Taiwan Travel Guide

• Taipei & the North: Explore night markets, climb Elephant Mountain, visit the National Palace Museum, soak in Beitou hot springs and take day trips to Jiufen and Yehliu Geopark.
• Central Taiwan: Ride the Alishan sunrise train, cycle around Sun Moon Lake, visit tea plantations and hike forest trails.
• East Coast & Hualien: Hike and photograph Taroko Gorge, coastal cycling, whale watching and hot-spring dips on Green Island.
• South - Tainan & Kaohsiung: Eat historic street food in Tainan, explore Kaohsiung’s waterfront, visit Fo Guang Shan and local night markets.
• Outlying islands: Kiteboarding and beach-hopping in Penghu, cultural tours in Kinmen National Park, diving around Orchid Island.

Most international travelers arrive by air into Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) near Taipei; Taipei Songshan (TSA) handles regional flights and Kaohsiung (KHH) serves the south. Major hubs for international connections include Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong and Singapore. Overland access from mainland China is limited and requires special cross-strait arrangements; ferries and flights link outlying islands (Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu).

Typical daily spend ranges NT$1,500-4,500 (about $50-150), more in Taipei and during peak seasons and less in rural east-coast or smaller cities.

• Hostel dorm bed: NT$300-700
• Budget double room: NT$1,200-2,500
• Mid-range hotel: NT$3,000-6,000
• Upscale hotel: from NT$6,000
• Market or street-stall meal: NT$60-150
• Bottle of local beer: NT$70-130
• Organised tour or activity: NT$1,500-3,000
• Local bus or MRT ride: NT$20-65

For current prices on hundreds of everyday items, see Numbeo’s Taiwan cost of living, a crowd-sourced database that is updated often.

Ways to save

• Use the EasyCard.: A single card covers MRT, buses and many shops, saving time and small fares across cities.
• Eat at night markets.: Street food is excellent, filling and far cheaper than restaurants for sampling local dishes.
• Take regular trains.: Overnight and regional trains are cheaper than HSR for budget travellers and cover scenic routes.

Full trip budgets are in Taiwan Itineraries.

The currency is the New Taiwan dollar (TWD). Cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas; ATMs are plentiful and generally accept foreign cards.

• Tipping: not part of local culture. Sit-down restaurants and hotels often add a 10% service charge to the bill instead, and nobody tips at night markets, cafés or in taxis. A small tip for a private guide is a kind gesture, not an expectation.
• Tax refund: foreign visitors can reclaim the 5% VAT on purchases of NT$2,000 or more in one day at shops showing the TRS (tax refund) sign; bring your passport, and some stores refund small amounts on the spot. Otherwise claim at the airport counter or kiosk before check-in.
• Cards & Cash: Visa, Mastercard and JCB are commonly accepted in hotels, restaurants and most stores; carry some cash for markets, small vendors and rural areas.
• ATMs & Mobile Payments: ATMs are easy to find and accept international cards (look for Visa/Plus, Mastercard/Cirrus logos); mobile payments are popular - LINE Pay, JKoPay and major global wallets (Apple/Google Pay) have good coverage.
• Banknotes: NT$100, NT$200, NT$500, NT$1000, NT$2000
• Coins: NT$1, NT$5, NT$10, NT$20, NT$50

Politeness, queuing and low-key behaviour shape everyday interactions; locals expect modest dress and quiet respect in temples. Most visitors who follow basic etiquette - removing shoes where asked, speaking softly in sacred places and lining up patiently - find Taiwanese people forgiving and welcoming.

Taiwan has robust, high-speed mobile and broadband networks with extensive 4G/5G coverage and reliable fixed-line fiber in cities. Mobile speeds are among the higher regional averages, making it easy to stay connected while traveling.

• Electricity: 110V, 60 Hz; plug types A, B.

Yes - Taiwan is very safe for most visitors; violent crime is rare but natural hazards and road accidents are the main risks.

Staying healthy in Taiwan is straightforward - excellent medical care is widely available, while mosquito-borne illness in warm months and minor food-related stomach upsets are the main concerns.

Taiwan’s culture is a layered blend of indigenous Austronesian traditions, Hokkien and Hakka Han customs, and Japanese-era influences, all expressed through lively street food, temple festivals and a strong contemporary arts scene. Visitors often notice a high value on convenience, community rituals and democratic civic life.

Eating out is cheap and constant in Taiwan, from breakfast shops and lunchbox (biandang) counters to night markets and beef-noodle specialists. Breakfast places open around 6:00 and many close by 11:00; lunch is about 11:30-13:30 and dinner from 17:30, with night markets busy until midnight.

• Ordering: many small restaurants hand you a paper order sheet listing dishes in Chinese: tick what you want and the quantity, then give it to the counter. A translation app’s camera mode helps, and some places now order by QR code.
• Paying: night-market stalls and small eateries are mostly cash; bigger restaurants take cards and mobile wallets. There’s no tipping; a 10% service charge appears on many sit-down bills. Water and tea are often self-service.
• Night markets: go hungry and share small portions. Popular stalls have queues, which are a good sign.
• Vegetarian: Taiwan is one of the easiest places in Asia to eat meat-free, thanks to Buddhist vegetarian (sù shí) restaurants and pay-by-weight buffets marked with the 素 character. Note that strict Buddhist vegetarian food also avoids onion and garlic.
• What to try: beef noodle soup, braised pork rice (lu rou fan), xiaolongbao, oyster omelettes and bubble tea in Taipei; milkfish and danzai noodles in Tainan, the traditional food capital; seafood in Kaohsiung; and the bubble-tea birthplace of Taichung.

Taiwan’s well‑developed recycling culture, diverse indigenous heritage and rich marine environments reward travellers who respect local rules, support community tourism and minimise waste.

• Follow Taiwan’s Recycling & Waste Rules: Taiwan has strict waste separation and recycling systems-use public recycling stations and bring a reusable bottle to limit convenience‑store waste. Check local district rules as sorting categories are enforced heavily.
• Respect Indigenous Communities: When visiting indigenous areas (for example in Hualien and Taitung near Taroko Gorge), choose community‑run tours and ask permission before photographing cultural events to support Amis, Atayal and other groups.
• Protect Marine Areas & Wildlife: When diving or whale‑watching around Green Island, Kenting or off eastern Taiwan, use operators that follow marine park rules and avoid touching reefs or feeding marine animals.
• Support Local Food & Craft Economies: Eat at family‑run night markets and buy ceramics, woodwork and textiles directly from artisans in Miaoli or Tainan to ensure income reaches makers; the Taiwan Tourism Bureau lists community tourism options.

Long-term living in Taiwan attracts professionals, remote workers, and families drawn to excellent healthcare, safety, and public transport. Taipei is the hub for jobs and nightlife, while smaller cities and rural areas offer lower costs and easier access to nature.

Long-Term Visas: Employment Gold Card (1-3 years), ARC, work permits, student and entrepreneur visas available.

Working There: Most foreigners need a work permit unless on a Gold Card; many find jobs in tech and education.

Cost of Living: Taipei living for one person typically NT$40,000-60,000/month; smaller cities significantly cheaper.

Health & Wellness: National Health Insurance covers residents with ARC; private international plans commonly used by new arrivals.

Banking & Finance: Open a local bank account with an ARC, widespread card and mobile payments, ATMs accept many foreign cards.

Taxes: Residents taxed on worldwide income, progressive rates apply, annual filing required for most long-term residents.

Popular Places to Live in Taiwan

The choice comes down to whether you want city life, central convenience, or coastal/nature access. For city amenities head to Taipei, for a quieter pace choose Taichung or Kaohsiung, and for nature pick Hualien or Tainan.

• Taipei - Big city energy, top jobs and nightlife, best public transport, tradeoff is higher rent and crowds.
• Taichung - Mid-size city, balanced cost and culture, ideal for creatives and those seeking calmer city life.
• Tainan - Historic and food-focused, slower pace, excellent for long-stay expats seeking local culture.
• Kaohsiung - Coastal urban area, lower costs than Taipei, good for waterfront lifestyle and relaxed living.
• Hualien - Access to national parks and coast, beloved by outdoorsy residents, tradeoff is fewer services.

Taiwan’s remote-work scene centers on Taipei with growing pockets in Taichung and Kaohsiung; good connectivity and coworking attract professionals. Visa pathways like the Gold Card make longer remote work stays viable for qualified applicants.

Nomad Visa: Taiwan Employment Gold Card (Gold Card) acts as the closest option for independent remote professionals.

Long Term Rentals: Long-term rentals common, one-bedroom apartments in Taipei range NT$20,000-40,000 monthly depending on location.

Internet: Fast fiber in cities, typical consumer speeds 100-500 Mbps, robust 4G/5G mobile coverage.

Monthly Cost: Monthly budget for a comfortable nomad in Taipei ~NT$40,000-70,000 including rent, food, and transport.

Coworking: Many coworking spaces across Taipei and growing options in Taichung and Kaohsiung with day passes available.

Fitness & Wellness: Plenty of gyms, cycling and hiking options, hot springs and wellness retreats across the island.

Community: Active expatriate and startup communities in Taipei; English-friendly professional networks and events.

Time Zone: UTC+8 year-round.

Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa (Gold Card)

• Stay Duration: Up to three years per issuance, with renewals possible
• Validity: Issued for one to three years, renewable depending on category and circumstances.
• Eligibility: Skilled professionals in designated fields (technology, R&D, culture, finance, etc.), applicants must meet experience/qualification criteria.
• Application: Apply through Taiwan’s Golden Card office/online portal with CV, qualifications, and supporting documents; fees apply.

Popular Nomad Hubs in Taiwan

Nomads choose between Taipei for community and infrastructure, mid-size cities for lower cost, or coastal towns for slower pace. The tradeoff is city convenience versus quieter lifestyle and lower rents outside Taipei.

• Taipei - Vibrant urban hub, many coworking spaces and cafés, best for networking, higher rent and faster pace.
• Taichung - Central location, growing creative scene, cheaper rent than Taipei, good balance of city and calm.
• Kaohsiung - Port city with coastal lifestyle, lower costs, quieter nights, fewer international meetups than Taipei.
• Hualien - Gateway to nature and surfing, ideal for outdoorsy nomads, tradeoff is slower internet and fewer services.
• Tainan - Historic city with food culture, quieter than Taipei, appeals to long-stay nomads seeking local life.