Visiting Taiwan

LANGUAGE: The official language in Taiwan is Mandarin Chinese, but don’t worry—many locals, especially younger people and those in tourist areas, speak some English. Street signs, MRT stations, and restaurant menus in major cities like Taipei are often bilingual (Chinese + English). Learning a few basic Mandarin phrases or having Google Translate handy can be super helpful—and appreciated!

CURRENCY: Taiwan’s currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD or NT$). Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, big restaurants, and chain stores, but cash is still king in night markets, local cafes, and rural areas. You’ll want to have a stash of small bills and coins on hand—especially for snacks, temples, or bus rides. And don’t be like me: I had to borrow money from a friend for a drink at a tiny bar that unexpected didn't accept cards!

CREDIT CARDS / ATMS: You can use credit cards in major cities, but cash is essential outside of Taipei or in smaller businesses. ATMs are everywhere, including 7-Eleven and FamilyMart convenience stores, and many of them work with international debit cards - but you won't get the travel points. Make sure your card is enabled for international withdrawals, and watch out for small ATM fees & foreign transaction fees because they do add up when you're home!

PLUGS: Taiwan uses Type A and Type B plugs (same as the U.S. and Canada), with a voltage of 110V and a frequency of 60Hz. If you’re coming from North America, no adapter or converter is needed. Travelers from Europe or other regions may need a plug adapter.

VISAS: Taiwan offers visa-free entry for many travelers, including those from the U.S., Canada, the U.K., most of Europe, Australia, and Japan, for stays of up to 90 days. Still, it’s always smart to double-check entry requirements through Taiwan’s immigration website or your local embassy before you travel.

GETTING AROUND: Getting around Taiwan is a breeze! The MRT system in Taipei is clean, safe, cheap, and easy to navigate, with signs in English and Mandarin. YouBike stations make it fun to explore on two wheels, and high-speed rail (HSR) connects the major cities in just a few hours. For local rides, taxis are affordable and Uber works in Taipei and a few other cities. Want to get adventurous? Try riding a scooter or hopping on a local bus to see Taiwan at a slower pace.