Taiwan

Taiwan, Asia

Taiwan is a STATE in Taiwan, Asia.

Taiwan is a captivating island where ancient temples perch on misty mountains, neon-lit night markets sizzle with street-food aromas, and bullet trains whisk you between bustling cities and serene coastlines. From the soaring Taipei 101 skyscraper to the marble-walled canyons of Taroko Gorge, the landscapes are as diverse as the cultural influences—Chinese, Japanese, indigenous, and colonial European. Cycle along Sun Moon Lake, soak in Beitou’s thermal springs, or wander through Tainan’s historic lanes lined with Taoist and Buddhist shrines. Food is a national obsession: slurp beef noodle soup, bite into a sticky rice-stuffed chicken wing, or brave the infamous stinky tofu. Taiwan is also a digital-nomad haven, with lightning-fast Wi-Fi, a safe environment, and a thriving café culture. Beyond the cities, hike Yushan (Jade Mountain) or surf the Pacific breaks at Dulan. With its tropical south and subtropical north, the island offers year-round appeal—just avoid the typhoon rains of late summer. Whether you’re chasing cherry blossoms in Yangmingshan or absorbing the lantern-lit beauty of Jiufen, Taiwan delivers a sensory-rich journey that blends tradition and innovation, often at a surprisingly gentle price.

Best time to visit Taiwan

The ideal time is October to November, when rainfall drops, humidity eases, and temperatures average a pleasant 20–26°C (68–79°F). Spring (March–May) brings cherry blossoms and comfortable weather, though early May ushers in plum rains. Avoid the peak typhoon months of July–September, when torrential downpours can disrupt travel. Winter (December–February) is mild in the south but damp and chilly in the north; it’s also the best season for hot springs. Chinese New Year (late January/February) sees massive domestic travel—book early. Summer (June–August) is hot and sticky but ideal for beach escapes to Kenting or the offshore islands.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather
Pleasant 22-28°C, less rain, cooler nights

Travel notes

Crowds
Moderate
Prices
Mid

Arguably the best month: clear skies, comfortable for outdoor exploration.

Know before you go

Getting there

TPE

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport

International

40 km away

TSA

Taipei Songshan Airport

International

5 km away

KHH

Kaohsiung International Airport

International

8 km away

RMQ

Taichung International Airport

International

15 km away

HUN

Hualien Airport

Domestic

120 km away

Getting around

"Taiwan’s public transport is world-class. The high-speed rail (HSR) zips along the west coast from Taipei to Kaohsiung in under 2 hours. In Taipei, the MRT metro is clean, efficient, and signs are bilingual. An EasyCard (purchasable at any MRT station) works for trains, buses, and even convenience stores. City buses can be confusing; Google Maps provides reliable directions. Intercity buses are affordable and comfortable. Taxis are plentiful and metered; a red taxi light means available. For outer islands (Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu), domestic flights or ferries are best. YouBike, a ubiquitous bike-share system, is perfect for short hops in cities. Driving an international license is needed for cars; scooters are popular but require caution."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

50 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in cities, public buildings, and transport hubs

Local SIM

Prepaid tourist SIM with unlimited data available at airports from NT$500 (~US$15)

Stay safe

Overall

9/10

Taiwan is exceptionally safe, but remain vigilant for pickpockets in crowded night markets and be cautious of traffic when walking or cycling.

Night safety

8/10

Taiwan is exceptionally safe, but remain vigilant for pickpockets in crowded night markets and be cautious of traffic when walking or cycling.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

8/10

"Taiwan is one of the safest destinations in Asia, with very low violent crime rates. Petty theft like pickpocketing can occur in crowded night markets, so keep valuables secure. Road safety requires caution: scooters weave through traffic, and pedestrian crossings are not always respected. Taiwan lies in an active earthquake zone and typhoon belt (July–October); monitor local news and download the government’s disaster alert app. The island has excellent emergency response systems. Overall, solo travellers, including women, feel secure day and night, but take normal urban precautions after dark in quiet streets. Taxis are safe; use meters or ride-hailing apps like Uber (which operates limited services) or local equivalent “Find Taxi.”"

Entry and health

Health information

"No special vaccinations are required for Taiwan, but ensure routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus) are up to date. Tap water is technically safe in major cities but many locals boil it; bottled water is cheap and recommended. Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue can occur in southern Taiwan during summer, so use repellent, especially at dawn and dusk. Air pollution can spike in urban areas—those with respiratory issues should check AQI. Medical care is excellent and affordable by Western standards; travel insurance covering hospitalisation is advised. Pharmacies are widespread, and many pharmacists speak basic English. In case of emergency, hospitals (like National Taiwan University Hospital) accept walk-ins. For minor ailments, convenient store chains sell basic over-the-counter medicines."

Culture

Local customs

"Taiwanese society is polite and reserved. Bowing is not customary; a nod or slight bow is enough when greeting. Remove shoes before entering homes and some traditional restaurants. Temples demand modest dress (cover shoulders and knees) and quiet behaviour. Never stick chopsticks upright in rice—it resembles incense offerings to the dead. When giving or receiving items, use both hands as a sign of respect. Tipping is not expected except in international hotels. Public behaviour is restrained: loud conversations on public transport are frowned upon. The Taiwanese are famously hospitable; accepting a drink or snack from a stranger is polite. The national language is Mandarin, but many older people speak Taiwanese Hokkien; learning a few phrases will earn smiles."
Mandarin ChineseTaiwanese HokkienHakkaFormosan languages

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$5-10 | a cheap local meal costs around $5-10

Hotels

$40-80 | budget hotels range $40-80/night

Local transport

$1-2 | local MRT ride ~$1-2

Cost notes

Taiwan offers exceptional value, with affordable street food, efficient public transport, and reasonably priced mid-range accommodation.

Timezone

Asia/Taipei
Local time 00:32

More facts

Population

23,500,000

ISO code

TW-04

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Douliou, Douliu, Doulju, Dǒuliù, GJau Luc, Tau-lak-chhi, Teu-liuk-su, Tou-liou, Tou-liu, Tou-liu-chieh, Táu-la̍k-chhī, Téu-liuk-sṳ, Yun-lin, Yun-lin-hsien, Yün-lin, Yün-lin-hsien, deoulyu si, dou liu, dou liu shi, dwlyw, Đấu Lục, Доулю, دولیو, 斗六, 斗六市, 더우류 시, ታይዋን, Taiwán, تايوان, টাইৱান, Tayvan, Тайвань, Тайван, ताइवान, Tayiwani, তাইওয়ান, ཐེ་ཝན, Tajvan, Tchaj-wan, Тайва́нь, ޖުމްހޫރީ ޗައިނާ, ཏའི་ཝཱན་, Ταϊβάν, Tajvano, تایوان, Taywaan, Teivan, Taïwan, an Téaváin, Taidh-Bhàn, Taiuã, તાઇવાન, yn Taiwaan, טאיוואן, Taywann, Թայվան, Taívan, ტაივანი, Taiwani, តៃវ៉ាន់, ಟೈವಾನ್, Taywan, Taivania, ໄຕ້ຫວັນ, Taivanas, Taivāna, Taiwana, Тајван, തായ്വാൻ, तैवान, Tajwan, ထိုင်ဝမ်, ତାଇୱାନ, ਤਾਈਵਾਨ, Tâiwâni, තායිවානය, Tajvani, iThayiwani, Tiongkok, தைவான், తైవాన్, Тайва́н, ประเทศไต้หวัน, Taýwan, Taiuani, تەيۋەن, تائیوان, Đài Loan, Tayvän, Taaywaan, טייוואַן, Daizvanh, i-Taiwan, 中華民國, তাইৱান, Dài-uăng, Tayivan, Thòi-vân, Ṭaywan, Tayɩwanɩ, Taivan, Taihuan, Tâi-oân, Тайбаан, Taivanis, Китдин Орн, Republiek van Sjina, የቻይና ሪፐብሊክ, Republica de China, جمهورية الصين, Çin Respublikası, Рэспубліка Кітай, Република Китай, चीन (गणराज्य), প্রজাতন্ত্রী চীন, ཐའེ་ཝན།, Republik Sina, Republika Kina, República de la Xina, Čínská republika, Republikken Kina, Republik China, Δημοκρατία της Κίνας, Republic of China, Respubliko Ĉinujo, República de China, Hiina Vabariik, Kiinan tasavalta, République de Chine, Poblachd na Sìne, Tavakuairetã Chína, ચીની ગણતંત્ર, Pobblaght ny Sheen, चीनी गणराज्य, Kínai Köztársaság, Չինաստանի Հանրապետություն, Republik Cina, Republiko di Chinia, Lýðveldið Kína, Repubblica di Cina, 中華民国, Républik Cina, ಚೀನಿ ಗಣರಾಜ್ಯ, Res publica Sinarum, Republiek China, ໄຖວານ, Ķīnas Republika, Република Кина, Бүгд Найрамдах Хятад Улс, चीनचे प्रजासत्ताक, Republik China di Taiwan, တရုတ်သမ္မတနိုင်ငံ, Republik Tsiene, Китайы Республикæ, ਚੀਨ ਗਣਰਾਜ, Republika Chińska, د چين جمهوريت, República da China, Chunwa Republika, Republica Chineză, Китайская Республика, Lepulika o Saina, Republika e Kinës, Republiken Kina, Jamhuri ya China, சீனக் குடியரசு, రిపబ్లిక్ ఆఫ్ చైనా, สาธารณรัฐจีน, Republika ng Tsina, Çin Cumhuriyeti, Кытай Җөмһүрияте, Китайський Тайбей, جمہوریۂ چین, Trung Hoa Dân Quốc, רעפובליק פון כינע, Orílẹ̀-èdè Olómìnira ilẹ̀ Ṣáínà, Cunghvaz Minzgoz, Nasionaal-China, Formosa, Nationalchina, Nationalist China, China Nacionalista, Rahvuslik Hiina, چین ملی, Formose, Formosa', Formòsa, Formoza, Nationalistisch Sjina, Formóza, Формоза, 福爾摩沙, Republik China uf Taiwan, Бүгэдэ Найрамдаха Хитад Улас, Republika sa Tsina, کۆماری چین, Cumhuriyetê Çini, Republika Chinskeje, Repúbrica de China, Rèpublica de Ch·ina, Kitay Respublikası, Chûng-fà Mìn-koet, Chinska republika, Хъутей Республикэ, Repuvlika de Kina, تایڤان, Tiong-hoâ Bîn-kok, Republike de China, Republika ning Tsina, Republika di China, Кытай Республиката, Republic o Cheenae, Chińskŏ Republika, Ripablik bilong Saina, Republica de Cina, Republika han Tsina, ㄊㄞˊ ㄨㄢ, Nationalkina, Nasyonalistang Tsina, Hô-jú-mô͘-sa, Тайв́ань, 타이완, Taiuan, Tayiwaane, 中华民国, চীন প্ৰজাতন্ত্ৰ, चीन गणराज्य, Gweriniaeth Tsieina, Respubliko Ĉinio, Txinako Errepublika, جمهوری چین, Lýðveldið Kina, Poblacht na Síne, הרפובליקה הסינית, Republik Tiongkok, ჩინეთის რესპუბლიკა, សាធារណរដ្ឋចិន, 중화민국, Komara Çînê, Repoblek China, Кытай Республикасы, ສາທາລະນະລັດຈີນ, Kinijos Respublika, Repoblika an'i Sina, Tūwehe o Haina, റിപ്പബ്ലിക് ഓഫ് ചൈന, गणतन्त्र चीन, چین جمهوریت, චීන සමූහාණ්ඩුව, Čínska republika, Republika Kitajska, Républik Tiongkok, Ҷумҳурии Чин, Республіка Китай, Xitoy Respublikasi, Repüblik Tsyinäna, Republik bu Ciin, چین جمهوریتی, Republik Kina, Dṳ̆ng-huà Mìng-guók, Repùblika Chińskô, Sjineesk Republiik, Republika ti Tsina, Ripoblik a Chaina, Repubbrica da Cinn-a, Republega de Cina, Republik Cino, Китайень Республикась, Tlācatlahtohcayōtl China, Républike Kine, لوکراج چین, Кытай Өрөспүүбүлүкэтэ, Ripùbblica di Cina, ჩინეთიშ რესპუბლიკა, ཊཱའི་ཝཱན, טייואן, ಥೈವಾನ್, തായ്‌വാൻ, Republica de China (Taiwan), ତାଇୱାନ୍, Saina Taipei, ไต้หวัน, Kitay Respublikası (Tayvan), Republika Chińsko, Tâi-uân, Táiwan, Táiwān, Респу́бліка Кита́й, Tiong-huâ-bîn-kok, Рэспу́бліка Кіта́й, Hō-jú-môo-sa, Tiong-huâ Bîn-kok

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