17 things you need to know before visiting Taiwan

Piera Chen

Oct 29, 2023 • 7 min read

Two young Asian women come to Taipei Tamsui Old Street for independent travel in summer, with pedestrians and land motorcycle traffic in the background of old street market

Taiwan is a breeze to visit, but it doesn’t hurt to know a few things before you go © Getty Images / iStockphoto

Taiwan is a breeze to visit, with easy-to-navigate transport systems, handy convenience stores at every turn, and endless restaurants that just hit the spot. 

That said, it doesn’t hurt to prepare a little before you go. Here are some tips from a Taipei resident of seven years.  

1. Book accommodation early

Taiwan’s sweeping range of lodgings means you can live like a multimillionaire or a monk, although it's at the midrange hostels and B&Bs that you’ll get the best deals.

Rooms sell like hot dumplings during summer, Lunar New Year and national holidays. Book at least two months ahead. In Kenting , Jiufen  and Alishan , spots favored by local vacationers and glampers, early reservation is key. Aside from pitching a tent, the cheapest sleeps are at temples with guest rooms.

To hike Taiwan’s highest mountains , you’ll need a permit or two, and the process can take weeks. If you want to stay in the cabins , you’ll need to apply for those as well. The process may not be a walk in the park, but Taiwan’s breathtaking high mountains will reward you generously.  

Waitress bringing a bowl of noodles to a table with two customers looking excited

2. Make restaurant reservations

Eating will be an important part of your trip, and reservations are strongly advised for weekend dining. A few days will do for most restaurants, though Michelin-starred tables, such as RAW and Le Palais , need to be reserved a month or two in advance. Book by phone or on Facebook. A growing number of places will also let you reserve with Google. For walk-in-only hotspots, get there early or get ready to see Taiwan’s famous queue culture in action. 

Dinner service usually begins at 5:30pm and starts winding down in less than three hours. This means your restaurant options grow thin after 8pm — but then street food-filled night markets are always an option.

3. Tap and go with EasyCard or iPass

EasyCard is Taiwan’s contactless smartcard that you can use on the metro, local buses and trains (except high-speed rail), as well as convenience stores and supermarkets. You’ll also need it (and a local phone number) for Youbike, Taiwan’s electronic bike-sharing service. The card itself costs NT$100, and you can top up at any metro station or convenience store. Any unused money is refundable, so don’t lose your card.

iPass is Kaohsiung ’s version of Easycard, which is issued by Taipei. The two are interchangeable. 

4. Download those transportation apps

The government’s bilingual apps are wonderful for checking routes, fares, arrival and departure times, and even whether or not you can bring your cello on board. You can purchase digital train tickets via T Express  (for high-speed rail) and 台鐵e訂通  (for railway), or simply use the apps for information and buy tickets at the station counters.

Taiwan’s metro systems are straightforward, but apps like Taipei's  台北捷運Go  can help you make better decisions about whether to get the day pass or whether you should just bus it. Taiwan’s bus apps give similar information to Google Maps but with more accurate arrival times.

People outside of a brightly lit Family Mart convenience store in Taipei at night

5. Convenience stores are little shops of wonder

Taiwan’s convenience stores let you buy prepaid phone cards, print and photocopy, buy train and concert tickets, send and pick up local packages and use the ATMs.  You can do most of this on an automated kiosk while basking in the aroma of tea-infused eggs, roasted sweet potatoes or whatever decent-tasting rice or pasta dish a fellow customer happens to be reheating for indoor-seated enjoyment. Bear in mind not all kiosks have full English translations, so ask a staff member for help if you need it. Many convenience stores have toilets open to the public, too.

6. Pack enough prescription meds for your trip

If you’re on a specific antidepressant drug, blood pressure medication,or contraceptive pill, bring enough with you to be safe. If you need flu and cold medicine, head over to Watson’s or Cosmed for Tylenol or its local equivalents.  

Sanitary products can be easily purchased from supermarkets and drugstores. Some cafes and restaurants even provide them for free in the women’s toilets. 

Commuters are shuttled inside the Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station of the Taipei MRT in Taiwan at rush hour

7. Be considerate on public transport

The metro  and  buses  have priority seating that's a different color from the other seats. Most Taiwanese who are not elderly, pregnant or physically challenged would never think of sitting there, but in recent years, detractors have been questioning whether age and appearance are accurate reflections of need, arguing that it’s fine for anyone to use the seats until someone needier comes along. Whatever you choose to do, it helps to be aware of these dynamics.

Taiwanese metro commuters take the 'no eating and drinking' rule very seriously. Chewing gum and sips of water are frowned upon. Carriages are also quiet. Your chances of overhearing someone’s life story are disappointingly low. 

8. Tipping is not customary (but it is appreciated)

You are not expected to tip at restaurants, whether or not they levy a 10% to 15% service charge (many do). Taxi drivers don’t expect tips, but you may hear a brighter " xie xie"  (thank you) if you round up to the next dollar. It is courteous to give the porter at better hotels NT$100. If you’re happy with a massage or a tour guide, add 10% to the bill. 

Asian woman holding incense stick outside of a Chinese temple

9. Wear whatever you like, but dress respectfully at temples 

While middle-aged Taiwanese tend to dress conservatively, young urbanites in Taipei and Kaohsiung are sartorially quite open-minded. That said, clothes that show more skin, such as crop tops or halternecks, are much less commonly worn than in London or New York, for example, and may get some stares.

It’s a different story when you visit a temple – here, wearing clothes that cover the thighs, shoulders and midriff is regarded as a sign of respect. 

10. Take off your shoes when entering homes 

Taiwanese do not wear outdoor shoes inside their homes. If your host offers you a pair of slippers, accept or propose going with socks. 

It is not customary to remove shoes before entering a temple, especially in urban temples, though the rule may be enforced in a particular hall housing a sacred relic or a fragile heritage building.

11. You can get by without much Chinese

Most Taiwanese in the major cities know at least some English. Naturally, the further you go from the metropolitan areas, the less prevalent the language is. But with the friendliness and hospitality of the Taiwanese, and some help from good old Google Translate, you can get pretty far.

12. Bring your reusable water bottle

Taiwan’s tap water is officially deemed safe to drink; however, it’s hard to know for sure if the pipes in a particular building are up to par. 

Using your own drinking water bottle is by far the cheapest, greenest and safest way to hydrate. There are water fountains in all metro and train stations, public facilities, such as information centers, libraries and museums, and even temples. When checking in at your lodging, ask reception where the water dispenser is.

13. Taiwan is affected by frequent natural disasters

This includes earthquakes, typhoons, floods and landslides. Avoid mountainous areas after quakes and heavy rains. Strong winds often mess up sailing schedules to and from Taiwan’s islands, and cross-island buses may stop running after a landslide. Check with the relevant authorities before heading to the station or pier with your umbrella. 

14. Be wary of where you smoke

Smoking is banned in all indoor public places, such as hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and metro stations, and this is strictly enforced. Smoking at alfresco cafes is common.

15. Taiwan is great for solo women travelers 

Taiwan has a very low crime rate, and many solo women travelers report feeling safer here than in other destinations. Some train and metro stations have nocturnal women-only wait zones that you can take advantage of, especially if traveling alone at night. 

16. Taiwan is a welcoming place for LGBTIQ+ travelers

The first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, Taiwan is friendly and progressive, especially Taipei, home of the Chinese-speaking world's most vibrant Pride parade. Kaohsiung, which has its own Pride, comes a close second. In terms of nightlife, however, Taipei wins hands down. Useful resources include Utopia , Taiwan Tongzhi (LGBTQ+) Hotline Association  and Taiwan LGBT Pride .

17. Taiwan is fantastic for toilets

Free and usually spotlessly clean facilities are everywhere. While most public toilets are the squat style, there are usually at least one or two stalls with sit-down facilities. They often also have toilet paper. Western-style toilets are standard in hotels and apartments. Many restaurants ask you not to flush used toilet paper but to put it in the wastebasket beside your throne.

This article was first published October 2022 and updated October 2023

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COVID-19 Restrictions on Entering Taiwan

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  • With steady easing of border measures, Taiwan to end quarantine and adopt 7-day self-initiated prevention policy for arrivals on October 13
  • Effective September 12, Taiwan to reinstate visa-exempt entry for nationals of US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, countries in Europe, and diplomatic allies
  • Effective from August 15, Taiwan to remove requirement that inbound passengers should provide COVID-19 PCR test result within two days of flight schedule time
  • Effective immediately, weekly cap of arrivals increased to 40,000; starting July 14, R.O.C. nationals, ARC holders, transit passengers to be exempt from providing PCR test results within two days of their flight
  • Starting June 15, Taiwan to gradually ease border controls, shorten quarantine period, and control number of arrivals
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  • Beginning May 9, mandatory quarantine for arrivals to be shortened to 7 days; 7-day self-health management remain required for arrivals starting 8th day
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Your Trip to Taiwan: The Complete Guide

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When it comes to Western tourists, Taiwan is still under the radar when compared to Japan, Mainland China, and Hong Kong, yet it manages to take the best of all three and jam pack those into a tiny island. From Taipei's pulsing, future-forward districts of Xinyi and Ximen and nightlife, to lush swathes of nature, outdoor activities, and mineral-rich hot springs, stunning arts, creativity, and culture, to excellent transportation options including a bullet train, and wide array of Chinese, Japanese, and indigenous cuisines, Taiwan offers something for every traveler.

Planning Your Trip To Taiwan

  • Best Time To Visit: While the majority of Taiwan falls into the subtropical category climate-wise  , the winters can be substantially drier, pleasant, and even cold enough during January and February to require a jacket and other winter apparel. Fall's October and November months are a sweet spot when it comes to weather, while March through May are warmer and see cherry blossoms, and are also hot enough to hit the beaches in Taiwan's tropical south.
  • Language: As with Mainland China, Taiwan's official language is Mandarin  , which became the case post-WWII. However, Taiwan is multilingual thanks to both its indigenous cultures and periods of occupation, and other common tongues include Taiwanese Hokkien and Hakka.
  • Currency: The New Taiwan Dollar (TWD).
  • Getting Around: The Taiwan High Speed Rail system runs almost the entire length of the island from North to South, with stops in a dozen cities including Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Zuoying/Kaohsiung (there may be line extensions in the future as well). A robust assortment of public transportation routes also exist for bigger cities, like Taipei's MRT subway/rail , and buses to and from airports, while taxis are also readily available and not expensive. Conveniently for those who can't read Chinese characters, Uber is present in Taipei (again), while the Taiwan ride hailing app Find Taxi also has an English language option.
  • Travel Tip: The Chinese New Year is the equivalent of the West's holiday season, and for as long as several weeks locals take leave of their jobs, close up small businesses and restaurants, and return to their hometowns or head overseas on vacation. It's a double-edged sword for tourists to visit during this time, since on one hand, you'll avoid crowds and lines, and can experience the colorful Lantern Festival and parades, but you'll also find some attractions, activities, restaurants, and stores closed, especially on the New Year itself.

Things To Do

Like Japan to the north (albeit without the snow and subtropical temperatures!), Taiwan offers a diverse and distinct combination of city, nature, culture, and adventurous activities including relaxing, natural hot springs, and more blended all together in the same city! Just Taipei alone can serve as a holistic sampler of everything Taiwan has to offer, yet it's so easy to traverse other cities all over the island thanks to the high speed rail, you can curate an extensive sampler itinerary from North to South.

  • Explore Taiwan's Famed Night Markets: If you ask a Taiwanese expat what they miss most about home, chances are they'll say the vibrant night market culture of their homeland. Spread all over the country, with dozens in major cities, these markets offer a wide array of street food and trendy delicacies, including the aptly named stinky tofu, frisbee-sized tapioca flour crispy crusted chicken cutlets, "coffin bread," and much more including clothing, gadgets, and other goods.
  • Soak in Taiwan's Natural Hot Springs : Like Japan, Taiwan boasts mineral-rich hot springs and resorts built around them (as well as more humble, public access, low-cost facilities). Conveniently, a handful can be found in the Beitou district in Taipei (which is home to a Hot Spring Museum as well!) while other popular hot spring destinations include Hualien County's Wenshan , Miali County's Tai'an, and Jiaoxi's Tangweigou Hot Spring Park.
  • Take in The City Views From Taipei's 101 Tower: The world's largest tower when it first opened in 2004   (and now ranking number 10), this stacked cup-shaped skyscraper features an incredible multi-level observation deck from which you can see both the modern cityscape and natural wonders it's nestled in, plus a xiao long bao (soup dumpling) lunch afterwards at the ground floor's Din Tai Fung restaurant.
  • Enjoy the Splendor of Taroko Natural Park : Once you've had your fill of modern metropolis delights in Taipei or another larger city, explore the stunning glory of Taroko through its many trails and iconic gorge.

Explore more of the best Taiwan has to offer with articles on the top 15 things to do In Taipei , our Taipei city guide for LGBTQ+ visitors , and overview of the Taipei 101 tower .

What To Eat And Drink

The past decade has seen an evolution of Taiwanese cuisine thanks to innovative fine dining chefs who take earthy local, seasonal ingredients to technique-forward Michelin star levels at restaurants like Taipei's RAW and Mume , and Taichung's Singaporean-Taiwanese fusion venue JL Studio . Some of the foods most often associated with Taiwan are accessible, unpretentious, and delicious; most famously, "bubble/boba tea," which entails a tea, juice, or even milk beverage served with a scoop of chewy tapioca pearls. Although only invented in the 1980s, it's now an international phenomenon, and Taiwan sees all kinds of innovative, creative new takes and artisanal brands as well as big chains making the beverage.

Stinky tofu is one of the most popular—and aptly named—street foods in Taiwan, so much that there is even an entire street dedicated to it. Shenkeng Tofu Street is located in New Taipei's Shenking district, and offers many takes on the odious acquired taste and smell, as well as non-stinky tofu iterations and even deserts.

Xiao Long Bao is another Taiwan must-eat. Known in Western countries as "soup dumplings," this staple may have originated in Mainland China and its Shanghainese iteration is found all over the world (a bit flabby, with a thick dough skin that contains soup and usually succulent pork), but Taiwan's Michelin-starred chain Din Tai Fung helped popularize Taiwan's daintier, thinner-skinned, one-or-two-bite sized version both domestically and abroad. You'll find twists on Din Tai Fung's formula and fillings in restaurants all over Taiwan.

Bubble tea aside, the Taiwanese also satisfy their sweet tooth with the signature local snacks, Pineapple Cake and nougats. The former can be found everywhere, including airport shops and 7-Eleven, but for the good stuff, the handmade, real pineapple-filled shortcakes from SunnyHills are a must (but do note their limited shelf life, as with all preservative-free foods). Nougats are also found all over Taiwan, but local gourmands feel the yummiest can be snagged at Taipei's Okura Prestige Hotel shop (they get snatched up fast during holidays for gifts).

Where To Stay

Taiwan offers a pretty wide range of accommodations and price points, from international chains to local luxury and boutique properties. Taipei's Chinese palace-style Grand Hotel is an architectural icon (albeit inconvenient to public transport) and classic. More contemporary, newer properties like Mandarin Oriental , W Taipei , and Hotel Proverbs offer primo city district locations and gorgeous modern decor.

In contrast to Hong Kong, Taipei's hotels are a steal price-wise, especially its local boutique properties (unless there's some major convention or function). Although heavily regulated, Airbnb does have a Taiwanese presence and is currently legal. However, as with some other destinations the legal lines get blurry over specific kinds of stays, some hosts only speak/write in Chinese, and their house rules can be more strict than in other Asian countries. However, price-wise they are extremely reasonable.

For TripSavvy's current top hotel picks, check out the best Taiwan hotels .

Getting There

Located outside city limits and requiring a chunk of time to commute a la Tokyo's Narita, Taipei's Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is the country's biggest, busiest air transportation hub and home base for EVA Air and China Airlines (both offer direct flights to and from U.S. cities). Two terminals, with a third in the works, feature oodles of places to eat and drink, from Taiwanese fare to Starbucks and even some local craft beer.

There's a second, conveniently located but smaller area airport, Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA), which services cities within Taiwan and China, and a couple of other Asian countries. Southern Taiwan's Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) is the second largest/busiest air hub, with more than two dozen Asian airlines and destinations, including Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Macao serviced.

Culture And Customs

Although any business with an international or Western clientele, especially five-star hotel brands, will generally have an English-speaking staff and wording on map apps, English isn't that prevalent on a whole in Taiwan (and English translations for the same road or business can be phonetically spelled out in many different ways). A Chinese-English translation app can be extremely valuable for communicating, and having locals enter the Chinese letter names of destinations directly into your favorite map app is also an extremely helpful tool for finding places and getting around independently of tours, guides, etc. Taiwanese people are typically friendly, unpretentious, and polite, so don't be afraid to ask for assistance!

Money Saving Tips

  • The food choices are plentiful and prices are cheap at Taiwan's night markets, making these a perfectly thrifty way to fill up your belly with authentic local fare.
  • Another unique Taiwan attraction is its creative art parks: imminently walkable and photo-friendly districts (often comprised of abandoned factories or military facilities) now filled with murals, galleries, craft shops, cafes, and exhibitions (though some of the latter do charge admission). These include Taipei's Songshan Cultural and Creative Park and Huashan 1914 Creative Park , Tainan's Blueprint Cultural & Creative Park , and Kaohsiung's Pier-2 Art Center .
  • Book a trip during low season, which is usually both during the chillier winter months and late summer's hot, monsoon-plagued time, which also happens to be the "Ghost Festival," which is when the entirety of Taiwan is believed to be haunted by spirits and it's considered ill-advised to travel (August to September).

Britannica. "Taiwan: Climate."

WorldAtlas. "What Languages Are Spoken In Taiwan?" April 25, 2017

Skyscraper Museum. "Supertall 2020: Lineup"

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Taiwan Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 23, 2023

The towering skyline of Taipei, Taiwan featuring Taipei 101

Taiwan is one of the most underrated budget destinations in Asia. It offers a beautiful — and super affordable — mix of east and west, blending the culture and cuisines of mainland China , Japan , and Hong Kong . And all with a fraction of the crowds.

I don’t think enough people visit Taiwan. I spent time here as an English teacher and have revisited the country since. There is a lot to do there: hiking the mountains, eating at night markets, drinking at tea houses, lounging on beaches, and enjoying the country’s amazing nightlife. No matter your interests, Taiwan won’t disappoint — especially if you’re a foodie. The food here is some of the best in the region!

This travel guide to Taiwan can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit to this underrated island!

Table of Contents

  • Things to See and Do
  • Typical Costs
  • Suggested Budget
  • Money-Saving Tips
  • Where to Stay
  • How to Get Around
  • How to Stay Safe
  • Best Places to Book Your Trip
  • Related Blogs on Taiwan

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Taiwan

The towering skyline of Taipei, Taiwan featuring Taipei 101 during the sunset

1. Visit Jiufen

Jiufen is one of Taiwan’s most popular tourist destinations. Founded during the Qing dynasty, Jiufen boomed as a gold mining town in the 1890s. Here, you can find all kinds of historic tea houses built into the hillside. The center of the city and its historic streets and buildings are all preserved and look as they did 100 years ago. Try the snacks on offer, visit one of the many tea houses, and do some hiking if you have time. It’s a pretty easy day trip from Taipei but you should aim to come early to beat the crowds. If your itinerary allows for it, consider spending a night here so you can experience it without the daytripper crowds.

2. Soak in the Hot Springs

Especially fun to visit in winter, the Beitou Hot Springs are just 30 minutes from downtown Taipei and you can get there on the MRT (you need to go to Xinbeitou station). There are lots of resorts, spas, and inns in the area which, with a vast array of wildlife and fauna, really feel like you’ve traveled much further afield. Visit the Hot Springs Museum, the Xinbeitou Historic Station, and Thermal Valley (a sulfurous lake nearby that has walking trails) while you’re here. There are also some really cool temples here, including the tiny wooden Puji Temple.

3. Explore Taroko National Park

Located southeast of Taipei, this national park offers visitors a chance to hike through beautiful mountainous terrain and gorges. It spans almost 250,000 acres and is one of only nine national parks in Taiwan. With loads of cliffs and waterfalls to explore, it’s a really stunning place to visit. Head to the Zhuilu Suspension Bridge for some amazing views and to the Eternal Spring Shrine or to the Changing Temple for a bit of culture and history. Some suggested walking trails include Shakadang, Changchun, Swallow Grotto, and Lushui-Heliu. Entrance to the park is free.

4. Visit Taipei 101

Formerly known as Taipei World Trade Center, this was the tallest building in the world from when it opened in 2004 until 2010 (when the Burj Khalifa took its place). Standing 508-meters (1,667-feet) tall, it towers over Taipei. There is an observation platform on the 89th floor (at 382-meters high). You can also go up to the 91st floor for an outdoor platform. If you’re needing some retail therapy (and can fit anything else in your bags), there’s a shopping mall at the bottom.

5. Explore the night markets

Taipei is home to dozens of night markets. Shulin Night Market, Raohe Night Market, Tonghua Night Market, Snake Alley, and Ningxia Night Market are all worth spending some time exploring but there are over 30 to choose from in Taipei alone. The food at these markets is the best (and cheapest) in the city. So much so that a few have even been given Michelin Bib Gourmands!

Other Things to See and Do in Taiwan

1. visit taipei.

Taipei is the epicenter of the country. Here there are sprawling food markets, a wild nightlife, spacious parks, and all kinds of interesting and quirky museums. Plus, the nearby mountains are full of easy and accessible hikes. Be sure to take a free walking tour, visit the National Palace Museum, see some temples (especially Confucius Temple and Bao-an Temple), and visit the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. I can’t sing the praises of this city highly enough (I lived here when I taught English). For even more on the city, here’s my full list of things to do in Taipei!

2. Go island hopping

The Pescadores Islands (known locally as Penghu) is an archipelago off the west coast between Taiwan and China. There are 90 islands in the region, perfect for exploring on a day trip. You can take a boat tour that visits several islands in the region, allowing you to snorkel, see sea turtles, and wander through traditional aboriginal villages and explore temples galore. Expect to pay around 1,500 TWD for a one-day multi-island tour.

3. See Tianhou Temple

Located in Taipei, this is one of the oldest temples in the city. Tianhou (also known as Mazu Temple, after the deity Mazu, goddess of the sea) was built in 1746 and is one of three major temples in Taiwan from the Qing period. It’s a beautiful Taoist temple filled with mythological creatures, incense, lucky goldfish, and people paying respect to the gods. Admission is free.

4. Hit the beach

The beaches of Kenting on the southern tip of the island are the best place to enjoy the summer weather. White Sand Bay is the most popular beach and a great place to swim, snorkel, and soak up the sun. Other beaches worth checking out are Fulong Beach, South Bay, Dawan Beach, Laomei Beach, and Little Bali Bay.

5. See the Lantern Festival

The famous Taiwan Lantern Festival is held every February/March and involves releasing hundreds of paper lanterns into the sky. There’s also a huge parade with floats, most of which relate to the year’s animal (from the Chinese zodiac). Thousands of people gather to watch and take part. To ensure the environment is protected, make sure you use a biodegradable eco-friendly lantern.

6. Hike Jade Mountain

Jade Mountain (also known as Yushan), the highest peak in Taiwan and East Asia with its peak at almost 4,000 meters above sea level, is a popular hike. If you don’t hike, there’s a special train that takes you to the peak before dawn (150 TWD). Most people do the hike over a couple of days, however, you can do it in a single day if you wake up super early and hike but that will mean over 10 hours of hiking. You’ll also need permits in advance so talk to your hotel or hostel staff as they can help you arrange those.

7. Tour Fo Guang Shan Monastery

This Zen monastery in Kaohsiung is a massive complex with eight towering pagodas that flank the monastery’s Big Buddha (which, at 36-meters tall, is the highest seated bronze Buddha in the world). Built in 1967 and spanning over 74 acres, the complex has a spacious outdoor walkway lined by manicured gardens as well as the huge pagodas. There are also over 14,000 statues of the Buddha here. Admission is free (donations are welcome) and there’s a delicious vegetarian restaurant inside with a huge buffet.

8. Visit the National Palace Museum

This museum, located in Taipei, has a collection of over 70,000 artifacts from Imperial China. Most of the collection was brought to Taiwan during the Chinese Civil War (1929–1947). In addition to their permanent exhibits, there are also rotating exhibits throughout the year as well as a section for children. There are free daily tours in English as well as a detailed audio guide if you’d rather explore yourself. Admission is 350 TWD.

9. See the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Officially known as Liberty Square, this national monument was built in 1976 in honor of Chiang Kai-shek, former president of the Republic of China. He ruled mainland China from 1928 to 1949, and then in Taiwan from 1949 until his death in 1975. The memorial also houses a library and a museum that documents Chiang Kai-shek’s life and career. Tours in English are available daily but must be booked in advance. Admission is free.

10. Take a cooking class

Taiwan is a foodie’s dream and I always overindulge while I’m here. Noodle soups, incredible rice dishes, amazing buns, dumplings, and scallion pancakes are just some of the tasty local offerings. While cooking classes here are a little pricey, I think they are worth it if you really want to learn about the food. The cooking skills (and recipes) make a great souvenir to take home too. Expect to pay around 2,000 TWD for a class.

11. Go hiking

Taipei has plenty of hiking trails just outside town that are easily accessible. There are easy, moderate, and challenging trails, as well as both short and full-day hikes. Some suggested trails to check out are Xiangshan (easy, 45minutes), Bitoujiao (moderate, 2-3 hours), Jinmianshan (easy, 1.5 hours), Huang Didian (hard, 5 hours), and Pingxi Crag (moderate, 2-3 hours).

12. Visit Orchid Island

Located 64 kilometers (40 miles) off the southeastern coast, this lush, volcanic island offers hiking, swimming, diving, and amazing hot springs. There are also underground houses here, built to avoid the numerous typhoons that ravage the region. The island is home to only 5,000 people too. Visit the Lanyu Flying Fish Cultural Museum to learn about local culture. Flights from Taipei take just over an hour and cost around 4,500 TWD.

13. Hike Wuling Peak

For more hiking, head to Wuling Peak on Hehuan Mountain. Located in Central Taiwan, it stands 3,275 meters (10,744 feet) above sea level and makes for a good day trip for anyone looking to spend more time outdoors. The peak here is so high you can actually look down into a sea of clouds below. A round-trip hike takes around 2-3 hours. Be sure to bring a raincoat as well as water and sunscreen.

14. Explore the Northern Coastline

Head to the coast to see the otherworldly lunar-like landscapes at Yehliu Geopark. There are all kinds of unique rock formations here, including one that looks like Queen Elizabeth (which took over 4,000 years to form). It’s a popular tourist attraction so try to get here early to beat the crowds. Admission is 120 TWD.

15. Visit Tainan

This is Taiwan’s oldest urban area, established by the Dutch East India Company in 1624. Located in the south near Kaohsiung, Tainan was the capital of Taiwan from 1683-1887. There are all kinds of temples to visit here (don’t miss the Confucius Temple), several night markets, a historic old town, and a massive department store reminiscent of the Ginza district in Tokyo. There is also a nearby mangrove and wildlife reserve (it’s part of Taijiang National Park) just 30 minutes away by car.

16. Explore Taichung

Taichung is located in west-central Taiwan and is the second-largest city in the country. Spend some time walking the Parkway (a corridor of greenery perfect for walking and exploring), visit the Feng Chia Night Market, see the botanical garden, and explore the massive National Museum of Natural Science. If you’re a history buff, don’t miss the Taichung Folklore Park which is home to several traditional Taiwanese homes and buildings that showcase the country’s history.

Taiwan Travel Costs

The famous and massiveChiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taiwan

Accommodation – Hostels dorms with 6-8-bed cost between 300-700 TWD per night. A private room costs anything from 1,000-3,000 TWD. Every place has free Wi-Fi and most hostels have self-catering facilities and include free breakfast.

Budget hotels start at 950 TWD for a small room with a double bed. Most rooms have AC but free breakfast is rarely included.

Airbnb is available around the country with private rooms starting at 650 TWD per night, though they average at least triple that. For an entire home or apartment, expect to pay at least 1,000 TWD (though prices average triple that). Book early to find the best deals.

Wild camping is generally prohibited but there are lots of campgrounds around the country. Expect to pay at least 300 TWD for a basic plot without electricity.

Food – Taiwanese cuisine is a mix of influences, from Chinese, Japanese (owing to the Japanese occupation), and Western traditions. Seafood is a huge staple, with squid, crab, and shellfish being especially popular. Braised pork, oyster omelets, fish balls, and stinky tofu are just some of the many dishes you can find around the country.

Food at the outdoor markets costs around 35-100 TWD depending on what you get. An order of dumplings costs around 100 TWD. Noodle soup or a basic rice dish costs around 70 TWD.

A meal at a simple sit-down restaurant serving local cuisine costs around 120 TWD.

Western food costs between 100-400 TWD. Burgers (often made with pork rather than beef) are on the lower end while pizza is on the higher end.

Fast food is pretty popular here. MosBurger (the best fast food joint in the country) costs around 165 TWD for a combo meal. Sushi, one of the most popular food options, costs 300–450 TWD for a meal. (Plates at the conveyor belt places are around 30 TWD each.

A three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant costs 500 TWD. A beer or a latte/cappuccino costs around 80 TWD while a bottle of water costs 21 TWD.

For a week’s worth of groceries including staples like rice, seasonal produce, and seafood, expect to pay 2,000-2,500 TWD.

Backpacking Taiwan Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget of 1,050 TWD per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, eat some street food, cook some meals, limit your drinking, do free walking tours, and take public transportation to get around.

On a mid-range budget of 2,700 TWD per day, you can stay in an Airbnb, enjoy some Western food, drink more, take the bus between cities, and do more paid activities like museum visits and cooking classes.

On a “luxury” budget of 5,600 TWD per day, you can stay in a hotel, rent a car or take the train between cities, take guided tours to the islands, go diving, eat out at any restaurant you want, and visit as many attractions as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in TWD.

Taiwan Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Taiwan is an affordable country so you don’t need to worry about breaking the bank here. As long as you stick to local cuisine and limit your drinking, it’s hard to spend a lot of money. Here are a few tips to keep your spending in check:

  • Skip the high-speed trains – The high-speed trains in Taiwan are super convenient but expensive. Stick to the slower local trains, which are about 50% cheaper than the HSR.
  • Eat at the food markets – The food in Taiwan is world-class and the best food is at the night markets that dot all the cities.
  • Avoid Western food – Western food is twice the price of Taiwanese food. It’s also not amazing so stick to the local cuisine to save money.
  • Take free walking tours – Taipei, Jiufen, Tainan, and Kaohsiung all have free walking tours from companies like Like It Formosa . They’re my favorite walking tour company in Taiwan. Their tours are fun, informative, and free. Just remember to tip your guide at the end.
  • Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water here needs to be boiled before drinking so bring a bottle with a filter to ensure you have safe drinking water. LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter to you can be sure you water is safe and clean.

Where to Stay in Taiwan

Taiwan has plenty of fun and affordable hostels. Here are my suggested places to stay:

  • Formosa 101 (Taipei)
  • Star Hostel (Taipei)
  • T-Life Hostel (Taichung)
  • Fuqi Hostel-Heping (Tainan)

How to Get Around Taiwan

A narrow alley lined with scooters and shops in busy Taiwan

Public transportation – All of the major cities have public transportation that is fast, safe, and reliable. Fares start at 15 TWD and go up depending on how far you travel. Taipei and Kaohsiung both have metro systems with tickets costing between 20-65 TWD. A single-day pass in Taipei costs 150 TWD, while a day pass in Kaohsiung costs 180 TWD.

Bus – The bus is the cheapest way to get around Taiwan. Intercity coach buses are available to all major cities around Taiwan, including Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. They are comfortable, modern, safe, and have air conditioning (too much, usually, so bring a sweater). The two main intercity bus companies are Ubus and Kuo-Kuang Bus. For fares and timetable information, visit taiwanbus.tw.

A bus from Taipei to Kaohsiung takes around five hours and costs 600-1,000 TWD while the three-hour trip from Taipei to Taichung costs as little as 90 TWD.

Train – The high-speed trains (HSR) in Taiwan are super convenient, however, they only go down the west side of the island and are very expensive. For example, a ticket from Taipei to Kaohsiung costs around 1,500 TWD.

The “local” trains are much more affordable, often 50% cheaper. The trip from Taipei to Kaohsiung on a local train costs just 845 TWD. It’s also just 515-800 TWD from Taipei to Tainan and 675-800 TWD from Taipei to Taichung via the local train.

The HSR line doesn’t pass through city centers, so you either need to take a bus or train from the HSR station, which also costs more time and money.

Flying – Domestic flights are relatively affordable, however, they are much more expensive than the bus or train. The two-hour flight from Taipei to Kaohsiung costs more than 4,000 TWD.

Flights to neighboring Hong Kong start at 3,600 TWD and take five hours (they can be as much as 6,500 TWD so it’s best if you’re flexible with your dates) while flights to Singapore take five hours and cost around 3,500 TWD.

Car Rental – Driving here is safe, however, car rentals here are expensive, usually costing at least 1,500 TWD per day. You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a vehicle here. For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Taiwan

July and August are the hottest months in the country and the most popular time to visit. Temperatures often hit 35°C (95°F) and prices are a little higher as well. It’s a great time to visit if you want to hit the beach.

The shoulder months of May-June and September-October offer the best balance of crowds, weather, and price. It’s still warm enough to enjoy the outdoors and do some hiking without getting rained out.

Winters in Taiwan are a little rainy but still warm, with daily highs around 18–20°C (65-68°F). Prices are a bit lower and it’s the perfect time to visit the relaxing (and relatively empty) hot springs. Expect big crowds in Taipei in December-January for the Chinese New Year.

How to Stay Safe in Taiwan

Taiwan is very safe, consistently ranking well on the Global Peace Index as one of the safest destinations in the world. Crimes against tourists are super rare. Overall, you are unlikely to encounter any problems in Taiwan and I never felt unsafe in the country. There are no scams here, everyone is super nice, and crime is super rare. It’s a great place to visit. My friends who live here also never have problems.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here for all those reasons. However, the standard precautions you take anywhere apply here too (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). There are numerous solo female travel blogs that can provide more specific tips.

Earthquakes are common in the region so make sure you’re familiar with your accommodation’s emergency exits. Between July and November, typhoons can occur so make sure you stay up to date on the latest weather — especially if you’re near the coast or out hiking.

110 is the emergency number for police while 119 is the emergency number for fire and ambulance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Taiwan Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

  • Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
  • Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
  • Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
  • Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
  • SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
  • LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
  • Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
  • Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Taiwan Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on China travel and continue planning your trip:

The 23 Best Things to Do in Hong Kong

The 23 Best Things to Do in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Itinerary: What to Do in 4 (or More) Days

Hong Kong Itinerary: What to Do in 4 (or More) Days

My Favorite Restaurants in Hong Kong

My Favorite Restaurants in Hong Kong

What Hitchhiking Solo as a Female in China Taught Me

What Hitchhiking Solo as a Female in China Taught Me

7 Lessons Learned from 3 Months in China

7 Lessons Learned from 3 Months in China

How to Travel the Trans-Siberian Railway

How to Travel the Trans-Siberian Railway

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

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Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

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After Your Trip

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

  • Chickenpox (Varicella)
  • Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
  • Flu (influenza)
  • Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Taiwan.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to Taiwan.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Japanese Encephalitis

Recommended for travelers who

  • Are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live
  • Spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis
  • Frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis

Consider vaccination for travelers

  • Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets
  • Going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there

Not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season. 

Japanese encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for US Children

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Taiwan is free of dog rabies. However, rabies may still be present in wildlife species, particularly bats. CDC recommends rabies vaccination before travel only for people working directly with wildlife. These people may include veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers working with specimens from mammalian species.

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

  • Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
  • Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
  • Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
  • Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

  • Mosquito bite
  • Avoid Bug Bites

Airborne & droplet

Avian/bird flu.

  • Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
  • Avoid domestic and wild poultry
  • Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
  • Bite from an infected rodent
  • Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
  • Avoid rodents and areas where they live
  • Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

  • Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Taiwan, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

  • Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
  • Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
  • Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
  • Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Taiwan. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

  • Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
  • Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
  • Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
  • Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
  • Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
  • Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
  • 2-undecanone
  • Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

  • Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
  • Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Taiwan include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

  • Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
  • Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
  • Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
  • If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
  • Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
  • Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
  • Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

  • Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
  • Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
  • Do not dive into shallow water.
  • Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
  • Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
  • To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

  • Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
  • Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
  • Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
  • Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
  • If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

  • Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
  • Go to a doctor right away.
  • Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

  • Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
  • If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

  • Use latex condoms correctly.
  • Do not inject drugs.
  • Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
  • Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
  • If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

  • Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
  • Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
  • Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
  • Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Taiwan’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
  • Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

  • Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
  • Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
  • Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

  • Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
  • Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
  • Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
  • Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
  • Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
  • Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

  • Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
  • Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
  • Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

  • Wear a seatbelt at all times.
  • Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
  • When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
  • Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Taiwan may be poor.
  • Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
  • Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
  • If you choose to drive a vehicle in Taiwan, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
  • Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
  • Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
  • Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
  • If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
  • Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

  • Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
  • Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
  • Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
  • Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

  • Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
  • Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
  • Follow all local laws and social customs.
  • Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
  • Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
  • If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Taiwan for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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Taiwan Travel and Tourism

Since Taiwan’s outbound travel restriction was lifted in October 2022, there has been a travel boom for Taiwanese going abroad for tourism and sight-seeing. In June 2023, the number of Taiwanese travelling internationally—totaling more than 1 million travelers — reached its peak since 2020   Among the foreign destinations, the United States has long been the most beloved long-haul travel destination for Taiwanese. In 2022, the United States welcomed over 137,000 Taiwanese tourists in 2022. 

To reflect such high market demand, the Taiwanese and foreign flight carriers that operate Taiwan-U.S. direct flight shave planned to increase their supply.

For instance, United Airlines, the only U.S. carrier that operates the direct flight from Taipei (TPE) to San Francisco (SFO)  is opening the second daily TPE-SFO flight in October 2023.

On the Taiwan side, the newly established airline company, Starlux Airlines, launched its first transpacific flight to Los Angeles (LAX) in April 2023. By the end of the year, Starlux Airlines is set to operate a Taipei (TPE) to San Francisco (SFO) directly flight. In July 2023, China Airlines stated their passenger flight occupancy rate has recovered to 80% compared to pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, the group is planning to enlarge its fleet size and kick-off a new flight to Seattle in 2024. EVA Air—another Taiwanese airline tycoon — is evaluating new flights with U.S. destinations including Boston, Washington D.C., and Dallas. Currently, EVA Air operates 8 direct routes to North American cities, which represents the most covered network among Taiwanese flight operators.

The Commerce Department’s National Travel and Tourism Office estimates that, in 2023, there will be a 139% increase in inbound travelers from Taiwan to the United States. Taiwanese travelers are expected to visit their friends and family, to go on business and trade shows, and to study in the U.S., presenting ample opportunities for the U.S. travel and tourism sector. The upcoming direct flights between Taipei and U.S. cities will contribute significantly to this growth.

For more information about these opportunities, contact Lynn Kao, Commercial Service Taiwan, at [email protected] .   

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Please see the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for current requirements on Covid-19 vaccination, Covid-19 test requirements, and details on exceptions due to humanitarian or emergency concerns.

The COVID-19 vaccine requirements for international air travelers will end at the end of the day on May 11, the same day that the COVID-19 public health emergency ends. Starting May 12, noncitizen nonimmigrant air passengers no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States. For more information, see here

For the latest updates on Taiwan’s quarantine and test requirements, please monitor the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control website and the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bureau of Consular Affairs website .

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Taiwan is paying tourists to visit—here's what you need to know

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Many countries continue to struggle to bring back tourism on the scale that it was before the COVID-19 pandemic. Places like Hong Kong and regions in Italy have turned to offering free travel and even free houses to encourage people to visit and to help boost their economies.

The latest place on that list is Taiwan. The government is offering tourists 5,000 New Taiwan dollars (about $163 USD) per traveler or NT$20,000 (about $653 USD) for up to 90,000 tour groups.

According to The Points Guy , Chang Shi-chung, the director-general of the Taiwan Tourism Bureau, said the money would be sent via a digital tourist card to ensure the funds go directly to Taiwan's tourism. Travelers will be able to use the cards for food, accommodation, and other travel expenses.

Taiwan is focusing on attracting more visitors from places like Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Macao, Europe, and the U.S.

According to the Taiwan Tourism Bureau , it saw under 900,000 visitors in 2022 compared to a record 11.8 million international tourists in 2019 .

It's still unclear when and how Taiwan will start distributing the digital tourist cards, as the government hasn't yet released its plan.

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World on the brink as Taiwan admits US troops are now stationed on Chinese border

Taiwan has officially confirmed the presence of US troops stationed on its islands in the Taiwan Strait permanently, a development that could further escalate mounting tensions with China .

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed in 2023 facilitated the deployment of these troops to conduct training programs for Taiwanese frontline forces.

The move comes as China continues to assert its disputed claim over Taiwan , viewing it as a renegade province despite never having ruled it. The heightened military activities by China in and around the Taiwan Strait have prompted Taiwan to bolster its defense capabilities.

It comes after Secretary of State Antony Blinken this week issued an 'ironclad' warning to China as tensions between the two nations rise. Closer to home a new poll found Biden and Trump are neck and neck in the race to win the White House and yesterday Trump warned EU countries that NATO 'won't be protected' if he's reelected unless they pay up in further signs of global tensions, which range from Ukraine and Russia to the escalating problems in the Middle East and the growing issues in Cuba and Haiti , where displaced citizens could flood into Florida sparking a wild move from Gov DeSantis .

READ MORE: China and Iran-linked cyberattackers targetting US water utilities

READ MORE: US military hit with embarrassing report exposing failings compared to China

In response to queries about the presence of the US Army Green Special Forces, also known as Green Berets, Taiwanese Defense Chief Chiu Kuo-cheng said: "No matter the situation, there may be blind spots or shortcomings. So we need to communicate with our allies - whether it is a team, a group or a country.

"We can learn from each other to see what strengths we have. This is a fixed thing."

Former President Tsai Ing-wen had mentioned in 2021 occasional training sessions with US instructors in 2021, bu Chiu's recent statement is the first official confirmation of the long-term nature of these activities.

According to reports from Taiwan's United Daily News (UDN), US Army Green Berets from the 1st Special Forces Group are now permanently stationed at bases of the 101st Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion, a Taiwanese army special operations force, located in outlying island counties of Penghu and Kinmen. Notably, Kinmen lies just over a mile from Chinese shores.

Additionally, reports suggest an American military presence in the northeast city of Taoyuan on Taiwan's main island , with service members providing specialized training on drone equipment for Taiwan's elite Airborne Special Service Company.

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Both the US Army and Chinese Foreign Ministry have yet to comment on these developments.

The presence of US troops in Taiwan marks a significant development in the region's geopolitical landscape. The U.S. officially withdrew its military presence from Taiwan in 1979 following the normalization of U.S.-China relations.

However, under the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, the US remains committed to providing Taiwan with defensive weaponry and ensuring its security against coercion or aggression.

While Taiwan has refrained from commenting on specific reports, it has reiterated that all foreign military exchanges adhere to an annual plan.

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Taiwan’s Top Diplomat Says U.S. Aid to Ukraine Is Critical for Deterring China

Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said in an interview that a Russian victory could embolden China to move against Taiwan and would fuel anti-American propaganda.

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Joseph Wu, the foreign minister of Taiwan, speaking from a podium and raising his right hand.

By Edward Wong

Reporting from Taipei, Taiwan

Joseph Wu, the foreign minister of Taiwan, said on Thursday that a halt in U.S. arms shipments to Ukraine would embolden China in its aggressions against Taiwan and fuel propaganda from Beijing that the United States is an unreliable partner.

“When people ask us whether it is OK for the United States to abandon Ukraine, the answer is no, because the world is operating not in a black-and-white way, or if you only look at one theater at a time,” he said. “The world is interconnected.”

If Russia is able to occupy more of Ukraine and claim victory, he added, “it would be seen as a victory of authoritarian states because Russia, China, North Korea and Iran, they are now linked together.”

Mr. Wu’s comments, made in a wide-ranging hourlong interview in Taipei, come as the Biden administration tries to get Congress to pass a supplemental funding package that would give $60 billion of aid to Ukraine.

Many House Republicans are staunchly opposed to giving more aid to Ukraine, adopting the “America First” posture embraced by former President Donald J. Trump, a pro-Russia candidate who has pressed them to reject the package. For months they claimed they would be willing to consider providing more assistance for Kyiv if the Biden administration imposed severe immigration restrictions at the United States border with Mexico. But at Mr. Trump’s urging, they balked at a funding package that would have done that, calling the border measures too weak.

The package also includes $8 billion of aid to counter China in the Asia-Pacific region, $1.9 billion of which would refill stocks of U.S. weapons sent to Taiwan. And it includes $14.1 billion of military aid to Israel.

Some Republican lawmakers contend that China is a bigger threat than Russia and that the funding proposed for Ukraine should go toward countering China. But other Republican officials in Congress and many Democrats make the same argument as Mr. Wu: that Taiwan’s security is linked to that of Ukraine, because China will see weakness on the part of the United States — and a greater chance of success in a potential invasion of Taiwan — if Ukraine is defeated.

Chinese leaders have said for decades that Taiwan, a de facto independent island, must be brought under the rule of the Communist Party, by force if necessary. Xi Jinping, China’s leader, has continued to promote that position.

The U.S. and Taiwanese governments have been trying to deter China from notions of invading Taiwan, including through military buildup in the region and bolstering alliances with other democratic nations.

If the United States abandons Ukraine, Mr. Wu said, China will “take it as a hint” that if it can keep up sustained action against Taiwan, “the United States is going to back off, the United States and its allies are going to back off.” The thinking among Chinese officials would be this, he said: “OK, since Russia could do that, we can do that as well.”

“So the U.S. determination in providing support to those countries suffering from authoritarian aggression, it is very important,” Mr. Wu said.

After U.S. troops withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021, China pushed propaganda through traditional state-run media and social media that “the U.S. commitment to anything is not firm,” Mr. Wu said. “We suffered from a huge wave of cognitive warfare.”

China has also spread disinformation stressing Russian narratives of the war, Mr. Wu said, including the idea that the expansion of NATO forced President Vladimir V. Putin to attack Ukraine, and that the United States is ultimately not committed to supporting Ukraine.

On the eve of Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Mr. Putin visited Mr. Xi in Beijing, and their two governments announced a “no limits” partnership .

Mr. Wu said some Central and Eastern European nations seeking to forge anti-authoritarian partnerships had strengthened their relations with Taiwan during the war.

His comments on the need for the United States to keep supporting Taiwan echo those of other senior Taiwanese officials. In May 2023, Bi-khim Hsiao, then Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to the United States and now the incoming vice president, made similar arguments to reporters in Washington.

And in February, Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, Democrat of Illinois, said during a visit of American lawmakers to Taiwan that the current president, Tsai Ing-wen, and the president-elect, Lai Ching-te, made clear to the lawmakers that “if for some reason the Ukrainians do not prevail, that will only encourage hostilities against Taiwan.”

Edward Wong is a diplomatic correspondent who has reported for The Times for more than 24 years from New York, Baghdad, Beijing and Washington. He was on a team of Pulitzer Prize finalists for Iraq War coverage. More about Edward Wong

Our Coverage of the War in Ukraine

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Ahead of the U.S. elections, Russia is intensifying efforts to elevate candidates  who oppose aid for Ukraine and support isolationism, disinformation experts say.

A large-scale Russian missile and drone attack damaged power plants  and caused blackouts for more than a million Ukrainians in what Ukrainian officials said was one of the war’s largest assaults on energy infrastructure.

Russian missiles streaked into Kyiv  in the biggest assault on the Ukrainian capital in weeks, injuring several people and damaging several buildings.

Symbolism or Strategy?: Ukrainians say that defending places with little strategic value is worth the cost in casualties and weapons , because the attacking Russians pay an even higher price. American officials aren’t so sure.

Elaborate Tales: As the Ukraine war grinds on, the Kremlin has created increasingly complex fabrications online  to discredit Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelensky, and undermine the country’s support in the West.

Targeting Russia’s Oil Industry: With its army short of ammunition and troops to break the deadlock on the battlefield, Kyiv has increasingly taken the fight beyond the Ukrainian border, attacking oil infrastructure deep in Russian territory .

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Our team of visual journalists analyzes satellite images, photographs , videos and radio transmissions  to independently confirm troop movements and other details.

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Citing safety risk, Taiwan recommends president does not visit South China Sea

Yushan Forum in Taipei

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Citing Safety Risk, Taiwan Recommends President Does Not Visit S.China Sea

Reuters

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen speaks during the Yushan Forum in Taipei, Taiwan October 11, 2023. REUTERS/Annabelle Chih

By Ben Blanchard

TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan's top security official said on Thursday he does not currently recommend President Tsai Ing-wen visit the South China Sea given the possible risk to her flight from "interference by relevant countries" given China's military presence there.

Both Taiwan and China claim most of the South China Sea as their own territory, but Taiwan only controls one main islet in the contested Spratly Islands deep in the southern part of the sea called Itu Aba, which Taiwan refers to as Taiping island.

Some lawmakers from both the ruling and main opposition parties have called on Tsai to visit Itu Aba before she steps down in May to assert Taiwan's sovereignty and view a newly renovated harbour that can take larger ships.

Both her predecessors visited the island but she has yet to do so while in office.

Taiwan National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen said the South China Sea had been highly militarised, and the government must also consider how the international community would view such a trip.

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"Many countries' aircraft and ships are interfered with by relevant countries when passing through," he told reporters at parliament.

"Therefore, it is necessary to assess whether the president's aircraft's flight safety can be maintained during the 1,600 km (994 miles) flight. If the two problems cannot be resolved, it is not recommended that the president go to Taiping island at this stage."

China has reclaimed land and build air bases and other military facilities on some of its islands including those close to Itu Aba, and regularly objects to U.S. navy ships and military aircraft operating nearby in what Washington calls freedom of navigation operations.

Itu Aba has a runway long enough to take military re-supply flights from Taiwan, which take around four hours, but is lightly defended compared to the nearby Chinese-controlled islands. Chinese forces generally leave Itu Aba alone.

Asked by a lawmaker whether China had ever interfered with or followed Taiwanese coast guard or military aircraft around Itu Aba, Tsai, who shares a common family name with the president, said it had happened.

"The activities of the Chinese communists' ships and aircraft in the South China Sea are very frequent," he added, without elaborating.

Taiwan also controls the Pratas Islands in the northern part of the South China Sea, and both China's air force and navy regularly operate nearby to assert Beijing's territorial claims over Taiwan, which the government in Taipei rejects.

Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei claim other parts of the South China Sea in dispute with both China and Taiwan.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Stephen Coates)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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Beijing steps up military pressure on Taiwan after the US and China announce talks

FILE - This combination of photos shows U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, left, in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 16, 2024 and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, on Jan. 9, 2024. China sent more than 30 warplanes and a group of navy ships toward Taiwan, the island’s defense ministry said Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024. The military pressure comes on the heels of an announcement that senior American and Chinese representatives were expected to meet in the Thai capital as the two countries seek to cool tensions. (AP Photo, File)

FILE - This combination of photos shows U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, left, in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 16, 2024 and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, on Jan. 9, 2024. China sent more than 30 warplanes and a group of navy ships toward Taiwan, the island’s defense ministry said Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024. The military pressure comes on the heels of an announcement that senior American and Chinese representatives were expected to meet in the Thai capital as the two countries seek to cool tensions. (AP Photo, File)

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TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — China sent more than 30 warplanes and a group of navy ships toward Taiwan, the island’s defense ministry said Saturday.

The military pressure comes on the heels of an announcement that senior American and Chinese representatives were expected to meet in the Thai capital as the two countries seek to cool tensions.

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army sent 33 aircraft, including SU-30 fighters, and six navy vessels around Taiwan, between 6 a.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday. Of these, 13 warplanes crossed the midline of the Taiwan Strait — an unofficial boundary that’s considered a buffer between the island and mainland. Taiwan has monitored the situation and employed its own forces in response to the activities.

China claims self-ruled Taiwan as its own territory and in recent years has shown is displeasure at political activities in Taiwan by sending military planes and ships. Taiwan said six Chinese balloons either flew over the island or through airspace just north of it days after the self-governing island elected Lai Ching-te as the new president . Lai’s Democratic Progressive Party largely campaigned on self-determination, social justice and a rejection of China’s threats.

United States National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi were both in Bangkok for talks, though it wasn’t clear when the meeting would take place or if it already had.

Pan Gongsheng, Governor of People's Bank of China, speaks at a sub forum ahead of the annual Boao Forum held in Boao in southern China's Hainan province on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. China's central bank governor calls for accleration of reforms on quta allocation at IMF to increase the voice of Asia (AP Photo/Olivia Zhang)

U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of a summit in November in an effort to patch up frayed relations due to quarrels over a range of economic and geopolitical issues. U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said the planned meeting in Bangkok continues the commitment Biden and Xi made “to maintain strategic communication and responsibly manage the relationship.”

During talks, Foreign Minister Wang would make clear China’s position on Taiwan and on U.S.-China relations, and discuss international and regional concerns, ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Friday.

An immediate international concern to both countries is tensions in the Red Sea that have upended global trade by forcing many shippers to avoid the Suez Canal. Beijing said it has been making positive efforts to de-escalate the situation in which Iran-backed Houthi rebels have fired missiles at international ships.

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  1. Things to Do in Taiwan

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  2. Visit Taiwan Travel Guide

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  3. Taiwan Travel Guide

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  4. Getting around Taiwan

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  5. The Best Time to Visit Taiwan in 2023

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  6. The Perfect Taiwan Itinerary And Complete Taiwan Travel Guide

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VIDEO

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  6. Taiwan President To Visit U.S. Amid Strong Opposition From China

COMMENTS

  1. Taiwan International Travel Information

    The American Institute in Taiwan, Kaohsiung Branch Office 5th Floor, No. 88, Chenggong 2nd Road, Qianzhen District Kaohsiung 806618, Taiwan Telephone: +886-7-335 5006 Emergency After-Hours Telephone +886-2-2162 2000 Fax: +886-7-338-0551 Email: [email protected]. The United States maintains unofficial relations with the people on Taiwan ...

  2. 18 things to know before going to Taiwan

    16. Taiwan is a welcoming place for LGBTIQ+ travelers. The first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, Taiwan is friendly and progressive, especially Taipei, home of the Chinese-speaking world's most vibrant Pride parade. Kaohsiung, which has its own Pride, comes a close second.

  3. Taiwan Travel Restrictions

    Taiwan entry details and exceptions. From January 1 to 31, 2023 - Travelers from mainland China to Taiwan will be subject to PCR testing upon arrival according to the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control. Those who test positive will need to serve a five-day home quarantine.

  4. VISITING TAIWAN

    Citizens of more than 66 countries and territories can enter Taiwan visa-free for 30 or 90 days. Taiwan has a 24-hour multilingual travel information hotline (0800-011-765). With its unique fusion of cultures, breathtaking scenery, diverse cuisine, exciting city life and well-developed hospitality industry, Taiwan is an ideal destination for ...

  5. Taiwan Visas and Entry Requirements

    Taiwan Visas and Entry Requirements. U.S. citizens seeking entry as tourists or visitors are required to present a valid passport that will remain valid for the period of intended stay. You must also possess a confirmed return or onward air ticket. As a U.S. passport holder, you will be allowed to enter Taiwan without a visa for up to ninety ...

  6. COVID-19 Restrictions on Entering Taiwan

    Effective September 12, Taiwan to reinstate visa-exempt entry for nationals of US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, countries in Europe, and diplomatic allies; Effective from August 15, Taiwan to remove requirement that inbound passengers should provide COVID-19 PCR test result within two days of flight schedule time

  7. Taiwan

    The U.S. has maintained and enhanced its commercial ties with Taiwan since 1979. Taiwan is the United States' ninth largest trading partner, and the U.S. is Taiwan's second largest trading partner. Taiwan enjoys Export-Import Bank financing, Overseas Private Investment Corporation guarantees, normal trade relations status, and ready access ...

  8. Taiwan to resume visa free entry for some countries in latest reopening

    Taiwan will resume visa free entry for visitors from countries including the United States and Canada from next week, the government said on Monday, as it continues to ease controls put in place ...

  9. Your Trip to Taiwan: The Complete Guide

    Planning Your Trip To Taiwan . Best Time To Visit: While the majority of Taiwan falls into the subtropical category climate-wise  , the winters can be substantially drier, pleasant, and even cold enough during January and February to require a jacket and other winter apparel Fall's October and November months are a sweet spot when it comes to weather, while March through May are warmer ...

  10. Tourists flock to Taiwan as COVID entry restrictions eased

    Taiwan's tourism bureau estimated that a total of 244 tourists from some 20 tour groups will arrive Thursday. With both Hong Kong and Taiwan getting rid of restrictions and welcoming back tourists, mainland China remains one of the few places in the world adamant in keeping borders closed and sticking to a "zero-COVID" strategy to stamp ...

  11. Taiwan Travel Guide (Updated 2024)

    Taiwan Travel Guide. Taiwan is one of the most underrated budget destinations in Asia. It offers a beautiful — and super affordable — mix of east and west, blending the culture and cuisines of mainland China, Japan, and Hong Kong. And all with a fraction of the crowds. I don't think enough people visit Taiwan.

  12. Taiwan

    Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas. If you choose to drive a vehicle in Taiwan, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork. Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.

  13. How to Travel to Taiwan From the USA

    Step 2. Choose your departure airport. A few U.S. cities offer direct flights to Taiwan, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and New York. You can, however, still fly out of your nearest ...

  14. Taiwan Travel and Tourism

    Since Taiwan's outbound travel restriction was lifted in October 2022, there has been a travel boom for Taiwanese going abroad for tourism and sight-seeing. In June 2023, the number of Taiwanese travelling internationally—totaling more than 1 million travelers — reached its peak since 2020 Among the foreign destinations, the United States ...

  15. Apply for a U.S. Visa

    Apply for a U.S. Visa. Welcome to the U.S. Visa Information Service for Taiwan. On this website you can find information about U.S. immigrant and nonimmigrant visas and the requirements to apply for each. You can also learn how to pay the required visa application fee, and book an interview appointment at the American Institute in Taiwan.

  16. Taiwan's President to transit US on Central America trip, but ...

    Taiwan confirmed Tuesday that President Tsai Ing-wen will transit the United States en route to Central America at the end of the month, but there was no word on whether a highly anticipated ...

  17. Taiwan is paying tourists to visit this year—here's what to know

    The latest place on that list is Taiwan. The government is offering tourists 5,000 New Taiwan dollars (about $163 USD) per traveler or NT$20,000 (about $653 USD) for up to 90,000 tour groups.

  18. Visas

    Please note that Call Center will be closed on Saturdays, Sundays and AIT Holidays. Email: [email protected]. Telephone: - Callers in Taiwan: 02 7741-7989 or 02 7741-7998 (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Taiwan Local Time, English and Mandarin) - Callers in the United States: 703-665-7348 (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Standard ...

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    Since June, 2021 the United States has donated 4,000,220 safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine doses with the people of Taiwan. This includes 4,000,220 Moderna doses. Of the 4,000,220 vaccine doses, 100% were donated through bilateral agreements. The United States is committed to leading an international and coordinated effort to accelerate ...

  20. World on the brink as Taiwan admits US troops are now stationed ...

    According to reports from Taiwan's United Daily News (UDN), US Army Green Berets from the 1st Special Forces Group are now permanently stationed at bases of the 101st Amphibious Reconnaissance ...

  21. Taiwan

    × External Link. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein.

  22. Taiwan's Top Diplomat Says U.S. Aid to Ukraine Is Critical for

    March 28, 2024, 3:05 p.m. ET. Joseph Wu, the foreign minister of Taiwan, said on Thursday that a halt in U.S. arms shipments to Ukraine would embolden China in its aggressions against Taiwan and ...

  23. Citing safety risk, Taiwan recommends president does not visit South

    Taiwan's top security official said on Thursday he does not currently recommend President Tsai Ing-wen visit the South China Sea given the possible risk to her flight from "interference by ...

  24. Citing Safety Risk, Taiwan Recommends President Does Not Visit S.China Sea

    TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan's top security official said on Thursday he does not currently recommend President Tsai Ing-wen visit the South China Sea given the possible risk to her flight from ...

  25. Beijing steps up military pressure on Taiwan after the US and China

    Updated 9:00 PM PDT, January 26, 2024. TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — China sent more than 30 warplanes and a group of navy ships toward Taiwan, the island's defense ministry said Saturday. The military pressure comes on the heels of an announcement that senior American and Chinese representatives were expected to meet in the Thai capital as the two ...

  26. Taiwan Debates a Presidential Visit to the South China Sea

    The outcome of Taiwan's domestic debate about whether President Tsai Ing-wen should visit Itu Aba could have regional implications. As Philippine-China tensions continue near the Second Thomas ...

  27. Analysts: Former Taiwan President's China Trip Could Shed Light on Xi's

    WASHINGTON — Taiwan's former President Ma Ying-jeou is scheduled to make an 11-day trip to China in early April. The trip will include stops in the southern city of Guangdong, the northwestern ...