Have you ever seen a bamboo-shaped skyscraper? Well, do not wait for more! Welcome to Taiwan - it is an island country located in the Southeast of China. With more than 23 million inhabitants, Taiwan has become one of the most beautiful countries in Asia. Ancient and traditional temples, fantastic national parks, and beaches that will not leave room for boredom. Keep reading and learn more about all the things you can do in this wonderful country!
How to get there
In Taiwan, there are only four international airports from which you can arrive in the country. However, not all of them are a good option, so let's talk about those that we recommend you to choose.
The first one is the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport located in Taoyuan, near Taipei (the capital). It is the best option you have if you plan to visit the capital first because is the biggest airport in the area. It was ranked once as the best airport in Asia-Pacific due to its size. Once, the airport managed to handle more than 46.5 million travelers during a year. It is accessible by rail, bus, taxi and you can even rent a car if you want to.
Second on the list is the Kaohsiung International Airport in Southern Taiwan, especially located in Kaohsiung. It is the second busiest airport in Taiwan, easily accessible by road and rail. You can land here and later travel to Taipei, but it is going to take you a bit of time.
Visa Information
One good thing about traveling to Taiwan: you do not need a visa! You just need to keep this in mind: your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and you must keep something that proves that you will not stay permanently in the country (maybe the flight ticket you are going to use when you return home). Depending on your country of origin, you can stay up to 14, 21, 30, or 90 days. To check the limit of stay, visit the official consulate in your country.
Best time to visit the country
Two months are just perfect to visit Taiwan: November and April. During November, the low temperatures are around 18°C and the high temperatures around 26°C. It is an excellent moment to visit national parks and markets because temperatures remain warm without rain and you can stay outside without problems.
On the other hand, temperatures during April are very similar. The average low is 19°C and the average high is around 23°C, however, you could expect some rain at the end of the month. April is a high-tourist season, so we recommend you book in advance your plane tickets, accommodation, and any other activity that you want to do in Taiwan.
Safety
Overall, Taiwan is a safe place to travel. However, remember that no matter where you are, some precautions are necessary. So, to keep safe and enjoy your trip without worries, we suggest you to avoid going out late at night alone and to be careful when you walk on the streets and need to pass a pedestrian crossing. It is important to watch both sides of the road because some drivers can turn their car on the streets where they should not. The same happens when you get off a bus or a taxi: watch out for motorcycles because they can pass without you noticing. The final suggestion is a basic one: keep your belongings with you in public places and never leave them unattended!
Budget
The budget information is important to be able to plan, and avoid surprises! In your trip to Taiwan, you should expect to spend around NT$5,607 ($190) per day. If you are traveling for a week, the average budget is NT$39,249 ($1,335.61) and for two weeks NT$78,498 ($2,671.23).
Let’s see what you can afford with NT$5,607 ($190) per day:
- Hotel or Hostel: NT$4,557 ($155.07)
- Food: NT$418 ($14.22)
- Local transportation (taxis, buses, subway): NT$255 ($8.68)
- Entertainment (shows, movie tickets): NT$386 ($13.14)
Let’s break down some more specific food and drinks prices:
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: NT$100 ($3.40) – Plate of grilled shrimp.
- Mid-range restaurant: NT$350 ($11.91) – Three-course meal.
- Soft Drink: NT$25.50 ($0.87) – 0.33-liter bottle.
- Beer: NT$50 ($0.072) – 0.5-liter draught.
Currency
The official currency in Taiwan is called the New Taiwan Dollar. One NTD is equal to 0.034 Dollars. If you travel with Dollars to Taiwan, you will not be able to use them to pay for things there.
However, you could exchange them in some banks, hotels, or department stores. You will need to get cash to pay for some things in Taiwan, for example, transportation and the local places like the night markets. If you do not have money to exchange, you can use an ATM to withdraw some cash using your credit or debit card (with low or none fees).
The credit cards, especially the Visa and MasterCard, are widely accepted in most stores, hotels, and restaurants. However, maybe some places do not accept cards and you will have to pay in cash, so it is better to have some cash with you wherever you go.
Interesting facts about the culture
Taiwan is a country located in East Asia. There are several languages spoken in Taiwan, including the Formosan languages (spoken by indigenous people in the country), Hakka, Mandarin, Taiwanese Hokkien, and Matsu. However, the most used languages are Mandarin and Taiwanese Hokkien, which are spoken by 83.5% and 81.9% of the population, respectively.
One of the things that makes Taiwan a famous destination are the night markets. Around 70% of tourists that travel to the country visit a night market. These markets are famous for offering street food such as oyster omelets and snacks on sticks. Some famous ones are the Raohe Street Night Market and the Shilin Night Market.
If we talk about their culture etiquette and body language, some useful tips are when meeting someone for the first time; a slight bow is the best sign, if possible, try to learn some Mandarin words before your trip, it is going to be appreciated that you try to communicate in their language. Feet are considered a dirty part of the body, so you should avoid moving something using your feet, better use your hands.
People in Taiwan are friendly, they love their family and always try to show respect for others, as it is an important value for them. We are sure you are going to enjoy traveling there, as it is a fantastic destination full of surprises!
What to do in Taiwan
Every country in Asia is incredible, but Taiwan is special for many reasons, besides, its people are warm and hospitable. Taiwan is known as one of the happiest countries in East Asia. This country will amaze you with the endless variety of sights and attractions in the whole island, the many mountains and hot springs, its incredible beaches, national parks, night markets, and much more.
Nature is a beauty, seeing a sea of trees together as well as beautiful landscapes and flowers, with its mountains where you can touch the blue sky and great plains, is something that you should enjoy in Taiwan.
The best national parks
- Yangmingshan National Park, in Beitou: One of the most complete national parks, with hot springs and the well-known Japanese cherry trees, will dazzle you with its beauty.
- Taroko National Park, in Xiulin: Majestic beauty of great mountains, with the Taroko brook, a memorial sanctuary, and nature to discover.
- Shei-Pa National Park, in Tai’an: National park with large mountains, valleys with rivers and rare animals such as the native black bear.
- Kinmen National Park, in Jinning: It is a national park, which includes five areas Taiwu Mountain, Kuningtou, Gugang, Mashan Hill, and Lieyu.
The best sights
- Taipei 101, in Taipei: Bamboo-shaped building. It is one of the popular places for tourists, with offices and outdoor viewpoints on high floors.
- Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, in Taipei: Memorial building with historical exhibits, surrounded by a beautiful park with ponds and gardens.
- Night markets: One of the most popular attractions at night are the markets. Is a place full of life, the people go there to buy things and eat famous street food like stinky tofu. The most famous markets are Raohe Street Night Market in Taipei's Songshan District, Shilin Night Market in Taipei, Fengjia Night Market in Xitun District (Taichung), Liouhe Night Market in Dagangpu.
- Thermal Hot Springs: This is a very relaxing activity, once you are in you will not want to leave. Let your pores open, and allow the relaxing environment and nature to surround you in a moment as calm as that. The four thermal hot springs popular in Taiwan are Beito Hot Springs, Guanziling Hot Springs, The Sishong River, and Thermal Hot Springs in the Yangmingshan National Park.
How to get around in Taiwan
One good thing about traveling to Taiwan is that it has a very good and efficient transportation system. The most common way to get around is by bus. There are different kinds of buses: the intercity buses that work around an extensive network, the rural buses, and the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle that covers the common tourist destinations.
As Taiwan is an island, it is easy to travel around by boat, so you can choose the regular ferries routes available. You can also get around renting a bicycle, a car, or a scooter. Renting a bicycle is a popular touristic activity because you can enjoy the beautiful views on the coast.
How to stay connected in Taiwan
Maybe you are wondering which the best way to stay connected in Taiwan is. Because, of course, when we travel is important to stay in touch with our family and friends at home, so you need to be able to use your phone all the time.
The local options available in Taiwan are Chunghwa, T Star, Taiwan Mobile, and FarEastone. You can find a prepaid SIM card in some stores in the arrival hall at the airports. Each mobile operator offers different packages, so we recommend you visit their websites to find out more information about it before you arrive in the country.
There is another option if you prefer an international prepaid SIM card. It is a company called SimOptions, which represents one of the biggest SIM card providers in the entire world. They offer different prepaid cards with enough data to use during your trip. You can visit their website and order the best SIM for your trip to Taiwan!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I rent a car?
It is a very good and entertaining way to get around, you can rent a car, scooter or bicycle.
Which airports can I fly to?
The best airports are the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and the Kaohsiung International Airport.
What are the most popular types of hotels?
The most popular accommodation types are hotels, beach resorts, and hostels.
How much does a holiday cost?
You can spend around NT$5,607 ($190) per day, including standard accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment.
What are the best things to do?
If you are traveling to Taiwan, you have to visit the beaches, night markets, and thermal hot springs.