For your Taiwan exploration

„We've wandered through night markets, soaked in hot springs, and hiked misty mountains all across Taiwan. Here's everything we wish we knew before our first trip—and some tips we learned along the way!”

Essential Logistics

Best Time to Visit

For the most comfortable weather, aim for October to December—the skies are clear, the air is crisp, and temperatures are pleasant across the island. Spring (March to May) is lovely too, with cherry blossoms in full bloom, but expect occasional rain. Summer (June to September) is hot, humid, and typhoon season—great for beach lovers, less ideal for hiking.

Visa & Entry

Many nationalities (including the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and most EU countries) are eligible for 90-day visa-free entry. Always double-check current requirements with the Bureau of Consular Affairs before you travel. Pro tip: Keep a printed copy of your accommodation details and return flight info handy for immigration.

Currency

The New Taiwan Dollar (NT$) is your friend! While credit cards are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and department stores, cash is still king at night markets, smaller eateries, and for transport. ATMs are widely available, and currency exchange counters at the airport offer competitive rates.

Getting Around

Taiwan's public transportation is clean, efficient, and a joy to use. The High Speed Rail (HSR) zips you from Taipei to Kaohsiung in just 90 minutes. For city exploring, grab an EasyCard—it works on the MRT, buses, and even for purchases at convenience stores like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart. You can tap and return it at any station for a refund of the deposit and remaining balance. -

Packing & Preparation

What to Pack

Comfortable walking shoes—trust us, your feet will thank you after all that night market hopping and temple exploring.
A light rain jacket or compact umbrella—Taiwan's weather can be wonderfully unpredictable.
Reusable shopping bag—plastic bags are often charged for, and you'll find plenty of opportunities for spontaneous market shopping.
Power adapter—Taiwan uses the same two-pin plugs as the US (110V).
Face mask—sometimes worn on crowded MRT trains or during flu season, and appreciated if you're feeling under the weather.

Health & Safety

Taiwan is one of the safest places we've ever traveled. Violent crime is rare, and it's generally safe to walk around even at night. Tap water is technically safe, but most locals boil it or drink bottled water. Travel insurance with medical coverage is always a smart idea—just in case.

Language Tips

Mandarin is the official language, but you'll hear Taiwanese Hokkien and Hakka too. In cities, many younger people speak some English.

Here are a few phrases to charm the locals:

Hello = Nǐ hǎo (nee how)
Thank you = Xièxiè (shieh-shieh)
Thank you (in Taiwanese Hokkien) = Ló͘-la̍t (loh-lat) – this one brings big smiles!
How much? = Duōshǎo qián? (dwuh-shao chyen)
Delicious! = Hǎo chī! (how chir) – essential for night markets!

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Quick Links to Our Taiwan Guides

Want to dive deeper? Check out our most popular Taiwan posts:

[The Ultimate 7-Day Taiwan Itinerary: Taipei to Taroko]
[What to Eat in Taiwan: A Night Market Survival Guide]
[Packing for Taiwan: The Complete Carry-On Only List]
[Taiwan's Hot Springs: A Soaking Guide for Beginners]
[EasyCard vs. iPass: Which Transport Card Should You Get?]

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A Note From Us A quick heads-up: We share everything based on our own travels, but things like train schedules, visa rules, and opening hours can change. Always double-check official websites before you go—and if something feels unclear, just drop us a message! We're here to help.