Located in East Asia, Taiwan is known for its rich culture, stunning scenery, and delicious cuisine. With a unique blend of Chinese, Japanese, and indigenous influences, Taiwan offers a vibrant and diverse experience for travelers. While it is only 245 miles (395 km) long, there is no shortage of things to do in here.

Why Visit Taiwan

LANDSCAPES

Taiwan was called “Ilha Formosa” (Beautiful Island) by the portugueses when first spotted in the 1500’s, and there is a reason for that (Taiwan is actually comprised by more than one island). Taiwan’s landscapes are diverse and stunning, ranging from dramatic mountain ranges and rugged coastlines to lush forests and hot springs. Visitors can hike through the stunning Taroko Gorge, relax on the beaches of Kenting, or explore the natural beauty of Sun Moon Lake.

ARCHITECTURE

Taiwan’s landscapes are diverse and stunning, ranging from dramatic mountain ranges and rugged coastlines to lush forests and hot springs. Visitors can hike through the stunning Taroko Gorge, relax on the beaches of Kenting, or explore the natural beauty of Sun Moon Lake.

LOCALS

The locals in Taiwan are known for their hospitality, friendliness, and warmth. They are always eager to share their culture, traditions, and stories with visitors, making it a pleasure to explore Taiwan’s cities, towns, and countryside.

CULTURE & CUISINE

Taiwan is an ideal destination for those seeking a unique cultural experience. Taiwanese culture is an interesting fusion of Chinese, Japanese, and indigenous cultures, making it a melting pot of traditions, religions, and festivals. From the breathtaking temples and shrines to the vibrant night markets and street food, there’s something for everyone to explore and experience in Taiwan.

Taiwan Postcards

Located in East Asia, Taiwan is known for its rich culture, stunning scenery, and delicious cuisine. With a unique blend of Chinese, Japanese, and indigenous influences, Taiwan offers a vibrant and diverse experience for travelers. While it is only 245 miles (395 km) long, there is no shortage of things to do in here.

Taiwan Postcards

Why Visit Taiwan

LANDSCAPES

Taiwan was called “Ilha Formosa” (Beautiful Island) by the portugueses when first spotted in the 1500’s, and there is a reason for that (Taiwan is actually comprised by more than one island). Taiwan’s landscapes are diverse and stunning, ranging from dramatic mountain ranges and rugged coastlines to lush forests and hot springs. Visitors can hike through the stunning Taroko Gorge, relax on the beaches of Kenting, or explore the natural beauty of Sun Moon Lake.

ARCHITECTURE

Taiwan’s landscapes are diverse and stunning, ranging from dramatic mountain ranges and rugged coastlines to lush forests and hot springs. Visitors can hike through the stunning Taroko Gorge, relax on the beaches of Kenting, or explore the natural beauty of Sun Moon Lake.

LOCALS

The locals in Taiwan are known for their hospitality, friendliness, and warmth. They are always eager to share their culture, traditions, and stories with visitors, making it a pleasure to explore Taiwan’s cities, towns, and countryside.

CULTURE & CUISINE

Taiwan is an ideal destination for those seeking a unique cultural experience. Taiwanese culture is an interesting fusion of Chinese, Japanese, and indigenous cultures, making it a melting pot of traditions, religions, and festivals. From the breathtaking temples and shrines to the vibrant night markets and street food, there’s something for everyone to explore and experience in Taiwan.

  • Name: Republic of China
  • Capital: Taipei
  • Official Languages: Formosan Languages, Hakka, Hokkien, Mandarin, Matsu
  • Currency: New Taiwan dollar
  • Time Zone: UTC + 8
  • Name: Republic of China
  • Capital: Taipei
  • Official Languages: Formosan Languages, Hakka, Hokkien, Mandarin, Matsu
  • Currency: New Taiwan dollar
  • Time Zone: UTC + 8

Bucket list

What to expect

LANGUAGE

The official language of Taiwan is Mandarin Chinese, but many people speak Taiwanese Hokkien and Hakka as well. English is also widely spoken, especially in major cities and tourist areas. It is helpful to learn some basic Mandarin Chinese phrases to communicate with locals.

ELECTRICITY

The standard voltage is 110 V and the frequency is 60 Hz. That’s the standard voltage in America and some countries in Asia.

CURRENCY

The New Taiwan Dollar is the official currency in Taiwan. Foreign currencies are not accepted. You can exchange your currency at any authorised money exchanger, at the bank or at the airport. International credit cards such as VISA and MasterCard are accepted at many hotels, restaurants and train stations. Most of the small stores will only take cash. 1 USD equals 30 NTW (as of 2023).

SAFETY

Taiwan has a very low crime rate, and it is consider to be one of the safest countries in the world. Violent crime is extremely rare. However, petty crime could in metropolitan areas like Taipei, so keep your eyes open.

CLIMATE

Taiwan has a subtropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The best time to visit is during the fall (September to November) when the weather is cool and comfortable. The winter (December to February) is also a good time to visit, especially for those who want to experience the Lunar New Year festivities. The summer (June to August) can be hot and humid, but it is the best time to enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities.

How to get around 

  • MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) – Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taoyuan have MRT systems, making it an easy and affordable way to travel around the cities.
  • Bus – Taiwan has an extensive bus system that covers the cities and rural areas. Express buses are faster and more expensive, while local buses are slower and cheaper.
  • Train – Taiwan’s rail system is efficient, punctual, and covers most of the country, including the east coast. The High-Speed Rail (HSR) connects major cities and is the fastest way to travel long distances.
  • Taxi – Taxis in Taiwan are relatively affordable, and most drivers understand basic English. It’s advisable to have your destination written in Chinese characters, as most drivers do not read English.
  • Scooter – Renting a scooter is a popular and convenient way to get around Taiwan’s smaller towns and rural areas. However, it’s essential to have a valid international driving license, wear a helmet, and observe traffic rules.

Visa Policy

Taiwan has a liberal visa policy, and most visitors can enter the country without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Citizens of 62 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, the UK, and many European nations, can enter Taiwan visa-free. However, some countries, such as India, Pakistan, and Nepal, are required to obtain a visa before entering Taiwan. The visa application process typically takes between 1 to 7 business days, depending on the type of visa and the nationality of the applicant. Taiwan also offers eVisas and visa-free entry for short-term visits for citizens of certain countries, such as Japan and South Korea. It is always best to check with the Taiwan Bureau of Consular Affairs or a Taiwanese embassy or consulate in your home country to confirm the visa requirements and application procedures before planning your trip to Taiwan.

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