Taiwan Travel Tips 2025 | Safety, Local Culture, Budget, Food & More
๐ Introduction: Why Taiwan Should Be on Your 2025 Travel List
Often overlooked in favor of its bigger neighbors, Taiwan is a hidden gem in East Asia that blends ancient tradition, stunning nature, modern cities, and mouthwatering street food. It’s safe, affordable, clean, and incredibly welcoming.
Whether you're a solo backpacker, a foodie, or a cultural explorer, these Taiwan travel tips will help you experience the island like a local.
๐ 1. Best Time to Visit Taiwan
Taiwan has a subtropical climate, so weather matters:
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Spring (March–May) and Autumn (October–November) are ideal—mild temperatures, less rain
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Summer (June–August): Hot, humid, and typhoon-prone
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Winter (December–February): Mild in the south, chilly in the north
Pro Tip: Avoid national holidays like Chinese New Year and Dragon Boat Festival—trains get packed and hotels spike in price.
✈️ 2. Fly Into Taipei, Then Explore Beyond
Most international flights land in Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) near Taipei.
✔️ Use the Taoyuan MRT to reach Taipei city
✔️ Travel beyond Taipei to places like Tainan, Kaohsiung, Sun Moon Lake, and Taroko Gorge for a deeper experience
๐ 3. Use the High-Speed Rail (HSR) + Local Trains
Taiwan’s transport system is world-class.
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HSR connects north to south in under 2 hours (Taipei to Kaohsiung)
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Use TRA (Taiwan Railways) for slower scenic routes and smaller towns
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Taipei has a super clean and efficient metro system (MRT)
Pro Tip: Buy an EasyCard or iPASS—they work for public transport, convenience stores, bike rentals, and more.
๐ฃ️ 4. Language Tips
Mandarin is the official language, but you’ll also hear Taiwanese Hokkien and Hakka.
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English is spoken in big cities, but less in rural areas
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Google Translate and Pleco App are helpful
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Learn a few phrases:
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Nว hวo (ไฝ ๅฅฝ) = Hello
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Xiรจxiรจ (่ฌ่ฌ) = Thank you
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Zร ijiร n (ๅ่ฆ) = Goodbye
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Tip: Locals are kind and will go out of their way to help—even with language barriers.
๐งณ 5. Pack for Versatility
✅ Reusable water bottle
✅ Umbrella (rain is unpredictable)
✅ Comfortable walking shoes
✅ Lightweight layers
✅ Sunscreen and mosquito repellent
✅ Travel insurance (especially for hiking or scooters)
๐ฅ 6. Street Food Is King—Eat Like a Local
Taiwan is a food paradise! Don’t leave without trying:
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Beef noodle soup
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Stinky tofu (smells bad, tastes great)
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Xiao long bao (soup dumplings)
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Oyster omelets
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Pineapple cake
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Bubble tea (it originated here!)
Top Night Markets:
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Shilin (Taipei) – Huge and famous
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Raohe (Taipei) – Local favorite
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Liuhe (Kaohsiung) – Great seafood
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Fengjia (Taichung) – Taiwan’s largest night market
๐งผ 7. Stay Healthy & Clean
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Tap water is safe to brush with but drink bottled or filtered water
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Public bathrooms are clean and free—but BYO tissues just in case
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Use hand sanitizer at night markets
๐️ 8. Where to Stay in Taiwan
Taiwan has options for every budget:
| Type | Price/Night | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hostels | $10–$25 | Clean, great for solo travelers |
| Budget hotels | $25–$50 | Often include breakfast |
| Boutique hotels | $50–$100 | Stylish & centrally located |
| Luxury | $100–$300+ | Full-service with city views |
Pro Tip: In Taipei, stay in Ximending, Da’an, or Zhongshan for convenience.
๐งญ 9. Top Places to Visit in Taiwan
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Taipei 101 – Iconic skyscraper + observatory
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Jiufen – Spirited Away-style mountain town
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Taroko Gorge – Marble canyons and waterfalls
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Sun Moon Lake – Bike-friendly lake town
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Tainan – Old capital, temples, street food
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Alishan – Mountain sunrise and forest railway
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Kaohsiung – Harbor city with art, food, and culture
๐ต 10. Scooter Culture (But Drive Carefully!)
Scooters are popular but can be chaotic for foreigners.
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You need an international driver’s permit to rent legally
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Wear helmets and follow local traffic rules
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If unsure, use public transport or Uber
๐ต 11. Wi-Fi, SIM Cards & Connectivity
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Free Wi-Fi is common in stations, hotels, and malls
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Buy a local SIM card at the airport (Chunghwa, FarEasTone, or Taiwan Mobile)
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Consider a pocket Wi-Fi if traveling in a group
๐ฎ 12. Respect Local Culture & Traditions
Taiwanese people are respectful, so return the favor:
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Dress modestly when visiting temples
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Don’t point your feet at Buddha statues
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Say thank you and be polite
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Remove shoes if entering someone’s home
๐งพ 13. Budget Tips
Taiwan is affordable!
| Item | Avg. Cost |
|---|---|
| MRT ride | $0.50–$1.50 |
| Street food meal | $3–$6 |
| Hotel | $30–$80/night |
| HSR (Taipei–Kaohsiung) | ~$45 |
| Night market snacks | $1–$3 each |
Use apps like Klook for discounts on tickets and tours.
๐ง 14. Travel at a Chill Pace
There’s so much to see, but don’t rush it. Taiwan is safe, beautiful, and friendly—enjoy it slowly.
Spend time sipping bubble tea, walking in neighborhood parks, talking to locals, and soaking up the vibe.
✨ Final Thoughts
Taiwan is one of Asia’s best-kept travel secrets—a perfect blend of nature, culture, cuisine, and kindness. Whether you're hiking dramatic gorges, exploring vibrant cities, or devouring your way through night markets, Taiwan delivers.
In 2025, travel smart, stay open, and eat everything. You won’t regret it.
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