What You Need to Know Before Coming to Taiwan
Taiwan is one of Asia’s most underrated destinations: incredible food, dramatic scenery, and locals who are genuinely happy to see you. A little prep makes the experience even better. Here’s the essential guide before you land.
1. Visa & Entry
Citizens of over 60 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most of the EU, can enter visa-free for 30 to 90 days. No forms, no fees. Just a valid passport and an onward ticket. Verify your eligibility at Taiwan’s Bureau of Consular Affairs before you fly.
2. Getting Around
Grab an EasyCard (悠遊卡) at the airport, it covers the Taipei MRT, buses, city bikes, and convenience stores. For longer trips, the Taiwan High Speed Rail connects Taipei to Kaohsiung in 90 minutes. Skip taxis; locals navigate by MRT and walking, and so should you.
3. Weather & When to Go
Taiwan has a subtropical climate, warm year-round in the south, more variable in Taipei. Here’s what to expect each season:
- Spring (March–May): Mild and pleasant with occasional rain. A great time to visit, not too hot, not too crowded.
- Summer (June–September): Hot, humid, and typhoon season peaks July–September. Expect sudden heavy downpours; always check forecasts if travelling to the mountains.
- Autumn (October–November): The sweet spot. Cool temperatures, clear skies, and festival season. Best time for first-timers.
- Winter (December–February): Taipei gets chilly and rainy. Southern cities like Tainan and Kaohsiung stay warm and sunny, a good reason to head south.
Best time to visit: October and November for nearly everyone. Avoid typhoon season unless you’re flexible with last-minute itinerary changes.
4. Money
Currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD). Taiwan runs on cash, especially at night markets and local restaurants. ATMs are everywhere (7-Eleven, Family Mart) and accept international cards. Carry NTD, don’t rely on cards at street stalls.
5. Food: Go to the Night Markets
Non-negotiable. Shilin in Taipei is the most famous; Fengjia in Taichung is the largest. Must-tries: beef noodle soup (牛肉麵), scallion pancakes (蔥油餅), stinky tofu (臭豆腐), and braised pork rice (滷肉飯), all under $3. And yes, bubble tea was invented here.
6. Language & Communication
English signage is common on the MRT and at tourist spots, and younger locals in urban areas often speak functional English. Learning a few basics earns goodwill: 謝謝 (Xièxiè) — thank you, 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) — hello, 多少錢 (Duōshǎo qián) — how much. Google Translate’s camera mode handles menus and street signs remarkably well.
7. SIM Card & Connectivity
Pick up a prepaid SIM card at the airport on arrival, Chunghwa Telecom and Taiwan Mobile are the most reliable. Plans run 300–600 NTD for unlimited data (5–30 days) and work everywhere, including mountain trails and remote areas. Far easier than hunting for WiFi.
8. Culture & Etiquette
- Temples are active religious spaces. Dress modestly and be respectful of worshippers.
- Quiet on the MRT. No eating, drinking, or loud calls. Priority seats are taken seriously.
- No tipping. It’s not customary and can feel awkward for locals. Skip it.
- Taiwanese hospitality is genuine. Locals regularly go out of their way to help, accept it graciously.
- Recycling is taken seriously. Use the separate bins for trash, recyclables, and food waste.
9. Day Trips from Taipei
Jiufen & Shifen (~50 min by bus) — Lantern-lit mountain alleys and sky lanterns over old railway tracks. Go on a weekday to beat the crowds.
Wulai (~1 hr from Xindian MRT) — Indigenous hot springs, a walkable waterfall, and a forest gondola. A quiet, green contrast to city life.
Yehliu Geopark (~90 min north) — Surreal wind-eroded rock formations along the coast, including the iconic Queen’s Head. Combine with the nearby fishing town of Jinshan for a full day.
Experience It Like a Local
The real Taiwan is in the morning markets, the temple courtyards, and the neighborhood noodle shops with three stools and one perfect dish. The best way to find it is through someone who already knows, a local host who can show you when to arrive, what to order, and what to skip. Connecting through community-focused travel platforms is one of the most effective ways to experience a destination authentically, something Sustainable Travel International consistently advocates for.
Ready to stop planning and start exploring?