Taiwan Travel Guide: Essential Tips for First-Time Visitors

Quick answer

First-time visitors are often surprised by the ubiquity of 24-hour convenience stores like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart which handle everything from bill payments to train tickets. The extreme cleanliness of the Taipei MRT, where drinking water or chewing gum results in fines up to NT$7,500 (~$230 USD), is immediate. Visitors will notice the high volume of scooters (over 14 million nationwide) and the surprisingly robust trash collection system where residents wait for musical garbage trucks playing Beethoven’s Für Elise. Finally, the relative lack of street-side rubbish bins despite the clean streets and the total absence of a tipping culture stand out.

Arrival and airport logistics

Flights land at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), located 40km west of Taipei. The Taoyuan Airport MRT is the most efficient transit method. Express trains (purple) reach Taipei Main Station in 35-39 minutes, while Commuter trains (blue) take 50 minutes. Tickets cost NT$160 (~$5 USD). Purchase a physical token at machines or use a contactless credit card at the gates. Taxis to central Taipei cost approximately NT$1,100 to NT$1,500 (~$35-$47 USD) depending on the district, with a surcharge for late-night travel. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 both have clearly marked bus stations; the 1819 bus runs 24 hours to Taipei Main Station for NT$132 (~$4 USD).

Money and payment habits

Taiwan remains a cash-heavy society for small transactions. While department stores, hotels, and chain restaurants accept Visa and Mastercard, night market stalls and small eateries in areas like Ximending or Dadaocheng require cash. The EasyCard (Yoyo Ka) is essential. Purchase one for NT$100 (~$3 USD) at any convenience store or MRT station. Top it up with cash to pay for the MRT, buses, YouBike rentals, and purchases at 7-Eleven or FamilyMart. Tipping is not practiced in Taiwan. Upscale restaurants often add a 10% service charge to the bill automatically; no additional money is expected. At local joints like Din Tai Fung or street stalls, pay only the menu price.

SIM/eSIM and connectivity

Free public Wi-Fi (iTaiwan) is available in government buildings and transit hubs but requires a local number or pre-registration. For reliable data, purchase a 4G/5G SIM card at the airport. Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, and FarEasTone have kiosks in the arrivals hall. A 5-day unlimited data plan costs approximately NT$300 (~$9 USD), while a 30-day plan is roughly NT$1,000 (~$31 USD). Buying at the airport is recommended as city shops may have stricter ID requirements for foreigners. For eSIMs, Airalo or Holafly work well, but they do not provide a local +886 phone number, which is sometimes required for restaurant reservation apps like Inline.

Transport ticketing pitfalls

When using the High Speed Rail (HSR) to travel between Taipei and Kaohsiung, book 'Early Bird' tickets up to 28 days in advance for discounts up to 35%. The HSR stations are often located outside the city centres (except for Taipei and Kaohsiung/Zuoying); you will need a local train (TRA) or shuttle bus to reach the downtown areas of Taichung or Tainan. On the Taipei MRT, do not sit in the dark blue 'Priority Seats' unless you are elderly, pregnant, or injured, even if the train is crowded. For the TRA (local trains), ensure you check if your ticket is for a 'Reserved' or 'Non-reserved' carriage; standing in a reserved carriage on a Tze-Chiang Limited Express without the correct ticket can result in a 50% penalty fee.

Language and useful phrases

Mandarin Chinese is the official language. While English signage is excellent in the MRT and major tourist spots, it is less common in local markets or smaller towns like Jiufen. Download Google Translate with the offline Chinese (Traditional) pack.

• Hello: Nǐ hǎo
• Thank you: Xièxiè
• Excuse me / Sorry: Duìbùqǐ or Bù hǎoyìsi (used constantly for 'pardon me')
• How much?: Duōshǎo qián?
• I don't want a bag: Wǒ bùyào dàizi (Plastic bags cost NT$1-2)

Etiquette and dress rules

Taiwanese culture values modesty and politeness. When handing over money or business cards, use both hands. On escalators, stand on the right and walk on the left. Dress is generally casual; shorts and t-shirts are acceptable for most sightseeing, including temples like Longshan. However, remove hats when entering temple halls. During the humid summer (June to August), carry a small towel to wipe sweat, as local public bathrooms often lack paper towels. When visiting someone's home, remove your shoes at the entrance.

Scams and safety

Taiwan is one of the safest destinations globally, but minor issues exist.

• The 'Foreign Student' Solicitation: Near Ximen or Taipei Main Station, individuals may approach you to buy high-priced stationery or crafts for 'charity'. Politely decline and walk away.
• Taxi Overcharging: Rare, but always ensure the meter is running. Use the 'Taiwan Taxi' or 'Uber' app to ensure fixed or tracked pricing.
• Pedestrian Safety: This is the primary safety concern. Scooters and cars often turn right on red or do not yield at zebra crossings. Always look both ways even when you have the green light.

Realistic pacing for a first visit

Attempting to 'circle the island' in 7 days is a common error. Spend at least 3-4 days in Taipei to cover the National Palace Museum, Taipei 101, and day trips to Tamsui or Beitou. Allocate 2 days for the east coast (Hualien/Taroko Gorge) and 2 days for the south (Tainan for food or Kaohsiung for art). A 10-day trip allows for a more relaxed pace including the central mountain regions like Alishan or Sun Moon Lake. Travel time between Taipei and Kaohsiung via HSR is only 90 minutes, making north-south transit easy.

What to prioritise

On a first trip, prioritise the 'Golden Triangle': Taipei's urban culture, the natural marble canyons of Taroko Gorge, and the historic food capital of Tainan. Night markets like Raohe or Ningxia are essential for first-timers. Save the offshore islands (Kinmen, Penghu, Matsu) and the intensive multi-day mountain treks like Yushan (Jade Mountain) for a second visit, as these require more complex permits and logistical planning.

Common mistakes

Plan your trip

Journey Planner simplifies your Taiwan arrival by calculating the exact travel times from Taoyuan Airport to your specific hotel in districts like Da’an or Wanhua. It provides real-time weather alerts for typhoon season (July-September) and integrates cost estimates for your HSR bookings and night market spending. Use it to generate a day-by-day sequence that balances Taipei’s urban sights with the hiking trails of Yangmingshan National Park.

FAQ

Do I need a visa for Taiwan? Citizens of the UK, US, Canada, and Australia currently enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days. Check the Bureau of Consular Affairs website for the latest requirements before travel.

Is the water safe to drink in Taiwan? Do not drink tap water directly. Use the filtered water dispensers (hot and cold) found in every MRT station, hotel, and department store, or boil tap water first.

What is the best time to visit Taiwan? October to December offers the most stable weather with mild temperatures and lower rainfall. Avoid the Lunar New Year period (dates vary) as many shops close and transport is fully booked.

How much cash should I carry daily? NT$2,000 (~$62 USD) per person per day is usually sufficient for meals, transport, and small purchases, assuming your accommodation is pre-paid by card.