Taiwan

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.

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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