Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan and was the capital of Taiwan for over 200 years. It is also said to be the culinary capital of Taiwan, with many traditional Taiwanese snacks that originated here. Surrounded by historical sites, from the Dutch, Koxinga, and Qing Dynasty, it is a great place to enjoy Taiwan's interesting history and its delicious cuisine.
Below I will list some of the best places in Tainan that I have visited. I will be sure to update this blog as I visit more places later. Planning your trip to Tainan? Here are some top travel tips for you:
When to visit?
Tainan is great year-round, but it can get a little hot in the summer, and Typhoon season and heavy rain season last from about May to October. If you are afraid of the heat and rain then you can visit during winter when the temperatures are mild and the climate is dryer. Where to stay? Most of the accommodation you will find is near the city center. If you only want to visit old Tainan, you can book a hotel near the west part of downtown and consider walking or cycling around the city. We have stayed at and recommend Liho Hotel (you can book on Agoda here, Booking.com here, or Hotels.com here), a quality hotel right next to Chikan Tower, and Famouse Hotel (you can book on Agoda here or Klook here), which is another great hotel also within walking distance of Chikan Tower in old Tainan. You can find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. How to get to Tainan? You can book tickets to travel to Tainan via inter-city bus on Klook here. You can book tickets to Tainan via high speed rail (HSR) on Klook here or KKDay here. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. Need travel insurance? Compare prices on Insubuy here. How to get around in Tainan: As always, we recommend renting a scooter as the best way to see Taiwan. However, you can also a great deal of Tainan by taking the train, inter-city bus, local bus, Youbike, or just walking. Getting around in a car is also a convenient option as there is plenty of parking pretty much everywhere in this less crowded county. Scooter Rental: Looking for scooter rental in Tainan? You can search KKday here or Klook here to look for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. Car Rental: If you are looking for car rentals in Tainan, you can also search Klook here or KKDay here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. Tours: You can find more tours and activities in Tainan such as SUPing / Paddle Boarding, Oyster Harvesting, Wind Surfing, Glamping, Life Sciences Museum, Zuojhen Fossil Park, National Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology, Astronomical Education Area, Arphology Museum, Tainan Art Museum, Ten Drum Cultural Village, Shuei Jiao She Cultural Park, Yukids Island, Container Park, Austin Land, Tsou Ma Lai Farm, Reality Game Experience, Thai Massage, Great Wall Exhibition, Wanpi World Wildlife Park, Zengwen Reservoir Yacht Tour, Anping Canal Cruise, Zoumase Farm and more on Klook here or KKday here. You can also book Wifi and SIM cards for Taiwan on Gigago here. 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. You can click here to receive $5 USD on your first Klook purchase. Map: You can see a map of all the places that we will visit in this blog below:
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Coming to Taiwan as a foreigner can be a lonely and scary experience. Luckily most foreigners that come to Taiwan find out that it is easy to make friends with Taiwanese people, who are mostly friendly and curious towards foreigners in general. Here are the five main reasons that foreigners find it easy to make friends with Taiwanese people.
Basic Taiwan Travel Tips:
Hotels in Taiwan: Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Tours in Taiwan: There are many tour itineraries that you can enjoy in Taipei that will take you to multiple destinations and arrange transportation. For more information, you can check out Tripadvisor here, KKday here or Klook here, which are both great tour websites that can connect you with the right tour and tour guide for you. Here are some of the most popular tours of Taiwan on TripAdvisor:
How to get around in Taiwan: Taiwan's transportation system is convenient and safe. There are many options you can consider to get around in Taipei below: By Train: Gets you to the city center of all major cities in Taiwan. It is about 800NT to get from Taipei to Kaohsiung. Roughly half the price of the HSR. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By HSR: (High-Speed Rail) – Gets you quickly from north to south. Besides Taipei and Kaohsiung, most of the stations are far from city centers. It costs about 1500NT to get from Taipei to Kaohsiung. You can book tickets to the high-speed rail (HSR) on Klook here or KKDay here. By MRT: (Mass Rapid Transit, Metro train, subway) – Easily gets you around Taipei and Kaohsiung. You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from Klook here or KKday here. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Bus: Buses can be tricky. Long-range buses such as Ubus and King Bus are easier to understand and cheaper than the local train. They can take you to the city center of every city throughout Taiwan and to remote tourist destinations such as sun moon lake. A long-range bus from Taipei to Kaohsiung is about 500 NT. You can also book tickets to travel to Shifen via inter-city bus on Klook here. You can also book a Taipei Sightseeing: Hop On, Hop Off Open Top Bus on TripAdvisor here. By Taxi: You can take short rides for about 150 NT, or hire a Taxi for a day for around 150 USD. By Car: If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Scooter: Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. ​You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Okay, now let's get this list started! 
Taiwan has one of the strongest economies in the world, with a high purchasing power parity per capita and GDP PPP. Although the average wage in Taiwan is low, prices are also lower, meaning purchasing power is on par with developed countries. In this guide, we will answer basic questions about Taiwan's economy.
Planning your trip to Taiwan? Here are some top travel tips for you:
Foreword: Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of questions. This is meant to only give a basic overview of Taiwan's economy to those who have not yet been there.
Is Taiwan a developed Country? Yes, with a GDP PPP (Purchasing Power Parity) nearly equivalent to that of Australia, it has one of the highest living standards in Asia. Also, it has one the best quality of life for expats in the world according an article by InterNations. Is Taiwan safe? Yes, Taiwan is one of the safest countries in the world according to Prescavve, due to low crime and high economic freedom and devolopment. What currency does Taiwan use? New Taiwan Dollar. Who is on Taiwan money/dollar bills? Who is on the New Taiwan Dollar? What does Taiwan money look like? What does the Taiwan dollar look like? 1 NT: Chiang Kai-shek 5NT: Chiang Kai-shek 10 NT: Older Chiang Kai-shek 50 NT: Sun Yatsen 100 NT: Front: Sun Yatsen Back: Chung-Shan Building 500 NT: Front: Youth baseball Back: Formosan sika deer and Dabajian Mountain 1000 NT: Front: Elementary Education Back: Mikado pheasant and Yushan (Jade Mountain) 1 NT: Chiang Kai-shek 
5NT: Chiang Kai-shek
10 NT: Older Chiang Kai-shek/ Newer Sun-Yatsen
50 NT: Sun Yatsen
100 NT Front: Sun Yatsen
100 NT Back: Chung-Shan Building
500 NT Front: Youth baseball
500 NT Back: Formosan Sika deer and Dabajian Mountain
1000 NT Front: Elementary Education
1000 NT Back: Mikado pheasant and Yushan (Jade Mountain)
How much is the Taiwan dollar worth?
Check this now. As of jan 3rd 2018 it is worth 29 US dollars. Why is it called the New Taiwan Dollar? This is because during Japanese rule, Taiwan used Taiwan Yen. After WW2, Taiwan was given back to China, and the government of China changed the currency to Taiwan dollars. But, during the Chinese civil war, the Taiwan dollar experienced hyper inflation, and so was later replaced by the New Taiwan Dollar. What type of economy does Taiwan have? Taiwan is an advanced liberal economy, and the 7th largest economy in Asia. It is a member of the WTO, ADP, and APEC, and an observer of the OECD. When does the Taiwan stock market open? The Taiwan stock market is open on weekdays (M-F) from 9:00 am to 1:30pm Taipei time. What is made in Taiwan? 98% of Taiwan exports are industrial goods. Electronics are the most important part of Taiwan’s economy. Taiwan is the largest supplier of computer chips. Semiconductors, LCD panels, computer memory, as well as boats, hardware, scooters, and agricultural products are also made in Taiwan. What are the biggest companies in Taiwan? Foxconn, TSMC and Pegatron, Quanta Computer, and Cathay Life Insurance are the biggest companies in Taiwan. Other companies include Acer, Asus, and HTC. Which bank should I use in Taiwan? Most banks will let foreigners set up an account. Some handy accounts to have when shopping are with Cathay Pacific, which has the Costco credit card, CTCB which is PX Mart, and Yushan Bank which is alligned with Carrefour. How do I open a Taiwan bank account? Typically you can walk in to any bank, and open an account if you bring your passport and/or ARC. If you do not have an ARC, then you will need to apply for a Taiwan uniform ID number at the immigration office first. If you are from a list of countries that is high risk because of money laundering it may be harder to open an account. Also, if you are American you will have to sign a W9 or similar form because of FACTA. How much is food in Taiwan?/ How much is food in Taipei?/ How much does Taiwan food cost? Check here. An average cheap meal in Taipei is 80-160 NT. In the south it may be 10-20 NT cheaper. Why live in Taiwan? Taiwan is one of the best countries in the world with one of the best qualities of life. Taiwan boasts delicious food, great weather year round, amazing tourist sites, friendly people, cheap cost of living, and economic opportunity. How much does it cost to live in Taipei? Average rent is 17,220.13 NT for a one room apartment, but can range from 10,000-25,000NT. Food is 80-160 NT for a cheap meal in Taipei. How much does it cost to live in Taichung? The average rent for a one room bedroom in Taichung is 9,444 NT, but can range from 7,000 NT to 14,000 NT. How much does it cost to live in Kaohsiung? Rent is 8,375.00 NT on average for for a one room apartment, but can range from 6,000 NT to 12,000 NT. How does Taiwan make money? Where does Taiwanese wealth come from? Taiwan makes most of its money by exporting electronics. Electronics are the most important part of Taiwan’s economy. Taiwan is the world’s largest supplier of computer chips. Also, over 70% of Taiwan’s GDP comes from the service industry. How does Taiwan increase its crops? Irrigation systems and dams, modern machinery, pesticides, and GMOs. What does Taiwan import? Taiwan imports a huge variety of items. The top ten imports in 2016 were as follows:
What does Taiwan export? The top ten exports in 2016 were as follows:
From where does Taiwan import oil? Taiwan imports nearly 99% of its oil from the Middle East and Persian Gulf countries. Where does Taiwan import from? Taiwan’s biggest imports come from China/HK, Japan, the US, Europe, and ASEAN countries. Where does Taiwan get its water? From reservoirs and rivers that originate mostly in Taiwan’s mountains. How much money does Taiwan have? The average net worth of a Taiwanese household in 2015 was NT 11 million, roughly 370,000 USD. Taiwan also has 447.21 billion in foreign exchange reserves. Have any more questions about Taiwan's Economy? Please leave them in the comments below, and we might just add them to the list! Please like, follow, and share to help everyone know that Taiwan is a friendly and inviting place for foreigners to do business! 
Foreword: Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of questions. This is meant to only give a basic overview of Taiwan's schooling landscape to those who have never been there.
Are there foreign schools for my children in Taiwan? Yes, there are a number of American and European schools in Taiwan. Please click here for a full list: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_international_schools_in_Taiwan What is Preschool like for kids in Taiwan? Check out our Preschool guide here. Is Taiwan Safe? Yes, Taiwan is one of the safest countries in the world according to Prescavve, due to low crime and high economic freedom and devolopment. How to study in Taiwan? How do you Study in Taiwan? There are many coffee shops, book stores, and libraries with free internet. Here is a map of working café’s made by Alexander Synaptic: 
Life in Taiwan as a foreigner is amazing. Taiwan is one of the best places in the world for foreigners to live. Life is convenient, there is a high standard of living, and the people are friendly. Here we will dive into the detailed aspects of living in Taiwan.
Planning your trip to Taiwan? Here are some top travel tips for you:
In an effort to treat foreign residents equally, Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior responded to complaints of foreign residents by changing the ARC Uniform ID numbering system to match the format used by Taiwan citizens. Because of this, every foreigner must change their ARC number the next time they change or update their ARC card starting Jan. 1 2021. So what do you need to do after your ARC number has changed?
(Please note that the following questions and answers are for reference only and are not a comprehensive list of regulations. Local laws and regulations are constantly changing, and different cities, counties, and private property owners have differing droning rules. Please double check with Taiwan's Civil Aviation Bureau, local authorities, national parks, or property owners if you have any doubts about flying your drone in a certain area.
Flying a drone (quadcopter, RC helicopter, remote UAV etc.) in Taiwan can be fun, safe, and positively impact the community if you do it right. For some of our own drone videos in Taiwan, check out the video below, as well as my drone playlist on Youtube, and don't forget to subscribe to our Youtube Channel here. 
Taiwan has some of the best food in the world; even if you are a picky American like me you can find something delicious here that you will be sure to miss if you ever leave. Food is one of the main things that has brought me back to Taiwan time and time again. Here I will list my favorite Taiwan foods. Try not to drool too much on your screen or keyboard.
You can check out our Taiwan fruit guide here, our Taiwan Mango guide here, and our Taiwan Dessert guide here. Planning your trip to Taiwan? Here are some top travel tips for you:
My Food Journey in Taiwan: To be honest, as a 19-year-old picky snot-nosed kid coming to Taiwan for the first time, I ate a lot of 7-11 hot dogs (which I still enjoy). During my first week, someone gave me stinky tofu and 1000-year-old egg which made me gag but somehow I was able to swallow. But I loved Taiwan fried rice, fried dumplings, and spring onion pancakes from the first try. It was only later that I began to acquire a taste for things like bento boxes (see above) and seafood which opened a new world for me. I am a picky eater success story and I enjoy almost all Taiwanese food that does not still have its head attached or resemble raw sewage in some way. If you are a new foreigner in Taiwan who is not used to the food, you can try out the things on this list first. I am sure there is something you will love. Also, I would like to note that lots of Taiwanese food is inspired by other countries like Japan and China, but no one really cares. This is food that is eaten in Taiwan. It is just like no one cares that pizza originally came from Italy. Taipei Food Related Tours: You can eat your way through Taipei through such tours and activities as Taiwanese Breakfast Cooking Class in Taipei, Taiwanese Gourmet Cooking Class in Taipei, or Xiao Long Bao, Chicken vermicelli with mushroom and sesame oil, Tofu strips salad, Bubble milk tea. Taiwan Traditional Delicacies Cooking Class and more on TripAdvisor here. You can also search for tours on Klook here, or KKday here. Taiwan foods that we will cover in this blog: 102 Taiwanese Foods that you must try before you die:
Blog Post 
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. 
Taiwan's outer islands are some of the most beautiful and scenic places in the whole country, and each of them can be considered a secret paradise. You can find the best beaches, snorkeling, and diving on these islands. You can also find rich and important historical sites here. Transportation may be difficult, but you will never regret visiting Taiwan's outer islands, and no trip to Taiwan should be complete without doing it.
Planning your trip to Taiwan? Here are some top travel tips for you:
In this blog, we will introduce the main outer islands in Taiwan that are open to tourists (there are 166 islands in Taiwan, this blog only covers a few), point out their unique traits, and compare them to each other. This way you can best prepare for your trip to the outer islands, and at the same time know what you are missing out on. All the outer Islands are great, and I highly recommend visiting them all if you can. When to visit:
How to get there:
Where to stay: Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation on the islands. Tours: There are many tours available on the islands, including scooter rentals, boat tickets, and other activities. For more information, book with Klook here or KKday here. Map: Please see a map of the islands covered in this blog below: 
Before you read this blog, for a general overview of house buying in Taiwan, check out the buying a house in Taiwan FAQ article here.
You can also see our experience renting houses before we started considering buying in this blog. Buying a house was easy, once I had enough money. Can I stop there? Okay first let me explain I am a middle aged American married to a Taiwanese national. I have lived in Taiwan about eight years already. Planning your trip to Taiwan? Here are some top travel tips for you:
Is Taiwan a country? Yes, Taiwan is a country. Here is why.
Taiwan is a country because it has its own government, free elections, its own military, and the people of Taiwan consider themselves Taiwanese, and not part of China. Sadly, the status of Taiwan as a country is often disregarded or ignored due to pressure from China which claims Taiwan as its territory. In this blog, we will explain why Taiwan is a country in simple terms for all those who are truly curious regarding the geopolitical status of Taiwan. Planning your trip to Taiwan? Here are some top travel tips for you:
Taiwan meets the dictionary definition of a country. (臺灣符合字典中對國家的定義.) 
Please note that this guide is written from the point of view of a heterosexual American marrying a Taiwanese National. For other types of marriages in Taiwan, double check with your home country's consulate or office in Taiwan. For an experience of a foreigner marrying another foreigner, check out this blog by Sam.
Generally speaking, getting married in Taiwan is not that complicated. Typically, you should only require the following documents, and apply for marriage at the local house registration office:
Q: What documents do I need to get married in Taiwan? A: Marriage in Taiwan required documents:
If you need help obtaining a visa to Taiwan, you can use Ivisa.com. Marriage agreement (結婚書約) sample below: 
Taiwan has recently received a lot of press for its great response to the Covid-19 outbreak. But Taiwan has had a world class universal healthcare system for decades, known as National Health Insurance (NHI). People have long been coming to Taiwan for "medical tourism," due to Taiwan's low cost and high quality medical care. In this article we will answer common questions about Taiwan's healthcare system and why it is perhaps the best in the world.
Please note that some of the answers below are anecdotal based on personal experience using National Health Insurance in Taiwan, and are for reference only. 
"Scooter Waterfall" on the Taipei Bridge bridge between Sanchong and Taipei City.
Whether you are coming to Taiwan for three days or for three years, it can be hard getting used to a new country, and new culture, and a new way of living. To help you out, we have prepared this guide to help you survive and thrive in this amazing country.
Taiwan is a tropical country that straddles the tropic of cancer. In northern Taiwan, the winters can be cold and wet, and it can also get very gold and even snow sometimes in the mountains. In the south of Taiwan, it is usually warm year round. There are also tropical cyclones and monsoon rains in the summer. Over, the weather in Taiwan is varied and you should come prepared depending on the time of year you are visiting.
Planning your trip to Taiwan? Here are some top travel tips for you:
Taipei is Taiwan's capital, as well as its most advanced and vibrant city. It is usually the first stop for most international visitors. In this guide, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this amazing city.
Planning your trip to Taipei? Here are some top travel tips for you:
Preface: This blog has taken me countless hours over a few years to compile, so if you want to share the information or photos in this blog, please provide a link and proper citation back to this web page.
The New Taiwan Dollar is the national currency of Taiwan (ROC), and it includes five main bills and five main coins that are currently in circulation. It is one of the sure signs that Taiwan is a free and independent nation. Have you ever wondered what the meaning or significance of the designs on these bills? Well in this blog we will explore these in depth. 
In Taiwan, funerals and death rituals are very different that funerals in the west. Taiwan's funeral rites are influenced by Buddhism, Taoism, ancestor worship, and folk religion. In this blog, we will explore the different funeral rituals and rites, and let you know what you can expect at a Taiwanese funeral.
Foreword: Please note this blog and FAQ section are written from the perspective of a long-term American expat married to a Taiwanese spouse. Part of the facts for this blog have been taken from personal experience attending multiple funerals in Taiwan, and also from research such as Chinese anthropology classes and other research. 
Rainbow Bridge Near Raohe Street Night Market in Taipei
Taiwan is the best kept travel secret in Asia. There are many tourist destinations all over the country that are worthwhile for foreigners from all over the world to visit. In this blog, we will answer you questions about tourist sites in Taiwan.
Planning your trip to Taiwan? Here are some top travel tips for you:
Tourist Sites Map:
See below for our map of tourist sites in Taiwan:
Foreword: Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of questions. This is meant to only give a basic overview of Taiwan's tourist sites to those who have never been there. Also, the following "best" lists are based on our opinions based on years of experience as foreigners living in Taiwan only, and are not necessarily fact.
What to do in Taiwan?/ What is there to do in Taiwan? Hiking, mountain climbing, eating at a night market, shopping, surfing, snorkeling, river tracing, cycling, jogging, sight-seeing, paragliding, parasailing, and much much more! What is the best time to visit Taiwan? In our opinion summer is the best time to visit Taiwan, because that is when there is the most sunshine and the cold winds coming off the Taiwan Strait subside. However, many people cannot stand the Taiwan heat, which can reach 39 °C °F and 100% humidity. Also, if you want to do outdoor activities, river tracing is safest in the winter when there is less rain, but wind surfing is best in the winter when the winds are strong. Whatever you plan to do in Taiwan, the weather is usually bearable and there should be a time of year that suits everyone’s fancy. For more info, please visit our weather and climate FAQ. Where to visit in Taiwan?/ Where should I visit in Taiwan? Taipei: Taipei 101, National palace museum, Taipei Zoo and Gondola, Night markets, Beitou hot springs, Yeliu queen’s head, Pingxi Railway, and Jiufen. Taichung: Fengjia and Yizhong Street night markets, Tunghai University, Dakeng hiking trails, and Rainbow Village. Central Taiwan: Alishan, Jade Mountain, Sun Moon Lake, Lukang, and Anping Castle. Kaohsiung: Qijin Beach, Xiziwan Beach, Shoushan hiking trails, Buddah Light Mountain, Chengching Lake, Maolin Butterfly Valley, and Tianliao Moon World. Kenting: Kenting main beach, Baishawan, Kenting night market, Kenting national park, Kenting Aquarium, Xiaoliuqiu, and Jialeshui. Eastern Taiwan: Jiaoxi hot springs, Suao surfing, Tarako Gorge, Sanxiantai, Luye hot air balloon platform, rift valley rice fields, Jhiben hot springs. Outer Islands: All the outer islands! What should I eat in Taipei? Taiwan has some of the best food in the world, and it’s a big reason why foreigners like us love coming back. A lot of these foods cannot easily be found elsewhere, which makes leaving Taiwan that much harder. Our top 10 most delicious Taiwan foods are as follows: 1. Hot Pot Buffet 火鍋吃到飽 2. Roast Duck 烤鴨 3. Fried Chicken 炸鷄 4. Taiwan Lunchbox (Bento) 自助餐/便當 5. Bubble Milk Tea 珍珠奶茶 6. Red Bean Soup 紅豆湯 7. Dumplings and Fried Dumplings 水餃/鍋貼 8. Steamed Buns 包子 9. Fruit Shaved Ice 水果冰 10. Onion Pancake 葱抓餅 How much is the Taipei zoo? Adults – 60 NT Students – 30 NT Preschoolers and disabled persons – Free Groups of 30 or more – 30% discount What time does the zoo open/close in Taipei? 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM What times do night markets open/close in Taiwan? Around 6:00pm – Midnight. What are the best night markets in Taipei?
What are the best night markets in Taiwan?
What are the best old streets in Taipei?
What are the best old streets in Taiwan?
Why is Taiwan the heart of Asia? From a purely geographical perspective, Taiwan lies in a central location in East Asia, between China, Kong Kong, Macau, Japan, Korea, and is also close to the Philipines, and other southeat Asian countries, making it a prime spot for an Asian hub. Taiwan also is highly influenced culturally by other East Asian nations, such as China, Japan, and Korea. Please observe the map below:
How should I tour Taiwan?
My Taiwan tour or Taiwan tour bus. https://www.mytaiwantour.com/ https://www.taiwantourbus.com.tw/C/us/home Why visit Taiwan?/ Why go to Taiwan? Taiwan has friendly people, a safe environment, nice weather, good food, cheap cost of living, and tons of things to see and do! Why live in Taiwan? Taiwan is one of the best countries in the world with one of the best qualities of life. Taiwan boasts delicious food, great weather year round, amazing tourist sites, friendly people, cheap cost of living, and economic opportunity. Where is the Taipei 101? On Xinyi road in Taipei, on the red MRT line Taipei 101/World Trade Center station. See below for a map:
How many days does it take to tout Taipei? How many days should I tour Taipei?
This depends on how much time you have, I have been touring Taipei for 2 years already! What should I do in Taipei? Where should I travel in Taipei? 1 day tour: Morning: National Palace Museum Afternoon: Taipei 101 Night: Shihlin Night Market. 3 day tour: Day 1: National palace museum, Taipei 101, and Night markets. Day 2: Beitou hot springs, and Jiufen. Day 3: Yeliu queen’s head and Pingxi Railway. How do you pronounce Taipei? Tie Pay. Who is Chinese Taipei? What is Chinese Taipei? It is the name of Taiwan used in sporting events such as the Olympics as to not upset its bully neighbor the PRC (China). What should I buy in Taipei? Where should I shop in Taipei? If you are looking for cheap food, delicious snacks, and souvenirs, go to one of the many night markets in Taipei. If you are looking to buy expensive brand named items, go to an outlet or mall such as Sogo. How many national forest recreation areas are there in Taiwan? 18. Click here for a full list. Are there casinos in Taiwan? No. Gambling is prohibited in Taiwan, with very few exceptions. Where should I buy electronics in Taiwan? Online (PC Home and Shoppee), at a night market, at Carrefour, Cankun, or Guanghua Digital Plaza in Taipei. Where should I buy clothes in Taiwan? Pretty much everywhere. Cheap clothes can be found at night markets, Net, Uniclo, and Carrefour. If you want more expensive brands, go to an outlet or mall. Where is Taipei on a Map? Taipei City is located in northern Taiwan, laying in the middle of the Taipei Basin surrounded by New Taipei City. Please refer to the map below:
What is New Taipei City?
New Taipei city is the area surrounding Taipei city, and was formerly known as Taipei county. Where is New Taipei City? New Taipei City (formerly Taipei County), is located in northern Taiwan, surrounding Taipei City. Please refer to the map below:
How Many Islands does Taiwan have?
38! We counted. But there are many other offshore rocks, as well as disputed territory claimed by the ROC but controlled by other countries. For more information, click here. How many cities does Taiwan have? 23. For a full list of cities, click here. Why visit Taipei? Why Taipei? Taipei has friendly people, a safe environment, convenient public transportation, nice weather, good food, cheap cost of living, and tons of things to see and do! Where should I stay in Taipei? There are hundreds of hotels around Taipei the cater to different traveler interests and needs. I recommend Agoda.com as the best hotel search website. You can also try Aribnb. What is the Taipei 101? It was the highest building in the world from 2004-2010. It was designed by C.Y. Lee & Partners, and also had the fastest elevator in the world until 2016. It is an icon of Taiwan’s technological advancement. How is Taipei 101 earthquake proof? How does the Taipei 101 withstand earhquakes? The Taipei 101 is reinforced by concrete piles driven 80 meters below the ground and 30 meters into bedrock. In addition, it made of high strength reinforced steel and flexible materials. How much does the Taipei 101 sway? The most that the Taipei 101 damper has ever swayed was during Typhoon Soudelor, swaying 100 centimetres (39 in). How much did the Taipei 101 cost? NT$ 58 billion (US$1.934 billion) How does the Taipei 101 damper work? The damper works by offsetting strong wind gusts, absorbing the forces and turning them into kinetic energy, moving the damper. How was Taipei 101 built? The Taipei 101 was built in a period of 5 years from 1999-2004. The Taipei 101 is reinforced by concrete piles driven 80 meters below the ground and 30 meters into bedrock. In addition, it made of high strength reinforced steel and flexible materials. It was designed by C.Y. Lee & Partners, and also had the fastest elevator in the world until 2016. How is the Howard Plaza Hotel in Taipei? It’s a high end, 5 star hotel in Taipei, with just about all the amenities you can think of. What time does the MRT/Metro open/close in Taipei? The Taipei and Kaohsiung MRTs close at 12:00 AM midnight. They open again at 6:00 AM. The last train at the MRT usually leaves from 11:00PM-12:00AM midnight. To search for exact times for the last train, click here. What time does the Taipei 101 open and close in Taipei? The Taipei 101 Observatory is open every day from 9 AM to 10 PM. What time does the National Palace Museum open/close in Taipei? The museum is open 8:30 – 6:30 on weekdays and 8:30 – 9:30 on weekends year round. Where does the Taiwanese president live? The Taiwan president Tasi Ing-wen lives in the Presidential office building, a red brick structure originally constructed by the Japanese. Have any more questions about Taiwan's tourist sites, or have any suggestions for more sites to see in Taiwan? Please leave them in the comments below, and we might just add them to the list! Please like, follow, and share to help everyone know that Taiwan is a friendly and inviting place to travel year round! 
I have had many friends ask me if I know where they can stay in Taiwan that rents month to month, or for only a few weeks at a time. Whether it be for a short time contract, short term work, a business trip, or a short time study, it can often be hard to find suitable accommodation that will not cost you a fortune. Therefore we have created this frequently asked question guide to help foreigner travelers find short term hotels that have what they need.
Your decision between an extended stay hotel and a regular hotel depends on your preferences and what amenities you anticipate needing. You can, however, enjoy more benefits with extended-stay hotels in terms of features, flexibility in booking, and prices. 
With two thirds of the island covered in mountains, Taiwan has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. One of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of Taiwan is via camping. Below is a very basic level FAQ on camping in Taiwan for foreigners that have never experienced it.
Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with any camp ground or camping products in Taiwan. The following FAQ is only based on our opinion after years of camping in Taiwan, and should not be considered absolute fact. If in doubt, make sure you check with the local police station or other government office to make sure you are following local regulations while camping in Taiwan. Planning your trip to Taiwan? Here are some top travel tips for you:
How do I book a campsite in Taiwan? Please be sure to check out camping options in Taiwan on Klook here or KKday here. 
The nursery or "infant room 嬰兒室 Yīng'ér shì," where the baby will stay for three days after birth.
Taiwan is a safe, inexpensive, and convenient place to give birth. Taiwan has a world class healthcare system, capable doctors, and top of the line medical facilities. If you are hesitant about whether or not you want to give birth in Taiwan, let me tell you now that there is nothing to worry about, and having a baby in Taiwan will be fine. I have created this brief guide here for you so that you can understand a little more about what it is like to give birth in Taiwan.
Forward: Please note that I am writing this blog and FAQ section from the perspective of an American father, married to a Taiwan National, covered by Taiwan's National Health Insurance. I have recently gone through the birth of two children in Taiwan, born in 2017 and 2020. One was born in a private local clinic and the other was born in a public city hospital.
This blog will begin with my experience, and at the end there is a frequently asked question (FAQ) section.
Taiwan's Alien Digital Citizen Certificate is a useful tool to authenticate your identity on the internet, so that you can take care of many government related tasks related to your personal data online. With this certificate you can pay taxes, check your health records, check your pension accounts, receive invoice lottery winnings, check your credit history, and much more.
The main reason I applied for my Digital Citizen Certificate was to check my pension account. There is pretty much no other way to access your Taiwan pension information except with this card. Similarly, when you need to share information efficiently, you can generate a QR code to provide quick access to online data, documents, or websites. This makes it much easier for people to scan and retrieve details without having to go through complicated steps or processes. 
Renting an apartment in Taiwan can be confusing and frustrating. As a long term rental tenant and expat in Taiwan I have lived in over ten apartments and have dealt with all kinds of problems, from bad landlords to noise to bugs. I feel like my experience can help other expats searching for apartments in Taiwan, so I have created this guide and FAQ to help people avoid the mistakes that I have made in the past, and have a pleasant rental experience in Taiwan.
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Author 作家I am an American expat who has extensive experience living, working, and traveling in Taiwan. In my day, I had to learn many things about Taiwan the hard way. But I have come to learn that Taiwan is one of the best places in the world for Foreigners to live. This blog does not represent the opinions of every foreigner in Taiwan. I am just trying to help others learn more about this beautiful country. Categories
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- Taiwan Cycling Guide – The Ultimate Guide to the Bicycle Kingdom 台灣騎自行車指南
- The Ultimate Taiwan Scooter/Motorcycle Rental Guide 在臺灣租機車
- The Ultimate Taiwan Car Rental Guide – Save Money on Your Next Trip 臺灣租汽車指南
- Camping in Taiwan Guide – Everything you Need to Know 在台灣露營常見問題
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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Taipei 臺北旅遊指南
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- Yangmingshan National Park 陽明山懶人包 – Your Complete Travel Guide
- Ultimate Guide to Taipei’s Old Streets 台北老街指南
- The Ultimate Travel Guide to Pingxi and Shifen 平溪懶人包
- The Ultimate One-Day Taipei Itinerary 一天在臺北怎麽旅遊
- The Ultimate Guide to Taipei’s Night Markets 臺北夜市指南
- The Most Awesome Day Trips from Taipei 台北一日遊景點
- The Complete 2025 Beitou Hot Springs Guide: Soak Like Royalty 北投溫泉英文指南
- The Best Views of the Taipei 101 (Best Places to see New Year’s Fireworks) 欣賞101煙火的最佳地點
- The Best Beaches Near Taipei: North Taiwan’s Top 10 台北前10名的沙灘 >
- Tamsui Travel Guide – Taipei’s Amazing Historic Riverside Town 淡水最佳的景點
- Taipei’s Waterfall Guide – Explore the City’s Most Breathtaking Falls 台北瀑布指南
- Taipei Museum Guide – Discover the Best Museums in Taipei 臺北博物館指南
- Taipei City Hiking Guide – The Best Hikes in Taipei 台灣爬山指南
- Taipei 101: The Ultimate Guide to Taiwan’s Tallest Tower (臺北101)
- Shifen Waterfall and Old Street Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
- Qingtiangang Grassland: See Amazing Views and Buffalo Close-Up 擎天崗
- Our Travel Guide to Wulai – Taipei’s Amazing Mountain Paradise (烏來旅遊指南)
- Jiufen Old Street – Taiwan’s Amazing Mountainside Village 九份老街
- Dihua Street and Dadaocheng – Taipei’s Amazing Historical Hipster Paradise 迪化街及大稻埕
- Children and Parent’s Travel Guide to Taipei 小孩及家長台北旅遊指南
- Taiwan’s Northern Coast Travel Guide – Discover a Beautiful and Amazing Coastline 台灣北海岸懶人包 >
- Keelung Travel Guide – Best Places to See in the Harbor City 基隆旅遊指南
- Taoyuan Travel Guide – More Than Just an Airport City 桃園旅游懶人包
- Travel Guide to Hsinchu 新竹懶人包 – Taiwan’s Charming Tech Hub
- Miaoli Travel Guide – Discover this Amazing Mountainous Backwater 苗栗旅遊懶人包 >
- Taichung Travel Guide 台中旅遊懶人包 – Discover Central Taiwan’s Hidden Secrets
- Gaomei Wetlands – Complete Guide to Taichung’s Amazing Wildlife Area 高美濕地
- Nantou Travel Guide – Taiwan’s Most Stunning Mountain Getaway 南投縣懶人包
- Sun Moon Lake Travel Guide – Taiwan’s Most Beautiful Lake 日月潭旅游指南
- Changhua Travel Guide – Fall in Love with Taiwan’s Historical Central County 彰化懒人包
- Chiayi Travel Guide – Best Places to Visit, Eat & Explore 嘉義懶人包
- Alishan 阿里山 – Taiwan’s Ultimate Mountain Destination
- Alishan Forest Railway Travel Guide (阿里山森林鐵路) – Taiwan’s Most Scenic Rail Line
- Yunlin Travel Guide 雲林旅遊懶人包 – A Rural Wonderland in Southwest Taiwan
- Tainan Travel Guide: Discover Taiwan’s Oldest City & Ultimate Foodie Paradise – 臺南懶人包
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Travel Guide to Kaohsiung – Southern Taiwan’s Most Vibrant City 高雄旅遊懶人包
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- Tianliao Moon World Travel Guide 田寮月世界 – Taiwan’s Out-of-this-World Geopark
- Qijin (Cijin) Island Travel Guide – Koahsiung’s Best Beach Destination 旗津懶人包
- Maolin Travel Guide 茂林旅游懶人包 – Our Favorite Place in Taiwan
- Monkey Mountain (Shoushan) 壽山 – Taiwan’s Best Monkey-Spotting Location
- Lotus Pond Travel Guide 蓮池潭 – Kaohsiung’s Scenic Temple Area
- Cheng Ching Lake Ultimate Travel Guide 澄清湖完整導覽
- Pingtung Travel Guide – Explore Taiwan’s Sunniest County 屏東旅遊懶人包
- Kenting Travel Guide 墾丁懶人包 – The Best Beaches in Taiwan
- Travel Guide to Yilan 宜蘭懶人包 – Beaches, Mountains, Hot Springs, and more
- Guide to Toucheng 頭城懶人包 – Yilan’s Amazing Seaside Paradise
- Taipingshan Travel Guide 太平山 – Discover Yilan’s Amazing Mountain Scenery
- Our Guide to Taiwan’s East Coast 台灣東海岸指南 – Taiwan’s Most Beautiful Coastline
- Taiwan’s East Rift Valley (Huadong Valley) Travel Guide 花東縱谷旅遊指南 – The Most Beautiful Places in Taiwan
- Taitung Travel Guide – Top Things to Do in Taiwan’s Outdoor Tourism Paradise 台東懶人包
- Taiwan National Public Holiday Guide 台灣國定假日指南
- The Ultimate Taiwan Hotel Guide 臺灣飯店指南
- The Ultimate Taiwan SIM Card, eSIM, and Portable Wi-Fi Guide
- The Ultimate Taiwan Transportation Guide 台灣交通常見問題
- The Ultimate Taiwan Butterfly Watching Guide 台灣賞蝴蝶指南
- The Ultimate Foreigner’s Guide for Surviving in Taiwan 外國人在台灣存活指南
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