D: Planning a trip to Taiwan? Whether you’re a budget traveler or looking for luxury experiences, this guide covers everything from money-saving hacks to must-visit spots. Letβs dive in!
βοΈ Getting There & Visa
Taiwan is visa-free for many nationalities (including the US, UK, EU, and more) for stays up to 90 days. Always check the latest entry requirements before booking!
Flight Tips:
- Cheapest Months: February (after Lunar New Year) & September (low season).
- Best Airports: Taoyuan (TPE) for international flights, Songshan (TSA) for domestic/regional flights.
π° Budget Breakdown
Taiwan is surprisingly affordable! Hereβs a rough estimate for 10 days:
| Category | Budget (USD) | Mid-Range (USD) | Luxury (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $15-30 (hostels) | $50-100 (hotels) | $200+ (5-star) |
| Food | $5-10/meal | $15-30/meal | $50+/meal |
| Transport | $1-3 (metro), $20/day (scooter rental) | Taxis ($10-20/trip) | Private driver ($100+/day) |
| Attractions | Mostly free or $5-10 | Guided tours ($30-50) | VIP experiences ($100+) |
Pro Tip: Night markets (like Shilin or Raohe) offer delicious meals for under $5! π
πΊοΈ Best Itinerary for 7-10 Days
Day 1-3: Taipei β The Vibrant Capital
β Must-Doβs:
- Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (Free!)
- Elephant Mountain Hike (Best sunset spot π)
- Ximending (Taiwanβs Harajuku for shopping & street food)
- Beitou Hot Springs (Relaxing sulfur baths β¨οΈ)
Day 4-5: Taichung & Sun Moon Lake
β Highlights:
- Rainbow Village (Instagram heaven πΈ)
- Fengjia Night Market (Try the famous “stinky tofu”β¦ if you dare!)
- Sun Moon Lake Bike Ride (Scenic lakeside views π΄)
Day 6-7: Tainan & Kaohsiung (South Taiwan)
β Donβt Miss:
- Anping Old Fort (Dutch colonial history π°)
- Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum (Largest seated Buddha in Taiwan π)
- Liuhe Night Market (Seafood loversβ paradise π¦)
Day 8-10: Hualien & Taroko Gorge
β Adventure Time:
- Taroko Gorge Day Hike (Dramatic marble cliffs β°οΈ)
- Qingshui Cliffs (Stunning coastal views π)
π Transport Hacks
- EasyCard (ζ ιε‘): Works for metro, buses, and even convenience stores!
- High-Speed Rail (HSR): Book early for discounts (Taipei to Kaohsiung in 90 mins!).
- Scooter Rental: Best for coastal areas like Kenting (~$20/day).
π Food You MUST Try
- Beef Noodle Soup (Taiwanβs national dish π²)
- Bubble Tea (Invented here! π§)
- Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan) (~$2, ultra-filling!)
- Oyster Omelet (Night market staple π¦ͺ)
Veggie? Taiwan is super vegetarian-friendlyβlook for Buddhist buffets!
π‘ Extra Tips
- Language: Mandarin is main, but English signs are common in cities.
- Cash vs. Card: Small vendors take cash onlyβalways carry NTD.
- Weather: Pack layers! North (cooler), South (tropical).
π Final Thought
Taiwan is a perfect mix of culture, nature, and foodβall without breaking the bank! Ready to explore? πΉπΌβ¨
Got questions? Drop them below! ππ