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
Hover a dot to explore
Know before you go 出發前須知
Time zone
UTC +8
No daylight saving. 12 hours ahead of NYC in winter, 13 in summer.
Language
Mandarin 中文
Plus Taiwanese and Hakka. English is easy in cities, rarer in the countryside.
Tipping
Not expected
Fine dining may add 10–15%. A little extra for hotel cleaners is always appreciated.
Driving
Right side + IDP
Bring your license and an International Driving Permit. Apply a few weeks ahead.
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.
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