This piece should answer all foreigners’ commonly asked questions when considering visiting Taiwan. Keep reading to learn more.
I had a lot to ask when I first visited Taiwan more than 6 years ago. I hope to answer a handful of the questions you’ll likely have before visiting or moving to the country.
Table of contents
Rapid Fire Q&A
Here are a bunch of questions about Taiwan that don’t require in-depth answers:
| Legal Drinking Age | 18 years old |
| Legal Smoking (Tobacco) Age | 20 years old |
| Is Vaping Legal? | Illegal |
| Is Marijuana Legal? | Illegal; listed as category 2 narcotic |
| Best Month to Visit | Between September and November |
| What’s the Currency? | New Taiwan Dollar (分, NTW, NT, or $) |
| What Side of the Road Do Taiwanese Drive On? | Right |
| What are the Emergency Numbers in Taiwan? | Police: 110 |
| Ambulance / Fire: 119 | |
| What’s the Date Format in Taiwan? | Year, month, day (e.g., 2024/11/09) |
| Do I Need to Fill Out an Arrival Card? | Yes; online version available |
| Should I Carry My Passport? | Yes |
| Do I Need an International Driver’s License to Drive? | Yes |
General FAQs
Here are questions and answers that require more explanation.
Some will need even further explanations, which I separated into separate guides.
Is Taiwan Safe to Visit?
Taiwan is a safe place for tourists. Crime is rare, and the country is well-prepared for emergencies. Visitors should still be careful with their belongings and avoid risky areas at night. Most people find Taiwan friendly and secure. Always check current travel advice before your trip.
It’s also safe to visit after the 7.2 – 7.4 earthquake in April 2024.
Taroko Gorge in Hualien is expected to be closed for at least 6 months, though.
However:
None of the train tracks are closed.
How Long Does it Take to Fly to Taiwan?
Here’s how long it takes to fly TO Taiwan (Taoyuan Airport) on average from different countries:
| Country | Time to Fly to Taoyuan | Departing Airport |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | 1 hr 30 min | Naha Airport (Okinawa) |
| Hong Kong | 1 hr 50 min | Hong Kong International Airport |
| Philippines | 2 hrs 15 min | Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila) |
| South Korea | 2 hrs 35 min | Incheon International Airport (Seoul) |
| Japan | 3 hrs 40 min | Narita International Airport (Tokyo) |
| Malaysia | 4 hrs 50 min | Kuala Lumpur |
| Singapore | 4 hrs 50 min | Changi Airport |
| Indonesia | 5 hrs 35 min | Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (Jakarta) |
| Australia | 9 hrs 30 min | Sydney Airport |
| Canada | 11 hrs 40 min | Vancouver International Airport |
| USA (WA) | 12 hrs | Sea-Tac Airport |
| USA (CA) | 12 hrs 40 min | San Francisco International Airport |
| Germany | 12 hrs 50 min | Frankfurt International Airport |
| USA (IL) | 14 hrs 50 min | Chicago O’Hare International Airport |
| New Zealand | 14 hrs 55 min | Auckland Airport |
| USA (TX) | 15 hrs 30 min | George Bush Intercontinental Airport (Houston) |
| USA (NY) | 16 hrs | John F. Kennedy International Airport (New York City) |
These are best-case scenarios and direct flight times.
The listed flights also don’t account for return flights, which could take longer due to jet streams. I’m not an expert in this area. Cathay Pacific (an airline) can provide more information regarding jet streams.
You may have asked this question because you want to club Taiwan with other countries.
Here are others that you could group with Taiwan:
- China (Guangzhou): 2 hrs 5 min
- China (Beijing Capital Airport): 3 hrs 30 min
- Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh): 3 hrs 35 min
- Thailand (Bangkok): 3 hrs 45 min
These estimates are from flying from Taoyuan International Airport to each country’s main ports.
They’re also different countries in Asia that have direct routes with Taiwan.
Thus, I didn’t include countries like Mongolia, Laos, or India.
Should I Use Cash or Card in Taiwan?
In Taiwan, it’s best to use both cash and card. A government survey found 49% of locals prefer cash for shopping [1]. Carry at least NT$3,000 in cash for markets, small shops, and taxis. Cards are widely accepted in cities, but cash is king in rural areas, traditional markets, and mom-and-pop shops.
Shopping malls, convenience stores, and major tourist attractions (e.g., Taipei 101) will accept cards.
In my experience, most other places only take cash.
Do I Need a Visa for Taiwan?
You do not need a visa to enter Taiwan if you are from a country that is part of Taiwan’s visa exemption program. Some of these countries include the United States, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia.
The number of days you can stay in Taiwan without a visa will depend on where you’re from.
For instance, folks from the USA can stay in Taiwan for up to 90 days.
Those from Singapore and Malaysia can stay up to 30 days.
Do You Need to Tip in Taiwan?
Tipping is not mandatory or encouraged in Taiwan. Most restaurants and services include a 10-15% service charge in the bill. This is not a tip, but part of the price.
I don’t recommend tipping. Because some folks may see it as charity and consider it as an insult.
Can I Drink the Tap Water in Taiwan?
In major cities like Taipei, tap water is potable and meets international safety standards. In most other parts of Taiwan, tap water is not considered safe for drinking without additional treatment. Visitors are advised to use bottled or boiled water in rural areas and smaller towns.
You can brush your teeth with tap water. I have done it daily for more than 4 years and have not had any issues. Even cities outside of Taipei should have tap water that is safe enough to brush your teeth with.
Here’s an example of a water quality report from Taitung — not a major city.
Is Street Food Safe in Taiwan?
Street food in Taiwan is safe to eat. Most travelers enjoy it without problems. However, the safety can vary between food stalls. To stay healthy, choose busy stalls with clean cooking areas. Look for vendors who wear gloves and masks. While serious illness is rare, minor stomach upsets can happen.
I’ve never gotten food poisoning — though I’ve had a lot of food poisoning in my life.
But a foreigner said they got food poisoning in 2023 from somewhere in Taipei. Mind you, they didn’t mention the food type or where they bought it from. And the comments from Reddit.
Interpret that information how you will.
What Are the Main Transportation Options in Taiwan?
The main modes of transportation in Taiwan are the following:
- YouBike / Ubike: Bicycle rental service.
- Bus: Inner- and inter-city buses.
- High-Speed Rail: Very fast train that only runs along Taiwan’s west coast.
- Taiwan Railway Association: A slower train that’s inner- and inter-city.
- Taxi and Uber: Most efficient and expensive way to get around.
- LRT and MRT: Only available in Taipei, New Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung.
I talk more about these public transportation types in a separate guide.
Is English Widely Spoken in Taiwan?
English is spoken by about 28.5% of people in Taiwan, but it’s not an official language. As 5% use it daily. Mandarin Chinese remains the main language for most communication. Visitors might find English speakers in big cities and tourist areas.
Based on my experience, most Taiwanese folks don’t know English.
Or they pretend not to know.
You’ll find most English-speaking folks at government buildings or public transportation stations.
Taiwan does have English signage in all important areas (e.g., hospitals, roads, MRT stations).
What Are the Most Popular Tourist Attractions in Taiwan?
Some of Taiwan’s most popular tourist attractions are as follows:
- Taipei Children’s Amusement Park: Great for family-friendly travel.
- Taipei 101: One of the tallest buildings in the world.
- Fo Guan Shan, Kaohsiung: Has one of the tallest bronze Buddha statues on Earth.
- Jiufen Old Street, New Taipei: Extremely crowded, but beautiful old street.
- National Palace Museum, Taipei: Largest collection of Chinese artifacts in the world.
- Anping Old Fort, Tainan: An old Dutch fort.
Most of the popular tourist attractions are in Taipei and New Taipei Cities. But the “most popular” places aren’t always the best to visit.
Are There Any Cultural Taboos I Should Be Aware Of in Taiwan?
These are the most important taboos to keep in mind:
- Color choices for clothing are not culturally significant in Taiwan.
- The number four is considered unlucky; it’s best to avoid it when possible.
- Refrain from placing chopsticks vertically in rice, as this resembles funeral rituals.
- Resist the urge to pick up red envelopes from the ground, as this is considered taboo.
- Always knock before entering a hotel room, even if it’s your own.
- When selecting gifts, avoid clocks and umbrellas due to their negative associations.
- It’s advisable to avoid haircuts just before significant events or celebrations.
- Don’t give people shoes as gifts.
I have too much to discuss regarding gift-giving to include in this guide.
You’ll need to check out my guide about superstitions to learn more.
Is It Easy to Find Vegetarian/Vegan Food in Taiwan?
Finding vegetarian and vegan food in Taiwan is relatively easy. While most restaurants serve meat, there are many vegetarian options available. This is because 13% of Taiwan’s population follows a vegetarian diet, making it the country with the third-highest rate of vegetarians worldwide.
Use apps like HappyCow or this guide (PDF link) to help you find vegan and vegetarian restaurants.
Restaurants that aren’t 100% vegan/vegetarian will have the risk of cross-contamination with cutting utensils.
I haven’t found information that addresses whether this is the case.
What Are the Best SIM Card Options for Tourists in Taiwan?
Any prepaid SIM card from Chunghwa Telecom is the best for tourists. They have 36.6% of the mobile carrier market share, 83.9 Mbps download speeds, and offer competitive pricing.
I explain how to get these SIM cards in a separate guide.
Are Earthquakes Common in Taiwan?
Earthquakes are common in Taiwan. The country sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where 85% of the world’s earthquakes happen. Taiwan’s Central Weather Agency reports up to 20,000 earthquakes yearly in the region. This high number shows how often the ground shakes in Taiwan.
They won’t feel most of these, though.
Since 1980, there have only been 2,000 quakes with a magnitude of 4.0 or higher.
The government recommends that you duck under a sturdy piece of furniture and not rush outdoors.
What do I do?
Hide under my desk and hope my apartment doesn’t collapse.
What Are the Typical Business Hours in Taiwan?
Here are the typical business hours for different types of businesses in Taiwan:
- Restaurants: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Shops: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Banks: 9 AM – 3:30 PM
- PX Mart: 8 AM – 11 PM
Hours at various establishments will vary. For instance, some PX Marts are open 24/7.
And why did I mention PX Mart? It’s the most popular supermarket chain in Taiwan, with a 65% market share. Thus, it’s a good benchmark for grocery stores.
Many of these stores will close during the following holidays and festivals:
- New Year’s Day: January 1st
- Lunar New Year: Typically late January, early February
- 228 Day: February 28th
- Tomb-Sweeping Day: Around April 4th through the 6th
- Dragon Boat Festival: Around June 18th
- Mid-Autumn Festival: Usually around September 24th
- National Day: October 10th
Is Haggling Acceptable in Taiwan?
Yes, haggling is acceptable in Taiwan. It is common in night markets. You can also try it in some small shops. Avoid it in large stores or malls. Always be polite when negotiating. A friendly approach works best. Be ready to accept a “no” as an answer.
This applies to locals.
Don’t haggle as a foreigner unless you can listen to and speak Mandarin fluently.
What Are Some Popular Taiwanese Dishes I Should Try?
I recommend trying the following Taiwanese dishes:
- Beef noodle soup: A Taiwanese staple.
- Dumplings: Especially xiao long bao (soup dumplings) from Din Tai Fung.
- Braised pork rice: A dish loved by locals.
- Taiwanese hamburgers (gua bao): Steamed buns filled with braised pork.
- Stinky tofu: A pungent but delicious street food.
- Bubble tea: Taiwan’s famous drink export.
- Oyster vermicelli: A popular seafood noodle.
- Scallion pancakes: Crispy, savory flatbreads.
- Pineapple cake: A sweet Taiwanese pastry.
- Popcorn chicken: A tasty night market snack.
I also ice cream spring rolls for dessert (it’s my favorite). Shaved ice is another popular dessert.
To learn more: Taiwan’s Food Culture
Are There Any Health Concerns Specific to Taiwan?
In Taiwan, there are the following health concerns to be aware of:
- Dengue Fever: This mosquito-borne illness can be common in warmer months.
- Japanese Encephalitis: While less common, it’s still a risk, particularly in rural areas.
- Air Quality: Can lead to various illnesses.
- Typhoons: These can cause injuries and disruptions, especially from May to October.
- Food Safety: Be cautious with street food.
- Earthquakes: Taiwan is in a seismic zone. Know earthquake safety procedures.
- Strong Sunlight: Can lead to sunburn or other skin conditions if not managed through sunscreen.
What Are the Rules for Taking Photos at Tourist Sites or of People in Taiwan?
There are no laws regarding taking pictures of tourist sites or people in public. However, you cannot record or take a picture of someone in a non-public activity (e.g., conversation) without their consent. Otherwise, you could get up to 3 years in prison or a NT$300,000 fine.
If the content is shared online, that jail time will rise to 5 years, and the fine will be NT$500,000.
What if you take a picture of someone in public (on accident) and publish it online?
If the “right of portrait” is infringed, then someone could sue you. The “right of portrait” protects people’s identifiable features in media.
According to the Intellectual Property Court ruling Min-Zhu-Su No.53, ROC 102 (2013), using someone’s face without permission is an offense. It violates their right of portrait.
This right doesn’t apply if the media shows unrecognizable features. For example, a photo showing only part of a face can’t identify the person. Thus, it doesn’t form the right of portrait.
I found this information on Wikipedia Commons, which had a link to the Taiwan government’s website, but the link came up broken.
To be safe, I recommend blurring people’s faces if you publish pictures of them online.
Photography and filming is also banned in military bases.
Do Costco Cards Work in Taiwan?
Any Costco member can use their membership card to enter warehouses in Taiwan.
However…
You can only pay in cash or with a co-branded card from Taipei Fubon Bank. You cannot use foreign cards.
When is Typhoon Season in Taiwan?
Taiwan’s typhoon season typically runs from May to October. Heavy rainfall can occur year-round. Winters are cool, averaging 15°C. Summers, from June to September, are hot and humid, with temperatures above 30°C.
Sources
- Nearly Half of Taipei Citizens Prefer to Go Cashless. Taipei Research, Development, and Evaluation Commission.
- Taiwan. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, US.
