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Taiwan Travel Guide

Taiwan Travel Guide

Night markets, mountain gorges, tea villages and one of Asia's friendliest cities.

Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, CC BY-SA 3.0
  • CapitalTaipei
  • CurrencyNew Taiwan dollar (TWD)
  • LanguageMandarin Chinese
  • Best timeOctober to April
  • Plug typesA, B

Taiwan is compact, welcoming and easy to explore by high-speed rail. Taipei has excellent museums, hot springs within the city and legendary night markets. Taroko Gorge and Alishan offer dramatic mountain scenery, Sun Moon Lake is a classic getaway, and Tainan is the island's historic food capital.

Top destinations in Taiwan

Landmarks & things to see

Map of Taiwan

LandmarkCityClick a pin for details

Travel tips for Taiwan

  • An EasyCard covers metro, buses, trains and even convenience stores.
  • Typhoon season runs roughly July to September.
  • Night markets are best visited hungry and after 7 pm.

Where to stay in Taiwan

Taipei

Ximending: Youthful, lively and central; Zhongshan: Boutique hotels and cafés; Xinyi: Taipei 101 and upmarket.

Tainan

West Central District: Temples and snack streets; Anping: Forts and the old harbour; Near the station: Easy rail links.

Getting there and around

Most international visitors arrive by air via Taipei or the main city gateways. Compare fares early for peak season, then use trains, buses, ferries or domestic flights between destinations.

Taiwan FAQ

When is the best time to visit Taiwan?

The best time to visit Taiwan is generally October to April. Conditions vary by region, so check each destination.

What currency is used in Taiwan?

The currency is the New Taiwan dollar (TWD). Cards are widely accepted in cities, but carry some cash for markets and rural areas.

Which plugs are used in Taiwan?

Taiwan uses plug types A, B. A universal travel adapter covers them.

What should I combine with Taiwan?

Taiwan combines well with Japan, Hong Kong, Philippines.

Do I need a visa for Taiwan?

Entry rules depend on your nationality and change regularly. Check your government's travel advice and the official immigration website before you travel.