Digital Nomads

Living in Taiwan as a Digital Nomad

The practical side of living in Taiwan as a remote worker: renting, SIMs and apps, getting around, healthcare, community, Taiwanese etiquette, typhoons, earthquakes and staying safe.

Taiwan is one of the easiest places in Asia to settle into: safe, friendly, efficient and full of convenience stores that do almost everything. This page covers the practical details.

Renting a Place#

  • Where to look. 591.com.tw (in Chinese, but browser translation works), Facebook groups such as Taipei expat rentals, and Airbnb for the first weeks.
  • Leases are usually a year, with a two-month deposit; shorter furnished rentals cost more.
  • Check for a dehumidifier, air-conditioning and a working water heater.

Phones and Apps#

  • SIMs: prepaid SIMs from Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile and FarEasTone at the airport.
  • Apps worth having: LINE (everyone uses it), Google Maps (works well), Uber and 55688 (taxis), Foodpanda and Uber Eats, and the Central Weather Administration app for typhoons.

Getting Around#

Taipei and Kaohsiung have excellent metros; YouBike bike share is everywhere; the high-speed rail runs down the west coast. Use an EasyCard.

Healthcare#

Healthcare is excellent and cheap. Clinics are everywhere, and many doctors speak some English. For emergencies, call 119. Get health insurance.

Community and Meeting People#

Taipei has an active international community with language exchanges, hiking groups, coworking events and meetups. Taiwanese people are famously friendly and helpful. Learning some Mandarin helps outside Taipei.

Etiquette#

  • Queue neatly and stand on the right of escalators.
  • No eating or drinking on the Taipei metro, with fines.
  • Rubbish is collected by trucks playing music at set times; you hand it over in person.
  • Tipping isn’t expected.

Safety, Typhoons and Earthquakes#

Taiwan is very safe. The natural risks are typhoons (July to October) and earthquakes. Follow official warnings, keep supplies, and learn your building’s evacuation route.

Emergency numbers: 110 for police and 119 for fire and ambulance.

Everyday Life FAQs#

How do I find an apartment in Taiwan as a digital nomad?

Use 591.com.tw, Facebook groups and agents, or start with Airbnb. Leases are usually a year with a two-month deposit.

Is Taiwan safe for digital nomads?

Yes. Crime is very low; typhoons and earthquakes are the main risks.

Do I need to speak Mandarin in Taiwan?

Not in central Taipei, but it helps elsewhere.