What should I know before visiting Taipei?

Direct answer

Taipei is a safe, modern, and food-focused city with efficient transport, rich night markets, and friendly locals. Plan for humid summers and cool winters, use the EasyCard for transit, and respect local customs around queuing and polite behavior.

Visa / Entry requirements

• Many nationalities can enter Taiwan visa-free for stays from 14 to 90 days. Check the Taiwan (ROC) Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or your embassy for current rules. Visas are required for some countries and for longer stays.
• Passport generally must be valid for at least six months on arrival for many travelers; verify for your nationality.
• Immigration forms are often handled electronically via e-Gate or users may complete an Arrival Card. COVID-era rules have relaxed, but confirm any health checks or vaccine requirements close to travel.

Best time to visit

• Best overall: October to April — mild weather, less rain, pleasant for hiking and city exploring.
• Spring (March–May): comfortable temps, occasional drizzle; cherry blossoms in late Feb–Mar in higher spots near Taipei.
• Summer (June–August): hot, humid, frequent afternoon thunderstorms and typhoon season (July–September) — expect heavy rain and potential travel disruption.
• Winter (December–February): cool and damp, rarely freezing; great for hot springs and fewer crowds.

Safety tips

• Taipei is one of the safest large cities in Asia: low violent crime. Basic precautions (watch belongings, avoid poorly lit areas at night) suffice.
• Petty theft and pickpocketing are uncommon but possible in crowded night markets and transport hubs—use zippers and keep valuables secure.
• During typhoon or earthquake alerts follow local authorities and hotel staff instructions; download the Taiwan Emergency Alert app or follow NCDR and Central Weather Bureau updates.

Local customs and etiquette

• Politeness is valued: bowing slightly, saying “thank you” (謝謝 xièxie) is appreciated.
• Queuing is strict for buses, MRT, taxis, and popular stalls—don’t cut in line.
• Removing shoes at someone’s home is common; accept when asked.
• Tipping isn’t customary in most places; a small tip or rounding up for exceptional service is fine. Restaurants typically include a 10% service charge for larger groups or upscale venues.
• Avoid loud phone conversations on MRT and keep voice levels low in public transport.

Currency and payments

• Currency: New Taiwan Dollar (TWD, NT$). Carry some cash for markets and small vendors.
• ATMs are widely available; international cards work at 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and most bank ATMs. Inform your bank before travel to avoid blocks.
• Credit cards widely accepted in hotels, mid-to-upscale restaurants, and many shops; smaller vendors and night markets often accept only cash. Mobile payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay) and local apps (LINE Pay, JKoPay) are growing.

Transportation

• MRT (metro): clean, safe, easy to use; covers central Taipei and surrounding areas (use the Taipei Metro map). Trains are frequent and punctual.
• EasyCard: reloadable contact card for MRT, buses, some taxis, YouBike bike share, and convenience store purchases. Buy at stations or convenience stores.
• Buses: extensive network; use Google Maps or local apps for routes. Drivers may not speak English—show the destination written in Chinese if needed.
• Taxis: relatively affordable and safe. Use app-hailing (Taiwan Taxi app) or street hail. Ask driver to use meter; carry small bills for fare and tip rounding if desired.
• Trains/THSR: for day trips (Jiufen, Keelung, Taichung) use Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) for regional travel and Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR) for longer-distance trips along the west coast.
• Walking & cycling: Taipei is walkable; YouBike public bikes are convenient for short trips and scenic riverside routes.

Must-know tips & local insights

• Night markets: Shilin, Raohe, Ningxia, and Tonghua are must-visits for street food — try beef noodle soup, xiao long bao, stinky tofu (if adventurous), oyster omelet, and bubble tea.
• Coffee and tea culture: excellent specialty coffee shops and traditional teahouses; consider a tea tasting in Maokong (reachable by gondola).
• Taipei 101: visit for views and shopping; book sunset or clear-day slots and consider Taipei 101 Observatory tickets in advance.
• Hot springs: Beitou is an easy hot-spring neighborhood; dress codes vary for public vs private baths—follow posted rules (some require swimsuits, others are gender-separated).
• Language: Mandarin Chinese is primary. Many young people and service staff speak some English in tourist areas; have addresses in Chinese for taxis or offline maps.
• Internet & SIM: buy a local eSIM or physical SIM at the airport or convenience stores for data; free Wi‑Fi hotspots exist but a local SIM/eSIM is convenient.
• Power plugs: Type A and B (same as North America/Japan) and 110V; bring adapters if needed.
• Day trips: Jiufen (old mining town), Yehliu Geopark, Yangmingshan National Park, Tamsui waterfront, and Pingxi lantern releases are popular.

Practical checklist

• Bring a lightweight rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and layers for variable weather.
• Get an EasyCard on arrival and top up for transit and convenience-store purchases.
• Keep a copy of your passport, travel insurance, and emergency contacts. Note your country’s embassy/representative office in Taipei.
• Download helpful apps: Google Maps, Taipei Metro (MRT) app, EasyCard app, Taiwan Rail/HSR apps, translation app offline pack.

Final quick tips

• Respect queues and polite public behavior. Try night-market food early to avoid long lines. Watch the weather during typhoon season and plan indoor alternatives. Enjoy Taipei’s compact, walkable neighborhoods and exceptional food scene.