TaipeiTravel Tips

Typical weather seasons by month.

When the city is peak, balanced, or quieter.

Typical monthly AQI index trends.

What to know before drinking water, eating street food, or dining out.

• Tap water is treated, but most locals drink filtered or boiled water.
• Busy stalls are safer than quiet stalls; turnover matters more than decor.
• Carry cash for traditional markets and older breakfast shops.
• Seafood is best ordered from places with visible ice, tanks, or fast table turnover.

Common scams and safety precautions during your stay.

• Taipei is very safe, but keep bags closed in night markets and crowded MRT stations.
• Use metered taxis or app-based cars; cash taxis are normal and generally reliable.
• Avoid vague massage touts around entertainment streets late at night.
• Typhoon alerts are serious; do not plan mountain or coast trips during warnings.

Respectful behavior for temples, neighborhoods, and restaurants.

• Queue cleanly; cutting lines is noticed immediately.
• Keep MRT conversations low and do not eat inside trains or paid station areas.
• Give and receive items with both hands in refined settings.
• At temples, move quietly and follow the direction of local worshippers without photographing rituals too closely.

Plugs, voltage, and electrical charging standards.

Tipping customs for dining, taxis, and services.

• Tipping is not expected in normal restaurants, taxis, or cafes.
• Upscale hotels may add service charges; extra cash is optional for exceptional help.
• Do not force a tip if staff politely refuse it.

Essential local laws and regulations to respect.

• Do not eat or drink inside MRT trains or paid station zones.
• Stand on the right side of escalators unless signage directs otherwise.
• Smoking is restricted in many public areas; use marked smoking zones.
• Jaywalking fines are real, especially around major intersections.

Health advice for climate, insects, and well-being.

• Summer heat is heavy; schedule outdoor walks before late morning or after sunset.
• Mosquito protection matters near riverside parks, foothills, and wet summer areas.
• Carry a light mask in winter if you are sensitive to haze.
• Pharmacies are reliable for basic medicine, but bring prescriptions in original packaging.

Simple local phrases that help with greetings and polite conversation.

Useful phrases for shopping, bills, and price negotiations.

Phrases for dietary preferences, vegetarian choices, and water.

Polite ways to decline offers, transport, or street vendors.

Directions for finding toilets, basic shopping, and asking help.

Emergency calls, hospitals, and help phrases in the local language.