Jurisdiction Guide

October to April brings cooler weather and little rain. Southern Taiwan stays warmer and drier longer, while the north is cloudier and more humid.

Most shops and restaurants accept cash only, though metro systems use stored-value cards. English is common in cities but far less so in rural areas. Get an EasyCard for transit and convenience stores. SIM cards or eSIMs are cheap and easy to buy at the airport. Tipping is not expected outside international hotels.

A slight bow or nod is normal when greeting. Remove shoes before entering homes and some guesthouses. Gifts are appreciated but avoid clocks or umbrellas. Chopsticks should not be stuck upright in rice. Loud voices in temples or on public transport are frowned on.

Taiwan is very safe, but petty theft happens in busy markets. Typhoon season lasts June to September, mainly affecting coastal and mountain areas. Traffic is fast and chaotic in cities, so watch for scooters. Tap water is treated but locals usually boil or filter it before drinking.

Lanyu (Orchid Island) offers wild scenery and Yami Indigenous culture. The Alishan Forest Railway winds through mountain forests with sunrise views. Jiaoxi in Yilan county has quirky hot springs used by locals.

Visitors from most Western countries, Japan, Singapore, and several others can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Extensions or working holiday visas need advance application. Longer stays, for study or work, require specific visas. There is no official digital nomad visa, but many stay on tourist visas and leave briefly to reset their stay.

High-speed rail links the west coast from Taipei to Kaohsiung. Regular trains and buses fill in gaps, reaching most towns. Ride-hailing apps like Uber work in major cities. Renting a scooter or car is common in rural areas, but an IDP is needed.

Try beef noodle soup, oyster omelet, and stinky tofu from street stalls or night markets. Pearl milk tea started here and is everywhere. Free tea and rice come with some meals. Food is safe, but expect crowds at night markets. Vegetarian Buddhist buffets are easy to find.

Taipei is pricier while the south and rural towns are cheaper. Street market meals start at NT$60, but a basic restaurant meal is around NT$120-200. Budget travelers can get by on NT$1,000 a day, mid-range hotels and meals bump that to NT$2,000-3,000. An EasyCard ride in Taipei starts at NT$20.