With remarkable growth over the past few decades, Taiwan has evolved from a nearly unknown island into one of the world’s strongest economies. But did you know it’s also a country with delicious cuisine, a vibrant culture, and stunning natural landscapes?
Situated between cultural and economic giants and with a complex political situation, tourists often overlook Taiwan. However, it’s a destination well worth visiting and has quickly become one of our favorites.
In this guide, we’ll help you plan an unforgettable trip to Taiwan by providing travel tips that allow you to explore freely, without stress, and make the most of the beautiful island. And believe us, there’s a lot.
To make this information easy to understand, we’ve created a list of the 50 things you need to know before traveling to Taiwan. The list covers the best destinations, interacting with people, the best ways to travel, costs, ways to save, and much more.
Page Contents
About Taiwan and Its People
Where is Taiwan?
#1 With an area of 36,197 km², Taiwan is a relatively small island state regarding landmass, but it is crucial in global geopolitics. Its official name is the Republic of China.
The Pescadores Islands are also part of the state, and Taiwan administers them.
The main island is about 395 km long and 145 km wide at its maximum points.
#2 Located about 180 km off the coast of China, Taiwan is surrounded by the China Sea and is relatively close to some of Japan’s islands to the northeast and the Philippines to the south.
Taiwan’s geopolitical situation and its relationship with China are officially very complex, but the relationship between the two states is, at the very least, turbulent.
#3 Despite its small size, Taiwan is extremely mountainous, especially in the eastern, which features five steep mountain ranges running from north to south. The western region is flatter and has some rolling hills.
Taiwan’s highest point is Yu Shan Mountain, at 3,952 meters, making it the fourth-highest island in the world. Other peaks are above 3,500 meters.
#4 One of Taiwan’s interesting facts (especially for the Portuguese) is that the island is also known as Formosa. This name originated in 1542 when the Portuguese sighted the island and named it “Ilha Formosa” (Beautiful Island).
This name became the most common in Europe, even among English speakers, for a long time, until the 20th century. In Taiwan, this name is also often mentioned with pride—after all, who wouldn’t like their country to be called beautiful?
Whenever the Taiwanese found out we were Portuguese, they would immediately ask if we knew the island is named Formosa. 🙂
The Taiwanese (or Formosans)
#4 Taiwan has a high population density, especially considering that much of the island’s eastern area comprises enormous mountains. The population is around 52 million, with most people living in large cities.
Taipei is the capital of Taiwan, and its metropolitan area is home to over 7 million people. It is the largest urban region and the economic and cultural heart of the country. Other important cities include Kaohsiung, Tainan, and Taichung.
#5 Most of Taiwan’s population is of Han ethnicity (95%), making them ethnically Chinese. It’s also worth mentioning that there is still a small indigenous population, representing around 2% of the island’s total population.
#6 The Taiwanese are not highly religious, but their constitution protects religious freedom and the right to practice one’s beliefs.
Religiously, Taiwan can be divided into three main groups: Buddhists (35%), Taoists (33%), and those who claim no religion (27%). There is also a small group of Christians (4%).
Relationship with China
#7 As mentioned earlier, Taiwan’s official name is the Republic of China, and its origin and history are incredibly complex. As it is crucial to understand Taiwan’s current situation, let’s try a brief summary.
The Republic of China was established in 1911 as the government of China (and Taiwan). However, this was a period of political and military instability, with various factions fighting for control of China.
During World War II, Japan invaded China, and the different factions united to fight against Japan. After Japan’s defeat in World War II, the Chinese Civil War resumed, this time between the Nationalists (led by Chiang Kai-shek) and the Communists (led by Mao Zedong).
In 1949, the Communists prevailed and founded the People’s Republic of China. Chiang Kai-shek’s Nationalists fled to Taiwan, establishing a separate government and retaining the original name, “Republic of China.”
#8 The Republic of China continued to claim legitimacy as the rightful government of China and consistently maintained that Taiwan was its territory, despite the People’s Republic of China asserting Taiwan as an integral part of it.
This situation persisted until the 1980s when Taiwan reformed, abolished its one-party rule, and began holding direct democratic elections.
However, despite becoming a model of democracy in Asia, Taiwan remains in the same geopolitical situation, with China claiming sovereignty over the island and exerting significant pressure on Taiwan’s political relationships with other countries.
#9 Taiwan is not part of the UN or most international organizations and is not recognized as an independent country by much of the world. Nevertheless, it continues to exist as a distinct political entity with its government.
There are even some advocates for reunification with China within Taiwan, but they are still a minority.
#10 In addition to the obvious Chinese influence—more than just influence, since Taiwan and China share the same origins, only separating due to specific political circumstances—Taiwan also has a significant Japanese influence.
Japan occupied Taiwan from 1895 to 1945, leaving significant cultural, social, and economic marks. When visiting the island, this influence is still obvious today in various forms:
- Many Japanese-era infrastructures exist, particularly the railroads and old train lines, which are prominent examples. There is also great enthusiasm for railways.
- Many Japanese architectural marks remain in public buildings, older neighborhoods, schools, etc.
- Taiwanese cuisine is also heavily influenced by Japanese cooking.
- Japanese pop culture is widely present through anime, manga, games, and J-pop.
- Some people still speak Japanese due to this influence.
#11 Despite the difficulties mentioned above, Taiwan has transformed into one of the wealthiest states in the world. This transformation is known as the Taiwan Miracle, as the second half of the 20th century saw rapid industrialization and subsequent economic growth.
Taiwan is considered one of the four Asian Tigers, along with Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea. In 2022, it was already the 21st-largest economy in the world, which is an impressive feat for a country with fewer than 25 million inhabitants.
Taiwan has a dynamic, capitalist, and export-oriented economy, with exports being its main source of wealth and income. Visiting Taiwan and witnessing its development, wealth, and freedom often makes us wonder what China could have become if history had been different.
It’s almost like a small glimpse of what a more liberal and capitalist China might look like.
#12 Taiwan’s rapid economic development is due to several factors, mainly its technology, innovation, and education investment.
After World War II, Taiwan focused heavily on industrialization in sectors aimed at exports, such as semiconductors, electronics, and information technology, quickly transforming an agricultural economy into an industrialized one.
Some of the world’s largest and most well-known companies include TSMC, ASUS, and Foxconn. Founded only in 1987, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is a key player in the global economy. It is the world’s largest producer of chips and semiconductors, surpassing Intel and Samsung.
What Language to Speak in Taiwan
#13 Taiwan has several official languages; however, the two main ones are Mandarin (Chinese) and Hokkien (Taiwanese). Both are spoken by many of the population, but Chinese is undoubtedly the most prevalent.
If you speak Chinese, you won’t have any trouble communicating with people in Taiwan. However, you don’t need to speak Chinese to get by in Taiwan, as English is taught in schools and is widely used and understood.
We had no issues communicating in English during our time in Taiwan. Not everyone speaks it, and proficiency levels vary, but it’s far better than our experiences in Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, etc.
If you face communication issues, you can always use a translation app like this one. Additionally, as in any other part of the world, a friendly attitude and a smile can go a long way in helping interactions with locals.
What Are the People Like?
#14 There are countless reasons to love Taiwan, from its food to its natural beauty, but one of the things that surprised us the most was the kindness of the people.
It’s one of the places where we found people to be the friendliest. They were always attentive and seemed incredibly happy that we were visiting their country.
Of course, it’s hard to compare since interacting with the Taiwanese is generally easier due to their ability to speak a bit (or even quite a bit) of English. Still, it’s more than that—our experience in Taiwan was truly excellent.
What Not to Do in Taiwan
#15 Although Taiwan may feel closer to the West than other Asian countries, it is still culturally very different, so it’s natural to pay attention to specific situations to avoid offending anyone or drawing unwanted attention.
Some cultural norms and faux pas to be aware of when traveling in Taiwan include:
- Greetings with a slight bow.
- Always giving and receiving things with both hands.
- Never stick your chopsticks upright in rice bowls; it is considered bad taste and resembles a funeral ritual.
- Never wear shoes inside the house.
- Like many Asian societies, Taiwan is highly hierarchical, so showing respect for elders is essential.
- Avoid discussing politics or sensitive issues related to China/Taiwan relations unless you’re sure it won’t offend. Some people find this topic sensitive, although discussing it if they bring it up is usually fine.
But most importantly, be respectful, have good manners, and be kind. The Taiwanese know we are not locals and don’t expect us to know everything about their culture. However, they greatly appreciate that we visit their country and want to learn more about them and their way of life.
Climate in Taiwan
#16 Taiwan has a subtropical climate characterized by hot and humid summers and mild and dry winters, with seasonal variations and significant influence from the rains brought by typhoons during the summer.
Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures ranging between 25ºC and 35ºC, sometimes even higher. This season is also marked by frequent and intense rains, with common tropical monsoons. The peak typhoon season occurs from late August to early October.
In contrast, winters in Taiwan are pretty mild, with temperatures dropping to 10ºC to 20ºC along the coast and much lower in the mountains. This is also the driest time of the year, so there is little rain.
Spring and autumn are transition seasons with a gradual increase and decrease in temperatures and humidity levels.
When to Travel to Taiwan?
#17 In our opinion, the best time to travel to Taiwan is during the shoulder seasons, meaning spring and autumn, when temperatures are mild and sometimes even warm, and the likelihood of rain is low.
Since winters (October to February) are relatively mild, with cool but pleasant temperatures and no rain, we prefer winter over summer. In summer (June to September), temperatures are hot, but the high chance of rain and high humidity can make the trip unpleasant.
As Taiwan doesn’t have a high tourist season, there’s no need to worry too much about crowds. However, according to statistics, December is the month with the most visitors, and we suggest avoiding travel during Chinese New Year as it’s always a time of high confusion, price increases, and some closures.
Taiwan is a year-round destination, but it’s especially ideal for those who enjoy (and can) travel outside the summer, as spring and autumn bring the best weather for exploring.
Is it Safe to Travel in Taiwan?
#18 Yes, we consider Taiwan an extremely safe destination. We never felt at risk or uncomfortable, day or night, anywhere on the island we visited.
Crime statistics confirm that Taiwan has a very low crime rate and even lower rates of violent crime. Still, we recommend always being mindful of your belongings and staying alert in crowded areas like markets and stations.
That said, there are some reports of scams and fraud in Taiwan, particularly around ATMs or related to credit cards. We have never experienced anything like this, and statistically, they are unlikely.
Finally, of course, there is always the risk of escalation in the conflict between Taiwan and China, but that’s something to be aware of when planning your trip. It would be pretty unfortunate if it happened while you were there. However, it’s a genuine concern for all Taiwanese people.
If you want more information, we typically use this site to check the safety levels of the countries we visit.
Is Taiwan LGBT Friendly?
#19 Taiwan is a progressive and LGBT-friendly destination. It was the first country to legalize same-sex marriage. Any discrimination based on sex or sexual orientation is also prohibited. Since 2023, same-sex couples have also been allowed to adopt children.
Finally, it’s worth noting that Taiwan’s nightlife and gay pride parades are enormous and very popular, especially in Taipei and, to a lesser extent, in Kaohsiung.
In summary, Taiwan has made a significant effort to become a non-discriminatory and welcoming destination for the LGBT community.
Traveling to Taiwan
Things to know about tourism in Taiwan
#20 Although Taiwan isn’t a highly touristic destination, the country welcomed more than 11 million visitors in 2019. After the COVID-19 pandemic, visitor numbers haven’t yet returned to similar levels, and in 2022, the number of visitors fell below 1 million.
There was a significant increase in 2023, but still far from pre-COVID levels. Most of Taiwan’s visitors come from other Asian countries like China, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
Taiwan is still relatively undiscovered among Westerners, both Americans and Europeans.
What to Visit in Taiwan?
#21 As mentioned earlier, Taiwan is a relatively small island, but it’s packed with cultural and natural attractions.
We believe you should allocate at least a week to visit Taiwan, which will only allow you to see the basics. About 15 days would be a reasonable time to get to know the island and its main attractions well.
#22 Taipei is the capital and largest city of Taiwan. It serves as the main gateway to the country and is thus the first destination for most visitors.
Taipei is a large city. Its metropolitan area is home to around 7 million people. As the economic and cultural heart of the country, it has plenty to offer almost any type of tourist.
While it’s a city we enjoyed and felt comfortable in, it still falls short of Seoul or Tokyo. Even so, it’s well worth spending a few days in Taipei to explore the city and some nearby destinations. Some of the must-see places in Taipei include:
- Taipei 101: One of the tallest buildings in the world with striking and unique architecture. From the top, you’ll have incredible panoramic views.
- Ximending District: A neighborhood known for its nightlife and lively atmosphere with numerous options for dining, shopping, and entertainment.
- Longshan Temple: Dedicated to various Taoist and Buddhist deities, it is one of Taipei’s oldest and most significant temples.
- Elephant Mountain: A popular hiking destination in the Taipei area that offers beautiful views of Taipei 101 and the rest of the city.
- Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: A massive square with imposing architecture that serves as a monument to honor Taiwan’s first president. It’s one of Taiwan’s most famous and intriguing landmarks.
#23 The area north of Taipei is also extremely popular due to its stunning natural landscapes, but especially for its small, old villages with narrow, winding streets. After Taroko National Park (which we’ll discuss below), this is probably our favorite area in Taiwan.
Some must-see spots include:
- Jiufen: A former mining town with street markets and a nostalgic atmosphere. It served as inspiration for the well-known animated film Spirited Away.
- Shifen: A village known for releasing paper lanterns into the sky. It also has an excellent street market.
- Shifen Waterfall: Located close to Shifen village, this impressive waterfall is easily accessible on foot.
- Pingxi: Another village with a nostalgic vibe and lantern releases.
- Yehliu Geopark: An area known for its unique and unusual rock formations.
- Tamsui: A coastal city with a relaxed atmosphere and numerous restaurants. The two main attractions are Fort Santo Domingo, where you can learn about Taiwan’s history, and the large street market.
- Beitou Springs: Natural hot springs and historic Japanese architecture.
#24 Taroko National Park was undoubtedly our favorite destination in Taiwan. We loved it so much that we created a specific article about the park, how to visit it, and what to expect.
It’s one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever visited and is very easy to explore without a car or tours, as buses run along the main road, accessing various hiking trails and attractions. We suggest visiting:
- Shakadang Trail: The most well-known spot, following a beautiful turquoise river.
- Yanzikou Trail: A short trail that takes you along the stunning marble gorge of the Liwu River.
- Tunnel of Nine Turns: A 700-meter tunnel along an increasingly narrow gorge, creating a spectacular dramatic effect.
#25 Tainan is known as the oldest city in Taiwan. It is renowned for its rich cultural heritage due to Dutch, Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese influences, especially in its architecture, traditions, and food.
This city is full of historical sites, including temples and fortresses. Still, it also has many traditional restaurants and night markets where you can enjoy some of the best food in Taiwan. We recommend visiting:
- Confucius Temple of Tainan: A peaceful and beautiful place where you can learn about this philosophy. It’s one of the oldest and best-preserved Confucian temples outside mainland China.
- Shennong Street: A bustling street filled with shops, restaurants, and street food stalls.
- Anping Fortress: A fortress from the Dutch era. The surrounding area is also quite interesting.
- Provintia Fortress: Another colonial fortress located more in the city center.
#26 Built in the early 20th century during the Japanese colonial era in Taiwan, the Alishan Railway is one of our favorite attractions.
The journey offers both fabulous views and the chance to ride a historic train with rare characteristics. During the trip, you’ll cross dozens of bridges and tunnels and see canyons, waterfalls, and even peaks shrouded in mist.
Initially, the route went from Chiayi to Alishan at over 2200 meters altitude and was mainly used for transporting wood. Currently, the route only goes as far as Fenqihu, with the rest of the journey needing to be completed by bus, but the line is expected to be fully reopened soon.
#27 Besides the railway, which is a fun and culturally different activity, Alishan Forest is also a worthy destination. There, you can see the beautiful mountains, the sea of clouds, and the old train stations that are now restored, among many other things.
Ideally, you should spend the night up there and also catch the sunrise and sunset, but if you can’t, you can go up and down in one day and still see some of the main attractions, like the Shouzen Temple and the giant trees, and even make one of the many available trails.
#28 Taiwan’s street markets are one of the country’s main attractions, both for their incredible vibrancy and the variety of food you’ll find there. There are night and day markets, and they are always spectacular.
If you love street food, you’ll adore Taiwan. Everything is there, from the usual pancakes and bubble tea to fried seafood and mushrooms. But the best part is that markets are everywhere, from the huge Taipei to small towns and cities. Some of our favorites include:
- Jiufen Market: This picturesque town has several streets filled with vendors. Besides traditional architecture, you’ll find bubble tea and several souvenir and antique shops.
- Raohe Night Market: Perhaps the most famous in Taipei due to its culinary specialties. If you love street food, this is one not to miss.
- Shilin Night Market: Another one of the largest and most famous in Taipei, located in the Shilin District.
- Keelung Night Market: One of our favorites due to the incredible variety of fresh seafood and local dishes.
In addition to food, many of these markets are great places to buy souvenirs and local handicrafts.
#29 Besides the places mentioned above, there are other well-known destinations in Taiwan that we unfortunately left out of our visit. If you have the opportunity, consider adding them to your itinerary, as we plan to do on our next trip to the beautiful island:
- Kenting National Park: Located at the southern tip of the island, it’s known for having the best beaches in Formosa, beautiful trails, and snorkeling opportunities.
- Penghu: A small archipelago famous for its tropical white sand beaches. It is entirely different from the rest of Taiwan. If you love paradise beaches, this is a place not to miss.
- Sun Moon Lake: A beautiful lake surrounded by mountains. Great for hiking, boat rides, and even cycling.
What to eat in Taiwan
#30 One of the main reasons we love traveling is to experience the typical dishes of each country and region. And if there’s one thing that doesn’t disappoint in Taiwan, it’s the food, especially street food. If you’re a foodie like us, Taiwan should definitely be at the top of your list.
Taiwanese food is a fusion of various regional cuisines, notably Chinese, Japanese, Indigenous, and Southeast Asian, evident in almost all of its typical dishes.
- Beef Noodle Soup is one of the most popular dishes in Taiwan and is sometimes considered the national dish. It’s made with beef, slowly cooked in soy sauce, beef broth, vegetables, and Chinese wheat noodles.
- Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan) is another simple and beloved dish in Taiwan. It consists of minced pork belly sautéed and slowly cooked in soy sauce until tender and shredded, served over a bowl of steamed rice.
- Hot Pot—Hot pots are trendy across Asia and a staple in Taiwanese cuisine. They are soups or stews that include vegetables, various types of meat, fish, tofu, seafood, and noodles.
- Turkey Rice – A specialty of Chiayi made with white rice and turkey. It’s much tastier than it might seem at first glance.
- Danzai Noodles – A specialty of Tainan made with wheat noodles cooked in a meat and seafood broth, topped with slowly cooked pork and a single shrimp.
- Xiao Long Bao – Dumplings filled with pork and a delicious soup. The most famous place to try this delicacy is the renowned Din Tai Fung restaurant.
#31 The dishes mentioned above are delicious (especially Xiao Long Bao) and are worth trying, but the real culinary highlights in Taiwan are found in street food. The diversity of foods, ingredients, and cooking techniques used in Taiwan’s markets is simply extraordinary.
Below are some of our favorites, but there are many more!
- Gua Bao – Another traditional Taiwanese dish. Made with braised pork belly served in a bao bun with pickles, cilantro, and ground peanuts.
- Fried or Grilled Seafood – Exactly as it sounds, but it’s delicious because it’s usually very fresh and only lightly fried or breaded.
- Oyster Omelet – A fried omelet with starch and fresh oysters, usually served with a sweet and sour tomato sauce. It appears in many markets across Asia.
- Fish Balls are a typical street food throughout Asia. They are fish balls cooked in a sauce and served on skewers.
- Coffin Bread is one of the strangest dishes we’ve tried because it looks like a funeral coffin. It wasn’t one of our favorites, but it’s worth trying for the eccentricity of the idea. It consists of a thick slice of fried bread filled with chicken, seafood, or vegetable cream.
- Peanut Ice Cream Roll consists of two scoops of ice cream, which can be peanut or another flavor, covered with shaved peanut brittle and cilantro, and wrapped in a thin crepe-like wrapper made with flour and water. It’s refreshing, and the combination of flavors is excellent.
- Pepper Buns are wheat buns made with minced pork mixed with a special seasoning, onions, and scallions, topped with sesame seeds. They’re very famous at the Raohe Night Market. They’re delicious when hot, with a peppery flavor and a slightly smoky touch.
#32 Like other Asian countries, Taiwan has many convenience stores. They are everywhere, with the main store chains being the famous 7-Eleven, Family Mart, Hi-Life, and OK Mart. They are convenient and practical, being open 24 hours a day. If you need anything, you know you can always count on them, as they are great places to grab a bite and have delicious snacks.
#33 Taiwan has a rich tea culture with a wide range of tea houses, from the most sophisticated to simple takeaway shops. Tea culture in Taiwan is like coffee culture in the rest of the world. It’s the drink of choice for Taiwanese.
Boba tea, or bubble tea, was invented in Taiwan and is the most famous Taiwanese drink in the world. It’s made with black tea (though it can also be found with green or Oolong tea), milk, sugar, and tapioca pearls known as boba. The tapioca pearls are made from tapioca starch and are chewy and sweet.
Besides bubble tea, Taiwan’s Oolong tea is known for its superior quality and unique flavors. It’s a partially oxidized tea from China and is highly appreciated. A high-quality tea can range from $30 to $100 per 100 grams. But it’s also possible to find cheaper and lower-quality products. When visiting Taiwan, you must immerse yourself in the tea culture.
Currency and Travel Costs in Taiwan
Currency and Payments
#34 One thing you need to know before going to Taiwan is that the official currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$). In 2024, the exchange rate for USD to NT$ is about 31. That means 1 USD is worth about 31 NT$, or, conversely, 1000 NT$ is worth 31 dollars.
Our recommendation is that you do not need to bring NT$ with you. The ATM network is good, and you can withdraw money anytime. In our experience, the withdrawal costs are acceptable and almost always lower than exchanging currency before arriving in Taiwan.
Most shops and restaurants accept payments with cards (credit, debit, or EasyCard), but you may be asked to pay in cash for smaller establishments or low-value transactions.
Make as many payments as possible with a card. It’s safer and avoids the need to withdraw money frequently or carry too much cash.
What is the EasyCard?
#34 The EasyCard is Taiwan’s public transportation card and functions as a digital wallet. It’s essential if you plan to use public transportation during your trip.
When you arrive in Taiwan, one of the first things you should do is purchase the EasyCard (it should cost 300 NT$, 100 for the card, and 200 for the deposit). This card allows you to use any urban transport (metro, bus, ferries, bicycles, and even some taxis) in any city in Taiwan.
To top up the EasyCard, go to a convenience store (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, OK Mart, or any other) and ask to load it. There are also machines for loading it at metro stations. The top-up must be done in cash.
To use it, swipe the card when entering and exiting the transport. Don’t forget to do this when entering and exiting, as the transport system allows free transfers between lines and even between modes of transport.
It’s also possible to make other types of payments with the EasyCard, such as at convenience stores, brand-name stores, tourist attractions, parking lots, and more, but this is more useful for locals than for tourists, as the card must be loaded with cash.
Travel Costs in Taiwan
#35 Taiwan is surprisingly affordable. Besides being a modern, developed, and prosperous country, travel costs are relatively low. Let’s take a closer look.
Excluding flights, as they vary greatly depending on where you’re coming from, we spent an average of $46.64 per day traveling as a couple, which works out to $23.32 per person. We consider this a very low amount, and compared to recent trips, it’s much less than what we spent in Mexico, significantly less than South Korea and Japan (even more surprising), but a bit more than Vietnam, which is one of the cheapest destinations in the world.
That said, it’s important to mention that we are backpackers and always try to keep our travel costs under control. Travel costs also depend on the time of year, and we traveled to Taiwan in the low season.
Of course, if you travel during peak season, stay in hotels, do many tours, shop, and visit amusement parks, these amounts will increase significantly.
#36 Food in Taiwan is generally relatively cheap, making it easy for two people to eat for meager amounts (between 5 and 10 Euros), especially at markets or small local restaurants. It costs a bit more for international food or if you eat a lot of seafood and meat.
We love trying all the local specialties, so we almost always ate local food at local restaurants. Additionally, we are big fans of street and market food, which further reduces costs. And that’s the biggest secret to keeping food costs low.
#37 There are accommodations for all tastes and budgets, starting at less than 20 Euros per night for a double room in budget lodgings. We believe these prices are very low and almost impossible to find in most countries, especially in developed countries. It’s already challenging in Portugal to find rooms below 40 Euros, let alone around 20.
However, we must mention two significant things:
- Taipei is naturally a bit more expensive, with cheaper accommodations starting at 30-40 Euros, either well outside the center or of very dubious quality.
- Weekend prices increase significantly. It was so much so that we thought there was some event in the city the first time, but the truth is it’s general. It’s normal for prices to increase slightly, but they sometimes double or more in Taiwan.
#38 Tourist attractions are usually another source of costs that sometimes weigh heavily on the travel budget, but in Taiwan, there are plenty of cheap or free activities, so this wasn’t a problem for us, and we don’t think it will be for you either.
There are more expensive attractions, such as going up Taipei 101 (which we didn’t do), but most of the things we suggest here are either free or extremely cheap, and of course, natural attractions are rarely charged.
Finally, public transportation is also quite affordable, so it’s not something you need to worry about. There are plenty of trains that can take you to almost every place on the island, and depending on the type of train, it can be quite cheap. For example, a metro ticket usually costs around one Euro, varying according to the distance.
Should You Tip in Taiwan?
#39 Tipping is not common in Taiwan. In fact, we never felt the need to tip in any situation, and we also didn’t see others, whether foreigners or locals, doing so in restaurants or anywhere else.
There may be exceptions, but we didn’t experience any, and of course, if you want to reward spectacular service, you can always do so.
Note that free walking tours are a special situation, and guides live on tips, whether in Taiwan or any other country. So, if you take a “free walking tour,” please don’t forget to tip.
How to Travel in Taiwan
#40 One of the things we appreciated most about Taiwan is how easy it is to travel by public transport, whether in big cities, small villages, or rural and natural areas. In our experience, it’s possible to reach almost everywhere using public transportation.
We used a mix of metro, train, and bus, and it always worked extraordinarily well. Additionally, the costs of this option are really low, especially when compared to neighboring Japan, or even Europe, Australia, and the USA.
#41 The best way to travel in Taiwan using public transportation is by train. There is an extensive network of trains, including high-speed trains.
The main train line circles the entire island, allowing you to reach almost any coastal area and making itinerary planning much easier. This ring is serviced by trains in both directions, so it’s crucial to pay attention to the correct direction. For instance, you could have two trains with the same origin and destination, but one is going clockwise, and the other counterclockwise. Thus, it’s important to always choose the shortest and cheapest route!
#42 The best way we found to navigate Taiwan’s transportation system was by using Google Maps. There are other apps, but in our experience, this one works well and in real-time. It works for both short trips within cities and long-distance travel (especially for trains).
By combining Google Maps with the ease of using IC cards, it’s easy to plan how to get around, how much it costs, and how long it takes to reach your destination.
Finally, don’t forget that you’ll need to reserve seats/buy tickets for both trains and long-distance buses. Train tickets are usually purchased at stations, and we didn’t have problems with them being full, but it also wasn’t high season. Try to book as far in advance as possible, preferably a few days ahead.
Renting and Driving a Car in Taiwan
#43 Renting a car is the fastest and most flexible way to travel in Taiwan (as in almost any place), providing greater speed and convenience, especially if you plan to hike or visit less accessible areas.
We chose not to rent a car because we wanted a completely relaxed trip without the worries of driving, parking, dealing with rental agencies, or getting international driving permits (which are required to rent a car in Taiwan).
Therefore, we can’t give many tips regarding car rental or driving, but if you’re used to driving in different countries, you shouldn’t have major problems in Taiwan. The roads are quite good, and the traffic isn’t too chaotic.
The biggest problem will be in the big cities, and for that reason, we advise against having a car in the urban parts of your itinerary, especially in Taipei, due to its size, traffic, and general confusion.
What Souvenirs to Buy in Taiwan?
#44 Taiwan is an unforgettable place that will surely stay in your memory for a long time. And who doesn’t love bringing back some souvenirs to relive the memories of the trip? Or maybe to enjoy some of the unique flavors of the journey…
Luckily, there are plenty of things you can bring back with you, as Taiwan has a unique culture. Some of our favorites include:
- Tea: As we mentioned earlier, Taiwan is a tea country. There are thousands of specialized tea shops, so one of the best souvenirs to bring back from the country is tea. Delicious tea.
- Tea Sets: Besides the tea itself, you can also buy a set to serve tea traditionally. They are very beautiful, but be careful when transporting them…
- Paper Lanterns: Releasing paper lanterns is one of the most traditional activities, so bringing one as a souvenir is a great idea.
- Moon Cakes: Small round traditional cakes, especially popular during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
- Fans: There are beautiful traditional fans in Taiwan. They make an ideal souvenir and gift.
- Incense and Buddhist or Taoist Statues: If you are more spiritual, this is a great souvenir and very symbolic.
Internet in Taiwan
#45 Taiwan is a developed and modern destination, so every accommodation offers free Wi-Fi, so this isn’t a big concern. It’s just advisable to check reviews on the quality of the signal.
If you want to use mobile data, you will need to buy a local data card or an eSim. We used an eSim card, and it worked quite well for us. You can buy one here. Alternatively, you can purchase a Taiwan SIM card from a site like Klook and pick it up at the airport. It’s very simple and ensures that you have data as soon as you arrive.
Cleanliness, Pollution, and Recycling
#46 In our opinion, Taiwan is at an intermediate stage when it comes to waste management and pollution. On one hand, rural areas, parks, and tourist zones are quite clean, but some urban areas, especially markets, street food zones, and restaurants, have some litter and may look dirty.
However, we must clarify that Formosa is much cleaner than most Asian countries we’ve visited (except for Japan and South Korea). There’s still a lot of work to be done, and there are some very dirty areas, but you can tell it’s improving.
For those unfamiliar with the reality in Japan and South Korea, the almost complete absence of trash bins on the streets, even in cities, will be surprising. It’s very difficult to find trash or recycling bins, which can be annoying, but it’s a technique that seems to work in some countries since there is no litter.
Therefore, it’s essential to always carry a bag to store your trash until you find a bin or recycling point.
#47 Regarding recycling, we face the same problem with trash bins. They are quite hard to find, and when you do, it’s a bit complicated to understand what should go into each bin, as we don’t speak the language, and each country has its own way of sorting waste.
Our solution was to open the bins and try to place our waste where there was similar trash.
One situation we wish would change in Taiwan (and the rest of Asia) is the use of plastic and single-use products. There’s still a lot of unnecessary plastic use—especially the use of disposable cups, cutlery, and other items.
That said, there is a world of difference compared to Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and even Thailand) and even Mexico, but much more can still be done.
Electrical Outlets
#48 The electrical outlets in Taiwan are of type A and B, with a voltage of 100V and a frequency of 50/60 Hz. They are the same as those in Japan, for example.
So, if you are coming from Continental Europe or other countries with the same type of outlets, you will need an adapter. We suggest this adapter, and if you need a frequency converter, we suggest this one.
Also, confirm if the voltage and frequency are different from those in your country. Normally, computers, mobile phones, and similar devices work with any voltage since they have a converter, but household appliances and hair dryers will need a transformer.
Documentation to Enter Taiwan
#49 Portuguese citizens (and many other nationalities) do not need a visa to enter Taiwan for stays of up to 90 days, provided they hold a regular electronic passport.
Obviously, we’re talking about tourist stays. If you’re going to work, the issue is completely different. It’s advisable to always have an exit ticket from the country and proof of means of subsistence, as these may be requested upon entry.
Taiwan Travel Guide
#50 Finally, if you want to buy a travel guide, we suggest this Lonely Planet guide, which has a lot of useful information. Note that there is a more recent version of the Lonely Planet, but it has very poor reviews, so we suggest this 2020 edition.
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