D: Planning a trip to Taiwan? Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this ultimate guide will help you navigate everything from pre-trip preparations to returning home smoothly. Let’s dive into the A to Z of Taiwan travel!
A: Arrival (도착) 🛬
Taiwan has 3 major international airports:
- Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) – Main gateway, 40 mins from Taipei.
- Songshan Airport (TSA) – Closer to Taipei city center, mostly domestic and some regional flights.
- Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) – Best for exploring Southern Taiwan.
👉 Tip: Buy a Taiwan SIM card or eSIM at the airport for seamless connectivity!
B: Budget (예산) 💰
Taiwan is affordable compared to Japan or Korea. Here’s a rough estimate:
- Budget traveler: $30–50 USD/day (hostels, street food)
- Mid-range: $70–120 USD/day (3-star hotels, restaurants)
- Luxury: $150+ USD/day (5-star stays, fine dining)
👉 Must-try cheap eats: Beef noodle soup ($3–5), Bubble tea ($2), Night market snacks ($1–3 each).
C: Currency & Payments (통화) 💵
- Currency: New Taiwan Dollar (NTD / TWD)
- Cash is king in night markets & small shops.
- Credit cards work in malls, hotels, and chain stores.
- ATMs are everywhere (7-Eleven, banks).
👉 Tip: Withdraw cash at Taoyuan Airport ATMs for better rates.
D: Destinations (여행지) 🗺️
Must-visit spots:
- Taipei – Taipei 101, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial, Shilin Night Market.
- Taichung – Rainbow Village, Fengjia Night Market.
- Tainan – Ancient capital, best street food.
- Hualien – Taroko Gorge (nature paradise!).
- Kaohsiung – Pier-2 Art Center, Liuhe Night Market.
👉 Hidden gem: Jiufen (inspired by Spirited Away!).
E: Electronics & Adapters (전자기기) 🔌
- Voltage: 110V (same as US/Canada).
- Plug Type: Type A & B (two flat pins).
- Portable Wi-Fi or eSIM recommended for constant internet.
F: Food (음식) �
Taiwan is a food heaven! Must-try dishes:
✔ Beef Noodle Soup (台灣牛肉麵)
✔ Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶)
✔ Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐) – Love it or hate it!
✔ Braised Pork Rice (滷肉飯)
✔ Scallion Pancake (蔥油餅)
👉 Best night markets: Shilin (Taipei), Fengjia (Taichung), Liuhe (Kaohsiung).
G: Getting Around (교통) 🚆
- MRT (Taipei Metro): Clean, efficient, English-friendly.
- High-Speed Rail (HSR): Fastest way from Taipei to Kaohsiung (~2 hrs).
- Buses & YouBike (bike-sharing): Great for short distances.
- EasyCard (悠遊卡): Works on MRT, buses, convenience stores.
👉 Tip: Google Maps works well for transit directions.
H: Hotels & Accommodation (숙소) 🏨
- Budget: Hostels ($10–20/night), e.g., Meander Taipei.
- Mid-range: 3–4 star hotels ($50–100/night).
- Luxury: W Taipei, Mandarin Oriental ($200+).
- Unique stays: Jiufen teahouses, hot spring resorts in Beitou.
👉 Book via Agoda/Booking.com for deals!
I: Internet & SIM Cards (인터넷) 📱
- Unlimited 4G SIM: ~$10–15 for 5–10 days (Chunghwa Telecom).
- Portable Wi-Fi: ~$5/day (pick up at airport).
- Free Wi-Fi: Available in MRT, convenience stores, cafes.
J: Jet Lag (시차) 🕒
- Taiwan is UTC+8 (same as China, Singapore).
- If flying from the US West Coast, expect 15–16 hrs time difference.
- Adjust fast: Stay awake until local bedtime!
K: Key Phrases (중요한 표현) 🗣️
Learn a few Mandarin phrases:
- Hello: 你好 (Nǐ hǎo)
- Thank you: 謝謝 (Xièxiè)
- How much?: 多少錢? (Duōshǎo qián?)
- Delicious!: 好吃! (Hǎochī!)
👉 Most young Taiwanese speak basic English.
L: Luggage Storage (짐 보관) 🛄
- Airport lockers (Taoyuan T1/T2).
- MRT stations (Taipei Main Station, Ximen).
- Convenience stores (some 7-Elevens offer this).
M: Money-Saving Tips (절약 팁) 💸
- Free attractions: Elephant Mountain hike, Longshan Temple.
- Combo tickets: Taipei Fun Pass (unlimited MRT + discounts).
- Night markets = Cheap & delicious meals!
N: Nightlife (나이트라이프) 🍸
- Taipei: Xinyi District (clubs like OMNI), Raohe Street (late-night snacks).
- Kaohsiung: Brickyard (craft beer bar).
- Tainan: Shennong Street (hipster cafés).
O: Outfits (옷차림) 👗
- Summer (June–Sept): Light, breathable clothes (humid!).
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Layers (10–15°C in Taipei).
- Comfortable shoes – Lots of walking!
P: Packing List (챙겨야 할 물품) 🎒
✔ Passport + printed hotel bookings
✔ Universal adapter + power bank
✔ Umbrella/raincoat (sudden showers!)
✔ Reusable water bottle (tap water is safe but filtered better).
Q: Quick Tips (빠른 팁) ⚡
- 7-Eleven is your best friend (ATM, snacks, SIM cards, train tickets!).
- Tipping isn’t expected (except in high-end restaurants).
- Public toilets are clean & free.
R: Returning Home (귀국) 🏠
- Duty-free shopping at Taoyuan Airport (sun cakes, pineapple cakes!).
- Arrive 3 hrs early for international flights.
- Return EasyCard for a refund (if not keeping as souvenir).
Final Thoughts ✨
Taiwan is a perfect mix of modern cities, stunning nature, and unbeatable food. With this guide, you’re ready for a smooth, unforgettable trip!
Ready to explore Taiwan? 🇹🇼 Let us know your questions below! 👇