Taiwan

Taiwan is a highly developed island nation in East Asia, offering a compelling mix of modern cities, ancient temples, stunning mountain scenery, and world-renowned cuisine. The island is a major hub for business travel, particularly in the semiconductor and technology industries, while also attracting tourists with its night markets, hot springs, and hiking trails.

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) serves as the main international gateway, located about 40km from Taipei. The smaller Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) handles domestic flights and regional international routes to mainland China, Japan, and South Korea, with the advantage of being located within Taipei city limits.

Taiwan's carriers—China Airlines (SkyTeam) and EVA Air (Star Alliance)—are well-regarded for service quality and extensive networks across Asia, North America, and Europe. The island's compact size and excellent High Speed Rail make domestic flights less essential for most travelers.

Taipei Area

Taipei is served by two airports—choosing correctly affects your travel time significantly:

Airport	Code	Distance to Taipei	Best For
Taiwan Taoyuan	TPE	40 km (25 miles)	Long-haul international, most flights
Taipei Songshan	TSA	In city center	Domestic, regional (Japan, Korea, China)

Taiwan Taoyuan (TPE) — Taiwan's main international airport and the hub for China Airlines and EVA Air. Two terminals connected by Skytrain. Terminal 1 serves most foreign carriers, Terminal 2 is primarily China Airlines and EVA Air. Connected to Taipei Main Station in 35 minutes via Airport MRT (NT$160).

Taipei Songshan (TSA) — Located within Taipei city, connected to the MRT system (Songshan station). Handles domestic routes and select international routes to Tokyo Haneda, Seoul Gimpo, and Chinese cities. Much more convenient for these destinations due to location.

Other Major Airports

Airport	City	Role
KHH	Kaohsiung	Southern Taiwan gateway, domestic and regional international
RMQ	Taichung	Central Taiwan, limited international
TNN	Tainan	Southern Taiwan domestic
KNH	Kinmen	Offshore islands, China connections
MZG	Penghu (Magong)	Penghu Islands gateway
TTT	Taitung	East coast domestic
HUN	Hualien	East coast gateway, Taroko Gorge access

Kaohsiung (KHH) — Taiwan's second-largest airport serving the southern metropolis. International flights to Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and China. Connected to city center by MRT (30 minutes to Kaohsiung Main Station).

Flag Carriers

China Airlines (CI) — Taiwan's largest carrier and SkyTeam member. Hub at Taoyuan T2. Extensive network across Asia, North America (Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Vancouver), Europe (Amsterdam, London, Frankfurt, Rome), and Oceania. Dynasty Flyer frequent flyer program.

EVA Air (BR) — Taiwan's second-largest carrier and Star Alliance member. Hub at Taoyuan T2. Known for Hello Kitty themed jets and premium service. Strong transpacific network (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Houston, Chicago, New York, Toronto, Vancouver) and European routes (London, Paris, Amsterdam, Vienna).

Other Taiwanese Carriers

• Starlux Airlines (JX) — Premium carrier launched 2020. Growing network to Japan, Southeast Asia, and expanding to US West Coast. Based at Taoyuan.
• Tigerair Taiwan (IT) — Low-cost carrier (China Airlines subsidiary). Bases at Taoyuan and Kaohsiung. Routes to Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia.
• Uni Air (B7) — EVA Air subsidiary handling domestic routes and some regional international.
• Mandarin Airlines (AE) — China Airlines subsidiary for domestic and regional routes.

International Airlines

Major foreign carriers serving Taiwan:

• United, Delta — US routes via Tokyo partnerships
• Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, ANA, JAL — Asian connections
• Emirates, Turkish Airlines — Middle East/Europe connections
• Air France, KLM — European routes
• Qantas — Australia routes

Visa-Free Access

Citizens of 40+ countries can visit Taiwan visa-free:

Duration	Countries
90 days	USA, Canada, UK, EU/Schengen, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia
30 days	Some countries have shorter visa-free periods

No pre-registration required for visa-free entry. Simply arrive with:

• Valid passport (6 months validity recommended)
• Return or onward ticket
• Proof of accommodation (may be requested)

Visa Required

Citizens not on the visa exemption list must apply at a Taiwan representative office (TECO - Taipei Economic and Cultural Office):

• Tourist visa: Single/multiple entry available
• Processing: 3-5 business days typically
• Requirements vary by nationality

Entry Registration

All travelers should complete the online Arrival Card before departure:

• Available at oa1.immigration.gov.tw
• Speeds up arrival processing

Official visa information: boca.gov.tw

Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR)

The High Speed Rail connects western Taiwan's major cities and is typically faster than flying for domestic travel:

Route	Time	Frequency
Taipei ↔ Taichung	50 min	Every 15-30 min
Taipei ↔ Tainan	1h 45m	Every 15-30 min
Taipei ↔ Kaohsiung (Zuoying)	1h 30m	Every 15-30 min

THSR passes available for tourists:

• 3-day unlimited pass: ~NT$2,200
• Joint HSR + regular rail passes available
• Book via thsrc.com.tw

Recommendation: For travel between Taipei and Kaohsiung/Tainan, THSR is almost always preferable to flying due to city-center stations and frequency.

Domestic Flights

Domestic flights are useful for:

• East coast (Hualien, Taitung) — mountains make rail slow
• Offshore islands (Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu) — only option
• Kaohsiung — if coming from Taoyuan Airport directly

Uni Air and Mandarin Airlines operate most domestic routes. Book via airline websites or local travel agencies.

Local Transport

• MRT: Taipei and Kaohsiung have excellent metro systems
• EasyCard/iPASS: Rechargeable IC cards for MRT, buses, convenience stores, YouBike
• Taiwan Railways (TRA): Connects entire island, including scenic east coast route
• Buses: Extensive intercity and local networks
• YouBike: Ubiquitous bike-share system in major cities

Car Rental

International driving permits accepted. Useful for:

• East coast scenic routes (Suhua Highway alternatives)
• Mountain areas
• Off-the-beaten-path destinations

Note: Taipei traffic is congested; MRT preferred within the city.

Peak Season (October-November, March-April)

Autumn and spring offer the best weather—warm days, lower humidity, minimal rain. Book 4-8 weeks ahead for best prices.

Summer (June-September)

Hot and humid (30-35°C). Typhoon season peaks July-September—check forecasts and have flexible plans. Good for: beaches, water activities, mountain escapes.

Winter (December-February)

Mild in the lowlands (15-20°C), cooler in mountains. Best time for:

• Hot springs (abundant throughout Taiwan)
• Alishan (less crowded)
• Cherry blossoms begin late February

Regional Timing

Region	Best Time	Notes
Taipei/North	Oct-Nov, Mar-May	Rainy winter, humid summer
Central (Taichung/Sun Moon Lake)	Year-round	More stable weather
South (Kaohsiung/Kenting)	Oct-Apr	Hot summer, good winter beaches
East Coast	Apr-Oct	Best weather for Taroko, beaches
Mountains	Oct-Nov	Cooler, autumn colors

Cities

City	Nearest Airport	Known For
Taipei	TSA, TPE	Night markets, temples, modern culture
Kaohsiung	KHH	Harbor city, art, seafood
Taichung	RMQ	Arts district, bubble tea origin
Tainan	TNN, KHH	Ancient capital, temples, food
Hualien	HUN	Taroko Gorge gateway, east coast

Regions & Attractions

• Taroko Gorge: Fly to HUN or train from Taipei (2.5 hours), stunning marble canyon
• Sun Moon Lake: Train to Taichung then bus, scenic mountain lake
• Alishan: Train from Chiayi, mountain railway, sunrise viewing
• Kenting: Train/bus from Kaohsiung, beach resort area
• Jiufen/Shifen: Day trip from Taipei, old mining towns, lanterns
• Penghu Islands: Fly from TSA/KHH to MZG, beaches and basalt formations

Day Trips from Taipei

• Jiufen: 1.5 hours by bus, old gold mining town, Spirited Away vibes
• Shifen: 1.5 hours by train, sky lanterns, waterfalls
• Yangmingshan: 30 min by bus, national park, hot springs
• Beitou: 30 min by MRT, hot spring resort town
• Yehliu: 1.5 hours by bus, unique rock formations

Money

• Currency: New Taiwan Dollar (TWD, NT$)
• Cash: Still widely used, especially at markets and smaller shops
• Cards: Visa/Mastercard widely accepted in cities. JCB also common. Amex less so
• ATMs: Abundant. 7-Eleven, Family Mart, banks. International cards work at most
• Tipping: Not expected. Service charges included at hotels/restaurants when applicable

Connectivity

• Mobile: Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, FarEasTone
• Tourist SIM: Available at airport arrival halls, affordable data packages (NT$300-500 for 5-15 days)
• eSIM: Increasingly supported
• Free WiFi: "iTaiwan" network available in public areas, MRT stations

Electrical

• Voltage: 110V (same as US, Japan)
• Frequency: 60 Hz
• Plug type: Type A and B (two/three flat pins, same as US)
• Note: Travelers from Europe, UK, Australia need plug adapters. Most laptop/phone chargers are dual-voltage

Language

• Official: Mandarin Chinese
• Scripts: Traditional Chinese characters (not simplified)
• English signage at airports, MRT, tourist areas
• Google Translate useful for menus
• English proficiency improving, especially among younger generation

Safety

Taiwan is extremely safe for travelers:

• Low crime rate
• Solo travel common and safe
• Natural hazards: typhoons (summer), earthquakes (minor tremors common)
• Tap water generally safe in cities, but bottled water widely available

Useful Apps

• Google Maps: Works well, includes transit
• Taipei Metro: Official MRT app
• EasyWallet: For EasyCard balance and payment
• Taiwan Railways: TRA booking app
• THSR T-EX: High Speed Rail booking

• Tourism: Taiwan Tourism Bureau
• Visa: Bureau of Consular Affairs
• Immigration: National Immigration Agency
• THSR: Taiwan High Speed Rail
• Taoyuan Airport: taoyuan-airport.com
• Taipei Songshan: tsa.gov.tw
• Taiwan Railways: railway.gov.tw
• Weather: Central Weather Bureau