Taiwan, practically

Taiwan is small, safe and remarkably easy to travel. Distances that look long on the map are often a couple of hours by train, and English signage makes the cities approachable even if you do not speak Mandarin.

This guide covers the things worth knowing before you book: when to come, how to move around, what to budget and the small cultural details that make a trip smoother.

When to go

Taiwan has a subtropical north and a tropical south, plus mountains that create their own weather. There is no single perfect season, but October to April is the most comfortable window for most itineraries.

Typhoons can affect the island between June and October. Flights and rail services may be suspended for a day or two. Travel insurance and a flexible itinerary are worth it.

Lunar New Year (late January or February) is the busiest travel period of the year: book trains and hotels well in advance, and expect some small shops to close for several days.

Getting there

• Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is the main international gateway, 40 minutes from Taipei by Airport MRT.
• Songshan Airport (TSA) is in central Taipei and handles some regional flights.
• Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) is useful for the south.
• From TPE, the Airport MRT connects to Taipei Main Station, where you can transfer to the high-speed rail and metro.

Getting around

Taiwan’s public transport is excellent and cheap. The EasyCard (or iPass) is the single most useful thing to buy: it works on metro systems, local buses, bikes, ferries and most convenience stores. Buy one at any MRT station or at the airport.

• High-speed rail (HSR) runs along the west coast from Taipei to Kaohsiung in about 90 minutes. Book seats online or at the station; early-bird tickets are cheaper.
• TRA trains cover the whole island, including the beautiful east coast line. Express services between Taipei and Hualien take about two hours.
• City metros in Taipei and Kaohsiung are clean, cheap and easy to use. Taipei’s MRT is the best way to reach almost every sight.
• Buses fill the gaps, especially in the mountains and along the coast. Google Maps is reliable for routes and timetables.
• Taxis are metered and reasonably priced. Ride-hailing apps work in the big cities.
• Scooters are a great way to explore Kenting and the east coast, but you need a valid international driving permit and nerves of steel.

YouBike share bikes are available in most cities and are ideal for short hops. Rent a bike for the day at Sun Moon Lake or Cijin Island.

Money & costs

The currency is the New Taiwan dollar (NT$). Roughly NT$40 to the euro and NT$32 to the US dollar, but check the current rate.

• Cards are accepted in hotels, department stores, chain restaurants and convenience stores. Smaller shops, night markets and temples are still cash-first.
• ATMs are everywhere and generally accept foreign cards. Withdraw larger amounts to reduce fees.
• Tipping is not expected. Some restaurants add a 10% service charge, which appears on the bill.
• Typical daily budget (excluding hotels): NT$1,200–2,000 for a comfortable day of food, transport and one paid attraction. Add NT$500–1,000 for high-speed rail days.

Phones & internet

• SIM cards and eSIMs are sold at the airport and in convenience stores. A 7-day unlimited data plan costs around NT$300–500.
• Wi-Fi is widespread in hotels, cafés, stations and convenience stores.
• Power is 110V, 60Hz, with Type A/B plugs (the same as the US and Japan). Bring an adapter if you are coming from Europe.
• Google Maps works well for transit, but some restaurants and small shops are better found on Google or a local food app.

Food & drink

Food is one of the main reasons people fall for Taiwan. You can eat extremely well for very little, and the range is far broader than the night-market clichés.

• Night markets are the entry point: start with one grilled item, one fried item and one sweet thing, then share.
• Beef noodle soup, xiaolongbao, oyster omelettes, danzai noodles and mango shaved ice are all worth seeking out.
• Vegetarian food is easy to find. Many temples run vegetarian canteens, and buffets charge by weight.
• Tea is serious business, especially oolong from the central mountains and the east coast. Visit a tea shop or a farm for a tasting.
• Tap water is generally not drunk straight from the tap. Hotels provide kettles; bottled water is cheap and everywhere.

Etiquette & culture

Taiwanese people are famously friendly and relaxed about visitors’ mistakes. A few small gestures go a long way.

• Temples are active places of worship. Lower your voice, ask before photographing people, and do not point at statues.
• Queues matter, especially for MRT platforms, elevators and night-market stalls. Stand on the right of escalators in Taipei.
• Shoes off when entering a home or some traditional restaurants; look for the shoe rack.
• Both hands when giving or receiving a business card, gift or cup of tea.
• Public transport is quiet: keep phone calls short and use headphones.
• LGBTQ+ travellers will find Taipei and Kaohsiung especially welcoming; Taiwan legalised same-sex marriage in 2019.

Safety

Taiwan is one of the safest countries in Asia for travellers. Violent crime is rare, and lost wallets usually come back. The main risks are natural and practical.

• Earthquakes are common. If one starts, follow local instructions, avoid lifts and move away from windows.
• Typhoons can close roads and cancel transport. Check the Central Weather Administration and your airline.
• Hiking trails can be slippery and exposed; check conditions and carry water. Some trails, including Zhuilu Old Trail, require permits.
• Scooters and traffic are the biggest everyday risk. Wear a helmet and be careful crossing roads.
• Travel insurance is strongly recommended, especially if you plan to hike or cycle.
• Emergency numbers: 110 for police, 119 for ambulance and fire.

Accessibility

Taiwan has made real progress on accessibility, though older streets and temples can still be tricky.

• MRT systems in Taipei and Kaohsiung have lifts, tactile paving and accessible toilets.
• High-speed rail stations are fully accessible, with assistance available on request.
• Major museums and national parks have accessible routes and loan wheelchairs.
• Older night markets and historic lanes are often narrow and uneven; plan shorter visits and use taxis between stops.
• Hotels vary: ask specifically about step-free access and adapted rooms.

Useful phrases

Mandarin is the lingua franca. A few words, delivered with a smile, are always appreciated.

Taiwanese people are used to helping visitors. Showing a map or a translation app is perfectly normal, and many younger locals speak some English.