Tips for Traveling to Taiwan

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 TIPS FOR TRAVELING TO TAIWAN (Taiwan)

>> AREA OVERVIEW

Taiwan is off the south eastern coast of China, north of the Philippines and due east of Hong Kong. It’s an oval shaped island that’s about 230 miles long from north to south and 90 miles wide from east to west. On the east is one of the country’s most beautiful national parks, Taroko. To the south you’ll find some beaches and a haven for surfers. On the west and to the north you’ll find Taiwan’s biggest cities. Most itineraries visit Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohshiung - all along the north and west. If you’ve got more time, then throw in Taroko National Park on the east along with a beach visit down south.

>> BRIEF HISTORY

Although originally brought under colonial rule by the Dutch, mainland China ruled Taiwan early on. Japan then took over china, but control was ceded back to China at the end of WWII. After losing a civil war in China, the Republic of China government fled to Taiwan and set up shop there. While this ROC government claimed to be the rightful rulers of China as a whole, their domain was primarily restricted to Taiwan. Today, China claims Taiwan as one part of its territory, however Taiwan itself claims independence. China will not engage politically with any country that recognizes Taiwan’s sovereignty. Taiwan, itself, operates as a democracy, having made the transition in the early 90’s.

>> GETTING AROUND

One of the many amazing things about traveling around Taiwan is that it has a phenomenal train system. You can use trains to quickly make your away around this relatively small country. The only challenge you’ll find is in making direct east-west crossings. Most train routes form a circle around the island. Within cities, you’ll find great bus options or, in smaller cities, you can easily rent a scooter or bike to make your way around town at your own leisure.

>> CURRENCY & PRICES

Taiwan's local currency is the New Taiwan Dollar, abbreviated TWD. It also is one of the cheapest countries we have ever traveled to. Food can be had for just $2-3USD if you eat at a local restaurant. More expensive restaurants can take you up to $30-40USD. Hotels and Airbnbs are also quite inexpensive at around $15USD/night for low and mid-range. Souvenir prices all depend on what you purchase. In general, though, the country was quite inexpensive. Bus and train travel generally cost less than $15USD. You can also by rail pass; however, the types of trains and durations for which the passes are valid are quite limited, so it will really only make sense if you’re in town for just a few days. More on that here: https://pass.thsrc.com.tw/.

>> WATER & FOOD SAFETY

Bottled water is the way to go. As with any country with non-potable water, be careful with what you eat. You’ll find water in the big cities is heavily chlorinated, so after you boil, let the sediment fall, and then poor, to help improve the taste..

>> PERSONAL SAFETY

The country felt quite safe. We didn’t end up doing too much wandering around at night, but you frequently saw women traveling late on buses or walking or taking scooters. We never felt unsafe in Taiwan. That being said, always be smart about how you’re conducting yourself and with your possessions.

>> TOP PLACES TO VISIT

The number one cities to visit are Taipei (the capital), Taichung, and Kaohshiung. Taipei is a bustling city with many day trips to older, smaller, towns. Taichung is like the little brother of Taipei, with a more relaxed, but still very city-like vibe. Kaohshiung is known as an artsy city with a few big historical sites and then a number of art districts. If you’re looking for hiking and outdoors, check out Taroko National Park (accessible from Hualien City) to the east and Kenting National Park to the south.

>> ELECTRICITY & OUTLETS

Taiwan uses American style outlets with two flat prongs side by side up top (Type A) and occasionally a circular grounding plug below (Type B).

>> WIFI & PHONE

Wifi was generally accessible in most places. You can get SIM cards from the airport on your entry. GoogleFi will work just fine in Taiwan. It’s what we used and were able to use our phone just like we normally do at home. You can sign up with a $20 discount, here: https://g.co/fi/r/7Y2CXM.

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