Taiwan
Taiwan means everything to me.
Not just because of my Taiwanese roots, but because I once lived in Kaohsiung for two years to study Chinese — and my family still has deep ties to Taipei.
Even though Taiwan is a small island, it offers a huge variety of experiences. One day you could be devouring mouthwatering street food at a night market, and the next, hiking misty mountain trails or discovering Japanese-era architecture in a quiet town.
Museums, art, temples, tea houses, cities on the west coast, peaceful mountains, and stunning seas on the east — it’s all here.
Taiwan blends rich cultural history with the ease of modern travel. It’s one of the few places where you can hop on a high-speed train, explore coastal villages, and still be back in the city by dinnertime.
In this ultimate guide, I’ll show you what makes Taiwan so special — from city-by-city breakdowns to transportation tips, itinerary ideas, and personal recommendations from my own travels as a Taiwanese-American. Whether you’re planning your very first trip or coming back for more, you’ll find everything you need to explore Taiwan deeply and meaningfully.
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Weather in Taiwan 台灣天氣
City guides
Know before you go 出發前須知
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Taiwan Standard Time (TST) — UTC+8.
There’s no daylight saving time, so the time never changes year-round. -
Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but Taiwan is a melting pot of different languages:
Mandarin — used in business, government, and education
Taiwanese (台語) — spoken by 70%+ of the population, especially older generations
Hakka (客家話) — spoken by Hakka communities in specific regions
Japanese — many older Taiwanese are fluent due to Taiwan's colonial history
English — widely understood in cities and tourist areas, less so in rural areas
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New Taiwan Dollar (NT / NTD / TWD). Prices include all taxes — what you see is what you pay, no surprises at the register!
You can bring up to NTD 100,000 (~USD 3,000) in cash without declaring it at customs.
Learn more here. -
Not expected in Taiwan, but…
Some fine dining restaurants include a 10–15% service charge automatically.
That said, if someone goes above and beyond, a tip is always a welcome surprise — hotel cleaners especially appreciate it. 🤍 -
Requirements vary by nationality.
Check the Bureau of Consular Affairs before booking your trip. -
Taiwan drives on the right side of the road.
To rent a car you'll need:
🛂 Passport
🪪 Valid driver's license from home
🌐 International Driving Permit (IDP) — get this before you leave! US travelers can apply through AAA
⚠️ Even if forums say you don't need an IDP for short stays, many rental companies still require one. Apply a few weeks in advance just in case.
Plan your trip 計劃你的旅程
🚨 SAFETY
Taiwan is generally very safe, even for solo travelers. Just stay aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure as you would anywhere else.
In case of emergencies:
110: Police
119: Ambulance & Fire
📱 SIM CARDS & WIFI
Getting connected in Taiwan is easy!
eSIM — grab one through Airalo before you leave home — activates the moment you land, no hunting for a SIM counter at the airport
Physical SIM — available at Taoyuan Airport (TPE) upon arrival from carriers like Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, and FarEasTone
Free WiFi — widely available at cafés, malls, MRT stations, and convenience stores
International plan — check with your provider first. AT&T charges $12/day for full access in Taiwan
🔌 PLUGS
Same plugs as the US — Type A and B, 110V. American travelers don't need an adapter!
📍TAIWAN TRAVEL PLANNER
Stop drowning in unopened browser tabs. This planner has everything in one place — itinerary builder, packing list, budget tracker, and more. Plan smarter, travel better.
🗺️ TAIWAN MUST-VISIT SPOTS
All my personal recommendations pre-saved in Google Maps — temples, cafés, night markets, hidden gems, and more. Just tap, save, and go.
The latest posts
The 4 Best Bars in Tainan
Four bars, zero regrets. From a "closed" restaurant hiding a speakeasy to a gin bar tucked inside an old apartment building, Tainan's nightlife scene is quietly one of the best in Taiwan. Here's where to find it (fair warning: you'll probably get lost).
【南投 日月潭】Sun Moon Lake Guide
Planning a trip to Sun Moon Lake? This guide covers must-see spots, where to stay, how to get around, and insider tips so you can experience Taiwan’s most iconic lake without the guesswork.
Taiwan HSR Guide
Taiwan's High Speed Rail is the best way to zip between cities — but Standard or Business Class? This guide breaks down both so you can ride smart, sit comfy, and make the most of your journey. 🚄⚡️
4 Best Luxury Stays in Taiwan
From the hot spring retreats of Taichung to the skyline views of Taipei, I’ve rounded up the best 5-star hotels that promise unforgettable experiences.
【悠遊卡】EasyCard Guide in Taiwan
One card. Endless possibilities. The EasyCard is your golden ticket to hopping on the MRT, riding buses, renting YouBikes, and even grabbing snacks at 7-Eleven — all with a single tap. 🫶🏼🇹🇼
The Do’s and Don’ts in Taiwan
Planning a trip to Taiwan? Before you go, brush up on key etiquette tips to avoid awkward moments and engage yourself in local culture. From dining dos to temple taboos, this guide has you covered! 🏮🇹🇼
【臺南】Tainan City Guide
Tainan is Taiwan's oldest city and its food capital. Here's where to eat, what to see, and what to order before you leave.
【臺南 天下南隅】Provintia Hotel in Tainan
Retro tiles, a library stocked with real books, and a watch-rescue story that still gives me chills — Provintia Hotel might be Tainan's most photogenic stay.
【高雄 六合夜市】Liuhe Night Market in Kaohsiung
Papaya milk since 1965, cheese lobster, plant-based fried chicken, and a 7-Eleven inside the market that serves tap beer. Liuhe Night Market in Kaohsiung isn't your average night market — here's exactly what to eat, what to play, and whether it lives up to the hype.