Guide To Traveling in Taiwan

This is an overview of everything you should know when visiting Taiwan.

I’ve lived in Taiwan for more than 5 years and want to help you have an optimal experience when traveling. The following sections will briefly cover important information. Follow links attached to each point to learn more.

Taiwan Visas & Travel Restrictions

Countries that are a part of Taiwan’s visa exemption program can enter Taiwan for 15–90 days without a visa for the purpose of visiting family/friends, tourism, and business.

I list all these countries in a separate guide.

And if you don’t have a passport for those countries, you’ll need one of these visas:

Visa Type	Who’s it For?
Visa Exemption	No visa required for tourist and business purposes (15-90 days)
Student Visa	Mandarin-learning, degree program, exchange, or overseas Chinese students
Work Visa	Working for a company
Gold Card	Extraordinary achievements, ability, or employment
Entrepreneur Visa	Startups with incubators and businesses
Tourist Visa	Tourists and short-term business
Investment Visa	Those who invest $200k into Taiwan’s economy
Family Reunification Visa	Anyone who wants to join Taiwanese family members
Working Holiday Visa	People from certain countries who will work in Taiwan for up to 1 year
Employment Seeking Visa	Someone looking for a job

Airlines That Fly to Taiwan

Popular airlines that fly to Taiwan include:

Air Canada	Air China	All Nippon Airways	China Eastern Airlines
Emirates	EVA Airlines	Korean Air	KLM
Turkish Airlines	United Airlines

Don’t forget to see if you’re eligible for cashback rewards or airline mileage when browsing for flights. If you’ve built up enough points, you could fly for free.

Use a reward program management app like Awardwallet to keep track of all your memberships.

Power Outlet Type Used in Taiwan

Taiwan’s power outlets run on 110V supply voltage and 60Hz.

The same as the United States uses.

If you come from Australia, Europe, or Southeast Asia, you should consider investing in and bringing a universal power adapter.

What Cities Should I Visit in Taiwan?

Here are all the different cities you should visit in Taiwan:

City	Why It’s Visit(able)
Taipei	Most things to do & English support
New Taipei	Adjacent to Taipei & adds more things to do
Taichung	Someone convenient to navigate
Kaohsiung	Spectacular site like Fo Guang Shan Monastery
Tainan	Historical city
Pingtung	It has Kenting National park, which is the best for beach lovers
Hualien	Another great city for beach-lovers
Nantou	Mountainous area

What To Do When Traveling in Taiwan

Houtong Cat Village	Jiufen Old Street	Night Markets	Yehliu Geopark
Taipei Zoo

Your plane’s landed, you’re past immigration, and you’re free to roam the airport. Snag your SIM card or pocket WiFi from their counters.

Convert your currency.

Pick up your luggage.

Then head to one of Taiwan’s many 7-11s for a NT$10 ($0.36) egg bathed in tea.

Finally, go to your accommodation and unpack—or store your luggage—and explore.

Here are things to do throughout various cities in Taiwan:

City	Part of Taiwan
Taipei	North
Taichung	Central

And you can’t visit Taiwan without indulging in a Taiwanese night market. Here’s a list of markets spread throughout Taiwan:

Taiwan Travel Costs & Best Souvenirs

Here are some common costs of traveling to Taipei (Taiwan’s most expensive city):

Category	Est. Cost per day
Accommodation	NT$799–NT$4,500
SIM Cards	NT$300 *
Eating Out	NT$360 †
Recreation/Entertainment	Free–NT$3,000
Transportation	NT$200

* Per trip

† Varies depending on the restaurant chosen.

How Much Should I Budget for a Trip to Taiwan?

Budget at least $500 on the lower end for a 7-day trip to Taiwan. However, that’s if you want to save the most money possible. It’s extreme budgeting, but still enjoy your time in Taiwan while saving money.

You could pay around $30 a night with a hostel or low-cost hotel for decent accommodation. A ballpark estimate of close to $210 once done.

A SIM card will cost under $10 for 7 days of unlimited 4G data. If you want to live off Wi-Fi instead, cut costs here. Don’t forget to explore Taiwan’s free public Wi-Fi, iTaiwan.

Taking the slow train to another city usually costs $12.55–$28.40 per trip. If you’re riding the subway, it will likely cost more than $9.00 a day. 

The total of your spending depends on how much you want to take public transportation.

On average, meals often cost between $1.40–$4.00 per person, whether you go to restaurants or night market stalls. Possibly a little more than $5.00 a day if you’re frugal.

If you eat at 7-Eleven for every meal, you’ll probably spend nearly the same amount per meal (food and drink).

Speaking of food, coffee.

If you want to opt for a coffee chain, Taiwan-based Louisa Coffee’s prices average around $3.05 per cup. Are you staying for a while? Sign up for the Louisa membership program through LINE or Facebook Messenger to potentially save a little money. Also, bringing a water bottle from home could probably knock off a couple of cents.

Otherwise, find cheap coffee at any convenience store if you need a fix.

Cigarettes usually cost around $4 a pack if you’re a smoker. A lot of Taiwanese cigarettes come from Japan. Moreover, finding brands like Camel and American Spirit is rare, possibly impossible. However, you will find plenty of Marlboro and Lucky Strike.

You could experience much of Taiwan without paying for any attractions, minus the transportation costs. However, even entry to Taiwanese attractions offers affordable pricing.

For instance, you’ll pay $6.80 for admission to the Taipei 101 Observatory.

I wrote a more thorough guide on typical Taiwan costs. Check it out.

Best Taiwan Souvenirs

Here are all the souvenirs I recommend getting while in Taiwan:

Rice Wine	Plum Wine	Mountain Oolong Tea
Kavalan Whiskey	Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor	3D Smart Cards
Chili Sauce	Beer	Soda Crackers
Pineapple Cakes	Sun Cakes	Snacks
Jade	Meat-Shaped Stones	Tiny Sky Lanterns
Green Tea	Ceramics	Sheet Masks
Name Stamps	Photos	Mochi
Stickers	P.Seven Perfume

Here are some clarifications on some items in the above table. You’ll need to visit a separate guide I wrote on the subject for further clarification on each item, though.

P.Seven Perfume is tea-scented perfume. 3D smart cards are limited edition EasyCards, iPass, or icash 2.0 cards. Name stamps (chops) are what Taiwanese use to add “signatures” to official documents.

Taiwan Tourist Tax Refund

Taiwan offers tourists and visitors a 5% VAT refund on goods more than NT$2,000. But they’ll charge you a 14% handling fee. If you buy stuff from the shopping center, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, your total purchases must sit at more than NT$3,000.

To claim your refund, you’ll need:

• Travel documents: plane tickets, etc.
• Entry stamp: for those who entered without a visa
• Passport of your home country
• Visa: if that’s how you entered Taiwan

I’ve covered shopping centers and buildings where to claim tourist tax refunds in a separate guide. It would take me too long to explain it here.

Is Traveling in Taiwan Safe?

Other than some typhoons and frequent earthquakes, Taiwan’s one of the safest countries for tourists. Crime rates have remained low over the years.

However, you may encounter rare cases of pickpocketing in crowded tourist zones. Just keep an eye on your stuff, and don’t put belongings in your back pockets.

Is Taiwan Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Taiwan is safe for solo female travelers. Taiwan is also a safe country for LGBTQ+ travelers to visit.

Even though it’s safe, don’t get drunk alone, and make sure to exercise caution whenever roaming the streets alone in the middle of the night [2].

What Currency Is Used in Taiwan?

The New Taiwan Dollar (TWD or NT$) is Taiwan’s official currency. Their currency uses a mix of paper banknotes and metal coins. Moreover, the general word for money in Mandarin Chinese is 元 (yuán).

Here’s a list of New Taiwan Dollar denominations you’ll find:

Denomination	Type
1/2 (rare)	Coin
One (1/100)	Coin
Five (1/20)	Coin
10 (1/10)	Coin
20 (1/5)	Coin
50 (1/2)	Coin
100	Banknote
200 (uncommon)	Banknote
500	Banknote
1,000	Banknote
2,000 (uncommon)	Banknote

Where Do You Exchange Currency in Taiwan?

Exchange your country’s currency at the following locations in Taiwan:

1. Airports
2. ATMs
3. Banks
4. Friends
5. Department stores
6. Currency exchange kiosks

The following dives deeper into each currency-conversion method and what one triumphs over the rest.

Compared to other airports, Taoyuan at least offers live exchange rates [3 airport guide]. However, they might charge you a transaction fee.

ATMs offer some of the best rates. Make sure that your bank will reimburse some or all your fees. Going this route will also save you from waiting at the bank. Furthermore, to avoid a NT$100 fee, use the Bank of Taiwan’s ATMs.

Banks. As of now, if you want to exchange your money without fees at the best rates, I recommend going to the Bank of Taiwan (government-owned). Check this bank’s exchange rate before withdrawing for the best conversion rates.

If Taiwanese friends need your currency, look up the going rate and trade your cash. It’s mutually beneficial. Be sure to stay up-to-date with peer-to-peer currency exchange laws.

Taiwan’s department stores offer currency exchange services as well. In addition, malls are an excellent alternative to banks since they’re open longer.

Exchanging currency in Taiwan isn’t like in other cities in Asia. The government strictly regulates it. Therefore, you can only exchange money at banks or authorized establishments.

Taiwan has one ATM per 826 residents [4]. That means they have the highest ATM density in the world. Don’t worry; you can’t go far without an ATM nearby to exchange currency.

Formosa Fun fact: If you love crisp bills, withdraw money around the Lunar New Year. You will encounter a pleasant surprise.

How to Differentiate Real & Fake New Taiwan Dollars

It’s rare to find fake banknotes in Taiwan. But you should know how to prevent yourself from accidentally giving one to a cashier.

Here’s how to identify real New Taiwan Dollar bills:

• The lower left corner number should change colors when viewed at different angles
• Put the bill against a light source:
  • You’ll see a number: e.g. the number “100” on a NT$100 bill
  • You should see a watermark that’s invisible otherwise: e.g. flower on the NT$100 bill

And here are visuals:

Can I Use Cryptocurrency in Taiwan?

You can use cryptocurrency in Taiwan. The island country has no laws or regulations that prohibit purchasing, mining, or holding cryptocurrency. However, the Central Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan) does not label crypto as legitimate currencies.

Instead, the government labels them as virtual commodities.

As far as I’ve seen, Taiwanese vendors and shops don’t allow crypto as payment. 

Best Month to Visit Taiwan

October is the best month to visit Taiwan. During this time, the average highs sit around 27°C (81°F), while the lows at 22°C (72°F). Therefore, October’s also an ideal month to visit for you who don’t mind the heat or want to visit Taiwan’s outlying islands.

It’s also great because the typhoon season’s over, so you don’t have to worry about that.

If you want to avoid holiday tourists, adhere to the following tip. Keep the date October 10th in mind because that’s Taiwan’s National Day.

Otherwise:

You will have dodged most of Taiwan’s holidays, school, and college classes will have started.

Best of all, when flying in October, you’ll avoid flying during the peak summer season. You’ll also dodge the holiday season (November and December), giving you the best deal on your tickets.

I cover more details about what Taiwan would be like each month. That way, you’ll make the best decision possible

Which Month Is Typhoon Season in Taiwan?

July through September is the time frame of Taiwan’s typhoon season.

If you travel to this island country during that time, come prepared with rain gear, proper footwear, and a cover for your backpack.

Prepaid SIM Cards

If you need a phone number, I recommend purchasing a SIM card in Taiwan if you stay for less than a month. Pre-order a SIM card from a vacation package website, or sign up for a provider once you arrive.

Taiwan has a few significant contenders who offer SIM cards:

• ChungHwa Telecom (largest telecom)
• Far Eastone
• Taiwan Mobile

I’ve covered all the pricing and data more in-depth in a separate guide.

If you’re traveling to multiple countries and use an eSIM phone, I recommend using Airalo. They provide affordable and multi-regional eSIM cards that make it so you don’t need to sign up for multiple providers

And sometimes they cost less than what travel deal websites charge.

If you intend on staying in Taiwan for more than a month, I recommend Google Fi. It’s a somewhat affordable cell phone plan that’s amazing for traveling. With the starter plan, you get 10 GB of data. However, you’ll want the unlimited plan if you’re a data hog.

You’ll have to activate Google Fi while you’re in the US.

Portable Wi-Fi: Is it Worth Getting?

Get portable Wi-Fi to connect multiple devices to a private internet connection. And I’d recommend a private internet connection if you want to access banking websites.

DON’T do this over guest Wi-Fi networks. Unless you love living on the edge and risking your information getting hacked.

If you want pocket Wi-Fi in multiple countries, I recommend Skyroam Solis. The global hotspot provides an excellent tool for those who are venturing through various countries in Asia. Because you’ll just update your data plans online.

No having to pick up and drop off pocket routers.

What if you don’t care about using public networks?

If you’re in Taipei, register your passport and have free Wi-Fi throughout the city. The same applies to other parts of the country. You may also find free Wi-Fi in malls, convenience stores (if you’re a member), and other establishments like Starbucks.

How to Get Around & Rent Vehicles in Taiwan

Here are all the different ways to get around Taiwan:

Transportation Type	Best For
Bike Rentals	Exercise & scenic views
Public buses	Budget travel
Car rentals	Countryside navigation
Motorbike rentals	Countryside navigation
Rapid Transits	City-wide transport that’s fast & affordable
Taxi	Countryside navigation
Trains	High-speed travel across mainland Taiwan
Boat	Reaching outlying islands

You won’t need cars unless you intend on road tripping through Taiwan’s main island or traversing the countryside. Since you can’t rent motorbikes easily.

But if you want to compare car rental prices, here are some of the most popular providers:

Company	Rental Car Prices (Avg.) *	# Of Rental Car Locations	English Site?
Hertz	NT$2,400/day	33	Yes
Budget Car Rental	NT$2,400/day	28	Yes
AVIS	NT$2,900/day	29	Yes
Pony Rent-a-Car	NT$2,500/day	13	Yes
Chailease Auto Rental	NT$2,400/day	31	Yes
Dollar Rental Cars	NT$2,400/day	23	Yes
Thrifty Rent-A-Car	NT$2,100/day	21	Yes
Gogoout	NT$1,500/day	22	Yes
IWS	NT$1,500/day	21	Yes
CarPlus	NT$2,500/day	18	No

What Should I Pack When Traveling in Taiwan?

Here’s what you should pack when traveling to Taiwan:

Backpack cover	Insect repellent	Sunscreen
Deodorant	Reusable water bottle	Dummy phone & wallet
Clothing	Saline nasal spray	Packable jacket
High-top boots	Female hygiene products	Sanitizing wipes
Medication	Condoms	Copy of travel documents
Portable power bank	Passport wallet/Purse/Day pack	Eye drops
Unlocked smartphone	Travel adapter	International Driving Permit
VPN	Portable Wireless Router	Lip balm
KF94 Face Mask	Durable umbrella	

I have tested and frequently use all of these products except for the travel adapter and the backpack cover. I do have the travel adapter on my list of things to buy, though. I do thorough research on the products I recommend. As I always want to use the “best” of whatever I buy.

In short, what you need to pack for Taiwan depends on your itinerary. For instance, if you plan to hike, I recommend hiking boots. I stress the importance of boots due to potentially poisonous snakes that slither through hiking paths.

However, the two most essential items I recommend packing are moisture-absorbing packets and vacuum bags.

Why?

Because Taiwan’s humid. And the humidity will ruin your items if you don’t take precautions. I’ve lost a lot of items to humidity, don’t let your stuff suffer the same fate.

Regarding smaller items like sunscreen, you can buy what you need once you get to Taiwan. You’ll find most items at supermarkets like Carrefour and PX Mart or in traditional markets.

How Can I Store My Luggage in Taiwan?

Store your luggage in Taiwan using the various lockers available nationwide or mobile applications.

If you’re out and about and don’t want to carry any baggage, most trains and Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) stations offer affordable storage options. In addition, specific shopping centers like IKEA also provide lockers for you to store your luggage.

If you’d rather know what’s available ahead of time, consider using a service such as Lalalocker. You book online, drop off your luggage, and use a “reclaim ticket,” along with your identification, to pick it up.

They also offer unique fridge storage along with long-term storage. In addition, Lalalocker gives NT$10,000 ($359) in compensation per bag if you find your luggage damaged or lost.

Dos & Don’ts in Taiwan

Dos

• Take off your shoes when entering someone’s home
• Follow MRT etiquette
  • Stand on the right side of escalators; walk on the left
  • Avoid dark blue seats (in Taipei) unless you’re pregnant, old, or disabled
• Learn a few Mandarin phrases

Don’ts

• Mention death or the number four
• Open a gift in front of the gifter
• Leave your chopsticks upright in a bowl

I cover a lot more information on etiquette in Taiwan in a separate piece. Check it out to learn more.

Resources & Tools for Traveling in Taiwan

The following are free and paid resources that’ll help you through Taiwan, prevent bad situations, and mitigate unpredictable scenarios.

Tool	Reason to Get
Surfshark VPN	Protects your devices from hackers on unsecure Wi-Fi networks
World Nomads Travel Insurance	Coverage for baggage, trip cancellation, & medical expenses
STEP Program	Free program for Americans to enroll in & receive important updates about Taiwan
icash, EasyCard, or iPass	Reduces the amount of cash you need to carry

If you have any questions about Taiwan, the following sources can provide additional information:

• Taiwan Reddit
• Forumosa: Taiwan-orientated community
• A local Taiwanese representative office
• Taiwanese locals

1. Useful Phone Numbers in Taiwan:

Phone Number	Service
119	Ambulance and fire
110	Police
0800-024-111—press (2) for English	International Community Service Hotline (24 hours and toll-free)
165	Anti-fraud
113	Children and women protection hotline
133	Domestic violence hotline
1925	Suicide hotline

2. Best Mobile Applications to Use in Taiwan

I recommend downloading the following apps before visiting Taiwan:

App	Description
Air Visual	Helps you plan your day by understanding the air quality
Bus+	Bus schedules, public bike stations, and everything you need to get around Taiwan
Go! Taipei Metro	Includes useful features such as journey planners for both getting around in general or using public transport specifically
LINE Messenger	The most popular messaging app in Taiwan
Pleco Chinese Dictionary	Excellent Chinese language dictionary
發票存摺	Receipt lottery app
Google Translate	Best online/offline translation app
Google Maps	Great navigation app
Maps.me	Google Maps alternative & great offline maps app
My Earthquakes	Know when an earthquake happens

FAQs

Keep reading to find frequently asked questions about traveling to Taiwan.

Closing Thoughts

Thankfully, Taiwan has made its country easily accessible for foreigners (for the most part).

If you follow this Taiwan travel guide and other articles that I created around this subject, you will be fine.