Quick facts
Daily budget
For a full category-by-category breakdown of accommodation, food, transport, and activity costs in Taipei, see the dedicated budget guide.
Practical info
Getting Around
- Get an EasyCard at any MRT station (NT$100 deposit). Works on MRT, buses, YouBike, convenience stores, and some taxis
- Taipei MRT is clean, efficient, and runs 6am–midnight. Google Maps works perfectly for all transit planning
- YouBike (public bikes, NT$5/30 min) is excellent for short trips. Register at any station with EasyCard and local phone number
Connectivity
- Pick up a tourist SIM at Taoyuan Airport: Chunghwa Telecom or Taiwan Mobile, NT$300–500 for 5–15 days unlimited data
- eSIMs from Airalo work well on most modern phones. Download Google Maps and Google Translate (has Mandarin camera translation)
- Free WiFi (iTaiwan) is available throughout the city: register with passport number at visitor centres or the airport
Money
- Cash is still common at markets and small restaurants. Carry NT$1,000–3,000 in cash. Cards accepted at larger establishments
- ATMs at convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) accept foreign cards. Mega Bank and CTBC ATMs are most reliable
- No tipping culture in Taiwan. Service charge is included. Taiwanese hospitality is naturally warm without financial incentive
Visa & Entry
- Most Western nationalities get 90-day visa-free entry to Taiwan. No pre-registration required
- Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is the main airport. MRT express to Taipei Main Station: NT$160, 35 minutes
- Songshan Airport (TSA) handles domestic and some regional flights: it's inside the city, connected by MRT
Health & Safety
- Taiwan is extremely safe: low crime, friendly locals, and a helpful police force. Solo travel is very comfortable
- No vaccinations required. Tap water is safe for brushing teeth but locals drink filtered or boiled water
- National Health Insurance covers visitors at a cost: hospital visits are affordable even without insurance (NT$500–2,000 for a clinic)
Packing Tips
- Taipei is humid year-round. Pack light, breathable clothing and an umbrella: sudden rain showers are common
- Comfortable walking shoes for temple visits and mountain hikes. Slip-on shoes help for some traditional spaces
- Bring a reusable bag: Taiwan charges for plastic bags. MRT stations are air-conditioned, so a light layer helps
Cultural tips
Temple Etiquette
At temples, enter through the right "dragon" door, exit through the left "tiger" door. Don't step on the raised door threshold, step over it. Incense is often free or by donation.
Food Culture
Taiwanese people are serious about food. Asking locals for recommendations opens doors and conversations. Sharing dishes at restaurants is normal. Slurping noodles is fine.
Garbage Trucks
Taipei has no public trash cans: take trash home or to a convenience store. The musical garbage truck comes daily and residents run out to throw trash in directly.
MRT Rules
No eating, drinking, or chewing gum on the MRT: fines of NT$1,500–7,500. Priority seats are strictly respected. Queue in painted lines on the platform.
Drinking Water
Taipei tap water is technically safe but locals prefer filtered. Most public spaces and MRT stations have free water fountains. Bring a reusable bottle: Taiwan is eco-conscious.
Friendliness
Taiwan is famously welcoming to travellers. Locals will often go out of their way to help you navigate. A simple "xie xie" (thank you) in Mandarin is always appreciated.
