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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City guides
Hover a dot to explore
Weather in Taiwan 台灣天氣
Know before you go 出發前須知
Time zone
UTC +8
No daylight saving, so the time never changes.
Language
Mandarin
The official language, plus Taiwanese (台語), Hakka (客家話), and Japanese among older generations. English is common in cities, rarer in rural areas.
Currency
NT Dollar
New Taiwan Dollar (NT / NTD / TWD), and prices include all taxes. You can bring up to NTD 100,000 (~USD 3,000) in cash without declaring it. Learn more
Tipping
Not expected
Fine dining may add a 10–15% service charge. Hotel cleaners love a little extra.
Driving
Drive on the right
Bring your passport, home license, and an International Driving Permit. US travelers can get one through AAA.
Plan your trip 計劃你的旅程
Safety
Very safe, even solo
Just keep an eye on your things like you would anywhere else.
SIM cards + WiFi
Getting connected is easy
- eSIM: grab one through Airalo before you fly. It works the moment you land.
- Physical SIM: Chunghwa, Taiwan Mobile, or FarEasTone counters at Taoyuan Airport (TPE).
- Free WiFi: cafés, malls, MRT stations, and convenience stores.
- Your plan: check roaming first. AT&T charges $12/day.
Plugs
Type A + B · 110V
Same as the US, so leave the adapter at home.
The latest posts
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.
10 Best Places to Visit in Taiwan
From the lantern-lit streets of Jiufen to the serene beauty of Sun Moon Lake, your next adventure in Taiwan starts here! ✨🌏
【嘉義】Chiayi Travel Guide
Chiayi might be underrated, but it’s packed with iconic food (&tea!), scenic hikes, and easy access to Alishan. This Chiayi travel guide covers what to eat, explore, and know before you go.
GoShare Scooter Rental Guide in Taiwan
Exploring Taiwan just got easier with GoShare, the electric scooter-sharing service that lets you zip through cities like Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung easily. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a frequent traveler, this guide covers everything you need to know.
【臺中市第二市場】Taichung Second Market in Taiwan
Taichung Second Market is where old-school Taiwan flavors meet a maze of local eats. I finally checked it off my Taichung list — and wow, there’s a lot more to this place than pork rice and noodles. This guide dives into what to eat, how to get there, and hidden gems you might’ve missed, even if you’ve been before!
Taiwan Convenience Stores
Think convenience stores are just for snacks and drinks? In Taiwan, they're basically a way of life. Pay your bills, print your train tickets, call a taxi, grab tap beer — yes, tap beer — and find snacks you'll genuinely miss when you leave. Here's everything you need to know before you walk in.
【台灣微笑單車】YouBike Rental Guide
Learn how to rent a YouBike in Taiwan with this simple guide — including how to unlock bikes with or without a local SIM card, how EasyCard works, and tips for riding like a local.
【台灣台鐵】Taiwan Railway Guide
Planning to ride Taiwan Railway but not sure how tickets work? This beginner-friendly TRA guide covers how to book Taiwan Railway tickets online, what to expect onboard, and smart tips to avoid booking mistakes.