Getting ready for your Journey!
Reasons to visit Taiwan, local language & currency, transportation system, visa requirements & staying connected
There are plenty of reasons why a trip to Taiwan is worthwhile.
When I firstly started traveling Asia, Taiwan was certainly a known term and country, yet however, never really on my bucket list. It was only in the context of speaking to some of my Chinese friends in Shanghai when the topic of Taiwan was brought up again, whilst they encouraged me to go and explore a place that combines the best of three worlds: big & busy city life, greenery & landscape and lastly beaches, riversides and harbour fronts. In contrast to China mainland and/or Hong Kong, Taiwan offers an outstanding charm on its own by its scenery, architecture, history, people and culinary experience one must experience for him- or herself to get a glimpse of understanding what I am referring to.
Why Taiwan?
If you ever wonder why a trip to Taiwan should be considered, here are some of my top reasons:
Ever-changing scenery: Taiwan's landscapes are diverse and contain surprises around every corner. Taking the metro towards the suburbs of Taipei already opens up a completely different scenery than downtown. From former french colonialization influences in Keelong, sprawling landscapes that range from green-fringed hills and forests to golden beaches, beautiful sunsets up to decelerated villages and vibrant city vibes. Taiwan has it all!
Welcoming and caring locals: Taiwanese people are one of a kind and by saying this, I do not only refer to being kind and polite, but very respectful, patient and welcoming. People pay attention and respect to one-another, sticking to rules in public, such as nicely queing one after another without pushing or joving to enter the metro or bus. They are extremely delighted about Western people being interested in their culture and go out of their way to make you feel comfortable and appreciated.
Food variety: If you are a foodie like me and you appreciate local street food, Taiwan is your partner in crime! Never have I ever experienced so many and moreover delicious food choices in one place! The best part? Street food can pretty much be found on every corner, even though the multiple night markets and little street stands during the late afternoon, are another sepearte highlight to consider! Meat lovers, vegetarians and vegans will be able to choose from different delicacies. And if your hunger drives you nuts, you can always jump into one of the everywhere-to-be-found convenient stores, e.g. 7Eleven, Family Mart, to grab a quick and satisfying snack, e.g. bento boxes, rice rolls, filled dumplings, on the go.
Saftey: Taiwan is a very safe and convenient country to travel, whether this applies to group- or individual travels. Certainly, you might want to watch your backpack in very crowded places, such as night markets. Generally speaking though, the crime rate is incredibly low and you will find yourself feeling safe and well-taken care-off most times.
Visa or no visa when entering?
Speaking out of a German perspective, you do not need to apply for a visa up to 90 days when being able to state your return date and/or connecting flight to another country. In case you overpass three months, you can either choose to fliy-out and re-enter to bypass a visa application or simply apply for one up front. Depending on the country and region you are coming from, I strongly recommend to check on visa entry requirements up front to be on the safe side.
Best Seasons to Travel Taiwan
The most convenient times to travel to Taiwan are mainly during spring and winter. Summer can become very hot and humid with temperatures staring from 30°C+, paired with high humidity. If you are not used to the heat and are likely to be affected by it, my recommendation would be to bypass the time spam between June - end of August.
April and June count as "raining-month" and even during summer you will experience that rain usually pops up once a day as a usual phenomenon (usually during early mid-day/afternoon). Whilst rain cools down the heat a bit, it simultaneously increases the level of humidity, so ensure to bring enough water and mosquito spray at any time!
Language & Communication
The official language in Taiwan is Chinese (Mandarin). Next to Mandarin, several other dialects are spoken, such as Hakka or Taiwanese. Some people speak English, however, you will mainly find these within the area of Taipei; the further you move away from the capital, the more difficult it usually gets. Ensure to have a translating app with you or simply use Alipay.
Local Currency and Payment on-site
Local currency: Taiwanese Dollar
Payment possibilities: you can easily pay cash or via credit card (Master- and Visa Card both work fine!). Cash can be easily withdrawn by any ATM closeby as well. If you wish to pay with mobile applications, such as Alipay and WeChat, as commonly used in China, Alipay works whereas WeChat does not!
Internet Access & Staying Connected
As Taiwan does not underlie the internet censorship of China mainland, internet access proves to be very easy and convenient. You can choose to purchase an eSIM, e.g. via Holafly, or simply grab a prepaid card from one of the Telekom shops.
Commonly used applications, such as WhatsApp, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Google Maps, etc. all work smoothly.
The main application Taiwanese people use to communicate is neither WhatsApp, nor Wechat, but Line App.
Transportation Infrastructure
Taiwans transportation infrastructure, especially around Taipei is easy and convenient. To make your way through the country you can easily choose between Uber/Taxi, MRT (subway), local buses or even renting a car (please note that an international drivers license is required!)
EasyCard - your entrance ticket to public transportation: just as you can buy metro cards for bigger cities, such as Shanghai, you can purchase an EasyCard for Taiwan to take advantage of public transport. The EasyCard can be purchased at the airport, some metro stations, even in convenient stores, e.g. Family Mart, 7Eleven. These are also the places where you can recharge and top-up your amount of money in case you run out of it (displays can be switched to English language). With an EasyCard you are able to take- and pay for the MRT, buses, sometimes even taxis and- I find this really cool to be honest- also some purchases from convenient stores!
Taxi & Uber: in contrast to China mainland and Hong Kong that deal with the Uber-like app "Didi", Taiwan actually contains the Uber app in case you are looking for a cheaper taxi alternative to get from one place to another. Take the traffic into consideration! Meaning, sometimes it is quicker, easier and more convenient to rely and use public transport, e.g. bus/metro, especially during rush hour times.
Taiwan Metro aka MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): the MTR runs between Taipei City and New Taipei, including suburbs. Outside of these areas you will need to rely on other transportation, such as rental cars, local buses and/or trains. Both Google Maps and Apple Maps are supportive helpers when finding your way from one place to another.
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