Essential Tips for Visiting Taiwan

We're excited for you to explore Taiwan! To make your trip even more enjoyable, here are some helpful tips to get you started.

Telecommunications network and electricity

Telecom provider

Taiwan Mobile and Chunghwa Telecom are the biggest telecom companies in Taiwan, and they have different plans for tourists. And don't worry about staying connected, as free Wi-Fi is pretty common in many shops. You can also use iTAIWAN Wi-Fi to find hotspots all over. It's free for everyone.

Electricity

Most homes and small appliances in Taiwan run on 110V or 220V at 60Hz. If you're bringing electronics from another country, make sure they'll work here. Our plugs are usually two-pronged and flat, just like in Japan, the US, and Canada. But you'll also find three-prong plugs for computers and stuff.

Currency and payment methods

Most urban areas in Taiwan accept credit cards and Apple Pay. However, some scenic areas, mountainous regions, and small towns may not. It's advisable to carry some cash and ensure your debit card is enabled for overseas withdrawals. ATMs are widely available in convenience stores throughout Taiwan, making it easy to withdraw cash.

The currency comes in the following denominations:

NT$2000 and NT$200 bills are harder to come by, and NT$20 coins aren't that common either.

Supermarket & Convenience store

Buying groceries or grabbing a quick bite in Taiwan is a breeze. Major supermarkets like PX Mart, Carrefour, RT-Mart, and Simple mart have a wide variety of products. For smaller purchases, convenience stores like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, and OK Mart are also common. Most places accept credit cards.

Supermarket

Convenience stores

Weather

Taiwan's weather is pretty changeable throughout the year.

• Spring (March-May): It's a lovely time to be outside, but don't forget a jacket for those chilly mornings and evenings. And get ready for some rainy days in May and June!

• Summer (June-August): It gets hot and humid, so pack light, breathable clothes and don't forget your sunscreen. Typhoons can pop up, so be prepared.

• Autumn (September-November): The weather's pretty nice and comfortable, but it can be a bit unpredictable. A light jacket is a good idea.

• Winter (December-February): It gets chilly, especially in the mountains. Layer up with a sweater or a thin jacket, and don't forget your hat and gloves.

 For more weather information before you visit Taiwan, please refer to the following website:
http://www.cwb.gov.tw/eng/index.htm

Useful Phone Numbers

Essential Travel Items

1. Mosquito Repellent:
With Taiwan's humid weather, mosquitoes can be a real nuisance, especially in nature areas. Pack some bug spray to avoid itchy bites and enjoy your trip.

2. Umbrella & Raincoat:
Taiwan has a subtropical climate, so rain showers are common. Please bring an umbrella and/or rainwear with you. 

3. Athletic Shoes:
Due to some trails and mountainous areas, we highly suggest you can bring or wear athletic shoes. 

4. Sunscreen:
Just in case the sun is too strong.

Tipping suggestion

There's no mandatory tipping culture in Taiwan. While many sit-down restaurants add a 10% service charge to your bill, you don't need to tip the staff separately. Street food vendors and small eateries typically don't charge a service fee. If you've booked tours or transportation through a travel agency, and are happy with the service you receive, a tip for your driver/guide is no doubt welcome. The general rate for a reasonable tip for the driver/guide is 10 to 20 percent of the cost of your sedan-based or van-based tour. For a bus-based tour, a tip of TWD100 per person per day or TWD1,000 per bus per day is expected.

More travel tips and tricks

• At many old street food stalls, vendors often offer free samples. Don't be shy to accept a small bite; feel free to try before you buy!

• Taiwan has tons of amazing hiking trails, but they come in all shapes and sizes, with different levels of difficulty and restrictions. Make sure to check if the trail is open before you go, and always stay safe!

• Most people in Taiwan use EasyCard or iPASS, rechargeable cards, for public transportation. Once you've added value, you can use the card to board buses, metro trains, and regular trains (except for high-speed rail). You can purchase EasyCard or iPASS at convenience stores or metro stations.
  

• Uber is really common in big cities in Taiwan, and they have lots of different car options. If you want to take Uber in the countryside or mountains, it's a good idea to check if you can actually get a ride there and book it ahead of time.

• When you're riding the metro, high-speed rail, or regular trains here in Taiwan, make sure to line up before getting on. Let's all do our part to keep things orderly and make the journey pleasant for everyone!
  

• Starting from 2025, in response to environmental protection policies, hotels and accommodations will no longer proactively provide disposable toiletries such as combs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, shaving cream, and shower caps. Please remember to bring your own.

• Taiwan has a strict no-smoking policy in public areas. So, if you want to smoke, make sure you find a designated smoking area. That way, you won't get in trouble and won't bother anyone else.