Taiwan

Taiwan is wonderfully easy to explore, especially if you combine city transit with the fast, comfortable High Speed Rail. In Taipei, the MRT is clean, frequent, and simple to navigate; an EasyCard works on metro trains, many buses, YouBike rentals, and other participating transport services. Buy one at a station, then top it up in multiples of NT$100 at add-value machines.

For longer journeys, Taiwan High Speed Rail links major western cities from Nangang and Taipei to Zuoying near Kaohsiung. Reserve seats ahead for weekends and holidays, particularly if you want a window seat. Taiwan Railways is slower but useful for scenic routes and destinations outside the high-speed corridor, while local buses and tourist shuttles reach places such as Sun Moon Lake and Alishan.

Keep maps and transport schedules available when travelling between rural attractions. Hello eSIM can provide connectivity without roaming charges; buy and activate it before landing so directions, translation, and ticket information are ready as soon as you arrive.

Taiwan rewards curious appetites. Start at a night market, where one evening can become a tour of the island’s greatest hits: pepper buns, oyster omelets, grilled squid, scallion pancakes, and sweet shaved ice. Taipei’s Raohe and Ningxia night markets are convenient introductions, while Tainan is famed for dishes such as beef soup, dan zai noodles, and milkfish.

Do not miss a proper bowl of beef noodle soup, ideally with tender braised beef and pickled greens, or a steaming basket of xiaolongbao. Bubble tea was born in Taiwan, and small shops often let you choose sweetness and ice levels. For breakfast, try a dan bing egg crepe or a warm youtiao with soy milk.

Food courts, family restaurants, and market stalls may use cash even when larger venues accept cards. Keep smaller notes and coins handy, and use Hello’s expense splitting to settle shared meals without mental arithmetic. For a more relaxed food itinerary, add markets and must-try restaurants to Hello’s trip planner before setting out.

Taiwan packs dramatic variety into a compact island. Taipei combines museums, temples, hot springs, and mountain trails; ride the Maokong Gondola for tea-growing hills, or visit Longshan Temple early in the day when the incense-filled halls feel especially atmospheric. A short journey brings you to Jiufen’s steep lanes and teahouses, while Yilan offers hot springs and a quieter coastline.

In central Taiwan, Taichung makes a good base for arts, cafés, and day trips. Sun Moon Lake suits cycling and lakeside walks, while Alishan is known for mountain scenery, forests, and its historic railway. Farther south, Tainan’s temples and historic streets reveal layers of Taiwanese culture, and Kenting National Park brings coral coastlines, beaches, and a slower pace.

Weather can change quickly in the mountains, so pack a light waterproof layer and sturdy shoes. Check trail conditions before leaving, particularly after heavy rain. With Hello eSIM active, you can access weather updates and transport information while travelling beyond major cities.

Taiwan uses the New Taiwan dollar (NT$). Cards are increasingly common in hotels, department stores, and modern restaurants, but cash remains essential for many market stalls, small eateries, taxis, and rural businesses. Carry a modest amount each day, withdraw from reputable bank ATMs, and keep receipts if you are tracking costs.

Taiwanese society values courtesy and consideration. Queue patiently, stand to one side on escalators, and avoid eating or drinking on metro trains. At temples, observe before taking photographs, dress respectfully, and follow posted instructions around offerings and prayer areas. Tipping is generally not expected, though some restaurants add a service charge.

Taipei and other cities can be humid, while typhoons and heavy rain may affect plans during the warmer months. Leave flexibility in your itinerary and check official weather notices before heading to the coast or mountains. Hello’s budget tracking lets you record spending in NT$, making it easier to see how much remains for markets, rail tickets, and memorable meals.