THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELLING TO TAIWAN: Visa, Language, Money, Transportation, Food

There are certain types of people out there who would much prefer to throw themselves – with careless abandon – into a new adventure or experience, without so much as checking what shoes they should wear. You’ve all seen them – people mountain climbing in flip-flops, forgetting every vital travel document but the free-drink-at-the-bar-coupon, or packing a suitcase of winter clothes and arriving in summer. 

While there’s a lot to be said for winging it while you travel, it pays to get a bit of a heads up before venturing forth. This is particularly true if you have no real knowledge of the place you’re going (which happens with alarming regularity).

So, considering she’s actually living there at the moment, Agness Walewinder from eTramping has decided to give us the low-down on what to expect when you visit Taiwan. And as its tourist industry is experiencing something of a boom – this is timely advice indeed.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELLING TO TAIWAN

Here are the things you should know before travelling to Taiwan. From visa, what to pack, when to go, and other travel tips. In this part, we will talk about what to know before going to Taiwan. Let’s start:

Taiwan Visa Policy

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – I love countries with relaxed entry requirements. Until we get a world without borders it’s the next best thing. Many nationalities can enter Taiwan visa-free with stays from 30 to 90 days available. 15 countries also qualify for the working holiday visa scheme, so if you’re aged between 18-35 you can stay for a maximum of one year while you integrate and explore this beautiful land.

Accommodation

It’s best and recommended to book accommodation even just the first two nights to avoid finding yourself lost in a city you’ve never been to. I normally use booking.com (often, you don’t need to pay anything upfront) and Hostelworld (for a great collection of affordable hostels), while HotelsCombined is very popular in Asia because you can compare different platform and hotels in this site.

Paper Money

It’s all about the cash in Taiwan, as credit and debit cards aren’t as widely popular as they are in the west. The country uses the New Taiwan Dollar which is preferred everywhere. While there are restaurants and hotels that accept cards (particularly mid-range and above) when in any doubt it’s best to bring cash.

ATMs are just about everywhere – unless you’re in the sticks. And here’s a tip about tipping – it’s not customary like it is in the US, but 10% is recommended if you’ve enjoyed the service.

Make a Pre-list of Tours You Want to Do

To not overwhelm yourself, it’s best to look at the tours and attractions that might interest you. It will also help you maximise your days in Taiwan while making sure you will get to see and experience everything that you hope to while here.

I mostly use GetYourGuide because they have a massive worldwide collection of great tours, while Klook is very focused in Southeast and East Asia another option is Viator which is well-known in delivering great tours.

Bring an Umbrella or Get One Here

Before you start planning your things to do in Taipei, Taiwan, find out what climate it will be when you come. The climate in Taiwan is generally favourable all year round, but the weather can be particularly temperamental. If there’s one thing you’ll notice about Taiwanese people, it’s that they never leave home without an umbrella.

Pack yourself a travel umbrella and carry it with you, because you never know when you’re going to get caught in a downpour. If you’re there in typhoon season (June to October), you might consider staying indoors!

The Language Barrier

Taiwanese people are incredibly friendly and many do speak excellent English – particularly the younger crowd in bigger cities. However, they can be quite shy at first and even so, a language barrier still very much exists. Both Mandarin and Chinese are spoken and it’s worth learning a few basic phrases before you arrive.

For those without the ear for languages (or for anyone who travels regularly) consider bringing one of those symbol picture books to help if you’re really stuck. Pointing at a picture of a toilet is much better than trying to explain it with charades.

Getting Around

Public transport in Taiwan is exceptional, with an excellent, country-wide rail and bus network and a high-speed rail link on the west coast. In the cities, transport is extensive and affordable, and they’re particularly proud of their MRT metro in Taipei.

You’ll be crazy not to invest in an Easycard to get around because this will make your life so much…easier. You’ll breeze on and off public transport without the need for cash or coins, as well as benefiting from other uses too – like the “Youbike” bike-share program. You can read this article about cycling in Taiwan and how to get around the island on it.

Taxis are readily available and bright yellow– but drivers will rarely be able to speak English. Although metred, try and negotiate a price before setting off. Kaohsiung and Taoyuan are the international airports, with Taoyuan located approximately 40 kilometres from Taipei.

Toilet Trials

I could write an entire article based on Taiwan toilet etiquette, suffice to say you should be prepared for it! You might find many WCs are of the “squatty potty” variety, which can throw many travellers and tourists off if they’re not used to such culture. In theory, it’s meant to be much healthier than sitting down, but it can be alien to people who’ve never tried it. But that doesn’t even scratch the surface of bathroom basics here – so be warned!

Be Respectful

Taiwan is a religious and cultural melting pot with many faiths practised, traditions observed and etiquette to be followed. Not to mention 16 recognised aboriginal tribes still existing to this day.

While it might be impossible to understand everything, it’s important to be respectful at all times, and brush up on what’s expected of you should you enter a temple or be invited to someone’s home.

Don’t take photographs of people without asking permission first – particularly the tribespeople. And never walk barefoot unless you’re on the beach.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN TAIWAN

To guide you in achieving the perfect trip in Taiwan, and getting all the excitement from these truly mesmerizing cities. We’ve arranged the ideal itinerary on where to go and leave with complete fascination.

These are some of the places one should be when trying to experience the country dubbed in the 1500s as the “Ilha Formosa” or the beautiful island. Here are the things to know before going to Taiwan in terms of places to see.

Taipei

Taipei is the capital city you will likely see first as you land on Taiwan. The place is inspired by Asian feels and always the first when it comes to modern innovation. Tourists are naturally bewildered with awe on their natural parks, the thermal valley, and a hundred of cats that dwell on a village.

How to get here

You can directly book for an aeroplane that lands in Taipei.

Attractions in the city

• Houtong Cat Village
• Maokong Tea Mountain
• Beitou Hot Spring, and Hell Valley
• Lovers Bridge
• Elephant Mountain
• Baishawan Bay

Tainan

Locals have spread their world presence by bringing Tainan the most preserved when it comes to Taiwanese culture and traditions. They are famous for temples such as the Confucian temple established way back late 1600s. Aside from layers and layers of history, the place offers signature foods and known throughout the continent of Taiwan. 

How to get there

You can take the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR) from Taipei central station heading directly to Tainan Station. The travel time is about 1-1 hr 30 mins, and if you’re taking the bus from Taipei Bus Station, expect to arrive 4-5 hours.

Attractions in the City

• Anping Fort(Zeelandia) and Haunted Tree House
• Thousand Fields Seed Museum
• Chimei Museum
• Confucius Temple
• God of War Temple
• Eternal Golden Castle

Wulai

Wulai is a small city across mountain tops located in the south district of New Taipei City. Through decades of tourism, it’s known as a famous day trip expedition if you’re looking for a getaway relief from the busy metropolis of Taipei. A good area wherein nature will soothe travellers with its refreshing mountain scenery and hot-spring bathing.

How to get here

The small indigenous county can be quickly reached 10-15 minutes from central Taipei by a bus or a taxi.

Attractions in the City

• Hot Springs
• Wulai Atayal Museum
• Wulai Waterfall
• Forestry National Museum 
• Neidong National Forest Recreation

Night out Like a Local

Certain types of traveller are concerned with whether or not they can go out and enjoy themselves, let their hair down and have some fun. You’ll be ecstatic to hear that’s exactly what you can do in Taipei. The Taiwanese are a relaxed, liberal and open-minded people and you’ll find that the capital especially is a place that doesn’t sleep – contrary to neighbouring China.

So, for those who like a party or prefer the nocturnal side of life, you’ll find Taipei (and Taiwan in general) will be right up your street. Here’s a guide if it’s your first time visiting Taipei. This is definitely a good thing to know about Taiwan.

FOOD TO TRY

Unlike the west, where cooking for yourself is the norm and restaurants (for most of us) are a treat, the Taiwanese will dine out on a daily basis. And when you’ve got this standard of food at very affordable prices – why on earth wouldn’t you?

The cuisine in Taiwan, especially vegetarian and vegan Taiwanese food, is one of the main reasons to visit in the first place and attending the night markets and street food stands is a must while you’re here.

Just don’t drink the tap water. It isn’t safe, but water filter machines are found everywhere so you can fill up your reusable bottle – because you’re not buying more single-use plastics are you…?!

Ah-gei

A delicacy consists of fried and stewed tofu. Packed with surimi and cooked green bean noodles, altogether a perfect combination for a special spicy sauce.

• Where to try? Tamsui, Three Sisters Ah-Gei
• Estimated Cost: NTD 35

Beef Noodle Soup

A braised beef cooked in boiling water that consists of soy sauce, broth, vegetables, and wheat noodles. Its commonly known in the streets as Taiwanese national dish.

• Where to try? Taipei, Futhong Beef Noodles
• Estimated Cost: NTD 200 per bowl

Bubble Tea/Pearl Milk Tea

Flavours come in many varieties, and it is made with milk, blended fruit juice, and tapioca pearls. Some may add puddings and jellies, which can be ordered hot or cold.

• Estimated Cost: NTD 75 (small), NTD 140
• Where to try? Chun Shui Tang

EXTRA TIP

7/11 is your friend! Much like Thailand and many other East Asian countries, what you can discover inside the famous 7/11 convenience stores will be a godsend. Bear it in mind when you’re freaking out about anything might have left at home. They sell EVERYTHING!

Apart from passports. Don’t leave your passports at home.

Have you experienced Taiwan? What advice would you give for someone travelling there for the first time or do you have some tips to add on things to know before travelling to Taiwan?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Back in 2011, Agness formed one half of eTramping – an adventure travel blog dedicated to bringing you the best tips and advice for exciting experiences around the world. Together with her best friend Cez, the two intrepid nomads have been on the road for over seven years. Follow them on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, or their twitters – Agness & Cez. 

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