wunderlustre

Travel tips for your trip to taiwan

Before you plan a trip to Taiwan, here are some things to consider.  This guide will help you to learn everything you need to know about getting in, out, and navigating your way around this beautiful region. With my tips and tricks, you’re sure to have an amazing adventure!

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When to visit

According to tourist arrival numbersthere is no distinct “high” or “low” tourist season in Taiwan.  It’s tough to declare which season is the best for visiting Taiwan. It strongly depends on your personal climate preference and what you want to do in Taiwan.

Winter (January to March)

January and February are the coldest months of the year in Taiwan. Taipei, Yilan, and the north are especially chilly, but this is also the best time to see snow in the high mountains, like Hehuanshan.  Cherry blossoms start in late January, but come in February or March for the best displays.  Chinese New Year is a week to be avoided if possible, due to crowds, higher prices, and closure of many restaurants and attractions.

Spring (April to June)  

While April is a good month to visit Taiwan, May and June are not. The Plum Rain season brings near constant rain and gray skies for weeks on end.  April’s weather is pleasant, and the April long weekend features several music festivals. However, May and June are all about the rain. In June, when the plum rains finally taper off, they are replaced with intense heat and humidity, signaling the start of summer.

Summer (July to September) 

Summer is, according to most people, the worst time to visit Taiwan. Summer temperatures and humidity are oppressive, making it difficult to spend much time outside.   Summer also comes with occasional typhoons, which can disrupt your travel plans for a few days.  Summers are also more crowded, with students off school and more tourists due to the summer holidays in other countries.

Fall (October to December) 

In October, the weather can’t get any better. The oppressive heat of summer is finally gone, but it’s still pleasantly warm, even at night.  Most importantly, October has a lower chance of rain – it actually has the fewest rainy days of rain of any month of the year in Taiwan.  December is the start of winter in Taiwan. It’s not as cold as January or February, but you’ll definitely need to dress warm for Taipei and the north. On the plus side, the chance of rain is just as low as in October and November.

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Stay Connected

MOBILE:  First, check with your local cellphone provider to see if they offer an international plan for Taiwan

SIM CARD/ WIFI Egg:  Wondering where to buy 4G/3G Portable WiFi Rental & Prepaid Sim Card in Taiwan? Whether it’s unlimited or consumable data, Klook offers various multi data options for Taiwan.  It’s easy, and affordable to preorder online before your trip, and pick-up on arrival at the airport.  Visit Klook’s website for additional info.

eSIM: Another option for WiFi is purchasing an eSIM if your mobile phone supports it. After verifying, look for your destination and purchase a plan through an international provider.

POWER CONVERSION: For Taiwan there are two associated plug types, types A and B. Plug type A is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and plug type B is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin.

Taiwan operates on a 110V supply voltage and 60Hz.

I recommend you check your appliances before embarking on your journey, to understand the requirements in Taiwan, and determine if you require a travel adapter.

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Passport/Visa

When planning a trip to Taiwan, I advise that you kindly consult your nearest Taiwanese Embassy or Consulate for information regarding entry visa requirements and customs procedures specific to your country of origin. It is important to note that entry and exit conditions can be subject to change with little notice, and we encourage you to stay up-to-date on the latest regulations to make your travel experience as hassle-free as possible.  

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Vaccination Requirements

As of 2024, Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not have any vaccine requirements, but recommends travelers to Taiwan be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. Vaccination information can be found here.

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Local Customs

For starters, Taiwanese people are unquestionably some of the friendliest in Asia, if not the entire world, and most foreign visitors are impressed by the often staggering level of hospitality from the moment they arrive.

Men and women generally don’t shake hands upon meeting, opting instead for slight nods of deference, although this is changing and urban businesswomen are increasingly likely to offer their hands when meeting foreigners.

Visitors to Taiwan and many other Asian countries will notice that most people beckon to each other with their palms facing down, waving towards the ground, and travelers are well advised to emulate this – calling people towards you by rolling your fingers back with your palms up is widely considered to be crudely suggestive. 

Tipping:  Taiwan does not practice a tipping culture and tipping is generally not expected and even times not accepted. Tips Not Accepted or display it in their menus, and if this is the case, respect the establishment`s wishes and do not tip.

Now that you are ready to go, I’ll let you know what to do once you find yourself stepping off that plane in Taiwan!  Click below for more info on what to do when you land in Taiwan!…