Do I need a visa to visit Taiwan?

US citizens do not require a visa to visit Taiwan. However, the maximum duration of the stay is limited to 90 days. For other countries, please check with your consulate.

Are COVID quarantine procedures still in place?

No. As of October 13, 2022, Taiwan ended all COVID-19 quarantine procedures which were previously required upon arrival. For the latest updates, please check with the Taiwan CDC: www.cdc.gov.tw

Should I rent a car when visiting Taiwan?

Taiwan's excellent public transportation system means that it's not necessary to rent a vehicle when visiting most metro areas. In Taipei, the MRT will provide easy access to the majority of the city and taxis are readily available. To reach more remote parts of Taiwan along the east coast, you should take the train or consider hiring a driver. More importantly, parking spaces in metro areas are sparse and expensive! I would recommend only renting a car to access more remote areas of Taiwan. Note that rental insurance in Taiwan doesn't work the same way as in the US; it only covers a limited amount of damage.

How much Mandarin should I know before visiting Taiwan?

In most metro areas, there are plenty of English speakers. All major signage includes multiple languages including English and Japanese. In tourist heavy areas like Jiufen and Xiaoliuqiu, most vendors will speak English. However, it's useful to pick up a few phrases!

Where do I throw away garbage in Taiwan?! There's no trash cans anywhere!

Taiwan generally does not have many public trash cans (yet the metros are very clean!). While you are out walking, you should hold on to your garbage until you find one (typically in a MRT station). I often re-use a bag to hold garbage and tuck it into the side of my backpack.

Is the street food safe to eat?

Yes! Taiwan is known for it's amazing night markets and abundant street food around every corner. I've visited Taiwan many times and have never had any gastrointestinal issues with the street food. Follow some basic common sense guidelines: sanitize or clean your hands before handling food, look for well traveled stalls where food hasn't been sitting too long, follow the lines -- locals will often favor specific vendors, and enjoy!

What's the best time of year to visit Taiwan?

The best time of year to visit Taiwan is definitely in the cooler spring and autumn seasons. Beginning in May, Taiwan's temperature and humidity will rise dramatically, making it quite uncomfortable to be outdoors! Additionally, the summer months also tend to have more rainfall. To make the most of your adventure, I strongly recommend visiting in months like April where the weather is still quite dry and mild. The waters off the coast are still warm enough to swim without a wet suit and you won't be dripping with sweat!