International Travel Guide to Taiwan in 2024

Everything you need to know before visiting Taiwan

Written by HowToVisa Team

Last update: November 5, 2024

Taipei City, Taiwan

Taiwan Travel Details 🇹🇼

Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), is an island nation located in East Asia. With a population of approximately 23.57 million people, it combines modernity and tradition seamlessly. Taipei, the capital city, is known for its bustling markets, stunning Taipei 101 skyscraper, and rich cultural heritage. Taiwan boasts a diverse culture influenced by Chinese, Japanese, and indigenous traditions. The official language is Mandarin, but Taiwanese Hokkien and Hakka are also widely spoken. Visitors can enjoy Taiwan's exquisite cuisine, scenic mountain ranges, hot springs, and vibrant festivals year-round.
Country
Taiwan 🇹🇼
Capital
Taipei
Country code
TW
Region
Asia (Eastern Asia)
Population
~23,573,000 people
Calling code
+886
Currencies
New Taiwan Dollar (NT$)
Timezones
UTC+08:00

Essential Details to Know Before Visiting Taiwan in 2024

Electrical Plugs

Taiwan uses Type A and B plugs with a standard voltage of 110 V and a frequency of 60 Hz.

Languages

The official language is Mandarin. Taiwanese Hokkien and Hakka are also widely spoken.

Currency

The official currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD).

Payment Methods

Major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are widely accepted. Mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay are common.

ATM Availability

ATMs are widely available in urban areas and accept most international cards.

Tipping Culture

Tipping is not customary in Taiwan, but it is appreciated for excellent service.

Internet Connectivity

Taiwan has excellent internet coverage with fast speeds, especially in cities.

Telecom Providers

Major telecom companies include Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, and Far EasTone.

International Calling

The international calling code for Taiwan is +886.

SIM Cards for Travelers

SIM cards for travelers are readily available at airports and convenience stores. Popular providers include Chunghwa Telecom and Taiwan Mobile.

Taiwan Visa

Taiwan offers several types of visas to accommodate different purposes of travel, including tourist visas, business visas, and student visas. A tourist visa allows short-term visits for leisure, family visits, or short business discussions. Business visas are designed for those attending conferences, negotiations, or meetings. Student visas are for individuals pursuing education in Taiwan. The application process typically involves submitting a completed application form, passport photos, proof of financial means, and other supporting documents. Visa policies and requirements may vary depending on the traveler's nationality. Visa exemptions and visa-free entry are available for citizens from certain countries under specific conditions.

You can also read more about Taiwan visa information before your trip.

When Should I Go to Taiwan?

The best time to visit Taiwan is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Avoiding the peak summer months, which can be hot and humid, and the typhoon season from July to September, ensures a more comfortable and safer trip.

How Much Time Should I Spend in Taiwan?

To truly appreciate Taiwan's diverse offerings, a trip duration of 10 to 14 days is ideal. This timeframe allows you to explore major attractions like Taipei, Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake, and the scenic eastern coastline. With a couple of weeks, you can also immerse yourself in the local culture, food, and natural beauty without feeling rushed.

How Much Money Do I Need For Taiwan?

Taiwan is relatively affordable for travelers. For a comfortable mid-range budget, expect to spend around $50 to $100 per day, which includes accommodation, meals, transportation, and entrance fees. If you are a budget traveler, you can manage on about $30 to $50 per day by staying in hostels, eating local street food, and using public transportation.

What Should I Pack For My Trip to Taiwan?

When packing for Taiwan, include lightweight, breathable clothing for the warm weather, and a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings or visits to mountain areas. Good walking shoes are essential for exploring cities and hiking trails. An umbrella or raincoat is useful, especially during the rainy and typhoon seasons. A power adapter for Taiwan's 110V outlets, sunscreen, insect repellent, and any necessary prescription medications are also important. Lastly, don't forget your passport, travel insurance, and any necessary travel documents.

How to Stay Safe During Your Trip to Taiwan

Visiting Taiwan is a wonderful experience filled with vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and welcoming people. However, to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, it's important to be aware of certain health, safety, and legal considerations. From understanding local health regulations to being prepared for potential political situations, staying informed can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.

  1. Health Tips and Rules

    While Taiwan has an advanced healthcare system, travelers should still exercise caution. It's a good idea to bring any prescription medication you require, as well as some basic medical supplies. Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses.

  2. Precautions About Diseases

  3. COVID-19 Precautions

  4. Vaccinations Needed

  5. Water Safety

  6. Food Safety

  7. Hygiene

  8. Security Awareness

  9. Regional Instability

  10. Political Unrest

  11. Medical Facilities

  12. Disease Prevention

  13. Legal and Cultural Considerations

  14. General Travel Tips

  15. Prohibited Items for Travelers

  16. Tourist Traps

  17. Areas to Avoid

Useful Taiwan Travel Safety Resources

Government of Canada (Travel Advice and Advisories for Taiwan)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (Taiwan - Traveler View)
U.S. Department of State (Taiwan: Safety and Security)
GOV.UK (Foreign travel advice: Taiwan)

Taiwan Emergency Numbers

Police

Dial 110 for police emergencies.

Fire Department

Dial 119 for fire emergencies.

Ambulance

Dial 119 for medical emergencies.

General Emergency

Dial 112 for centralized emergency response.

Discovering and Getting Around Taiwan

Visiting Taiwan and concerned about getting around? Worry not. Navigating Taiwan is a breeze with its super efficient and diverse public transportation system. Whether you're hopping on a high-speed train, taking a leisurely bus ride, or exploring the city on a rented bicycle, Taiwan has got you covered. This guide packs all the crucial information on Taiwan's public transportation system, ensuring your travels are as smooth as possible, so you can focus on enjoying every minute of your trip.

Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR)

Zip across Taiwan in a breeze with THSR, which connects major cities like Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. The trains are sleek, fast, and run on time, making them perfect for both quick getaways and cross-country travels. Don’t forget to book your tickets in advance during peak seasons to grab the best seats.

Taiwan Railways (TRA)

Hop on the TRA for a more scenic journey through Taiwan. With a vast network that stretches across the island, you can reach even the smallest of towns. Choose from different classes of service ranging from ordinary to express trains. Pro tip: the coastline routes offer some breathtaking sea views.

Metro Systems (MRT)

Taipei and Kaohsiung both boast well-oiled MRT systems which are impeccably clean, safe, and efficient. The Taipei Metro covers key attractions and neighborhoods, while the Kaohsiung MRT connects important spots in the southern part of Taiwan. Grab an EasyCard or iPASS for convenient travel and discounts.

City Buses

Buses run frequently through cities, towns, and rural areas, offering a cheap and convenient way to get around. In Taipei, buses are an effective supplement to the MRT, helping you reach places off the metro grid. Each city has its own bus network and sometimes inter-city services, and you can use your MRT travel card here as well.

Taxi Services and Ride-Sharing

Taxis are plentiful in urban areas, and even in smaller towns, you won’t have to wait long to catch a ride. While taxis are metered, it’s good to ensure the driver starts the meter before you begin your trip. For a more app-centric experience, ride-sharing services like Uber are also available in Taiwan.

Bike Rentals and Scooters

Cities like Taipei and Taichung provide public bike-sharing services (YouBike), perfect for short trips and exploring the city at a leisurely pace. Scooters are also a popular choice among locals. Renting one could be an adventure, just make sure you have a local or international driver's license.

Ferries

Taiwan's scenic offshore islands like Penghu, Green Island, and Orchid Island are best accessed by ferries. These services are frequent and reliable, especially during the summer months. If you’re looking for a unique experience, opt for a ferry ride to see Taiwan from a different perspective.

Useful Taiwan Transporation Resources

www.railway.gov.tw (Taiwan Railways Administration: Official Site)
www.thsrc.com.tw (THSR (Taiwan High-Speed Rail): Official Site)
english.metro.taipei (Taipei Metro (MRT): Official Site)
www.tbkc.gov.tw (Transport Bureau Kaohsiung City Government)
eng.taiwan.net.tw (Taiwan Tourism Bureau: Transportation Section)

Driving Rules in Taiwan

Driving in Taiwan involves understanding local road regulations and safety practices. Here are the key rules you need to know.

Road Side

In Taiwan, vehicles drive on the right side of the road.

Driver's License

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required along with a valid home country license for tourists to drive in Taiwan.

Speed Limits

Speed limits are typically 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 100-110 km/h on highways, unless otherwise posted.

Seat Belts

Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers in both front and rear seats.

Mobile Phone Use

It is illegal to use a handheld mobile phone while driving. Hands-free devices are allowed.

Alcohol Limit

The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03%. For motorcyclists, the limit is 0.00%.

Taiwan Timezones

Taiwan operates on National Standard Time (NST) year-round, without daylight saving time.

Taiwan Borders

Taiwan is an island nation and does not share land borders with any country. It is situated in the Taiwan Strait, near China, and is neighbored by Japan to the northeast and the Philippines to the south.

Frequently Asked Questions

Taiwan Passport Image

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