Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Taiwan depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for TaiwanEmergency Numbers
- Police
- 110
- Ambulance
- 119
- Fire
- 119
Currency
- Name
- New Taiwan Dollar
- Code
- TWD
- Symbol
- NT$
ATMs (many at 7-Eleven and Family Mart) dispense TWD with foreign cards. Cards widely accepted in cities and hotels; carry cash for night markets and small restaurants.
Power Outlets
- Outlet types
- Type A, Type B
- Voltage
- 110V
- Frequency
- 60Hz
Time Zone
NST (UTC+8) — no daylight saving
Best Time to Visit
October–December is ideal — typhoon season over, clear skies, comfortable temperatures. March–April is also good before the summer heat and humidity. July–August is hot (33°C+), humid, and typhoon season. Lunar New Year (Jan/Feb) is festive but many shops close.
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | Not expected | Taiwan has a non-tipping culture — tips are occasionally refused |
| Taxis | Not expected | Uber and local taxi apps are reliable. Round up if you want. |
| Hotels | NT$50–100 for porters in upmarket hotels | — |
| Tour guides | NT$200–500 per tour if exceptional | — |
Dress Code
- Very casual — Taiwan is relaxed about dress
- Modest dress at Buddhist temples and Taoist shrines
- Cover shoes: remove them when entering some temples
- Light, breathable clothing in summer (extremely humid)
- Jacket needed for the mountains (Taroko, Alishan) year-round
Social Etiquette
- Taiwanese people are renowned for helpfulness — don't be afraid to ask for directions
- Queue politely for the MRT — stand on the right, walk on the left on escalators
- Eating on the MRT is officially prohibited in some systems — look for signs
- Business cards are exchanged with two hands; take a moment to read before pocketing
- Bargaining is limited — night market prices are fixed; polite asking for a small discount is occasionally possible
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- Taiwan is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly places in Asia — same-sex marriage is legal since 2019
- Drug offences carry extremely severe sentences, including life imprisonment for trafficking
- Motorcycles are everywhere — exercise great caution when crossing roads
- Littering carries fines; Taiwan is notably clean
- Betel nut (binlang) is consumed widely but chewing and spitting in public areas is restricted
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) / 哈囉 (Ha-ló, casual) | nee how / hah-LOH |
| Thank you | 謝謝 (Xièxiè) / 感謝 (Gǎnxiè, formal) | shyeh-shyeh / gahn-shyeh |
| Sorry / Excuse me | 不好意思 (Bù hǎo yìsi) | boo how EE-suh |
| How much? | 多少錢？(Duōshǎo qián?) | dwoh-shaow chyen |
| Very good / Delicious | 很棒！(Hěn bàng!) / 好吃！(Hào chī!) | hen bang / how chr |
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