By Karen Espig
Whether you plan to visit Taiwan for its lush landscapes, the vibrant capital city of Taipei, or rich cultural experiences, this Taiwan travel guide provides the essentials and answers the key questions.
Taiwan is a democratic and self-governing island in East Asia. It is also known as the Republic of China (ROC), not to be confused with the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the mainland territory located to its northwest. The PRC maintains its claims on Taiwan as a province, and Taiwan is not yet recognised worldwide as a separate entity. The largest main island is called Formosa, but Taiwan has over 80 islands waiting to be explored.
Entry Requirements
While Taiwan’s political status might be confusing/contentious on the world stage, as far as tourism goes, the main point is that the rules of entry are distinct from those of mainland China. Currently, most travellers can stay in Taiwan for tourism purposes for 90 days without obtaining a visa (i.e., with a valid passport only). As with all travel, be sure to verify before your trip.
Local Lingo
Mandarin Chinese is Taiwan’s official language (also called Taiwanese Mandarin). However, most island inhabitants also speak the local Taiwanese language. You should focus on learning this language to learn your basic phrases (please, thank you, toilets, directions, etc.).
Thankfully, for tourists, many people also speak English, and there are initiatives in place to increase English fluency in the country.
Spending Power
The currency used is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD, NT$). While some establishments will take foreign credit/debit cards, it’s wise to have some cash on hand to use at smaller businesses or markets.
Getting Around
Taiwan has an expansive transit system, including high-speed and commuter trains and buses. The shuttle from the international airport in Taipei runs every 15 minutes and gets you into the capital in about 35 minutes. There are also buses to other parts of Taiwan from the airport. If you stay in Taipei for several days, consider buying a transit pass to make moving around smoother.
Prepare For The Weather
Taiwan has two seasons, tropical and subtropical, which make it hot from May to September and cool from October to April. However, the island regularly experiences typhoons between April and November, with the most severe happening in August and September.
Therefore, the best time to visit this beautiful island would be outside of typhoon season and avoid Chinese New Year (unless you are really into crowds and high costs!).
Get Help
Hopefully, you won’t run into an emergency, but if you do, the police are at 110, and the ambulance is at 119. There is also a tourist toll-free line, 0800-011-765, but you must call it using a landline. It is always wise to have the address and phone of your home country’s embassy or consulate in your contacts, just in case.
Things To Do
Taipei
There is plenty to enjoy in Taiwan, but let’s start with the capital city of Taipei. Your first stop should be to visit one of the observation decks in the towering Taipei 101 skyscraper. This tower was once the tallest building in the world (until the 2007 Burj Khalifa in Dubai).
Next, check out the iconic Shilin Night Market, which opens around 5 p.m. and has peak hours between 7 and 8 p.m. If you are feeling adventurous, try the fried oyster omelette or the stinky tofu fries.
Jiufen
Just an hour or so from Taipei is Jiufen, a one-time gold-mining hub that has maintained its cultural charm. Enjoy tea and spectacular views from A-Mei Tea House!
Eco-Friendly Adventures
If you are looking for outdoor activities and eco-tourism, Taiwan has plenty to offer, including biking, scuba diving, hiking, and even surfing! On the northeast shoreline of Taiwan is Longdong (Dragon Cave), an excellent place for rock climbing enthusiasts. There are also three national parks worth visiting, but note that you must apply for a permit before you enter them.
Beach Life
There are many beaches in Taiwan, but most are not swimmable due to strong riptides or pollution. Do some research first based on your expectations and needs.
Local Flavours
To experience the best traditional food, head to Tainan, a city on the southwest of the island that was the capital city for over 200 years. Some particular foods to try are coffin bread, eel noodles, and, last but not least, muah chee fritters. I suggest you try the beef soup, which is customary in Tainan for breakfast.
These choices barely scratch the surface of what you may enjoy in Taiwan. The island has been inhabited for around 30,000 years and has many secrets to share. Be sure to let us know if you visit, and use this guide to help you get started on your personal adventure.