My Travel Tips for Taiwan: The Advice I Never Had
In 2018, I visited Taiwan for the first time, and for the past three years I have been living here permanently. Looking back, I think it is about time to share my best Taiwan travel tips with you. These are the most important pieces of advice I want to give to all first-time visitors coming to Taiwan.
I want to focus on essential travel tips for Taiwan. I also have a dedicated page about traveling in Taiwan, as well as blog posts such as How Much Does Traveling in Taiwan Cost? These go into much more detail on specific topics.
Is Taiwan Good to Visit?
In general, Taiwan is a fantastic place to visit. It no longer flies under the radar, and IMHO has all it takes to become a major tourist destination. It is safe, clean, and beautiful. When I first came here, I loved the country, but I remember that many hostels were nearly empty.
I had traveled through other Asian countries before, but backpacking in Taiwan felt very different back then. Often, I was the only person in my dorm and could go days without seeing another backpacker. Times have changed, of course. Still, once you leave the big cities, you mostly encounter tour groups rather than solo travellers.
That leads me to my first piece of advice: go online to make new friends if you want to meet people. There are meetups and Facebook groups for almost everything. I never used Facebook before starting my YouTube channel, but in hindsight, it would have been much easier to find a travel buddy, or a hiking mate, online. And yes, you should do so even if you are not backpacking, but traveling with your family or so.
I should also mention that in Taipei in 2018, I once met a Taiwanese solo backpacker who was traveling from Kinmen to the USA. She only stayed one night to change flights, but she gave me her WhatsApp. A few years later, we got married. But that is a different story. More on that in my About Ferdinand page.
Taiwan Travel Tips Outside of Taipei
WhatsApp is not commonly used in Taiwan. People here use LINE. LINE Pay is also a popular way to pay for small purchases. Mobile internet is fast and affordable, so definitely get a travel SIM card (details are in my Taiwan Travel Guide).
Also note: Taiwan is much more than Taipei. In fact, I recommend spending as little time in Taipei as possible. Not because it is bad, but because most Taiwan travelers only have a few weeks. And there are so many incredible places to explore across the island. Taiwan is a country of mountains and beaches, so do not get stuck in the capital. If you do have more time, check out my article about the best places to explore in Taipei.
You will likely arrive at Taipei-Songshan or the Taoyuan Airport. Of course, you should also go sightseeing in Taipei. But from Taipei, you have many great options to plan your trip across the island.
Taiwan First-Time Travel Advice: How to Get Around
Public transportation in Taiwan is excellent. The high-speed rail along the west coast is fast and reliable. All major cities have efficient bus and metro networks. One important thing to note: eating and drinking are not allowed on the metro. Taiwanese take this rule seriously, and I often see foreigners accidentally breaking it.
For local transport, you can often use an EasyCard. I explain what the EasyCard is, how to get one, and how to use public transport in detail in my Taiwan Travel Guide.
I would not rent a car on my first trip to Taiwan. It can be worthwhile for groups or families traveling with children. In the mountains, especially, having a car can make you more flexible. Personally, I avoid driving whenever possible. City traffic can be extreme, and for first-time visitors, trains are a much better option. Ideally, make reservations in advance for longer routes.
Budget Tips for Taiwan Travelers
In general, I do not consider Taiwan a cheap country. Hotels, especially in larger cities, can be quite expensive. On the other hand, food at night markets is affordable, often cheaper than cooking for yourself. And if you want to save money, try camping in Taiwan.
That said, Taiwan offers excellent value for money. It is one of the most modern and safest places in the world. LGBT+ and solo female travelers will also not face any issues. If you pay attention to your spending, you can even enjoy the country without breaking the bank. I go into more detail in my blog post Experiencing Taiwan on a Budget.
However, it is important to plan and keep your ear to the ground. Always check whether special events are taking place in the areas you plan to visit. These can affect your budget. During Chinese New Year, for example, transportation and accommodation are limited and much more expensive. While temples remain open, many other places close during this national holiday.
Other events, such as the Dragon Boat Festival or large concerts, can also drive up accommodation prices. Not all of these events are aimed at tourists: One example is Computex, a major tech trade show in Taipei. As a travel vlogger, I often attend it, and it brings a huge number of visitors to the city.
More Travel Tips: Do’s and Don’ts in Taiwan
Taiwanese people are kind, helpful, and open-minded. That said, basic respect goes a long way. Do not talk loudly in public, especially on public transportation. Do not eat inside temples, and do not take photos without permission.
When it comes to food etiquette: do not stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice (it resembles rituals for the dead), and do not keep tapping your bowl. This is associated with begging.
Weird to mention, but please do not be a “begpacker.” In Taipei, I have seen Westerners selling woven bracelets or playing drums and asking for money. They had a sign saying something like “Please help me with my trip,” handwritten in a way that clearly shows the author has no knowledge of Mandarin. To me, this is a form of entitlement. Travel is a luxury available only to a privileged few. If you cannot afford to travel, do not do it. And certainly do not ask locals to pay for it.
Pay attention to your hygiene. Summers in Taiwan are hot, and you will sweat, especially when hiking. Before jumping on a long-distance bus, take a shower and change your shirt. Taiwanese people are polite and value “saving face,” so they will not complain openly. But from experience, non-Asian tourists in particular often stand out due to body odor.
I do disagree with many travel guides that advise you to avoid political topics. Taiwanese people value education, and Taiwan is a liberal and free society. Thus, you find many mindful folks who actively engage in discussions, as you can see in the protest in Taipei in 2024.
That said, do your homework and choose the right moment to engage. If you bring up topics like international relations, make sure you can listen to and understand others’ opinions. Also, understand that many people here care more about what to have for dinner than talking about China. Probably because you can change your dinner plans, but China has been playing the same wrong song for many years.
More Taiwan Travel Tips Coming Soon!
These were my tips for Taiwan travelers. Thank you for reading all the way to the end. There is more content on this website. For example, my personal selection of the best tourist attractions in Taiwan. And of course, check out my Exploring Formosa video playlist on YouTube. More blog posts are in the pipeline. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay in touch.
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