Taiwan is known for its night markets, street food, mountains, nature and modern cities. Plan your trip to Taiwan with key facts including weather, culture, and must-visit spots for an unforgettable experience. Here’re some quick facts about Taiwan:
Capital: Taipei 
Currency: New Taiwan Dollar (TWD) 
Language: Mandarin Chinese 
Time zone: Taiwan Standard Time (UTC +8) 
Power plugs: Type A & B, 110V / 60Hz 
Driving side: Right Useful local phrases:
Hello: Nǐ hǎo
Thank you: Xièxiè
I’m sorry: Duìbùqǐ
The food/drink is great: Hěn hǎochī
Best time to visit Taiwan
Wondering about the best time to visit Taiwan? The island has a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters:
Spring
March – May
18–28°C
Pleasant weather, occasional rain
Summer
June – September
25–35°C
Hot and humid, with possible typhoons
Autumn
October – November
20–30°C
Dry and sunny
Winter
December – February
10-20°C
Cool and mild
So what’s the best time for visiting Taiwan?
- Autumn: best for overall travel, good weather, and fewer storms
- Spring: best for nature and comfortable temperatures
- Winter: best for city trips and hot springs
- Summer: best for beaches (but expect heat and humidity)
How to get there and getting around?
Airport: Taiwan’s main international gateway is Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (near Taipei). It is well connected to the city by airport train, buses, and taxis. You can compare flights and find the cheapest deals via Skyscanner. If you don’t know yet when you are going to leave the country, buy an onward ticket and fake your return. This works fine.
Train / Bus options: Taiwan has an excellent public transport system. The High-Speed Rail (HSR) connects major cities along the west coast, while regular trains reach smaller towns. Buses are also reliable and affordable. An EasyCard is very useful for public transport, including metro, buses, and even some taxis and shops.
Car rental / taxis: Renting a car can be useful for exploring remote areas, but public transport is so efficient that most travelers don’t need one. An international driving permit is required. Use DiscoverCars to compare car rental prices. Ride-hailing apps are widely used and convenient, especially in cities. Popular options include Uber and LINE Taxi. Taxis are also widely available, safe, and usually metered.
Boat travel: Boat travel is mainly used to reach offshore islands like Green Island, Orchid Island, and Penghu. Ferries are reliable and offer scenic journeys.
Cycling or walking: Walking is one of the best ways to explore cities, especially centers. Taiwan is one of the best cycling destinations in Asia. There are well-developed cycling routes, including the famous round-island cycling route. Cities like Taipei also have bike-sharing systems, making cycling easy and accessible. Consider booking a free bicycle or walking tour via Freetour or .
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FAQ about Taiwan
Is Taiwan safe for (female) solo travelers?
Yes, Taiwan is one of the safest destinations in the world for (female) solo travelers. Cities are clean, organized, and very safe.
Why is Taiwan worth visiting?
Yes! Taiwan offers a unique mix of modern cities, traditional culture, incredible food, and beautiful nature.
Is Taiwan cheap to visit?
Taiwan is moderately priced. Public transport and street food are affordable, while accommodation can vary. Avoid ATM transaction fees and pay the local currency with a Wise Visa Card or Revolut Maestro Card. I have been using these cards for several years and have saved a lot of money as a result. I recommend bringing both bank cards with you when you travel.
Is tipping expected in Taiwan?
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan.
Do I need a visa for visiting Taiwan?
Many travelers can enter visa-free for short stays. Always check official requirements before traveling. The official website to check visa regulations for Taiwan is the Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Taiwan) portal: https://www.boca.gov.tw. It provides up-to-date information on visa types, requirements, and application procedures for foreign nationals.
Do I need travel insurance for visiting Taiwan?
Yes, I always recommend travel insurance. Heymondo or Safetywing are among the cheapest travel insurances for travelers and cover medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more. As a reader of Girlswanderlust, you’ll receive a 5% discount on your next Heymondo travel insurance.
Will my mobile phone work in Taiwan?
Yes, coverage is excellent. The main mobile carriers in Taiwan are Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, and Far EasTone Telecommunications, which run the major networks. Smaller providers and prepaid brands exist, but most service is dominated by these three. Local SIM cards and eSIMs are easy to obtain. I recommend to skip the hassle of physical SIM cards and stay connected with an eSIM from providers like Holafly, Airalo or Saily. I’ve been using eSIMs on my trips and find them convenient and cost-effective.
Can I drink tap water in Taiwan?
Tap water is technically safe but usually boiled before drinking. Many locals use filtered or bottled water.
Do I need to speak the local language in Taiwan?
Not necessarily. English is spoken in many places, especially in cities, but learning a few Mandarin phrases is helpful.
