Taiwan
travel guide
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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台灣天氣 Weather in Taiwan
City guides
出發前須知 Know before you go
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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.
計劃你的旅程 Plan your trip
🚨 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.
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