THSR Ride Proof & E-Ticket Guide: Complete Tutorial for Expense Reports and Mobile Ticketing

Returning from a business trip on the THSR and need to file an expense report, only to realize you have no idea where your ticket went? Or does your company require a ride proof, but you are not sure where to apply for one?

Taiwan High Speed Rail’s e-ticket and ride proof system is actually much more convenient than you might think. As long as you know the correct procedures—whether it’s picking up tickets on your phone, applying for a ride proof online, or obtaining electronic invoices for expense reports—everything can be done in just a few minutes.

This article will give you a complete rundown of how to use THSR e-tickets, a mobile ticketing tutorial, the ride proof application process, and how to handle expense report documentation, so you never have to worry about these hassles again.

E-Ticket Basics: Understanding the Different Purchase Channels

Taiwan High Speed Rail offers several ways to purchase tickets, and each method comes with a slightly different ticket format. Know which one you are using first, so you can correctly handle subsequent ticket retrieval and proof application steps.

1. T-EX Mobile Ticketing App

This is the most recommended way to buy tickets. Download the “T-EX Mobile Ticketing” app (available on iOS and Android), register an account, and you can buy tickets, retrieve them, and view ticket information directly on your phone.

Advantages:

• Tickets are stored directly in the app after purchase—no need to pick up physical tickets
• You can check your booking history anytime
• Supports multiple payment methods including credit cards, JKOPAY, LINE Pay, and more
• No service fee for ticket retrieval

Things to Note:

• When boarding, open the app and show your QR Code for station staff to scan
• It is recommended to download and log in beforehand to avoid network issues at the station

2. THSR Official Website

When purchasing tickets through the THSR official website, you can choose from the following ticket retrieval methods after payment:

• Convenience Store Pickup: Pick up tickets at any convenience store nationwide (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, OK Mart) for a fee of NT$10 per ticket
• Station Ticket Counter Pickup: Bring your ID to the station ticket counter—no service fee
• Credit Card Pickup: Some credit cards support direct contactless ticket retrieval

3. Convenience Store Kiosk Purchase

Buy tickets directly at multimedia kiosks in convenience stores (such as 7-Eleven’s ibon or FamilyMart’s FamiPort), and print paper tickets on the spot. Suitable for travelers who are not comfortable using smartphones.

4. Ticket Vending Machine Purchase

Use ticket vending machines at THSR stations to buy tickets. You can pay with cash, credit card, or electronic payment, and paper tickets are printed on the spot.

Quick Tip: No matter which method you use to buy tickets, it is a good idea to keep your booking record or take a screenshot, just in case.

Mobile Ticketing Tutorial: Complete T-EX App Steps

When you purchase tickets through the T-EX app, tickets are automatically stored in the app, so there is no need to pick them up separately. However, if you bought tickets through the website or at a convenience store and want to use your phone as the ticket carrier, follow the steps below:

Method 1: Purchase Directly in the App (Simplest)

1. Download and Install the T-EX App

   • iOS users: Search for “T-EX Mobile Ticketing” on the App Store
   • Android users: Search for “T-EX Mobile Ticketing” on Google Play

2. Register / Log In

   • Register using your phone number or email
   • Enable biometric login (fingerprint/face) for quick access

3. Search and Select Tickets

   • Choose your departure station, arrival station, travel date, and time
   • Select your train and seat (reserved seat) or non-reserved seat
   • Confirm the fare and complete payment

4. Tickets Automatically Stored in App

   • After purchase, tickets appear in the “My Tickets” page
   • On the day of travel, open the app, tap the ticket, and show the QR Code for station staff to scan

Method 2: Purchase on Website, Then Retrieve in App

1. After purchasing tickets on the THSR website, the system provides a booking reference number
2. Open the T-EX app and tap the “Retrieve Ticket” function
3. Enter the booking reference number and your ID number (or passport number)
4. After system verification, the ticket will be saved to “My Tickets” in the app

Method 3: Pick Up at Convenience Store, Then Link to App

1. When picking up tickets at a convenience store kiosk, select the “Link to Phone” option
2. Enter the phone number associated with your T-EX app account
3. Once completed, the ticket will automatically appear in the app

Practical Tips:

• Retrieve Tickets Early: It is best to retrieve your tickets the day before departure to avoid rushing on the day of travel
• Offline Use: The ticket QR Code is stored on your phone, so you can show it even without an internet connection
• Manage Multiple Tickets: The app supports managing multiple tickets at once, so family trips are no problem
• Refunds and Changes: You can process refunds or ticket changes directly within the app—no need to visit a station

How to Apply for a Ride Proof: Online and Offline Options

When traveling on the THSR for business or official trips, you often need to provide a “ride proof” for expense reports. Taiwan High Speed Rail offers several application channels. Here are the complete methods:

Apply for a Ride Proof Online

This is the fastest and most convenient method:

1. Log In to the THSR Official Website

   • Go to www.thsrc.com.tw
   • Click “Member Login” in the top right corner

2. Access Your Booking History

   • After logging in, click “Member Center” → “Booking History”
   • Find the booking you need a ride proof for

3. Apply for the Ride Proof

   • Click on that booking, then select “Apply for Ride Proof”
   • The system will generate a PDF ride proof
   • Download and print it for use

Information Included on the Ride Proof:

• Travel date and train number
• Departure and arrival stations
• Seat type (reserved / non-reserved)
• Fare amount
• Passenger name (if provided at the time of booking)

Apply at a Station Counter

If you are unable to apply online, you can also visit a THSR station ticket counter with the following documents:

• Identification document (National ID, passport, or ARC)
• Booking information (booking reference number, travel date, train number)
• The counter staff will help print the ride proof

Note: Ride proofs obtained at station counters are in paper format, while online applications provide PDF electronic files. Both have the same legal validity.

Ride Proof vs. Receipt (Invoice): What Is the Difference?

Many people confuse “ride proof” with “receipt,” but they serve different purposes:

Item	Ride Proof	Uniform Invoice / Receipt
Purpose	Proves that you actually took the THSR	Proves the amount spent, usable for expense reports
Content	Travel date, train number, stations, fare	Invoice number, amount, purchase details
How to Obtain	Online or at station counter	Automatically issued at time of purchase
When to Use	Business trips requiring proof of travel	Expense reports requiring a formal invoice

Quick Tip: Some companies require both a ride proof and an invoice. It is recommended to keep both, just in case.

Obtaining Expense Report Documents: Invoices and Receipts

For travelers who need to file expense reports, the most important thing is to obtain a formal proof of payment. Here is a breakdown of the various ways to get THSR expense report documentation:

Obtaining Electronic Invoices

Taiwan High Speed Rail automatically issues uniform invoices at the time of purchase. How you receive them depends on the purchase channel:

T-EX App Purchase:

• In the “My Tickets” section of the app, tap a completed ticket
• Select “Carrier Management” or “Invoice Inquiry”
• The invoice will be automatically saved to your linked e-invoice carrier (such as EasyCard, credit card, or phone barcode)

Website Purchase:

• You can select an “Electronic Invoice Carrier” at checkout
• If you do not link a carrier, the system will automatically send a paper invoice to your email

Convenience Store / Ticket Vending Machine Purchase:

• Paper invoices are printed on the spot
• You can also choose to save it to an e-invoice carrier

Applying for Expense Report Receipts

Some companies require a detailed purchase receipt rather than just an invoice. You can obtain one through the following methods:

1. THSR Website Member Center

   • After logging in, go to the “Booking History” page
   • Click “Details” or “Purchase History” for that booking
   • Download and print as needed

2. T-EX App

   • Find the completed itinerary in “My Tickets”
   • Tap “Purchase Details” to view the full information

3. Contact Customer Service

   • Call the THSR customer service hotline at 4066-3000
   • Provide your booking information, and the representative can help send the purchase details

Expense Report Tips

• Invoice Retention: Keep electronic invoices for at least 5 years in case of tax audits
• Timing: Each company has different rules; it is best to process your expense report as soon as possible after your trip
• Amount Verification: Double-check that the invoice amount matches the actual amount paid before submitting
• Group Travel: If traveling with others, each person’s invoice must be filed separately

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can e-tickets be refunded?

Yes. You can process refunds directly in the T-EX app or on the website. Refunds for reserved seat tickets made before the travel date are free of charge; refunds on the travel date itself incur a 20% handling fee. Rules for non-reserved seat tickets are slightly different, so check before requesting a refund.

Q2: Is there a time limit for applying for a ride proof?

Yes. The application period for a ride proof is within one year from the travel date. After one year, the system may not be able to retrieve the booking record, so it is best to apply as soon as possible after your trip.

Q3: Can I apply for a ride proof without a member account?

Yes. You can apply at a station counter with your ID—no THSR membership is required. However, online applications do require a member account, so it is recommended to register for free for future convenience.

Q4: What if I lost my invoice?

If your electronic invoice was linked to a carrier, you can check it on the Ministry of Finance’s E-Invoice platform (www.einvoice.nat.gov.tw). If you lost a paper invoice, you can contact THSR customer service to request a purchase record review, but a replacement invoice cannot be reissued.

Q5: My company requires a “transportation expense detail” for reimbursement. Can THSR provide one?

Yes. The THSR “ride proof” includes the fare amount, travel date, and other information, and most companies accept it as proof of transportation expenses. If your company has specific format requirements, check with your finance department first.

Q6: Can someone else retrieve my ticket using their account?

No. E-tickets are linked to the account. The account holder’s phone is needed to display the QR Code at the gate. If you need someone else to buy tickets on your behalf, it is recommended to purchase through the website and pick up the physical ticket at a convenience store, then hand the paper ticket to the traveler.

Q7: What if my phone battery dies while boarding?

If your phone dies and you cannot show the QR Code, bring your ID to the station ticket counter for manual entry assistance. Make sure to charge your phone fully before departure, or carry a power bank just in case.

Summary

Using THSR e-tickets and ride proofs is actually much simpler than you might think. Once you master the key points below, filing expense reports and handling tickets will no longer be a headache:

• T-EX App is your best bet: It handles ticket purchases, retrieval, record-keeping, and ride proof applications all in one place
• Applying for a ride proof online is the most convenient: Just log in to the member center on the THSR website to download a PDF
• Don’t forget to keep your invoice for expense reports: Linking your e-invoice to a carrier is the easiest way—just don’t lose the paper version
• Ride proofs have an expiration date: Remember to apply within one year, or the record may no longer be available

The next time you take the THSR and need to file an expense report or apply for a ride proof, refer back to this complete guide to breeze through the entire process!