These are top tips for first time Taiwan travellers, as suggested by some of our 200,000 Taiwan Travel Tips (TTT) Facebook group members. Comprising travellers and local Taiwanese netizens, this helpful group have come up with a wide range of recommendations to make your first Taiwan trip much easier.
Areas covered include what to pack, Taiwan weather, Taiwanese food, transport, itinerary advice plus much more – and even some things to avoid too!
This post may contain affiliate links to tours and hotels. These help us earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.
Based on the hundreds of responses we got back, common Taiwan threads include toilet paper, road safety and to just take your time and enjoy exploring.
Please remember that some of the tips are quite ‘subjective’ and as you’ll see, sometimes not everyone agrees – but our Taiwan Travel Tips group is a marvellous mix of international travellers, including around 15% Taiwanese members.
Here are almost 200 tips for Taiwan first time travellers as suggested by those who know Taiwan – and we think they will be helpful for some repeat visitors too!
Check out out other Taiwanderers articles compiled using TTT suggestions and votes >
Taiwan checklist
We love using agoda.com (use the code TAIWANDERERS for a discount), expedia.com and booking.com for researching and booking all our hotels.
For booking tours, transfers and buying SIM cards/eSIMs we recommend Klook, Get Your Guide, Viator or KK Day.
For booking rental cars visit Discover Cars. For private drivers and taxis, check out our Transfer guide >
Find safe storage spaces across Taiwan with Bounce (and get 5% discount).
For more recommendations, check out our Taiwan travel booking resources page >
All set for Taiwan? Do one final check with our Taipei first timers guide and our packing list guide. Travelling with kids? Check out our Taipei For Kids eBook >
The most liked Taiwan tip from the group
“Don’t hesitate to ask for help. People here are very willing to give you a hand whenever you need it.” – Susanna Chueh
We also really liked:
“Go with no preconceptions and just let Taiwan take your heart” – Karen Young
Before you fly / packing and clothing tips
“Do not overpack luggage with too many clothes. Leave room in your luggage to store shopping purchases” – Lisa Kung
“If you’re just on a short trip, bring disposable undies, especially during the months leading up to winter. Most days it’s so humid anything you wash and leave to dry in the hotel room will still be slightly wet by the time you leave” – Suzette See
“Take almost empty luggage to go!” – Yuki Lee -Bryan
“Pack your best walking shoes!!!” – Kim Brite
“Wear compression socks during the long haul flight do they your feet don’t swell” – Weina Wanda Sampson
“Western women, bring your own bras!” – Oliver Daï
“Get an international drivers license before you enter Taiwan” – Eva Oenes-Van Der Aalst
“Wear moisture wicking clothes. You can find some at UNIQLO or Decathlon in a pinch. But, my biggest mistake was wearing cotton in the summer time. Also, waterproof shoe covers. Helpful during downpours and preserving your sole pair of shoes. POYA carries them” – Mary Ann Reyes
Taiwan SIM cards
“Get a local prepaid SIM card or rent a pocket WiFi with unlimited data (~$20 USD/ month)” – David W S Lin
“Buy a SIM card for your phone to get internet” – Val Kyrie
Our first timers guide to Taiwan / Taipei may also be of use – it includes useful information including remembering to fill out the online arrival card from 7 days before you fly, Taiwan SIM and eSIM advice plus how to get the airport MRT from Taoyuan to Taipei Main Station.
One member also mentioned it is worth checking your local operator roaming rates first before flying to Taiwan as it might be cheaper than a local SIM (often not but do check).
Taiwan Itinerary tips / things to (not) do
“Sleep a few hours when you first get there, wake up at noon to start the day. Jet lag is pretty tough to get over!” – Lina Sue
“Book a longer holiday than you think you will need! There is a lot to see!” – Naomi Anning
“Don’t stay only in Taipei” – Huang Qiaon, Salman Chan Sing-Man and Ian Eichelberger
“If possible, hike up Elephant Mountain. Take the bus to Jiufen. Eat the night market food (all of it). Go up Taipei 101. Walk. Been to Taiwan 3 times- enjoyed every time” – Bramley Jemain Lemine
“Beware of monkeys when hiking with food! Only eat in designated spaces if they are about” – Matt Reed
“Taipei is a late rising city. Sure some tourist attractions might open at what Westerners might think are regular times but the city doesn’t come alive until much later, so plan your day accordingly” – Jennifer Chang
“Go to a baseball game” – Kathi Bussey Donovan
“Stay longer, plan less, bring cash, use MRT! Be respectful (like all places)” – D’Angelo Dewitt
“Don’t just visit cities, get out into nature too. The air quality in Taiwanese cities is very, very poor. East coast is better than the west coast” – Agnestr Mett
“Taiwan is not promoted enough for its top spots, but if you do some online research and ask other people, you will find the most amazing spots with views you could never imagine. Taiwan has spectacular views, you just need to know where the best spots are to see these views. Follow your own common sense when hiking” – Alex Raymond
“Tainan is so worth it” – Lowlah Basha
“Its a must to visit the north coast – Jiufen, Shifen” – Melai Sallivaram
“Don’t bother going to Shifen as it is an overcrowded, tacky tourist trap and the sky lanterns are pollution” – Tom Jellis
“Venture out of the bustling city to smaller rural counties and you will find many interesting and nice sceneries out there. Make the bold move and a whole new world awaits with a much lesser crowd. Try self driving and visit those places you wouldn’t be able to make with public transportation” – Wei QI
“Make sure to get a travel card for the MRT. Be sure to visit Raohe night market. Spend a day in Wulai, take the cable car, even try to make your own hotspring pool in the river and witness the strange looks from the locals, lol” – Mark Symonds
“Avoid group tours. Don’t try to go each and every tourist spots in one trip, you can always go back” – Ramosa Rivero
“If you are visiting Kaohsiung with kids, go to Zuoying Station in the late afternoon and walk to the Pokemon 7-Eleven store, you can then easily walk back through the station to Lianchitan Children’s Park, play for a while, then take a casual stroll around Lotus Pond while the sun sets. The pagodas are beautiful at night. You are then an easy 10 minute cheap and affordable uber ride away from Riufang Night Market. We wish we went to Kaohsiung sooner” – Matt Reed
“Avoid Taiwan during CNY / Lunar New Year”* – Roberto-Honeylyn Kong
* We don’t necessarily agree with this – we often visit Taipei during Lunar New Year as the city is quieter and there are lots of celebrations. Many places stay open.
“See one night market, you’ve seen them all. Taiwan’s cities are the same. Go to the east and in the mountains and rivers” – Erick Janssens
“Allow a day in Taipei Zoo – they close early so going there after lunch is not enough” – Richelle Ramirez
“Go to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village (near Sun Moon Lake)”- Anjola Mae Orencia
“Get a foot massage – or two!”- Kerri Lorigan
“Plan your itinerary” – Ferdinand Sabado
“Don’t stay in one airbnb / hotel” – Hyman John Diola Ombid
“Skip all the tourist stuff you see online and just explore – you’ll discover way better places and things to see!!” – Royston Cooper
“Take advantage of free walking tours” – Cora Mendoza
“Allow time to just wander around the streets! And talk to the locals. We’ve had such amazing unplanned experiences in Taiwan by taking the time to “do nothing”. There’s never a dull moment there!” – Brianne Davio
“Go to Taroko Gorge National Park” – Elisabetta Sensi (note as of summer 2026,most of the Taroko trails are still closed after the recent devastating earthquake but the road is open certain times of the day and you can stay overnight at Silks Place Taroko).
“Plan your trip, but when you get there “go with the flow”. If plans change, relax and follow the change. Explore. You will have unique, magical experiences that can only be had in Taiwan” – Lori Peacock
“My travel motto was and still is “this might be my first and last time to be able to visit these places” so I have a tendency to ‘slightly over-pack’ our itineraries always thinking that we can always rest and sleep when we get home. I have no choice (stubborn) but to still believe in what I have first believed in and fortunately it has partially worked out. This is me. I could be wrong or be very wrong. It does not have to be you and your travel plans. Enjoy” – Edwardo Martin
And be sure to join our Taiwan Travel Tips (TTT) Facebook group, our Taiwanderers Facebook page, TikTok and Instagram page for more general Taiwan travel advice.
Public Transport, Taxis and Airports
“If your airline allows it, try flying to the Songshan airport (TSA) instead of Taoyuan airport (TPE). The airport is located in the middle of Taipei and far easier and faster to access from the city. Just a quick subway ride from downtown Taipei. And local taxis also service the airport without having to pre-arrange. The MRT station also has a service desk to refund the remaining balance on the EasyCard” – Wilfred Lee
“Get an MRT card (EasyCard) and go” – Vin Scheihagen
“For Taipei, two things you don’t need to stress about.
1) how to get to Jiufen – easy train then many cheap taxis ready to take you to the town.
2) To and from the airport – you don’t need to reserve or plan the airport express train from Taipei Main Station” – Matt Reed
“If you get confused about the subway or bus lines you can use Google Maps and use the walking option to navigate around” – Pei-Chi Chang
“Food and drinks are not allowed in Taipei metro after you are tapped in. Our first time using the metro, we were thirsty and were ready to drink water out of our bottles on the platform. An employee kindly and professionally told us that it’s not allowed” – Anchi Tsai
“MRT is really easy to use and one of the most important things is to determine which exit number is closest to where you want to go. This makes exiting and navigating stations so much easier. I know lots of train systems around the world do this but Taipei’s actually works and is helpful”- Jennifer Chang
“Beware of the traffic, it’s insane and traffic laws are optional (at least they were 20 years ago). But public transportation is awesome, so you probably don’t have to deal with driving yourself at least” – Craig Rich
“Follow the directions given by the MRT staff – and by the grandmas and grandpas. They know better than those content creators” – ShaneRocelle Espiritu
“Use buses!” – Joshua Manalo
“Beware of the crazy taxi drivers!” – Josh Douglas
“Many Taiwanese drivers lack discipline to follow rules, so always keep safety in mind whenever you’re out on the street” – Evangelista Jon
“Be extremely careful when you cross a street” – Jerry Yeh
“There are no taxi scammers. Don’t worry about taxis, Uber” – William Chen
“There are lots of cool 3D and cute EasyCards you can buy, usually at 7-Eleven stores or retro stores on the third floor of the Wannian Building in Ximending” – Neil Hassall
Language
“If you don’t speak mandarin fluently and just in case you may want to take a taxi (because you’re too tired from all the walking and just want to get back to your hotel quickly). Take a photo of your hotel name in Chinese and save it on your phone where it’s readily accessible so you don’t have to dig around to find it. It’s so much easier to show a photo of the hotel (or any other destinations) in local language to the taxi driver instead of struggling to communicate in English or non-fluent mandarin while the taxi is already in motion” – Lisa Kung
“Enjoy your holidays over there, don’t worry about the language barriers, there are people who can communicate in basic English to a proficiency level” – Wilson Dejo
“Have any addresses, hotel names, or place names written in both English and Chinese. Locals are very helpful, but not everyone speaks English” – Christian Daniel Lopez
“Prepare for nobody being able to speak English” – Nick Sanfilippo
Our app guide also includes some useful translation tools.
Taiwan weather tips / when to go
“If you’re there in summer, be ready for heat…and try lots of awesome food” – Chandler Gies
“I would suggest avoiding traveling to Taiwan between June- September. 35°C and 90% humidity. Mid to late October through April are much better.” – David W S Lin
“Always carry an umbrella with you, be it sunny or rainy, at least you are ready” – Ereth Noimi Dytianquin
“It can get super hot and humid in the summer. On one of the trips my sister-in-law took, she said “my sweat is sweating!” Cracks me up every time, but she’s not lying! Lol” – Janet Chi
“If you go in the Summer or Fall, it’s very humid so pack appropriately. Bring (or buy) an umbrella or raincoat as the weather can change abruptly throughout the day” – Calvin Sov
You might like – Our Taiwan hotel guides for all budgets including luxury Taipei hotels and unique hotels
Cash and Money Exchange
“Take a lot of cash with you” – 天狼 龍哥
“Exchange money at the airport right before lining up for Immigration. Good rates and one less thing to worry about once you have entered the country. If you are to use a credit card, make sure to charge in Taiwan NT$, not your home currency. You will get better exchange rate if you charge with NT$” – Weina Wanda Sampson
“Bring cash and do not depend on credit/ debit card” – Alvin Yeo
Useful Purchases
“Buy the repellent on the image the second you arrive and use it! Bite midgets will ruin your trip if you get bitten, they are around on the countryside but also in cities close to ponds or water…you get it in every drugstore or 7-Eleven” – Devi Geigenfeind
“When you arrive (and usually come dehydrated from the plane) and especially if it’s summer and so hot, you can find Pocari Sweat at 7-Eleven. A great electrolyte that will get you back to hydrated and ready to enjoy your trip!” – Lindsay Jane
“Carry toilet paper in your daily bag, as well as paper soap, and folding shopping bags. Wear natural fibers. Get mosquito spray….and eat the Chinese pancakes at the night markets. Wear natural fibers. Take your time, don’t rush. If you like an area a lot, explore” – Ashley Gay
“Males: bring / buy powder… you will sweat… a lot!” – Thomas Bennett
“Don’t expect to find rolls of toilet paper, you’re more likely to find packets of tissues in use and for sale!” – Marion Perkins
“Always carry toilet paper!“ – Laurence Eyton
You might like – Taipei’s best shopping malls or our Taiwan souvenirs guide
Taiwan food and drink tips
“Don’t eat anything for a week before you arrive in Taiwan” – Bob Wilkins
“EAT EVERYTHING! Except Betelnut.” – Howard Lee
“For tea lovers, I highly recommend a visit to a tea farm. Taiwan produces excellent Oolong tea and black tea (called “red tea” in Mandarin).
“The (Taiwan) food is amazing!! If you like to be adventurous, I recommend you start taking probiotics before your trip” – Vero Hernandez
For whisky lovers, I highly recommend a visit to the Kavalan distillery in Yilan. Kavalan produces award winning single malt whiskies. Their expressions are highly praised by whisky connoisseurs and well sought after by whisky insiders. Another distillery worth considering is the government owned Nantou Distillery with its line of Omar whiskies”- Jackson S Wang
“Bring your own napkins for meals. Most places have tiny little tissues the size of 2 squares of toilet paper and they’re usually really thin. I like to have my own napkins because the food can be oily… albeit super yummy!
They don’t often serve ice water at restaurants like we’re used to in the US. You can request it, but sometimes they’ll just bring you room temp water.
Be aware that it’s a big crowded city and there’s no such thing as personal space. It’s not rude or inconsiderate, it’s just cultural. And at places like food courts, if you’re at a 4-top with only 2 of you, it’s not unusual for people to ask to share the table with you.” – Janet Chi
“If you’re traveling with other people who are picky eaters, I recommend going to the malls to eat. There’s a huge food court with multiple cuisines, drinks, desserts. Everyone can eat what they want and still eat together in common eating areas, except hotpots and habachi/grill when they cook your food in front of you. There is air conditioning and it’s clean. There are even supermarkets offering fresh sushi/sashimi and fruits at very reasonable prices.” – Lisa Kung
“Visit any traditional local morning market (check their schedule as some take a day off), this will give you the best sense of local culture and discover some unexpected food or deals. You can find them in every city but the ones in Chiayi and Tainan are great” – Steve Huang
“The food capital of Taiwan is Hualien, and Tainan, as a town and as a food destination, is not worth it. Get the red oil dumplings, not the sugary ba wan” – Todde Allen Williams
“Garden Night Market in Tainan is better than Raohe market. We only went to these two. The Garden Night Market is much bigger. There is more food variety and it is so delicious. Kids love the games too” – Anchi Tsai
“Must try: STINKY TOFU” – Ge Mina
“Plan on gaining 5 to 10 lbs for every week you stay. The food is so good!” – Larry Craft Jr.
“Try the food even if you don’t know what it is. No we don’t eat dogs lol” – Emawee McChan
“Prepare your stomach for the gastronomic experience of great Taiwanese foods!” – Cho Fernandez
“Dare to try different types of food. It is so good in general” – Fredrik Olsson
“Skip Shilin Night Market. It’s over crowded, over priced and really only popular because it’s big and old. There are many better night markets for ambiance, food and trinkets. Everything there can be bought and eaten elsewhere cheaper and usually at better quality/taste”* – Mat Thompson
“Don’t go to Shilin Night Market. Overrated. head to Ningxia or Raohe” – Lim Wee Ping
NB We still quite like Shilin as do some other group members – it is less overcrowded than say Raohe and Ningxia. Check out our best Taipei night markets guide >
“(Eat) Fantuan” – this is Taiwanese breakfast food made with sticky rice and fillings – Mark Schroeder
“Don’t wait in line to try the Taiwanese breakfast; it’s not worth it” – Ana Isabel Mula
“If you love Sushi/ Japanese food then Taipei is one of the best cities to visit” – David W S Lin
The Taiwan Travel Travel tips group also recently voted on the best Taiwan pineapple cakes, best bubble tea and best Taipei vegetarian / vegan restaurants.
Check out our Taiwan food and drink hub including Taiwan chain restaurants, the best Taiwan night market food, Taiwan drinks and more.
Shopping tips
“No shopping bags are provided. You pay a little extra to get bags. So either you bring your own bags for shopping or buy a cute one when you are in Taiwan. Be ready to do a lot of math converting Taiwan NT$ to your home currency. For the most part, things like food are so much cheaper in Taiwan. However, do mental price comparisons before buying” – Weina Wanda Sampson
“Don’t buy things that don’t have price tags” – 陳怡廷
“You can throw your trash in 7-Eleven stores. Ask where the bins are” – Jj Ferro
“Always ask for receipts. In Taiwan receipts double as lottery tickets. Drawn every 3 months. Who knows you’ll win big. I’ve won before but small ones so not worth it to come back just to claim” – Mariana Wijayanti
“Do Not Throw your RECEIPT, and realize that every Taiwan ecard use has cashback” – Robby Kurniawan
Car Rental
“No need to rent a car, unless you’re driving to the other, not as populated cities. City driving can be scary and tough… on that note, don’t be scared in those taxis – they are driving all day, they are used to it. It can be nerve wracking, but they’re pros and know how to fit into teeny tiny spaces.
And if there happens to be an accident, because it’s so crowded, you’re only going at slow speeds, so major injuries are not likely. I go back fairly often and I’ve never seen an accident. Not even a fender bender, though I always wonder how that can be!” – Janet Chi
Prefer to have a driver? Here is our private transfers and taxi guide >
Laundry
“Many hotels have self-serve laundry at minimal costs or even free. The staff also provide assistance with the laundry machine for those who don’t know the local language to operate the machines.
I often start laundry before heading out for breakfast/lunch/dinners with the intention of returning back to the hotel immediately afterwards. Laundry is usually done by the time we return. We usually like to use the restroom before we head out again. One hotel we stayed at had one machine that wash and dry clothes immediately after the wash cycle is complete. Some hotels have separate machines for wash and dry.
There are also self-serve laundromat near hotels. I find it relaxing to take an hour or two to do laundry on a rainy day or on a “relax” day to rest and chill, without having packed events from early morning until late evenings.” – Lisa Kung
You might like – Taipei best neighborhoods to stay and visit >
Taiwan Etiquette
“Learn the Taiwanese word “Pai-Say”… it can mean, sorry, excuse me, or just anytime you’re embarrassed about something, say it. It comes in handy. I lived in Taiwan for over 31 years and whenever I return to this former home of mine, I still use it” – Christopher A. Li-q
“Don’t eat or talk loudly on public transportation. Don’t push your way on. Be polite” – Judy Miller
“Have discipline…respect their cultures and law unless you wanna get in trouble” – Belle Rexie
You might like – Our guide to the best day trips from Taipei including Jiufen, Wulai and Tamsui
Good general Taiwan advice / why you’ll return
“Don’t try to do too much. Super comfy shoes. Bug spray. Note that a lot of businesses don’t open until 11. But… Breakfast places are open really early and often close after lunch, so be aware of hours” – Julie Fishman
“Save as much money as you can, use it well on your trip to Taiwan. It’s not everyday you can go on a trip and treat yourself to a cozy vacation. Enjoy every moment!” – Maynard Cabalitan
“Plan for your 2nd trip while doing your 1st” – Mariana Wijayanti
“Enjoy the evenings. So safe there. And cash is 👑” – Lucy Chi
“Wi-Fi is free. No language barrier!” – Wolfie Eel
“Pace yourself! Enjoy every moment. Don’t rush to see everything.. You’ll be back” – Nina Monique Fernandez
“Be aware, you will come back” – Renate Ausweger
“Be aware Taiwan creates a healthy dependency!!!” – Marco Calvani
“Just enjoy it” – Michelle Fernandez
“Stay longer than you think” – Pb Shih
“Take your time – Bettina Ende
“Have fun – it’s awesome” – Helen Collins
And the last word:
“Don’t go (Taiwan)… You want to go back over and over” – Peggy Smulders
Found this Taiwan first timers tips article helpful?
Did you enjoy our article? Let us know in the comments or by sharing it on social media.
You can follow Taiwanderers on:
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok
YouTube
Pinterest
