Top 10 Essential Travel Tips for Taiwan

Since the pandemic, Taiwan has fully reinstated its visa-free entry policy, effective from September 29, 2022. This means citizens of eligible countries can enter Taiwan without a visa for purposes such as business, exhibitions, visiting family, international exchange, and tourism. Anyone planning to visit Taiwan must carry their original passport on the trip.

Before traveling, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 more months and has empty pages for entry/exit stamps. You can visit the official website of the Bureau of Consular Affairs for detailed visa application information. Citizens of countries not eligible for visa exemption must apply for a visa for purposes such as visiting family or tourism, starting October 13, 2022. Foreign nationals wishing to travel to Taiwan can submit a visa application at the nearest Taiwanese diplomatic office.

Currently, Taiwan has temporarily suspended the issuance of E-visas and Landing Visas. Visa requirements for those seeking to visit Taiwan for family purposes include a passport valid for at least 6 months, a completed application form with 2 recent photos, a flight ticket or steamship ticket, proof of the visit's purpose, and other relevant documents. Applicants must submit visa application forms to Taiwan's diplomatic offices abroad, where the consular authorities will review the documents and may request an interview if necessary.

You will find a wide range of accommodation options when searching for a place to stay in Taiwan. Whether you prefer luxurious hotels, budget hostels, or cozy apartments, there is something for everyone that offers comfort and convenience. A popular choice for travelers in Taiwan is renting a private room in an apartment, which provides a private bedroom and shared bathroom in a residential area close to the city center, making it easy to explore the city quickly. Walker Taichung is also a great option.

Flip Flop Hostel is located near the main train station. The rooms are clean and welcoming, with many common areas where you can socialize with fellow travelers. The building was once a worker’s dormitory and has been modernized to provide dormitory-style accommodation. When looking for hotels in Taiwan, it's often worth spending a little extra to secure a clean, comfortable, and convenient stay. M Hotel Taipei is close to public transportation and top attractions and features a bar and restaurant for you to unwind after a long day.

There are many excellent places to stay in Taiwan, regardless of the city you’re visiting, and Taichung is no exception. Star Hostel is located in a beautiful Green Building with 14,000 plants and is surrounded by shops, cafes, and restaurants. The hostel is made from local materials, offering a relaxing, natural ambiance. If you’re looking for comfort and convenience, the Butler Hotel Former Plaza Hotel will exceed your expectations, located in the heart of Taichung with a fitness center and stylish rooms with air conditioning and all the necessary amenities. Other great accommodations include: Lealea Garden Hotel, Per Bed Hostel, New KM Hotel in Sun Moon Lake, Take a Break B&B in Kinmen, Rm. R2, and With Inn Hostel in Kaohsiung, among others.

Taiwan is renowned for its diverse cuisine, influenced by many countries. From Indian to Italian dishes, if you're craving something specific, chances are you’ll find it in Taipei. However, the true highlight for most visitors is the street food. The Taipei Street Food Tour is a unique three-hour excursion that takes you to small food stalls, offering you the chance to taste dishes you’ve always wanted to try but never had the chance.

There are many fantastic hiking spots in Taiwan, each offering its own experience, but for casual hikers, the Jiufen Hiking Tour is the perfect choice. On this tour, you’ll not only walk through some of the most picturesque countryside in Taiwan but also visit an old gold mining town and sample some tea at the oldest tea house in the area.

With so many historical landmarks to explore, no single tour can cover them all. However, if you're fascinated by Taipei, the Half-Day Taipei City Tour will take you to three of the capital's most famous historical sites. This tour includes visits to the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, the Martyrs' Shrine, and the National Palace Museum.

If you're an avid cyclist, Taiwan offers many short cycling routes. You can take cycling tours around Taipei, visit Taroko National Park, or even explore a few tea plantations. But if you’re serious about biking, the 12-Day Taiwan Bike Tour is the ultimate experience. This 781 km journey starts in Taipei and winds through mountains and along the coast, passing through Taroko Gorge and Hualien, until you reach your final destination in Kenting.

No trip to Taiwan is complete without soaking in the stunning rural landscapes, and the 3-Day Taiwan Scenic Tour gives you plenty of opportunities to experience the country's natural beauty. Starting in Taipei, the tour takes you to Sun Moon Lake, Puli, and the Alishan National Scenic Area. The tour includes breakfast, accommodation, and a guide, making it an excellent way to see some of Taiwan’s most iconic sites in just a few days.

The economy in Taiwan is still largely cash-based, especially when compared to countries like Australia and South Korea, so it’s a good idea for visitors to carry sufficient cash. However, most businesses can provide change even if you pay with a 1,000 TWD note for a small purchase, so there’s no need to stockpile coins or 100 TWD notes. Currency exchange is limited to major banks and post offices. Unlike some other Asian countries, currency exchange counters are not available in Taiwan.

Some department stores may exchange US dollars, euros, Japanese yen, and Chinese yuan. When exchanging currency, you may find that the exchange rate in Taiwan is better than what you would get in your home country, so it’s worth considering waiting until you arrive to exchange money at the airport. Currency exchange services are available at Taoyuan and Kaohsiung airports, where the rates are similar to those offered at downtown banks.

While most Taiwanese citizens have credit cards, they are rarely used except for purchases at department stores. For tourists, credit cards are very useful at larger hotels, upscale restaurants, and for train tickets. However, they are usually not accepted at homestays and almost never by taxi drivers. Most ATMs in Taiwan provide options in both Chinese and English. Credit cards from foreign banks are often, but not always, accepted, so don’t rely on being able to withdraw money from your home account.

Visitors to Taiwan are spoiled for choice when it comes to breathtaking natural landmarks. The Taipei 101, once the tallest building in the world, remains one of Taiwan's most iconic structures and is definitely worth a visit. The National Palace Museum houses one of the largest collections of ancient Chinese royal artifacts, providing a fascinating glimpse into the history of China. Thousands of items were relocated here by the government of Chiang Kai-shek when they fled China during the Cultural Revolution.

Just a few hours by train from Taipei is Taroko National Park, one of Taiwan’s most popular natural wonders. Another stunning destination is Yushan National Park, home to Taiwan's highest peak along with other picturesque summits like Sanqingshan. The Alishan Mountain Railway is also a top tourist attraction, with its winding train taking visitors to the mountain top, where numerous easy hiking trails offer fantastic photo opportunities.

Sun Moon Lake is Taiwan’s largest lake and a perfect spot for a short getaway. The area is dotted with hotels and busy ferries that transport visitors between the shores. A cable car also takes tourists to the Formosa Aboriginal Culture Village with ease. Maokong is another must-see destination, one of the best places in Taipei to enjoy tea. Its stunning scenery has made Maokong one of the most popular day-trip destinations from Taipei.

To the south of Kaohsiung lies the Maolin National Scenic Area, home to the Purple Butterfly Valley, where millions of Euploeini butterflies spend the winter. It's a spectacular sight, especially if you visit at the right time of year. One of Taiwan's most popular weekend getaways is the Penghu Islands. This tropical paradise, scattered with sandy beaches, is a seafood lover’s dream.

Taiwan is a food lover's paradise, where snacking is a national pastime, no matter the time of day or night. The island's incredible culinary scene is influenced by Fujian, Guangdong, and Hakka flavors from China, native Taiwanese street food, as well as Japanese and American influences. Visitors don't need to go to upscale markets to sample the best dishes—some of the most memorable food experiences can be found at street stalls offering tempting fried, grilled, or steamed treats.

Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup combines tender braised beef with chewy noodles in a rich, slow-cooked broth, accented with a touch of Sichuan spice and pickled mustard greens. This dish has become Taiwan's national food and is even said to have overturned a long-standing ban on beef consumption on the island. Boba Tea, also known as bubble tea, is a global sensation that originated in Taiwan. Served at street-side stalls and in chain stores, the classic version consists of tea, milk, ice, sugar, and chewy tapioca pearls. Nowadays, variations may include blended fruit, mashed taro, sweet potato balls, or even cheese.

Across the island’s night markets, dozens of family-run stalls offer affordable, flavorful snacks like soup, sausages, skewered squid, sweets, stinky tofu, and various stuffed foods. Some of the night market snacks have become iconic Taiwanese dishes, such as Oyster Omelet with crispy fried chicken 'atop a crunchy base', sprinkled with basil and five-spice powder, and shaved ice desserts topped with red bean, mango, taro balls, and drenched in sweetened condensed milk.

While it's not a traditional Taiwanese greeting, a handshake is the most common way to greet foreigners. Taiwanese people are not fond of hugs. When meeting friends or acquaintances, a gentle nod or a friendly wave accompanied by a simple 'hello' is sufficient. A few helpful Chinese phrases include: 'ni hao ma?' (How are you?), 'hao jiu bu jian!' (Long time no see!), or 'chi bao le ma?' (Have you eaten?).

One of the most fascinating and surprising aspects of Taiwanese culture is that despite living in one of the world’s most technologically advanced nations, many people still believe in some of the most ancient superstitions from China. This is especially apparent when it comes to gift-giving. When giving or receiving a gift, always use both hands and never open the gift in front of the giver. Some items to avoid as gifts include handkerchiefs, as they are associated with sadness or impending misfortune, and clocks, as the phrase 'giving a clock' in Chinese sounds like 'attending a funeral'.

Additionally, when using public transportation in Taiwan, always give up your seat for the elderly, children, and pregnant women, whether on buses, the subway, or trains. You may receive a stare or even a reprimand if you allow an elderly person to stand in front of you! Always stand to the right on escalators, as the left side is for walking. And avoid discussing the sensitive political issue of Taiwan-China relations. Some people may be offended if you imply that Taiwan is part of China, while others may take offense if you suggest Taiwan is an independent nation.

Taiwan has two distinct climate zones: the northern part experiences a subtropical climate, while the south is tropical. The majority of the island enjoys warm weather year-round, with mild winters and hot summers. Typhoon season runs from May to November. While typhoons are more likely during this period, Taiwan experiences an average of only 3.7 typhoons annually. Spring offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy stunning natural colors and Taiwan's top festivals.

November and December are excellent months to explore cities like Taichung and Taipei. Taiwan's winters are much milder compared to Japan or China. Fall in Taiwan is truly spectacular – dense forests in areas like Nantou's Aowanda Forest Recreation Area (featuring the beautiful Maple Trail) transform into endless ribbons of gold and red. Here’s a breakdown of Taiwan’s seasonal weather:

• Spring: From March to May. Average temperatures range from 15ºC to 22ºC.
• Summer: From June to August. Hot and humid with thunderstorms and rain. Average temperatures range from 24ºC to 28ºC.
• Fall: From September to November. Cooler than summer with significantly less rainfall, especially in October and November. Average temperatures range from 18ºC to 27ºC.
• Winter: From December to February. Mild, foggy, and relatively dry. Average temperatures range from 13ºC to 15ºC, with highs between 17ºC and 19ºC.

Getting around in Taiwan can either be very convenient or somewhat challenging for first-time visitors, depending on your destination and the weather conditions. Taiwan’s transportation network is highly advanced, featuring fast trains, an extensive bus system, numerous domestic flights, and ferries that connect the main islands to offshore islands. Major cities and towns in Taiwan are all linked by the efficient local and express train services operated by the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA).

Visitors under 30 can register for the Taiwan Rail Pass (TR Pass) at any major train station (passport and student ID required): five days for 599 TWD, seven days for 799 TWD, or ten days for 1098 TWD. Anyone can also purchase the Around Island Rail Pass for 1706 TWD, which offers up to 15% off on all train fares.

Taiwan's High-Speed Rail (HSR) system features some of the fastest trains in the world, cutting travel time between Taipei and Kaohsiung by two-thirds, with stops at 8 stations along its 345 km route, traveling at speeds of up to 300 km/h. However, it’s important to note that most HSR stations, aside from Taipei, are located outside city centers, requiring an additional shuttle ride for those staying in the heart of the cities.

Buses are usually cheaper than trains and can be much faster, provided traffic is light and there are no accidents. They also offer air conditioning, comfortable lounge-style seating, onboard movies, and restrooms. In more remote areas, such as the cross-island highways and parts of the eastern coast, renting a car may be the most convenient option. Motorbikes remain a popular mode of transport in Taiwan, especially for exploring smaller cities or remote areas with limited public transit options.

Knowing what to pack for your trip to Taiwan is an essential part of your travel preparation! When choosing travel insurance for Taiwan, make sure to find a plan that covers medical care, trip cancellations, theft, and lost or damaged luggage. Although medical care in Taiwan is much cheaper than in countries like the U.S., hospitals may refuse treatment if you don't have travel insurance with medical coverage.

With the rise of USB charging, many of your favorite devices won't have the right voltage converter for international charging. A versatile power adapter is highly recommended, as it will be useful not only in Taiwan but also in other destinations you may visit. You may also want to bring along a compact, lightweight power bank to prevent your phone from running out of battery unexpectedly.

Sudden weather changes are common, so even if you pick the best time to visit Taiwan, you should pack a raincoat or umbrella just in case of unexpected downpours. Except during the coldest months (December to February), you won’t need a thick winter jacket. During the hot summer and even in the spring and autumn, be sure to pack a hat to protect yourself from sunstroke and heat exhaustion.

If you're planning to explore most of Taiwan’s top urban destinations, a pair of lightweight, breathable, and comfortable walking shoes are essential. Due to Taiwan's hot and humid climate, quick-dry travel pants will also come in handy.