Why Visit Taiwan?
Taiwan has spectacular mountains, rich and diverse religious culture, and delicious food. Costs vary from reasonable to very reasonable and it’s one of the world’s safest destinations to boot.
Do I need a visa for Taiwan?
Most likely not. The vast majority of our clients come from countries eligible for visa-exempt entry to Taiwan and can stay for 14 or 90 days (depending on nationality). Go here for comprehensive visa and entry-requirement details.
Will I need to get any vaccinations?
Taiwan doesn’t present visitors with any particular disease threats, but it’s always wise to double-check in the weeks before your trip. In a few places in the south at certain times of year, dengue fever can be an issue.
Should I get travel insurance?
Even though Taiwan is one of the safest destinations in the world, we strongly advise you to purchase insurance for your trip.
What’s the best time of year to visit Taiwan?
The end of September through late May is preferable because the temperature is more comfortable and there’s very little risk that a typhoon will disrupt your travel plans. That said, do avoid the Lunar New Year period as many hotels are booked solid.
Which parts of Taiwan are especially worth visiting?
To keep it brief: Taipei for food and the National Palace Museum, Tainan for temples, the east for indigenous culture, and the mountainous interior for stunning high-altitude vistas. To get a better idea, take a look at the Destinations section of our website.
Can I customise my Taiwan tour itinerary?
Absolutely! Our expert tour planners will heed your requests and respond to your suggestions to devise a plan that meets your specific preferences and interests, whatever your focus.
Are Taiwan’s outlying islands open to visitors?
Yes. Kinmen and Matsu — island groups that for decades were on the frontline of a smouldering conflict with Communist China — are nowadays easy to visit and fascinating for anyone interested in military history. The Penghu archipelago has a special windswept beauty
Which festivals or events are especially worth attending?
Lantern Festival, held early each spring, is a huge draw. During the summertime International Balloon Festival, you can enjoy an eagle-eye’s view of the spectacular East Rift Valley. Dozens of local religious celebrations reflect Taiwan’s rich culture.
What adventure sports can I enjoy in Taiwan?
Taiwan is especially good for cycling and hiking — Yangmingshan National Park is a good place to start — but you can also enjoy ocean sports such as kitesurfing and sea-cliff kayaking, as well as paragliding and whitewater rafting.
Does Taiwan have any hot springs?
Yes, over 100. Some of them have been developed into luxury resorts, while others are as Mother Nature intended. The former include Xinbeitou and Yangmingshan on the edge of Taipei, and Guanziling between Tainan and Alishan. Reaching some of the latter may involve a longish hike or a jeep ride.
How many days are needed to properly see Taiwan?
If you aim to enjoy Taipei, Tainan, and attractions in the east such as Taroko Gorge, you should spend at least seven or eight nights in Taiwan. If you don’t have that many days available, we can devise a tour that’ll match your interests and make the best use of your time.
Can I experience Taiwan’s indigenous culture?
Yes. Indigenous communities aren’t far removed from the mainstream and it’s possible to make day-trips to places like Sandimen in the south or Wulai in the north. A number of destinations offer indigenous activities, performances, and traditional crafts.
Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Taiwan?
Because Taiwan isn’t a member of the UN, UNESCO hasn’t formally designated any World Heritage Sites here. However, the authorities have proposed 18 potential sites of archaeological, geological, cultural, historical, or industrial significance.
What’s the best way to see Taiwan?
The best way to explore Taiwan is to organise a tour with Life of Taiwan. We have superb multilingual guides supported by itinerary planners with decades of local travel experience. We’ll show you the very best Taiwan has to offer and ensure you have a fabulous time.
What’s the difference between a group tour and a private tour?
Group tours include people you don’t know and follow a set itinerary. Our private tours offer far greater flexibility in both the planning stage and once you’re on the road, not to mention the ability to edit who you spend your precious vacation days with!
Do you have any age requirements for your tours?
No. We’ve guided families with small children and people in their 80s. We tailor each tour to ensure everyone has fun.
Is Taiwan suitable for a self-guided or self-driving vacation?
Yes and no. Outside Taipei, fewer people speak English. Some museums lack English information. The road network is extensive and well-maintained but — because so many street/place names are spelled in two or even three different ways — you might find navigation a challenge. Drivers must also be prepared to share crowded roads with a huge number of motorcycles. In urban areas, parking can be tortuous
Why should I travel with Life of Taiwan?
We’re a highly-rated specialist tour company with 12+ years of experience and a ‘quality not quantity’ attitude when it comes to showing discerning travellers around the island we love so much. As of January 2024, we have 93 reviews on Tripadvisor, 88 of which are five-star.
How can I book a private tour of Taiwan?
Our expert travel planners are ready to help you. Please start by taking a look at some of our popular itineraries.
What are your accommodations like?
We pride ourselves on finding the best hotels in each location. If you have particular preferences or requirements, do let us know.
How can I pay for things in Taiwan?
Major hotels, shops, and restaurants accept credit cards but you should carry a fair amount of local currency as many smaller businesses, such as night-market vendors and many restaurants, take cash only.
Where can I change money?
There’s no need to obtain New Taiwan dollars (NT$) before you arrive. In some countries it isn’t easy and you’re unlikely to get a good exchange rate. It’s better to change money on arrival inside the airport, where you’ll get the same rate as in city-centre banks, or via ATMs, of which there are plenty. If you’re depending on banks to change money, beware that not every branch offers this service, and they’re open Monday to Friday 9am to 3.30pm. Some department stores and major hotels offer money-changing services, but the rates aren’t great.
What currency is used in Taiwan?
New Taiwan Dollars, abbreviated NT$, NTD, or TWD. As of late January 2024, NT$31.3 bought you US$1; NT$34 got you 1 euro; and NT$39.8 was worth 1 British pound.
Are tips expected in Taiwan?
Some restaurants and hotels add a 10% service charge so there’s no need to tip in those places. Elsewhere, if you think service has been truly exceptional, it’s fine to give a tip. Here’s a more detailed guide to tipping in Taiwan.
Is free WiFi widely available?
All of the accommodation options we use and many restaurants provide free WiFi to their guests. Major transport hubs and shopping centres also offer WiFi. If you want a SIM card, you can purchase one on arrival at Taoyuan or Kaohsiung airports. Unlike China, Taiwan doesn’t block any foreign media websites or social media platforms.
Are there any specific cultural customs or etiquette I should be aware of in Taiwan?
Taiwanese society is relaxed and informal. If you don’t speak Mandarin or Taiwanese, it’s polite to greet others with a slight bow or nod in Taiwan. Removing your shoes when entering someone’s home (and many Japanese-era buildings) is also customary. There’s no need to cover your legs, head, or bare shoulders when entering a place of worship.
Will people stare at my tattoos/body piercings?
It’s possible, but Taiwanese are open-minded and you won’t encounter any hostility or rudeness. Unlike Japan, where many hot springs bar entry to people with tattoos, Taiwan is relaxed when it comes to body ink. Body piercings aren’t common.
Are public bathrooms easy to find in Taiwan?
Yes. All major tourist attractions, transport hubs, most temples, and many convenience stores have public bathrooms. There’s never a need to pay but you should always carry some toilet paper or tissue paper with you, as it’s not always provided.
Will I be expected to do a lot of walking?
Only as much as you want to. Our drivers and guides are skilled at parking very near popular attractions, but if you want to stretch your legs in a forest or a national park, we’ve a very long list of suitable places in mind.
Will the guide help with my luggage?
Of course. Our driver-guides are there to make sure you have a perfect journey. It goes without saying that, if you’re planning to bring an exceptional amount of luggage or fragile items (such as photography gear) it’s best to let us know in advance.
What time do your tours start and finish each day?
That’s for you to decide. When planning your trip, please let us know if you are early birds or like a bit of a lie-in. And during a tour, if you feel yourselves getting a bit worn out, just inform your driver-guide. He/she will discuss the options with you and adjust the schedule accordingly.
Are major tourist attractions wheelchair accessible?
Yes. In recent years the government has done a great deal to make public places as barrier-free as possible. You’ll have no problems navigating the conventional or high-speed rail systems, or the metro lines in Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung. Not all buses are wheelchair-accessible, but on major routes, with some careful planning, you’ll be able to find.
What language is spoken in Taiwan?
The national language is Mandarin Chinese. Many people also speak Taiwanese or another local language. In tourist areas you’ll find quite a few people who speak passable English.
Is the water safe to drink?
Tap water isn’t a threat to your health but we recommend you do as the locals do: Drink water that has been boiled or filtered, or buy bottled water. The complimentary water offered in restaurants is safe to drink. The ice added to many drinks is equally safe.
What are some popular Taiwanese dishes?
Beef noodle soup, braised pork on rice, various dumplings, stinky tofu, and oyster omelette are easy to find wherever you go. To find out more about Taiwanese cuisine, go here.
Will vegetarians enjoy the food in Taiwan?
For sure. Nearly one in five Taiwanese is vegetarian and there are hundreds of vegetarian restaurants, from humble eateries to top-notch establishments. Veganism is catching on, especially in Taipei.
What if I’m on a special diet?
Tell us while we’re planning your trip and we’ll let you know if it’ll be necessary to make compromises while enjoying a fabulous journey.
Can I experience traditional tea culture in Taiwan?
Yes, in several places. Tourist favourites include Maokong on the outskirts of Taipei and the tea-growing districts near Alishan.
Is Taiwan safe after dark?
Yes. You’ll see people shopping and enjoying night markets late into the night. Unlike in much of the West, Taiwan’s big cities don’t have ‘no-go neighbourhoods’ that you should steer clear of.
Is Taiwan a good place to bring young kids?
Without a doubt, yes. It’s very safe and there are bathrooms with changing facilities almost everywhere. (If you’re ever in urgent need of a bathroom urgently, look for the nearest temple.) There’s food everywhere; at convenience stores you’ll find fresh milk and familiar snacks. Popular theme parks include Leofoo Village and Taipei Children’s Amusement Park.
Is Taiwan a good place for photography?
You bet it is! In addition to breathtaking mountain panoramas and colourful cityscapes, you’ll find temple parades and indigenous festivals especially photogenic.
Can I explore Taipei on my own?
Yes. The Taipei Metro (MRT) reaches most neighbourhoods. Get an EasyCard so you can take the metro and jump on and off buses without fumbling for change.
What should I bring?
That depends on the time of year and where you’re going. If heading to the mountains, we suggest bringing thin layers because mornings can be downright frigid but before midday it may be over 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). During summertime, lowland towns often reach 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit). If you’ll be outdoors much, light clothing, a hat and sunblock are advisable. Bring a swimsuit if you expect to enjoy a public hot spring.
Are there any items I’m not allowed to bring into Taiwan?
Taiwan’s laws are similar to other countries. In addition to the usual prohibitions on firearms, narcotics, and obscene material, the amount of currency and gold you can bring in or out of the country is restricted. Customs are also very strict when it comes to certain food items.
What souvenirs and gifts can I buy in Taiwan?
Indigenous handicrafts and textiles, customised calligraphy scrolls, premium oolong tea, and traditional name stamps (chops) all make top-notch souvenirs. Our guides are able to suggest places where quality items can be found; they never accept commission from businesses to which they bring guests.
What are your accommodations like?
We pride ourselves on finding the finest hotels in each location. If you have particular preferences or requirements, do let us know.