Language Trip

Travel Essentials › Taiwan

Travel Essentials

Taiwan: What To Know Before You Go

Plugs: Types A and B (US-style), 110 V. Emergency: Police 110, Ambulance 119, Fire 119. Tipping: Not expected; a 10% service charge is often added in restaurants and hotels. Tap water: Tap water is generally treated but usually boiled or filtered before drinking; bottled water is common..

Open The Taiwan Trip Kit

Plugs And Power

Types A and B (US-style), 110 V

Emergency Numbers

Tipping

Not expected; a 10% service charge is often added in restaurants and hotels.

Water And Health

Tap water

Tap water is generally treated but usually boiled or filtered before drinking; bottled water is common.

Vaccines

Routine vaccines, hepatitis A; typhoid and hepatitis B for some travelers.

Malaria

None

Apps To Download Before You Go

• EasyCard / iPASS: A tap card for the MRT, buses, trains, YouBike and convenience stores; buy one at any station or 7-Eleven.
• LINE: The messaging app used by virtually everyone in Taiwan, essential for contacting hosts and businesses.
• Uber: Works well in Taipei and other cities, alongside yellow taxis and the local 55688 taxi app.
• T Express (THSR): Book the high-speed rail that runs the length of the west coast from Taipei to Kaohsiung in about 90 minutes.
• TRA (Taiwan Railways): Tickets for the conventional railway, needed for the scenic east coast and Alishan routes.
• YouBike 2.0: The public bike-sharing system in Taipei, Taichung and other cities, unlocked with an EasyCard.
• Bus+ / Taipei Metro Go: Live bus arrivals and MRT route planning for Taipei and other cities.
• LINE Pay: The most common mobile payment, accepted in shops and night markets; cash is still needed at many stalls.
• Uber Eats / foodpanda: The two dominant delivery apps, both covering the whole island.

Customs And Etiquette

Greetings. A nod, slight bow or light handshake is standard; business cards are exchanged with both hands and a moment of respect.

Shoes indoors. Remove shoes when entering homes and some guesthouses; slippers are often provided.

Temple etiquette. Dress modestly at temples, and don't point the soles of your feet at shrines or Buddha statues.

Safety And Scams

Taiwan is one of the safest destinations in Asia, with very low crime rates and an honest, orderly society; the main safety consideration for travelers is occasional typhoons and earthquakes rather than crime.

Unpriced stalls overcharging foreigners. A small minority of unpriced fruit/seafood stalls may inflate prices for foreign customers; prefer stalls with printed menus.

Bringing meat products through customs. Not a scam but a costly mistake: importing meat products (even a snack from a layover) risks fines over $6,000 due to African Swine Fever rules.

Women travelers. Solo women travelers rate Taiwan very highly for safety; street harassment and catcalling are rare and culturally frowned upon.

LGBTQ+ Travelers

Legal · Safe

Taiwan was the first place in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage (2019) and is widely considered one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations in Asia, with an active, visible community especially in Taipei.

What Things Cost

2026-09

Best Time To Visit

October to December is best, with typhoon risk gone and mild, dry weather; March-April (spring) is a good runner-up despite occasional rain, while summer (June-September) brings heat, humidity and typhoons.

Do You Need A Visa?

Taiwan visa requirements by nationality

Phrases

Basic Chinese (Hakka) phrases