TaiwanTravel 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 locals usually boil it; drink bottled or filtered water for consistency.
• Night markets are reliable when stalls are busy, turnover is high, and food is cooked in front of you.
• Choose seafood carefully in smaller coastal towns after storms; refrigeration standards vary.
• Tea shops are excellent, but ask for lower sugar unless you want a dessert-level drink.

Common scams and safety precautions during your stay.

• Taiwan is low risk, but scooter traffic is the real hazard; look both ways even on small lanes.
• Use licensed taxis, Uber where available, or hotel-arranged cars for late arrivals.
• Watch for inflated private car quotes at scenic stations; agree on route and price before leaving.
• Typhoon alerts matter. Do not treat mountain roads or east coast rail disruptions as minor delays.

Respectful behavior for temples, neighborhoods, and restaurants.

• Queue discipline is strict at stations, bakeries, and elevators.
• Keep voices low on trains and in hotel corridors; loud groups read badly here.
• Give and receive payment or business cards with both hands in formal settings.
• Do not eat or drink on Taipei MRT platforms or trains; fines are real.
• At temples, move clockwise, keep photography discreet, and avoid blocking worshippers.

Plugs, voltage, and electrical charging standards.

Tipping customs for dining, taxis, and services.

• Tipping is not expected in local restaurants, taxis, tea houses, or casual bars.
• Upscale hotels and restaurants may include a 10% service charge; add more only for exceptional private service.
• Round up for drivers only when service is genuinely helpful, not as a default habit.
• For private guides, a discreet cash tip is acceptable when they deliver specialist access or strong logistics.

Essential local laws and regulations to respect.

• Do not eat, drink, or chew gum on Taipei MRT trains or inside paid station areas.
• Carry your passport or a clear copy; hotels need identification at check-in.
• Smoking is restricted in many public areas, including transit spaces and many covered walkways.
• Drone use near airports, national parks, and urban landmarks can require permission.
• Mountain permits may be required for serious hikes; apply early for high-demand routes.

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

• Mosquito protection matters in the south and east, especially after rain.
• Summer heat is aggressive; schedule outdoor walking before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
• Typhoon season can close trails, ferries, and east coast roads with little notice.
• Hospitals are efficient in major cities; keep travel insurance details and medication names in English.
• Air quality can dip in winter on the west coast; sensitive travelers should carry masks.

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.