18 Things You Need to Know Before You Go to Taiwan

Planning a trip to an overseas destination like Taiwan is doable with a dream and some simple pro tips. Whether you’re planning a five-day excursion as part of a longer East Asia vacation or dedicating your trip to exploring Taiwan off the beaten path, the planning process will all be worth it when you step off the tarmac and enter this underrated travel destination. From its rich culture and extraordinary landscapes to its outstanding historical sites and world-class cuisine, this small island is jam-packed with exciting adventures that will leave you wanting to plan a return visit.

AAA has been helping travelers plan trips all over the world for decades, so here's our comprehensive list of the top things you need to know before you go to Taiwan.

Deciding to visit Taiwan is just the first step in your dream vacation. Next, you will want to start booking flights, hotels, dining and experiences for your trip. One of the many perks of your AAA membership is its excellent travel services, which can help with planning overseas travel to Taiwan. For the ultimate peace of mind, simply reach out to a AAA Travel Agent (a free service for AAA members), who can help plan your trip from start to finish. They can recommend the perfect hotels, restaurants and tours, uniquely tailored to your budget and interests, to help make your trip as hassle-free as possible. Best of all, they can help you secure AAA discounts on rental cars and hotels, as well.

The language barrier is often a concern when traveling to foreign countries, but Taiwan is a very English-friendly destination. Most of the Taiwanese people, especially in the popular tourist destinations, speak at least some English. When shopping in populated centers like New Taipei City, which surrounds Taiwan’s capital Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung, you’ll find service staff also speak English.

The smaller, less-traveled cities and towns, however, can be less English-friendly, but you can use a translator app if needed. Transportation services like the Taipei Metro (MRT), a high-speed rail system and tour buses and boats are also generally English-friendly, as are the hospitals, with English signage prevalent throughout.

You’ll also be relieved to know that Taiwan is considered extremely safe. In fact, it was ranked as the fourth safest country in the world according to a 2026 Numbeo report. You’ll find the Taiwanese culture to be one that espouses politeness and friendliness; generally, Taiwanese people are very helpful and happy to see tourists. After dark, you'll likely find Taiwan easy to navigate, whether you're traveling alone or in a group. Like anywhere, try to stay aware of your surroundings and use common sense when exploring the city streets at night and taking in the world-renowned nightlife.

You’ll find Taiwan very accepting and LGBTQ+-friendly, as it was the first place in Asia to implement and support same-sex marriage, anti-discrimination laws and adoption rights for same-sex couples. Taipei has many LGBTQ+-friendly community spaces and events. Each October, Taipei Pride draws well over 100,000 attendees and is widely considered the largest LGBTQ+ celebration in Asia. For everyday revelry, many gay bars and clubs in Taipei cluster around the historic Red House, which offers arts, culture and retail by day and an active nightlife crowd in the evening.

Taiwan can be very budget-friendly, especially if you visit during the off-season —typically the winter months (December to February), excluding the Lunar New year, which varies yearly (Jan. 21 to Feb. 20). Other considerations that can affect the cost of your trip include the type of accommodations (from backpacking and hostels to mid-range and luxury hotels), where you visit (big cities or more off-the-beaten path locales) and the type of experience you want prearranged travel packages, guided tours of major attractions or independent travel), all of which can affect the overall cost.

Weather is also a significant cost factor. Traveling during typhoon season (July‒Sept.) or Plum Rain (“Meiyu”) season (May‒mid-June) can be less costly, but you risk more rainy days compared to key travel seasons (October to late November), which have less risk of typhoons and rainy days.

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Whether you’re a self-appointed foodie or simply enjoy superb meals at reasonable prices, Taiwanese food will never disappoint. With more than 400 Michelin-awarded eateries, ranging from restaurants to food stalls, you’ll always have an abundance of diverse food choices and experiences.

One of the most famous Taiwanese restaurants, Din Tai Fung, is a culinary must-try with its world-class xiaolongbao (steamed soup dumplings). With 12 locations across Taiwan offering over 100 menu options, this low-cost restaurant is a must-visit for foodies visiting Taiwan. Other must-try dishes at restaurants across Taiwan include the regional ah-gei (stuffed tofu), braised pork rice, Taiwanese popcorn chicken, beef noodle soup and mango shaved ice, among other culinary delights.

For beverages, Taiwan is the birthplace of bubble tea, a tea-based drink mixed with chewy tapioca pearls that has exploded in popularity across Western culture and is sometimes called boba tea after the eponymous pearls. The oolong tea is also world-class here, as the mountains in Taiwan are globally the premier source for this beloved style of tea.

For a truly authentic foodie experience and exciting things to do in Taiwan, you can even try a Taiwanese cooking class.

It's customary in Taiwanese restaurants to finish your meal. If you’re full, it’s acceptable to leave a small amount of food, but the Taiwanese see leaving food as a sign you're dissatisfied with the meal, which can be disrespectful to the chef. Instead, ask to take leftovers with you. It's also customary to compliment the food, which shows respect to the chef and staff.

It’s common practice in Taiwan to share different dishes among your group. If doing so, allow elders to start eating first. As a common courtesy, ask others if they want more before taking the last portions.

In Taiwan, tipping is not customary and some establishments find it unnecessary. Some of the higher-end hotels and restaurants (especially in tourist areas) might automatically include a small service fee, around 10%, but generally, service professionals don't expect a tip. Instead, you can say, “to-siā” (pronounced “to-si-ya”), meaning thank you, while slightly bowing your head.

For taxi rides, if you pay with cash, it would be polite to round up to keep the driver from digging for coins. If you do tip, and a service worker refuses to accept it, politely thank them and move on. Do not insist they take the tip, as that can be seen as patronizing.

From the moment you land at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), traveling in Taiwan is easy and economical, whether you take a private shuttle, airport shuttle, taxi or other ride-hailing service from the airport to your desired location, or grab the Taoyuan Airport MRT, which takes you to Taipei Main Station. Once you’re settled in your hotel, there are several public transportation options.

The most important tip for traveling in Taiwan is to purchase an “EasyCard,” a reloadable tap card for traveling on Taiwan’s trains, buses, boats and metros. You can purchase the card at an airport kiosk or most convenience stores.

For longer trips between the various cities in Western Taiwan, take the High Speed Rail (HSR), a sleek, rapid transit system. The TRA Train is slower and less expensive, but it will get you to most places across Taiwan. You can also purchase a Taiwan Pass, a recently launched electronic pass available in two versions: an HSR Edition or a TRA Edition. Each provides unlimited rides on your selected rail system for three consecutive days, paired with your choice of one city metro pass and one scenic tourist shuttle route.

For the most economical option, you can take the bus, which travels to most locations. When in the larger cities, the Metro, also known as Taipei Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), is a subway system spanning the city. You’ll also find plenty of ride-hailing services, city buses and YouBikes (rental e-bikes) if you want to explore the city.

It's customary to be quiet when traveling on Taiwan’s public transportation systems. Keep in mind to:

Similar to remaining quiet while on public transportation, it's customary to be respectful to others in all places. Whether you’re at a restaurant with family and friends, touring some of the many cultural sites or just walking through a park, keeping your voice at a reasonable volume is a common courtesy and expected.

Removing your footwear before entering someone’s home is a sign of respect and a social norm. The soles of shoes are dirty and bringing such impurities into a host’s home is seen as disrespectful. It's also expected to dress appropriately when visiting temples to be considerate. Long skirts that cover your knees or pants and short or long-sleeve shirts to cover your shoulders are appropriate.

While it's not always feasible, especially in the hot, humid summer months, avoid shorts/short skirts and T-shirts with questionable images or slogans. It’s also considered rude to wear a hat in a temple. If you’re unsure of what clothing is acceptable, ask your tour guide (if you have one) or the hotel concierge.

One of the things to know about Taiwan is that it's among the top recycling countries worldwide and is very strict about properly disposing of waste. You’ll find the streets, shops, hotels, restaurants and even extremely clean, which is part of Taiwan's beauty. Never litter and recycle. While you won’t find many trash bins on the streets, there are numerous recycling stations. If you have trash, hold onto it until you find a garbage can.

Many religious sites don't allow you to take photos, so refer to their signage or ask when in doubt. It’s also customary to ask someone first before taking their picture. In rural areas, this can be especially true, so be conscious of this while taking your vacation photos.

It’s considered extremely rude to both cut in line and to stand too close to someone. Whether you’re in line for boarding the plane, taking the HSR, entering a tourist site or waiting for street food, always be aware of people around you and be orderly and respectful, which also includes speaking quietly.

As an environmentally conscious country, Taiwan encourages the use of refillable water bottles. While its tap water is treated to meet WHO’s official guidelines, once it leaves the treatment station, it flows through aging pipes or can become contaminated in rooftop storage tanks. Locals typically boil drinking water or use filters. You'll find safe drinking water stations throughout the country, so if you bring a refillable water bottle, you can fill it on your travels. The government offers a free water refill app that can help locate these safe drinking water stations.

Taiwan is known for its rainy seasons and intense humidity. When packing, be sure to bring clothes to accommodate the weather. In May to June (“Meiyu” or Plum Rain season), expect frequent and heavy rainfall. July to September is typically typhoon season, so be prepared in case of travel interruptions and book travel insurance through AAA for peace of mind.

In general, if visiting in the summer months, you’ll experience heat, humidity and an abundance of rain. Be sure to bring a light rain jacket, clothes you can easily layer so you can remove wet clothing, quick-dry clothing, lightweight, breathable shoes and a waterproof backpack.

Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to Taiwan today. Dream up the perfect trip with AAA, and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.