11 Taiwan Travel Tips Before You Visit

Taipei is an amazing city with tons of opportunities to explore and discover new wonders. Modern infrastructures spans the city’s skyline while ravishing temples and breathtaking city parks provide a much needed escape from the strain of metropolitan hustle and bustle. It’s a fascinating mix of the contemporary intermingling with a national appreciation for culture and history that made this relatively tiny nation earn a spot in global tourism.

On a side note, you can really stretch your hard earned US dollars as Taiwan is relatively affordable especially to visitors from the west. So start packing as we share our travel tips before you visit Taiwan.

Also, please check out some of Taipei’s noteworthy landmarks you might want to add to your trip itinerary by clicking here.

#1 Get an EasyCard

Getting an EasyCard is an absolute must when exploring Taiwan. It is a contactless payment system that you can use on the city’s train system, buses and other public transportation system. You can even use this system to pay at certain convenience stores, supermarkets, taxis and some retailers. No wonder it is called the EasyCard!

The card can hold a maximum of NT$10,000 and its value can be recharged in multiples of 100’s at any of Taiwan’s Metro Stations and convenience stores. It’s a quick and efficient way to take advantage of Taiwan’s sophisticated transportation system. We just wished credit cards can someday be used to top off your card balance. It would be a convenient feature especially for international passengers who have limited cash on hand. 

#2 Bring an Umbrella

Taiwan’s weather can be unpredictable especially during the wet season when it can rain throughout the day. During our last trip, the sun barely peeked and rain clouds just waiting to douse us with a refreshing spring shower. It would just rain on and off so we decided to borrow an umbrella from the hotel we were staying in. If your hotel doesn’t have one, you can always purchase one from convenience stores or some of the street vendors.

#3 Follow Bus & Train Etiquette

Wherever we travel, we always take into consideration local rules and etiquettes so we don’t stick out like a sore thumb. We really don’t want to be the center of piercing stares from other commuters. Or worse yet, fined for breaking the rules.

Taiwan’s transport system is fast, efficient, and very clean. To ensure that it stays this way, eating, drinking and smoking is strictly prohibited when you’re onboard. You will be fined up to NT$7500 if you violate this rule. Common courtesy includes keeping your voice down, saving priority seats, standing on the right while on an escalator, and standing in designated lanes when boarding.

#4 Check Out the Night Markets

Taipei has several night markets located in various parts of the city. We went to check out the Raohe Night Market, which was the closest market from the hotel we stayed in.

Wow this market is amazing! The place was packed with locals and tourists checking things out looking for things to buy and places to eat. There is over a hundred vendors lined up with their offerings on full display. It’s a good 2-3 block stretch from the main entrance. The air was just saturated with the most pleasant aroma of grilled seafood, rice dishes, fried items, skewered meats, and even baked goods. Just bring a huge appetite with you along with some cash and you’ll be feasting here for hours trying new things and sampling old favorites. We will dare you to try the stinky tofu & century egg. They might not smell the best, but tastes surprisingly good.

#5 Try some Taiwanese Beef Noodles

While Taiwan brims with mouthwatering culinary creations from upscale restaurants to the budget-friendly food stalls at night markets, no trip to Taiwan is complete without sampling Taiwan’s iconic comfort food, the Beef Noodle Soup.

Several restaurants offer their own rendition of this local favorite. Among our favorites were the beef noodle soups at Ling Dong Fang and Yong Kang. The beef was extremely tender, the noodles slightly chewy and al dente, and the broth tastes simply divine!

#6 Scooters and Bicycle Rentals

One way to get around Taipei is to rent a scooter or even a bicycle. 
Scooter rentals are widely available especially in urban areas. All you need is to show your International driver’s license and your passport.

Bicycle rental is made even easier with the YouBike app you download on your smart phone. It is a public bicycle sharing service offered by the Taipei City Department of Transportation with over a hundred docking stations located throughout the city.

#7 Language 

Having taken Chinese classes in my yesteryears really helped. I was able to muster some of the Chinese words I know and ask basic questions. But when they start replying in much fluency and detail, that’s when I start looking like a deer in headlights. But for the most part, I was able to get the information I needed.

In more touristy areas, you are more than likely to find someone who speaks good enough English to start a conversation. But out on the streets, you might find it challenging to even ask for directions. This is where language translation apps really come in handy. 

I am a fan of the Microsoft Translator app. With your data plan, it can translate real time conversations to the language of your choosing. Plus, it allows you to translate signs by snapping a photo of them. Pretty cool.

#8 Convenience Stores

Convenience stores are to Taiwan as McDonalds are to America. They are ubiquitous through Taipei with one in almost every street corner and a few more here or there. Main ones are 7-11 and Family Mart.

Why are they so popular in Taiwan? Simple. They are just ridiculously convenient, a perfect solution to Taipei’s fast paced lifestyle. At any 7-11, you can buy a hot meal, buy a transport card, recharge your EasyCard, purchase a good cup of coffee, withdraw money from an ATM, pay bills and drop off some mail. They’re one-stop shops for some of your basic daily necessities conveniently situated at various locations citywide.

#9 Spring Blossoms are a Must See

Taiwan’s gorgeous blooms have been a draw for tourists each year. Among them, the Japanese Cherry Blossom or otherwise called Sakura is the most well known with its lovely pink petals in full bloom during the month of March.

Depending on how far north you go, you might be look at peaks from late February up to late March the farther you go. The Wuji Tianyuan temple located on the northern regions of Taipei is probably the closest you can go if you’re staying in Taipei. The temple is a 5-tiered round pagoda with hundreds of these beautiful Sakura trees planted around its perimeter. The scenery is breathtakingly sensational!

#10 Taiwan’s Themed Restaurants

Nothing like a spark of imagination and childhood nostalgia mixed in while you dine in a whimsical fashion alongside anime characters, storybook sceneries, and even some with a bit of toilet fascination. It’s a unique dining experience with lots of good laughs and great photo ops as it pushes you towards realms of imagination. Oh, did I mention the food was pretty good too?

Taipei’s Modern Toilet Restaurant, for instance, adds a delicious twist to an otherwise taboo experience. Delicious foods and desserts served in bowls made to look like toilet bowls while yummy chocolate ice cream made to look like excrement that needs to be flushed down the pipes. Okay I better stop here.

Not all themes dwell on the disgusting. Please check out this post on some of the most bizarre themed restaurants in Taiwan.

#11 Many Temples of Taiwan

Taiwanese people are highly spiritual as evidenced by the multitude of temples located across Taipei, each one brimming with stunning architectural designs, vibrant colors, and various festivities and cultural celebrations throughout the year. With over 15000 registered temples, they are truly meccas for locals to converge and engage in regular devotions and spiritual rejuvenation, and for tourists admiring intricate Chinese architecture and awe-inspiring designs, some of them dating back centuries.