Taipei, Taiwan Travel Tips

July 8, 2024

Travel Tips for Tourists in Taipei, Taiwan

Visa: Check if you need a visa to enter Taiwan. Some nationalities are eligible for visa-free entry or can apply for an e-Visa.
Vaccinations: Consult your doctor about recommended vaccinations before traveling to Taiwan.
Weather: Taipei has a subtropical climate with hot and humid summers, mild winters, and occasional typhoons.

Taipei Metro: Efficient and convenient, with English signs and announcements. Buy an EasyCard for easy travel.
Bus: An extensive network of buses covers the city. You can pay with cash or use your EasyCard.
Taxi: Taxis are widely available, but not all drivers speak English. Have your destination written in Chinese to show the driver.
Walking and Cycling: Taipei is a walkable city, and cycling is a great way to explore. Rent a bike at one of the many YouBike stations.

Beef Noodle Soup: A Taiwanese staple, try it at Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle or Linjiang Street Snacks.
Stinky Tofu: Love it or hate it, this fermented tofu is a must-try. Find it at night markets or street food stalls.
Bubble Tea: Refresh with a cold glass of boba milk tea at a local café or street vendor.

Taipei 101 Observation Deck: Panoramic views of the city from the 89th floor.
Longshan Temple: A beautiful example of traditional Taiwanese architecture and culture.
Shilin Night Market: One of the largest and most popular night markets in Taipei, with food, souvenirs, and games.

Pickpocketing: Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas like night markets.
Traffic: Be cautious when crossing roads, as traffic rules can be different from those in your home country.
Scams: Be wary of overly friendly locals who approach you with “deals” or “tours.”

Bowing: A bow is a respectful greeting in Taiwanese culture. Learn the proper way to bow: 15-20 degrees, palms together, and eyes down.
Table Manners: Wait for the host to indicate where to sit, use chopsticks correctly, and try a little of each dish offered.
Dress Modestly: Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples or other cultural attractions.

Mandarin Chinese: The official language of Taiwan. Learn basic phrases like “hello” (nǐ hǎo), “thank you” (xiè xiè), and “excuse me” (duì bù qǐ).
English: Widely spoken, especially among younger locals and in tourist areas.

Currency: The New Taiwan Dollar (NTD) is the local currency. You can exchange money at banks or withdraw from ATMs.
Credit Cards: Widely accepted in major restaurants, shops, and hotels.
Tipping: Tipping is not expected but is becoming more common in tourist areas.

Enjoy your trip to Taipei, Taiwan!