Discover Taiwan

English is common in major cities, tourist attractions, and hotels. Many signs, transportation announcements, and menus are bilingual. Younger Taiwanese generally speak some English. However, learning basic Mandarin phrases is helpful, especially when venturing to rural areas or interacting with older locals.

Taiwan is widely considered one of the safest countries in the world. Violent crime is extremely rare, and locals are generally honest and helpful to international visitors.

• Personal Safety: It is generally safe to walk around cities at night. Most streets are well-lit, covered by surveillance cameras, and busy with activity thanks to 24-hour convenience stores.

• Theft & Scams: Pickpocketing is uncommon, even in crowded places like night markets, but standard precautions are still recommended. Be mindful of your belongings and cautious of overly persistent strangers in major tourist hubs.

• Solo Travel: Taiwan is an excellent destination for solo travelers, including women. Harassment is rare, and the environment is welcoming.

In short, while no place is completely crime-free, travelers seldom face safety issues in Taiwan beyond the need for common sense.

Taiwan has a generally reliable and safe transportation system, but there are some challenges to be aware of—especially for pedestrians.

• Public Transport: Taiwan’s trains, high-speed rail, metro systems (MRT), and buses are modern, punctual, and safe. Most signage includes English, and ticketing is user-friendly.

• Urban Traffic: In cities, the streets can be busy, and scooters are very common. While overall road safety is good, pedestrian infrastructure can be lacking in some areas. Crosswalks may not always be respected by drivers or riders, so it’s important to stay alert when walking, even at green lights.

• Driving: Renting a car or scooter is possible with an international license. Roads are in good condition, but driving in cities or rural mountain areas can be challenging for first-time visitors.

• Cycling & Walking: Taiwan has many scenic bike paths, and bike-sharing is widely available. However, sidewalks in some city areas may be narrow, uneven, or shared with scooters.

In summary, Taiwan is safe and easy to travel around, but pedestrians should exercise extra caution in urban traffic.

Both options work well in Taiwan, depending on your travel style.

• Independent Travel: You can take high-speed trains, local trains, buses, or the MRT (subway) in major cities. You can buy tickets online or at stations, and signs are often in English. Popular apps like Google Maps or the Taiwan Railway app make planning simple. If you prefer more freedom, you can also rent a car or scooter (an international license is required). Most attractions are easy to reach, and many locals are happy to help if you ask.

• Group Tours: Joining a tour is a good option if you prefer convenience, want to visit remote areas (like Alishan or Taroko Gorge), or don’t speak Chinese. Tours often include transportation, accommodation, and a guide who can explain local culture.

Absolutely! Taiwan's street food is renowned globally, with high standards of hygiene and freshness. Night markets like Shilin, Raohe, and Keelung offer incredible variety at reasonable prices. Must-tries include stinky tofu, oyster omelets, bubble tea, and gua bao (Taiwanese hamburgers). Even sensitive travelers rarely experience digestive issues.

Taiwan offers exceptional value compared to many other Asian destinations. Budget travelers can comfortably explore Taiwan on $80–100 USD per day, covering accommodation in clean hostels ($20–50 per night), street food meals ($2–5 each), and efficient public transportation ($0.60–2 per ride).

For mid-range travelers, a daily budget of $100–150 USD allows for stays in comfortable hotels, meals at sit-down restaurants ($8–15 per meal), and participation in guided tours.

Many attractions—like night markets, temples, and parks—are either free or very affordable. Museum entry fees typically range from $3–10 USD, while taxi fares start at around $3 USD. Even luxury experiences in Taiwan tend to be much more affordable than in Japan, South Korea, or Western countries.