Apparently the app Moreta pay, you can use for Thai qr code with a foreign card and they take 3% i think. I have not used it yet, can someone report back if it works?
I just left Taipei yesterday. I was one of the lucky ones last week that was approved without further documentation but i submitted plenty docs. I agree hotels are more pricey. I stayed in a single room at the work inn hostel beside Taipei main station which was under 20$ a night (weekdays). On the weekend the price almost doubles. It was an easy commute to the consulate, there's plenty buses too that go there.
PS: dreamers cafe is a lovely coffee shop near the Thai consulate if you dont want to commute back when waiting til the afternoon to pay for the visa.