Guide to Travel Taiwan 2025
Despite reading up on numerous blogs and mostly watching TikToks, I found that there were lots of things I figured out only by visiting in person.
Here are a couple of recommendations I have for any first time visitor.
First, usually the first question I ask is what kind of money will I need? Do I need to bring cash? How much should I budget?
Taiwan has its own currency the New Taiwanese Dollar (NTD), which ad a Canadian was a bit more challenging to find with only a couple of exchange places having it readily on hand. Since it was less common, these same exchanges said they would not buy the currency back so I didn’t bring much cash with me and that was a mistake.
A good chunk of the country only accepts cash, markets I expected but the biggest surprise was the transit (known locally as the MRT). The reloadable card known as the Easy card only does top ups in cash. For this reason I’d recommend 1000 Taiwanese dollars per day unless you plan on exclusively eating street food. This should cover transportation and a mix of cheap local food and higher end places which cost close to Canadian prices.
What should I pack for a trip to Taiwan?
The second question I typically get is, what should I be bringing. Visiting in March/April is often what I see others recommend since you’ll avoid Typhoon season.
My packing list included:
An umbrella
Swimwear (hot springs, snorkelling and beach are all opportunities you will have to use)
Good sneakers (lots of walking is expected and hiking opportunities do exist)
Baggier pants (this goes with local street style)
I will also say some consistent things I’d recommend bringing.
Uniqlo bag - the perfect size for an umbrella, water and other essentials. As you can see I carry this everywhere.
https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/products/E473474-000/00?colorDisplayCode=32
Should I travel to Taiwan with carry-on luggage or backpack?
Backpackers were super uncommon to see walking around. Foreigners are treated very well here so you would be okay with either. However, I felt like I blended in better with my single carry-on luggage.
What should I expect when I arrive?
Declarations in the country are done scanning a QR code at the airport and filling out a short form. The process itself is pretty painless and in no time you will be on your way.
However, one of THE BEST processes I’ve seen in an airport (TPE) was for the metro line. Using Klook (a standard in Taiwan) you can rebuy a card to pick up.
I’d recommend starting off with the preloaded 200 TWD. This should be enough for the high speed train to Taiwan main station and the MRT wherever you need to go.
https://www.klook.com/activity/5777-public-transport-easycard-taipei/
Is Taiwan safe?
Taiwan is truly one of the safest countries I’ve been to. Would feel safe as a solo female traveller. Walking around at night I genuinely felt safer than walking at home in Canada by myself, a testament to how safe the country feels. Obviously, this isn’t to say you should through caution to the wind. Exercising necessary street smarts are always a must.
Also things like money belts are very unnecessary.
Conclusion
Taiwan is truly simple to navigate, so as long as reading this puts you at ease for what to expect we are in good shape.
Any other questions? Feel free to email me directly and I’ll be happy to advise.
