[EXPLAINED] What is the cost of traveling to Taiwan? Tips for the most budget-friendly Taiwan travel experience

What are the essential expenses for traveling to Taiwan?

Visa fees - A mandatory cost for traveling to Taiwan

When traveling independently, obtaining a visa is necessary to enter Taiwan. Therefore, visa fees are an unavoidable part of your Taiwan travel budget.

Obtaining a visa is a mandatory expense for traveling to Taiwan

You can apply for a Taiwan visa directly through the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Vietnam. The fee for self-applied visas is 50 USD (1,245,000 VND) if processed within 5 working days and 75 USD (1,865,000 VND) if processed within 2 working days. Note that this fee is only payable in USD.

You can contact travel agencies like Mytour Travel to handle your Taiwan visa application, ensuring competitive rates and detailed guidance to maximize your chances of approval.

The necessary documents for a Taiwan visa application include:

• Original passport valid for at least 6 months, along with photocopies of visa pages and entry/exit stamps, signed
• Visa application form (signed with a photo attached)
• 2 recent 4x6 white-background portrait photos taken within the last 6 months
• Documents proving employment status (employment contract, social insurance card, retirement card...)
• Financial proof documents (savings book, property ownership certificate, vehicle registration...)
• Leave application form signed and stamped by the company's management
• Taiwan travel service bookings (flight tickets, hotel reservations, attraction tickets...)
• Detailed Taiwan travel itinerary

If Vietnamese citizens possess valid or expired residency cards or visas from advanced countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Schengen countries, or Taiwan (excluding labor export visas and Chuyên án Quan Hồng visas) within the last 10 years, they can apply for a FREE multiple-entry e-visa for Taiwan, allowing a stay of up to 30 days.

Transportation costs

The cost of traveling to Taiwan is significantly influenced by transportation expenses, including both international travel to Taiwan and local travel within the country.

Traveling to Taiwan

Air travel is the most common mode of transportation from Vietnam to Taiwan. Currently, there are flights from Vietnam to major Taiwanese cities such as Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung.

Airfare constitutes a significant portion of the total cost of traveling to Taiwan

Numerous airlines operate flights between Vietnam and Taiwan, including Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, China Airlines, and EVA Air, offering both direct and connecting flights at flexible prices. Depending on your budget, you should carefully choose the most suitable flight option.

Below is a reference price list for some popular flight routes to Taiwan:

Cost of traveling to Taiwan by air

Transportation within Taiwan

Buses

Buses are one of the primary modes of transportation in Taiwanese cities. The extensive bus network in Taiwan connects tourist attractions both near and far, even reaching remote areas where other public transport options are unavailable.

Buses in Taiwan

Below is a reference table for bus ticket prices in major cities across Taiwan:

Bus ticket prices in Taiwan

Taxi

Taxis are a widely available mode of transportation throughout Taiwan. Even in remote tourist areas like mountains or rural regions, you can easily find taxis. The fare varies depending on the distance traveled.

Taxis in Taiwan

Refer to the following table for estimated taxi travel costs in Taiwan:

Taxi fares in Taiwan

MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)

The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is a convenient and modern public transportation system operating in Taipei and Kaohsiung. It connects to most major tourist attractions, helping you save significant travel time.

The MRT is the busiest public transportation system in Taiwan

Below is a reference for MRT fares in Taiwan:

Taiwan MRT ticket prices

Bicycles

YouBike, the public bicycle system, is available across major cities in Taiwan. With YouBike's electronic management system, you can pick up a bike at one location and return it at another.

YouBike public bicycles in Taiwan

When renting and returning a bike, payment is made using an Easy Card, iPass, or credit card. The system automatically calculates the rental duration and charges the fee when you return the bike at a designated station.

The cost of traveling in Taiwan using YouBike public bicycles varies depending on the type of bike and the city, as detailed below:

YouBike rental prices in Taiwan

An essential part of Taiwan travel costs - Accommodation expenses

Among the expenses for traveling to Taiwan, accommodation costs are a significant factor. Prices vary depending on the location and quality of the hotel. You should carefully choose options that fit your travel budget.

Hotel bookings are included in Taiwan travel costs

Below is a reference for hotel prices in Taiwan:

Reference hotel price list in Taiwan

Food and dining expenses

Known as a culinary paradise with countless unique dishes, dining costs are an essential part of every traveler's budget when visiting Taiwan.

Savoring Taiwanese cuisine while traveling

Check out the price list for some must-try dishes in Taiwan below:

Suggested dining costs in Taiwan

Sightseeing and entertainment expenses - Essential costs to prepare for when traveling to Taiwan

How much does sightseeing and entertainment cost when traveling to Taiwan? Save this price list for must-visit attractions in Taiwan:

Estimated costs for visiting popular attractions and entertainment spots in Taiwan

The National Palace Museum in Taipei is a renowned tourist destination

Shopping expenses

Shopping expenses significantly impact the total cost of traveling to Taiwan. Each traveler's shopping needs vary based on preferences and budget.

On average, a tourist in Taiwan spends around 4,000,000 - 5,000,000 VND on personal shopping and souvenirs. Popular items include fashion, memorabilia, and local specialties.

When traveling to Taiwan, you can consider the following popular gift items:

Taiwanese pineapple cake

Taiwanese pineapple cake is a renowned traditional snack. Made entirely from natural ingredients, the crust is a blend of flour and butter, while the filling consists of sugar and fresh pineapple, offering a naturally sweet and refreshing flavor.

• Reference price: Approximately 40 TWD - 320 TWD (31,000đ - 249,000đ)

Taiwanese pineapple cakes are often bought as gifts

Fashion clothing

If you're a fashion enthusiast, you can't miss bustling shopping areas in Taiwan like Shilin Night Market, Ximending, East Metro Mall, and Wu Fen Pu. Here, you can find a wide range of local and international brand clothing, shoes, accessories, and more.

Fashion products sold at night markets in Taiwan

Shuili pottery

Shuili pottery, famous in Nantou and Taichung, is a culturally valuable souvenir. These ceramics are crafted from high-quality clay, adorned with natural patterns, and fired using traditional techniques passed down through generations. You can choose from a variety of items like bowls, plates, vases, and animal figurines.

Traditional Shuili pottery products

Jade jewelry

Jade holds deep cultural significance in Taiwan, symbolizing luck, peace, and prosperity. With abundant resources and advanced craftsmanship, Taiwan offers high-quality jade products at reasonable prices. You can find jade jewelry in most cities across Taiwan.

• Reference price: Starting from 100 TWD (78,000đ) for jade beads and bracelets & from 30,000 TWD (23,330,000đ) for necklaces and other authentic jade products

Luxurious jade jewelry - a premium gift from Taiwan

Taiwanese Tea

In Taiwan, tea culture is a cherished tradition, offering a moment of peace and relaxation daily. When visiting Taiwan, you can explore unique teas like Oolong and Tie Guan Yin, perfect as gifts for loved ones, friends, or colleagues.

• Estimated price: Around 398 TWD (310,000 VND) per box

Taiwanese tea is renowned

Additional expenses

Beyond the primary costs, traveling to Taiwan may involve other miscellaneous expenses such as:

• Taiwan SIM card: Approximately 200,000 - 600,000 VND
• Exchanging cash for New Taiwan Dollars (TWD) for daily expenses
• Additional baggage fees
• Charges for using paid amenities at hotels
• Laundry costs

How much does a self-guided trip to Taiwan cost?

How much does a self-guided trip to Taiwan typically cost? Usually, a self-guided tour of Taiwan lasts around 4 to 5 days on average.

To estimate your travel budget, refer to the following cost breakdown for a self-guided trip to Taiwan:

Reference table for self-guided Taiwan travel costs

The table above summarizes fixed expenses for a self-guided trip to Taiwan, excluding shopping and cash exchange for spending during the trip.

The cost of a self-guided trip to Taiwan is approximately 13 million VND (Photo: @catuu_le)

How much does a package tour to Taiwan cost?

Currently, Taiwan tours depart from both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The cost of a package tour to Taiwan ranges from 11,490,000 VND to 11,990,000 VND. During peak holiday seasons, the price may increase to around 12,490,000 VND to 12,990,000 VND.

The all-inclusive Taiwan tour package covers the following services:

• Round-trip international group flight tickets, including taxes and checked luggage
• Taiwan visa and entry procedures (group departure and return)
• Local 3-4 star hotel accommodations, with 2-3 guests per room
• Modern air-conditioned tour buses for the entire journey
• Daily meals as per the itinerary
• Entrance fees to all attractions included in the tour
• Vietnamese-speaking tour guides accompanying the group from Vietnam and knowledgeable local guides in Taiwan
• Global travel insurance with a maximum coverage of 10,000 USD
• Travel gifts from the company

Advantages of choosing an all-inclusive Taiwan tour package:

• Ideal for first-time travelers to Taiwan
• Simplified group visa application process with full support
• No need to spend time arranging meals, accommodations, or transportation in Taiwan
• Detailed introductions to Taiwan's top attractions, including their history, significance, and related stories

All-inclusive Taiwan tour package prices at Mytour Travel

Tips for the most budget-friendly Taiwan travel experience

Save these tips for the most affordable Taiwan travel experience:

• If traveling independently, plan ahead and book services as early as possible to secure the best rates
• Traveling in groups helps split costs for meals and accommodations, making it more economical
• Calculate your Taiwan travel budget carefully, especially for shopping, to avoid overspending
• Exchange currency early and monitor exchange rates for the best deals
• Use transportation cards like Easy Card or iPASS for cost-effective travel within Taiwan
• Dine at night markets for a variety of affordable food options
• Follow local regulations to avoid unnecessary fines, such as smoking in prohibited areas or littering, which can result in penalties up to 10,000 TWD (7,800,000 VND) per violation

Tips for traveling to Taiwan on a budget

The above provides a comprehensive breakdown of Taiwan travel costs. Use this information to calculate your budget and plan accordingly for your upcoming trip.

If you're not confident about traveling independently, book an all-inclusive Taiwan tour with Mytour Travel for end-to-end support throughout your journey. Simply pack your bags and enjoy unforgettable experiences in beautiful Taiwan. Contact Mytour Travel at 1900 2083 for immediate assistance!

Author: Phương Thảo

Image source: Internet