Taiwan
Phone Code
+886
Capital
Taipei
Population
23 Million
Native Name
臺灣
Region
Asia
Eastern Asia
Timezone
China Standard Time
UTC+08:00
On This Page
Taiwan combines Chinese cultural heritage with Japanese precision, offering bustling night markets alongside serene Buddhist temples, dramatic mountain gorges next to tropical beaches, and modern cities where Michelin-starred restaurants share streets with humble dumpling stalls. This island nation delivers Asia at its most accessible and welcoming—efficient public transportation connecting nearly every attraction, English signage throughout cities, legendary hospitality, and some of the world's best street food at prices that defy belief. From Taipei's neon-lit Shilin Night Market and soaring Taipei 101 to the marble walls of Taroko Gorge and the misty heights of Alishan, Taiwan packs incredible diversity into a compact, easily navigable island where centuries-old traditions coexist with cutting-edge technology and an obsessive food culture that has elevated bubble tea and beef noodle soup to art forms.
Taiwan Visa & Entry Requirements
Taiwan offers visa-free entry for 90 days to passport holders from over 60 countries including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, European Union nations, Australia, and New Zealand, requiring only a passport valid for at least six months beyond intended stay. This generous policy reflects Taiwan's welcoming approach to tourism and makes visiting remarkably straightforward—no advance visa application needed for eligible travelers, with entry formalities typically completed in minutes at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. Travelers arriving visa-free may extend their stay under certain circumstances, while those from countries not covered by visa exemption can apply for visitor visas at Taiwan's overseas missions. Taiwan maintains separate immigration status from mainland China, requiring all visitors (including mainland Chinese citizens) to hold valid Taiwan entry permits regardless of other Chinese visas. The island's efficient border procedures and modern airport infrastructure ensure smooth arrivals.
Common Visa Types
Visa-Free Entry (90 days)
Tourism, business meetings, visiting friends and family, short-term study, conferences, and cultural exchanges for eligible passport holders
Visitor Visa (Single/Multiple Entry)
Tourism and business travel for nationals from countries not covered by visa exemption programs
Landing Visa
Emergency entry for eligible nationals from select countries who arrive without prior visa authorization
Essential Taiwan Travel Information
Taiwan delivers extraordinary diversity in a compact, accessible package—this island roughly the size of Belgium packs dramatic mountain scenery, pristine beaches, vibrant cities, ancient temples, and some of Asia's best food into destinations connected by high-speed rail and efficient public transportation. The island's east coast showcases nature at its most dramatic with Taroko Gorge's marble-walled canyon, Hualien's rugged coastline, and Kenting's tropical southern tip, while the west features modern cities like Taipei (neon-lit night markets, Taipei 101 skyscraper, historic temples), Taichung (art museums, bubble tea birthplace), and Tainan (Taiwan's oldest city with centuries of history). Taiwan's mountainous interior reaches 3,952 meters at Jade Mountain (Yushan), with highland areas like Alishan offering misty forest railways, sunrise views, and tea plantations, while offshore islands including Penghu (volcanic landscapes and beaches) and Kinmen (historic military sites) provide unique experiences. The island's food culture defines the travel experience—night markets serving endless varieties of dumplings, noodles, and snacks; regional specialties from aboriginal cuisine to Hakka dishes; temples where offerings feed both spirits and hungry visitors; and the obsessive pursuit of the perfect xiao long bao (soup dumpling) or pearl milk tea. Taiwan welcomes visitors with exceptional safety, cleanliness, affordable prices, increasingly English-friendly signage, one of Asia's best healthcare systems, comprehensive convenience store coverage (7-Eleven and FamilyMart every few blocks), and genuinely warm hospitality that makes solo travel and family visits equally comfortable.
Discover Taiwan
Ways to Experience This Destination
Experience Taiwan's culinary soul at legendary night markets: Shilin Night Market in Taipei for classic snacks and games, Fengjia Night Market in Taichung for creative fusion foods, Raohe Street Market for traditional atmosphere, and countless local markets across the island. Sample xiao long bao, gua bao, oyster omelets, stinky tofu, bubble tea (invented in Taiwan), scallion pancakes and regional specialties at prices that remain remarkably gentle for a developed Asian economy — a satisfying full plate or bowl typically costs only a few dollars.
Discover Taiwan's dramatic mountain landscapes: hike Taroko Gorge's marble walls and suspension bridges, watch sunrise from Alishan's peaks above clouds, ride the historic Alishan Forest Railway through cypress forests, trek to Jade Mountain (Taiwan's highest at 3,952m), explore Sun Moon Lake's cycling paths, and experience highland areas where tea plantations carpet mountain slopes and indigenous cultures maintain traditions.
Explore Taiwan's dynamic cities: ascend Taipei 101, visit National Palace Museum's Chinese treasures, pray at ornate temples, soak in Beitou hot springs, discover Taichung's art scene and Rainbow Village, explore Tainan's historic forts, ancient temples and legendary street food, and experience the efficiency of high-speed rail connecting major cities in hours where MRT systems and public bikes make car-free travel easy.
Experience Taiwan's varied coastlines: motorcycle Highway 11 along the dramatic east coast, relax at Kenting's tropical beaches, snorkel coral reefs in the south, take ferries to Penghu Islands for volcanic landscapes and beaches, visit Green Island for hot springs and diving, explore Kinmen's military history near mainland China, and discover fishing villages serving the freshest seafood.
Discover Taiwan's living religious traditions: visit Longshan Temple where locals pray daily, explore Tainan's dense temple concentration, witness colorful temple festivals and parades, join pilgrimages following Mazu (sea goddess) across the island, experience Buddhist monasteries in mountain settings, and observe indigenous spiritual sites in highland areas where Christianity, Buddhism, and traditional beliefs coexist.
Explore Taiwan's renowned tea culture: visit high-mountain oolong plantations in Alishan and Sun Moon Lake, tour tea factories explaining traditional processing, participate in tea ceremonies, taste premium varieties including Dong Ding oolong and Oriental Beauty, and purchase directly from growers at prices far below international retail.
Money & Currency
New Taiwan Dollar (NT$, TWD)
Currency code: TWD
Practical Money Tips
Exchange to TWD on Arrival
The New Taiwan dollar (TWD) is the official currency. Exchange booths at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport offer competitive rates and are convenient on arrival. Authorized exchange counters at banks and hotels operate nationwide. Keep some smaller bills for taxis and traditional markets.
ATMs Are Widely Available
ATMs accepting international Visa, Mastercard, and UnionPay cards are found at 7-Eleven, Family Mart, and other convenience stores across Taiwan, plus at major banks nationwide. The ATM network is dense even in smaller towns.
Cards Accepted at Most Businesses
Credit and debit cards are accepted at hotels, department stores, chain restaurants, and larger shops. Night markets and traditional market stalls are typically cash-only. The EasyCard (悠遊卡) and iPass stored-value cards work on the MRT, buses, YouBike, and at many convenience stores.
Carry Cash for Traditional Venues
Night markets, street food stalls, small temples, and rural businesses are cash-only. TWD 1,000–2,000 is ample for a day of street food and market browsing. Coins are used for MRT and some vending machines.
Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.
Explore different regions and their cities.
Embassies in Taiwan
These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.
Key origin countries
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Need help checking visa requirements or applying for a Taiwan visa? Get step-by-step guidance for your trip to Taipei, Taroko Gorge and beyond.
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