Taiwan Traveler Essentials
- Capital
- Taipei
- Currency
- New Taiwan Dollar (TWD NT$)
- Best time to visit
- October to April for comfortable weather in Taipei. Spring and autumn for hiking in Taroko Gorge. October is perfect — typhoon season ending, cool nights, and fewer tourists.
Visa requirements
Citizens of the USA, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and 60+ other countries can enter visa-free for 90 days. Most others can apply for an e-Visa or visa on arrival.
Getting around
Taiwan's High Speed Rail whisks travellers down the west coast between Taipei and Kaohsiung in under two hours, complemented by the scenic TRA railway looping the island. Cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung have clean, cheap metros paid with the EasyCard, and taxis are plentiful with Uber also operating.
Safety
Exceptionally safe destination — consistently ranked among Asia's safest. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. Traffic on scooters can be intense but organised. Typhoon season (July–October) brings occasional disruptions.
Tipping customs
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan and is generally not expected in restaurants, taxis or hotels. Upscale restaurants and hotels often add a 10% service charge; otherwise no tip is needed.
Travel tips
The EasyCard works on all MRT, buses, and many convenience stores and taxis — essential purchase at the airport. Night markets (Shilin, Raohe, Fengjia) are the social heartbeat of Taiwan. The train around the island is scenic and efficient. Driving a scooter is possible with an international licence.