Taiwan

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