A Taiwan Travel Guide
After more than two years of traveling in Taiwan, I want to share this Taiwan travel guide to help you prepare for your visit to this amazing country. You will find answers to the most important questions about what to know and plan before your trip.
I have also written a blog about the 5 best places to visit in Taiwan, perfect if you are looking for inspiration on what to do during your stay. Be sure to check out my videos about Taiwan as well! Since moving here, I have started a travel vlog where I primarily share content about exploring this beautiful island.
How to Travel Around Taiwan
Taiwan is a modern country with various convenient ways to get around, depending on your budget and time. Major cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung have excellent public transportation systems, but you can also use taxis and Uber. Renting a car or a scooter is also a common option (bring a valid international driver’s license).
A must-have for travelers is the EasyCard (Chinese: 悠遊卡 / YouYou Ka, literally leisurely traveling card), a prepaid smart card that can be used on the metro, almost all buses, and even some convenience stores. You can purchase an EasyCard at any metro station, FamilyMart, or 7-Eleven. Simply charge it at a metro station or convenience store, and you are ready to go!
I recommend loading it with 200–500 NTD to start. If you plan to travel extensively within a single city, like Taipei, consider getting a monthly or weekly pass. For example, I used the Taipei City Pass, which costs 1,100 NTD per month and offers unlimited rides within Taipei and New Taipei City. And while we are talking about budget, I also wrote an article to answer the question “How Much Does Traveling in Taiwan Cost?”
Traveling by Train and Bus in Taiwan
The EasyCard works on most regional trains and buses, but not on the High-Speed Rail (HSR). The High-Speed Rail runs along the west coast of the island and connects Taipei (Nangang, to be precise) with Kaohsiung. While it is more expensive than taking a bus, it is also very fast – for instance, the journey from Taipei to Kaohsiung takes only 1.5 hours. With a punctuality rate of over 99%, the trains are highly reliable and very comfortable.
At railway stations, most signs are in Chinese and English, and the staff generally speaks English, making it easy for foreign travelers to navigate. Long-distance buses, on the other hand, are usually cheaper but slower. There is this stereotype that some bus drivers tend to speed, as they may be fined for delays in Taiwan, I can confirm that a few drivers could indeed be a bit more cautious.
Taiwan Tours and Travel Packages
Many tourists visiting Taiwan ask about the best tours or travel packages. I only know a few organized tour operators, and they all operate in Kinmen, but I have not personally taken any. IMHO, it is quite easy to organize your own trip. That is why I have never used a Taiwan travel package or vacation tour package, I assume. However, I can see the value of these packages if you are short on time or planning to visit less common destinations like Kinmen.
Travel eSIM and Getting a SIM Card in Taiwan
You could get a travel SIM card or an eSIM in your home country, but I recommend purchasing one at the airport upon arrival. Taiwan also has plenty of Wi-Fi hotspots available, such as in coffee shops, public transport, and convenience stores, but having a travel SIM is still very convenient.
Payment apps like LinePay are widely used, so you can make payments directly from your phone. You can also use apps to rent bicycles and scooters, such as the popular YouBike system in Taipei.
I use Chunghwa Telecom as my mobile provider and have nothing to complain about. Connectivity is really important for me, as I use my phone as main camera for my travel videos. Thus, there is a lot of data going through that SIM card, but I live here permanently, of course.
In a nutshell, as travelers, You Have two Sim Options:
- A local SIM card or a local eSIM, which allows both phone calls and mobile data.
- A travel SIM/eSIM, which typically offers better value for mobile data but usually does not include calls.
Is It Safe to Travel to Taiwan?
Yes, Taiwan is an incredibly safe destination, and Taiwanese people are exceptionally friendly. I believe female travelers and backpackers are unlikely to face any issues. Along with countries like Japan, Taiwan is undoubtedly one of the safest places to travel. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, of course.
You may wonder about the constant threats from China and the relationship between the two. While I cannot predict how serious China is about taking action, these threats have been ongoing for a long time. The Taiwanese people are generally unconcerned about this, and I personally feel very safe here.
Travel Restrictions in Taiwan
As regulations vary by country, I cannot tell you a definitive answer on whether you need a visa to visit Taiwan. It depends on your nationality. For example, as a German passport holder, I did not need a visa for tourist visits.
I suggest to check online at the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or another authority of your country. They usually provide the information you need. However, note that Taiwan has strict quarantine rules for food and animal products. Bringing resh fruits or meat products made from land animals is NOT permitted under any circumstances. Make sure to check the latest regulations before traveling to avoid any issues.
What is the Best Time to Visit Taiwan?
The best times to visit Taiwan are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). You have mild temperatures, fewer crowds (outside holidays), and ideal conditions for hiking and sightseeing. Avoischool holiday, because hotels and attractions will be full.
Summer (June-August) is hot, humid, and typhoon-prone. However, you can make it work. For example, I took a day trip to Keelung Island in the summer. You see how I tried to deal with the heat. Winter (Dec-Feb) is cooler, great for hot springs but potentially rainy in the north. But southern Taiwan remains mild.
Last Question: Why Travel to Taiwan at All?
There are so many reasons to visit Taiwan: the delicious food, the amazing landscapes, and much more. The best part? You can enjoy all of this on a budget. Compared to many other destinations in East Asia, Taiwan offers excellent value for money. Food, transportation, and accommodation are all affordable without sacrificing quality.
Or, to put it simply: just take a look at the pictures. Taiwan has it all – beaches, mountains, temples, and, as I have mentioned, Taiwan is both convenient and a safe place to travel.
So, you really should visit Taiwan! And if you cannot make it right now, do not worry. You can check my page about traveling in Taiwan or watch my Exploring Formosa playlist to get inspired to find the best places to see in Taiwan.
See you in Taiwan!
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