Obtaining a driver's license in Taiwan can be the key to freedom, and let you see more of Taiwan faster than ever. Some countries have international agreements to recognize driver's licenses from other countries, but if your license has expired or if your country has no agreement with Taiwan, it probably means you need to take the driver's license test.
In this blog, I will show you how it is possible to pass the test for both cars and scooters without expensive and ineffective driver's education courses. 

Taiwan is a place that should be explored not just with public transportation (as convenient as it is). If you only take public transportation everywhere you go, you are missing out on a huge part of Taiwan. You could take taxis everywhere to see these sights, like a rich Chinese person, or you can take the cheaper option and rent a vehicle. Many of the scenic and rural sights of Taiwan can’t be experienced except by hiring your own vehicle.
 
Renting a Vehicle in Taiwan:
 
        Taiwan is the scooter capital of the world, so driving a car can be dangerous here because you need to be more aware of your surroundings. 
However, if you are looking to get around the island faster, are travelling with multiple people, have lots of luggage, or you  are afraid that scooters are dangerous, I would suggest renting a car.

Do you have any recommendations? 
We recommend using Qeeq here, Klook here, KKday here, or Kayak here to rent or charter cars in Taiwan. 

Car Rental Fast Facts: 
 
Where? 
Car rental places can be found next to most airports and in all major cities. But don’t expect them right next to every small train station.

Pricing? 
Cheap would be 1000-1500 NTD a day (30-45 USD), average would be $2000+ a day (60 USD), and expensive would be $3,000+ a day (100+ USD). Discounts are often given for multiple day rentals and for weekdays.

Do I need a local license? 
No. However, you should get an international driver’s permit. If you don’t have an international driver’s permit there is no guarantee that you can rent a car. Check with the rental agency beforehand and make necessary preparations.

​How do I get a local Taiwanese license?
​Check out our guide on getting a driver's license in Taiwan here.
You can also check out our guide to getting an International Driver's Permit here. 

Does Taiwan have Uber?
Yes but its just as expensive as a Taxi. Uber was banned and fined multiple times because their business model was deemed illegal. Uber drivers were required to have a professional driver’s license. Now they work with local rental car companies to keep the app going in Taiwan. 
 
What side of the road does Taiwan drive on?
The Right side.

How much is the price of gas? 
As of July, 2023 it is around 30 NT (1 USD) per liter for 95 octane gas.

You can also book Wifi and SIM cards for Taiwan on Gigago here.  

Anything else I should be aware of when driving in Taiwan? 
Yes!

• Driving on National Highways will incur a fee of about 1.5 NT per kilometer, so don’t be surprised when the rental company throws this extra fee at you.
• Turning right at a red light is against the law.

• When turning right, check your blind spot and the space behind your car for scooters. There are scooters everywhere. To make a safe right turn, make sure to signal early, turn slowly, and check your mirrors and blind spots. 
• Check for speed cameras and red light cameras. These are the only effective way of traffic enforcement in Taiwan, and they are everywhere! But, most GPS systems in Taiwan will tell you where they are and will warn you when you approach them.
• Getting in an accident can be messy and involve a long litigation process. If it's just a minor accident, consider paying cash to the other person and avoid calling the police if at all possible.  However, always consult with your rental company on their accident policies.
• There are a few lanes in Taipei City that are just for buses. Don't drive on them.
• Some lanes are only meant for scooters or motorcycles.
• Avoid small alleys if at all possible. You can get stuck and might have to end up backing out.
• If you come to a blind corner, there should be a round mirror at the intersection to let you see if there is any oncoming traffic from the right or left.
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Where can I rent cars in Taiwan? 
We recommend using Qeeq here, Klook here, KKday here, or Kayak here to rent or charter cars in Taiwan. 

Summation of Rental Car Companies in Taiwan:
(please note this is not a complete list. Other discounts and offers can be found on each company's website)

Qeeq
website: https://www.qeeq.com/

• English Capable - Yes
• Relatively Cheap - Yes
• Cheapest Car is about 1,240 NT per day (39 USD).
• Locations - Multiple cities throughout Taiwan (airport and HSR pickup possible). This website works with multiple car companies in Taiwan to find the cheapest deals. 

KKday 
website: https://www.kkday.com/

• English Capable - Yes
• Relatively Cheap - Yes
• Cheapest Car is about 800 NT per day (25 USD).
• Locations - Multiple cities throughout Taiwan (airport and HSR pickup possible)

Klook 
website: https://www.klook.com/

• English Capable - Yes
• Relatively Cheap - Yes
• Cheapest Car is about 1380 NT per day (43 USD). 
• Locations - Only in Taipei, New Taipei, and a few other cities (airport and HSR pickup possible)

Kayak
website: https://kayak.com/​

• English Capable - Yes
• Relatively Cheap - Yes
• Cheapest Car is about 2,200 NT per day (69 USD).
• Locations - Multiple cities throughout Taiwan (airport and HSR pickup possible). This website works with multiple car companies in Taiwan to find the cheapest deals. 

Expedia
​website: https://expedia.com/

• English Capable - Yes
• Relatively Cheap - Yes
• Cheapest Car is about 2,500 NT per day (75 USD).
• Locations - Multiple cities throughout Taiwan (airport and HSR pickup possible). This website works with multiple car companies in Taiwan to find the cheapest deals. 

Trip.com
​website: https://trip.com/

• English Capable - Yes
• Relatively Cheap - Yes
• Cheapest Car is about 1,500 NT per day (45 USD).
• Locations - Multiple cities throughout Taiwan (airport and HSR pickup possible). This website works with multiple car companies in Taiwan to find the cheapest deals. 

Just to let you know, if you book using the links above, we get some commission at no cost to you, and you can help support our blog. 

Good Cars
website: https://www.goodcars.com.tw/ 

• English Capable - No
• Relatively Cheap - Yes
• Cheapest Car is 1440 NT (44 USD) but can be as cheaper over multiple days.
• Locations - New Taipei City and Taoyuan (airport pickup possible)

Avis Taiwan 安維斯租車
website: https://www.avis-taiwan.com/us/

• English Capable - Yes
• Relatively Cheap - No
• Cheapest Car is 2900 NT (90 USD) per day.
• Locations - Multiple locations in all major cities, including the east coast.

HLC 和運租車
website: https://www.easyrent.com.tw/

• English Capable - Yes
• Relatively Cheap - No
• Cheapest Car is 2500 NT (78 USD) per day.
• Locations - Multiple locations in all major cities, including the east coast. Most locations of any car rental company in Taiwan.

Jinfeng Car Rental 進豐租車
website: http://www.1car-rent.com.tw/service.php

• English Capable - No
• Relatively Cheap - Yes
• Cheapest Car is 1300 NT (40 USD) per day on a weekday and 1500 NT (45 USD) per day on weekends.
• Locations - One location in Taipei

Budget
website: https://www.budget.com/en/locations/tb

• English Capable - Yes
• Relatively Cheap - No
• Cheapest Car is 2500 NT (75 USD) per day
• Locations - 4 locations in Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, and Kaohsiung.

CarPlus 格上租車
website: https://www.car-plus.com.tw/EN/ugC_AboutUs.asp

• English Capable - Yes
• Relatively Cheap - No
• Cheapest Car is 1750 NT (55 USD) per day with cheaper options for longer rentals. 
• Locations - multiple locations in all major cities including the east coast

Renting a Scooter?
Check out our blog about scooter rental in Taiwan here, or our scooter buying guide here. 
Or you can check out Klook here or Kday here to search for options.

Want to buy a car instead?
Please see our car buying guide here. 

Looking for a hotel? Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotels through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. 

Check out our blog index for ideas of where to visit in Taiwan. 
You can also find more tours of Taipei on Klook here or KKday here. ​

Feel free to contact us with any specific questions about car or scooter rental in Taiwan, and please like, comment, and share!
 
-FiTW

As a long-time driver/scooter rider/cyclist in Taiwan, I have seen my fair share of bad driving. Taiwan has its own unique driving culture, which combined with a comparative lack of proper traffic law enforcement has created many bad habits among Taiwanese drivers. Below is a list of some of the quirky bad habits and customs you can see on the roads in Taiwan.

Please note that the following is satire and not to be taken seriously. These are just observations of bad driving from an American living in Taiwan. Please do not perform any of the following. Please follow all the traffic laws of the Republic of China. Please be safe while driving or riding a scooter in Taiwan. Multiple people are injured and killed in traffic accidents in Taiwan every day, partly because they follow these dangerous unwritten rules. Most of these are just bad habits shared by many Taiwanese drivers.

Buying a car as a foreigner in Taiwan can be a confusing and stressful experience. If you do not live near a train station, chances are that you have thought about at least buying a car for long trips. Taiwan is a place that should be explored not just with public transportation, but by car or scooter. If you only take public transportation everywhere you go, you are missing out on a huge part of Taiwan. To make you buying experience smoother, we have created this guide to let you know what to expect and answer any questions.

Most scooter or car rental shops in Taiwan require foreigners to show their International Driving Permit (IDP) before they can rent. However, sometimes they want to see that you have a Taiwan driver's license. Either way, getting an international driver's permit (IDP) is the best choice if you plan to drive in Taiwan as a foreign tourist. 
If you already have a Taiwanese license, you can also apply for an IDP in Taiwan so that you can drive in other foreign countries. 
Overall, the process is simple, fast, easy, and cost efficient.