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Taiwan Travel Tips
Taiwan is one of the easiest countries in Asia to travel, but a handful of small things can save you friction on day one. These are the quirks, habits, and heads-ups that make the biggest difference, from transit cards to typhoons to why nobody tips. Skim it before you fly and you will land feeling like you already know the place.
- 1
It feels (and is) incredibly safe
Violent crime against visitors is almost nonexistent. You can walk anywhere at any hour, leave a laptop on a cafe table while you go to the bathroom, and lose your phone on an MRT seat and have it handed to staff. Taiwan consistently ranks in the global top 40 on peace indices. For the broader picture, the travel safety primer covers the habits that matter everywhere.
- 2
Perfect for solo travel
The safety, English signage in cities, welcoming hostel scene, and calm nightlife make Taiwan one of the easiest countries in Asia to travel alone. Women solo travelers routinely rank it among the most comfortable destinations they have been to.
- 3
The most LGBTQ-friendly place in Asia
Taiwan legalized same sex marriage in 2019, the first country on the continent to do so. The Red House area in Taipei is an established LGBTQ+ nightlife hub, and public life is visibly inclusive, especially in the bigger cities.
- 4
It's very green, tropically green
Taiwan is more jungle than you would guess from the city skylines. Mountains cover roughly two thirds of the island, and even the suburbs around Taipei push up against bamboo and forest. Expect wet, dense, lush scenery everywhere outside the urban core.
- 5
Humidity is the real enemy, not temperature
Summer numbers do not look brutal on paper, but 80% humidity makes them feel like a sauna. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon, and treat air conditioned cafes and malls as recovery stops during the day.
- 6
Rain is unpredictable
Forecasts are rough guidelines. A sunny morning can turn into a 30 minute downpour out of nowhere, especially on the east coast and during summer. Pack a compact umbrella or a light rain shell, and keep a weather radar app handy for short term windows the forecast misses.
- 7
Most things stay open late
Night markets run past midnight, convenience stores are 24/7, and plenty of restaurants and shops stay open until 10pm or later. You don't have to rush the day. Planning dinner at 9pm is completely normal.
- 8
Convenience stores are a core part of daily life
7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Hi-Life are on almost every corner. They handle bill payments, high speed rail ticket pickups, printing, hot meals, coffee, ATM withdrawals, and EasyCard top-ups. Treat them like a second wallet.
- 9
Vegetarian food is easy to find
Taiwan has one of the highest vegetarian populations in Asia thanks to its strong Buddhist tradition. Most neighborhoods have a pay by weight vegetarian cafeteria. Look for the 素 character or a swastika symbol on the shopfront, both signal vegetarian.
- 10
Food safety is generally very high
Street food and night markets are cooked in front of you to a very high standard. Sanitation is tight, turnover is fast, and stomach problems from Taiwanese food are rare. Don't overthink the snacks at a night market stall.
- 11
Cash is still widely used
Card acceptance has improved, but night market stalls, small restaurants, and many local shops are cash only. Keep a couple of thousand TWD in small notes on you at all times. Breaking a 1,000 TWD bill at a snack stall is awkward.
- 12
ATMs are everywhere and reliable
7-Eleven and FamilyMart ATMs accept foreign cards, work around the clock, and have English menus. Withdrawal fees stack up, so take out larger amounts less often rather than topping up every day.
- 13
Tipping is not expected but appreciated
Most places don't expect a tip and staff may chase you down to return the change. Fancier restaurants sometimes add a 10% service charge. For hotel porters, guides, or a taxi driver who helped with luggage, a small tip is appreciated, never assumed.
- 14
- 15
Don't eat or drink on public transport
No snacks, no coffee, not even water on MRTs, HSR, or most train platforms inside the paid area. It's a fineable offense. Finish your bubble tea before you tap in.
- 16
HSR can sell out on weekends and holidays
Weekend and holiday trains between Taipei and the south fill up days ahead. Reserve through the official Taiwan High Speed Rail site 8 to 28 days early and you'll also get an Early Bird discount of up to 35%.
- 17
In season, hotels book out and get expensive fast
October through April is peak, and Lantern Festival, cherry blossom, and Lunar New Year windows push prices up further. If you're going in season, book early, especially anything on a Friday or Saturday night.
- 18
Trending restaurants and bars need reservations
Taiwan has an active scene of small, popular restaurants and cocktail bars where walk-ins just don't work. If there's a place you've bookmarked, reserve ahead or expect a long wait. Taipei's better bars can be fully booked weeks out.
- 19
Google Maps works well, but not perfectly
Routing, transit schedules, and restaurant details are mostly accurate. Bus stops are sometimes misplaced, opening hours are often outdated, and small side alley entrances can confuse it. Double check when something looks off, and see the travel apps guide for what else I run alongside it.
- 20
SIM or eSIM is a no-brainer
Airport SIMs from Chunghwa or Taiwan Mobile give you unlimited data for the length of your stay at a fraction of roaming cost. eSIMs work if your phone supports them. Coverage is excellent, even deep in the mountains. If you're deciding between the two, the eSIM vs SIM guide breaks down when each wins.
- 21
Power sockets are US-style
Type A and B, 110V. If your devices are European or UK based, bring an adapter and check that they handle 110V. Most modern laptop chargers and phone bricks do. Hair dryers and kettles often don't.
- 22
Public trash bins are rare
Taiwan's recycling system is strict and public bins disappeared from streets decades ago. Expect to carry your wrappers and empty cups until you find a convenience store or get back to your hotel.
- 23
No shoes inside homes and many temples
Watch for a shoe rack or slippers near the entrance. Also applies to some traditional style restaurants and teahouses. When in doubt, copy what the person ahead of you does.
- 24
Public life is quiet
No loud phone calls, no speakerphone, no shouting across the MRT platform. Taiwan isn't Japan level silent, but there's a clear cultural preference for low volume in shared spaces. Match the room.
- 25
Queuing culture is strong
Taiwanese people queue patiently for MRT platforms, night market stalls, bubble tea shops, and ramen counters. Cutting the line isn't a minor faux pas, it's genuinely offensive. Not quite Japan strict, but close.
Published April 2026.
