EXPLORE TAIWAN
Your Comprehensive Destination Guide
At a Glance
Total area: Approximately 36,197 square kilometers (13,974 square miles)
Capital: Taipei
Religion: Predominantly Buddhism and Taoism; also Christianity and folk religions
Population: 23.5 million
Language: Mandarin Chinese (official), Taiwanese Hokkien, Hakka, Indigenous languages, English widely understood in cities
Currency: New Taiwan Dollar (TWD)
Banking Hours: Mon–Fri, 9:00 am–3:00 pm; some banks open on Saturday mornings
Telephone/Communication: The country code is +886; there is excellent mobile coverage and widespread free Wi-Fi in cities and tourist areas.
Climate: Subtropical in the north, tropical in the south; hot, humid summers (June-August), mild winters (December-February)
VAT in Taiwan
Foreign visitors are eligible for a VAT refund on purchases made during their stay.
Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum purchase: NT$2,000 (about US$60) per day at the same authorized store with a “Taiwan Tax Refund” label
- Timing: Goods must be exported within 90 days of purchase
- Application point: Claim the refund before departing Taiwan—at the airport, seaport, or border crossing
How to Apply
- Shop at participating stores and ask for a VAT Refund Application Form (with your passport)
- At the departure terminal, go to the E-VAT refund machine or Tax Refund Service Counter (around 3 hours before departure)
- Security deposit: A credit card block of about 7% of the purchase value is required upfront
- Customs inspection: If needed, present goods to customs. If they’re disqualified (opened/used), a refund will be canceled
- a Refund disbursement: After inspection, refund is given via cash, credit card, or bank draft, minus a processing fee (~20% of the refundable amount)
Typical Refund Calculation
- If you make a purchase that includes a 5% VAT, you will receive approximately (VAT-included price ÷ 1.05) × 0.05 as a refund. Then subtract the 14% admin fee and the 20% processing charge from the refundable VAT amount.
Pro Tips
- Only authorized stores display the “Taiwan Tax Refund” logo.
- Always shop with a passport in hand so you can request the refund form.
- Pack purchased goods in carry-on luggage or check them after VAT approval to avoid customs complications.
- Arrive at least 3 hours before departure at refund counters to allow enough time
Travel Requirements
Entry & Visa
Visa-Free Entry: U.S. passport holders do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days.
Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the entry date.
Return or Onward Ticket: Proof of a return or onward flight may be required.
Arrival Process
Arrival Card: Complete an online arrival card before arrival or fill it out at the airport. Online form: https://niaspeedy.immigration.gov.tw
Health & Vaccinations. No mandatory vaccines are required for entry.
Recommended vaccines (but not required):
- Hepatitis A & B
- Typhoid (for more extended stays or rural travel)
- Japanese Encephalitis (for rural travel in summer)
COVID-19: No vaccine or testing is required as of 2025.
Other Important Requirements
Customs: Declare currency over USD 10,000.
Medications: Bring prescriptions in original containers and check if any are restricted.
Travel Insurance: Not required, but strongly recommended.
Departure Tips
Airport Tax: Usually included in your airfare.
Duty-Free Allowance: You can bring in duty-free goods like alcohol and tobacco, but within strict limits.
Additional Travel Tips:
Transportation:
- Taiwan’s public transportation is excellent. Taipei’s MRT system is efficient and clean.
- High-speed rail (THSR) connects Taipei to southern cities like Kaohsiung in about 90 minutes.
- Local buses and taxis are plentiful and affordable.
Food & Dining:
- Taiwanese cuisine is a delicious mix of Chinese, indigenous, and Japanese influences.
- Don’t miss beef noodle soup, xiao long bao (soup dumplings), and pineapple cake.
- Night markets are perfect for food lovers seeking affordable, authentic meals.
Safety:
- Taiwan is considered safe for travelers with low crime rates and welcoming locals.
Cultural Etiquette:
- It’s polite to remove shoes when entering someone’s home.
- Tipping is not customary but appreciated in high-end restaurants or for tour guides.
Getting there from the US
- Direct flights available from major hubs like Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), and New York (JFK) to Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
- Flight time is approximately 13-16 hours, depending on departure city and connections.
Travel Safety Tips
Before You Go:
General Safety
- Taiwan is extremely safe — it consistently ranks as one of the safest places worldwide for travelers, including solo and female travelers.
- The crime rate is low, and violent crime is rare. Petty theft can happen in touristy areas, so stay aware of your belongings, especially in night markets and train stations.
Emergency Numbers
- Police: 110
- Fire/Ambulance: 119
- Tourist Hotline (24/7 English service): 0800-011-765
Natural Disaster Awareness
- Earthquakes are common — Taiwan is in a seismically active zone. Learn the emergency procedures and locate exit routes in hotels.
- Typhoon season occur from June to October. Monitor local weather (via the Central Weather Administration) and avoid hiking or beach trips during storms. For mountain safety, if you plan to hike, make sure to check for permits, register your trip, and bring the proper gear. Sudden weather changes are common in the highlands.
Health & Hygiene
- Locals typically boil or filter their tap water instead of drinking it. Stick to bottled or filtered water.
- Hospitals are excellent — Taiwan has world-class healthcare. Bring travel insurance in case of emergencies.
Transportation Safety
- Scooter traffic is intense — Be cautious when crossing streets. Always use crosswalks and obey signals.
- Trains and metros are safe and clean — avoid rush-hour crowds, especially in Taipei.
Cultural & Legal Tips
- Taiwan’s strict anti-drug laws have no tolerance for drugs. Even small amounts can result in prison.
- Respect local customs — Dress modestly when visiting temples. Take off shoes where required.
- Face masks are still common — Especially on public transportation and in healthcare settings.
Bonus Tip
- Stay connected — Get a local SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi to access translation apps, maps, and emergency updates.
Fun Facts!
Taiwan invented bubble tea, also known locally as “boba,” a globally popular drink that originated in Taichung in the 1980s.
Taiwan has one of the world’s highest densities of temples—with over 15,000, you’ll find one around nearly every corner.
Taiwan was the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. In 2019, it made history with this landmark decision.
Taiwan is not a member of the UN – Despite being a thriving democracy and economic powerhouse, political complications with China keep Taiwan out of the UN.
Taiwan is home to Taipei 101, which briefly held the title of the world’s tallest skyscraper from 2004 to 2010.
Over 70% of Taiwan is mountainous. With lush, rugged landscapes and over 200 peaks over 3,000 meters high, Taiwan is an ideal hiking destination.
Taiwan has hot springs galore—one of the few places in the world with seawater hot springs, found in places like Green Island and Beitou.
You can visit markers where the Tropic of Cancer crosses the island.
Night markets are a way of life—Taiwan is famous for its vibrant night markets, which offer delicious street food like stinky tofu, oyster omelets, and fried chicken cutlets.
Taiwanese people love convenience stores— With more than 11,000 7-Elevens, you can pay bills, send packages, or grab gourmet snacks.
Taiwan has a Hello Kitty-themed hospital and airline check-in counter—perfect for fans of the iconic Sanrio character.
Scooter lanes are a staple of city life, with motor scooters outnumbering cars.
Taiwan has a “ghost month”—during the 7th month of the lunar calendar, many locals observe special customs to honor wandering spirits.
Top Places to Visit in Taiwan
Taipei City: Taiwan’s vibrant capital blends modern skyscrapers with rich history.
Taipei 101
Visit the observation deck for stunning views and shop in the luxury mall.
National Palace Museum
Explore one of the world's largest collections of Chinese imperial artifacts.
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
A grand monument with changing of the guard ceremonies.
Shilin Night Market
Taste iconic Taiwanese street foods like stinky tofu, oyster omelets, and bubble tea.
Elephant Mountain
Take a short hike that offers panoramic views of the Taipei skyline, particularly during sunset.
Shopping
Ximending for youth fashion and quirky shops; Zhongxiao Dunhua for upscale boutiques.
Taroko National Park on Taiwan’s east coast boasts a spectacular marble-walled canyon.
- Hike trails like the Shakadang Trail and Zhuilu Old Trail.
- Visit Eternal Spring Shrine and Swallow Grotto.
- Experience river rafting and mountain biking.
Fun Fact: Taroko means “magnificent and beautiful” in the local Truku indigenous language.
Tainan: The oldest city in Taiwan, known as the island’s cultural and historical capital.
- Visit Chihkan Tower and Fort Provintia for colonial history.
- Sample famous street foods like coffin bread and Danzai noodles.
- Explore temples like the Confucius Temple and Koxinga Shrine.
Shopping: Traditional markets and souvenir shops with local crafts and snacks.
Kenting National Park: Tropical paradise famous for beaches, coral reefs, and vibrant nightlife.
- Relax on White Sand Bay and Baisha Beach.
- Go snorkeling or diving in the coral reefs.
- Visit Eluanbi Lighthouse, the southernmost point of Taiwan.
- Enjoy Kenting Night Market for seafood and local specialties.
Alishan: Famous mountain resort, is known for stunning sunrises and a sea of clouds.
- Ride the Alishan Forest Railway through old-growth forests.
- Watch the sunrise at the Zhushan Viewing Platform.
- Explore hiking trails and the giant sacred trees.
Taiwan perfectly blends tradition, tech, nature, and food. Whether you’re climbing in Taroko Gorge, snacking at a night market, or soaking in a mountain hot spring — it’s a destination full of warmth and wonder.