East Asia
Taiwan
Taiwan is one of those rare places where the sightseeing barely dents your budget - a lot of the main attractions charge no entrance fee at all, and the transport network is convenient enough that getting around is never a second thought. The signage is genuinely helpful, which matters because once you step outside the main tourist cities, the language barrier is real. The upside: people are consistently kind about helping you bridge it. One thing I'd flag that most guides skip - make time for the hypermarkets and grocery chains like A-Mart. The quality is high and the prices stay budget-friendly, and it's one of the easiest ways to shop and eat well without overspending.
Last updated May 2026
Money & Payments
Currency
NT$
New Taiwan Dollar
TWD
Cash Tip
Bills (NT$100, NT$200, NT$500, NT$1,000, NT$2,000) and coins (NT$1, NT$5, NT$10, NT$50) are in circulation.
Cash is essential for night markets, street food, and local buses.
Coins are widely used for daily transactions.
Card Rating
How widely cards and contactless payments are accepted
7 / 10.0
Transit IC cards (EasyCard) and major credit cards are standard for public transport, convenience stores, and retail establishments. Local mobile wallets like LINE Pay require domestic accounts. Cash is required for night markets and traditional vendors.
Daily Budget
Estimated daily costs per person
Budget
Meals & Transit
NT$380–NT$630
Night market food (NT$50–NT$100 per dish), local noodle shops (NT$80–NT$150). MRT and bus with EasyCard (~NT$100–NT$200/day).
≈ $12–$20
Meals & Transit
NT$380–NT$630
≈ $12–$20
Night market food (NT$50–NT$100 per dish), local noodle shops (NT$80–NT$150). MRT and bus with EasyCard (~NT$100–NT$200/day).
Accommodation
NT$480–NT$950
Hostel dorm beds, capsule hotels, or basic guesthouses with shared facilities.
≈ $15–$30
Accommodation
NT$480–NT$950
≈ $15–$30
Hostel dorm beds, capsule hotels, or basic guesthouses with shared facilities.
Mid-Range
Meals & Transit
NT$790–NT$1,580
Casual restaurants and cafes (NT$200–NT$500 per meal). Mix of MRT, bus, and occasional Uber rides.
Entry & Documents
Visa Requirements
Check entry requirements for your passport
Select your passport to view visa requirements.
On the Ground
Power & Plugs
Voltage, frequency, and plug types
Type A110V60Hz
Type B110V60Hz
Bring a universal travel adapter to stay powered up regardless of plug type.
SIM Card Guide
Stay connected while traveling
Typical price range
NT$300–NT$700
≈ $10–$22 USD
Validity: 5–15 day data SIM
Practical Info
Apps & Getting Around
Essential apps and transport info
Navigation
- Google MapsForeigner-friendly
Works standardly in Taiwan for navigation, transit routing, and finding restaurants. Download offline maps as backup.
Other
- EasyCard (悠遊卡)Foreigner-friendly
Rechargeable transit card for MRT, buses, YouBike, and convenience stores. Buy at any MRT station or convenience store.
Food
- foodpandaForeigner-friendly
Food delivery app widely used in Taiwan. Works with international cards.
Transport
- UberForeigner-friendly
Available in Taipei and major cities. Works with international accounts and cards.
Before You Go
Rules & Restrictions
Important laws and customs to be aware of
Always verify current laws before travel. Laws can change and penalties vary.
Legal
- Drug laws are strict. Trafficking of narcotics can carry the death penalty. Possession of controlled substances results in imprisonment.
- Smoking is prohibited in most indoor public spaces, including restaurants, bars, and public transport stations. Designated smoking areas are available.
- Jaywalking is illegal and subject to fines. Use designated crosswalks and obey traffic signals.
- Littering is illegal. Fines range from NT$1,200 to NT$6,000. Taiwan takes recycling very seriously - sort your waste correctly.
Cultural
- Removal of shoes is customary prior to entering homes and some traditional establishments. Look for shoe racks at the entrance.
- Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice - this resembles incense offerings for the dead and is considered very bad luck.
- Queue orderly for public transport. Taiwanese are very disciplined about queuing, especially for the MRT.
Health
- Tap water is not recommended for drinking in most areas. Drink boiled or bottled water. Many public places have hot/cold water dispensers.
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