. This limit does not apply to payment of government fees, public service charges, medical costs, transport services (including recreational services like the Maokong Gondola or bicycle rental), miscellaneous school expenses, and parking fees. Value can be recharged in multiples of NT$100 and each card can hold up to NT$10,000 of value. For consumer safety, all money from EasyCard deposits are held in the EasyCard Prepaid Trust Fund managed by Cathay United Bank. All deposits are protected by a full refund guarantee issued by the managing bank. If a card has not been used for over two years, a recharge must be made before the card will be reactivated. The balance on a card can be checked on