Yes, it is entirely possible to get around Taipei using only English. The city is highly accessible for English speakers, with extensive bilingual signage (English/Mandarin) in the MRT (subway), public transportation, and popular tourist spots. Locals are generally friendly and helpful, and younger generations often speak English well.
I'm here now and I speak English only, been doing okay most people speak and understand so you should be okay with google translate that's what I been using. Taiwanese are quite friendly and helpful. No worries, just show people Google translation to ask what you'd like to know. We know zero chinese.
Can you get around Taipei without speaking Chinese?
You can get around easily even if you don't speak the language. We used Google translate when English menus weren't available or when we were out shopping and the staff was busy but we didn't need to use it that often. Most of the people you'll encounter will like speak or at least understand basic English.
English is not very common in Taiwan, as the majority of the population doesn't speak the language. Young adults under 30 are the most likely to know English at a conversational level or higher. English is also more widely spoken in large cities in the North, like Taipei.
If you hang around Taipei, you can get to most places by bus and subway. For other cities like Taichung and Kaohsung, take the HSR (high speed rail) and then taxi to places you want to see. Public transit is not very well organized outside of Taipei, unfortunately.
Essential Taipei Travel Tips For Beginners - Your Ultimate Guide To Taiwan 2025
Is it okay to wear red in Taiwan?
Yes, you can absolutely wear red in Taiwan; it's a very auspicious color symbolizing good fortune, happiness, and celebration, used extensively in festivals, weddings, and temples, though you should avoid writing someone's name in red ink as it's considered bad luck and a sign of death. Red clothing is common and welcomed, especially during festive times, and generally, you can wear whatever you like, with few restrictions.
Taxis. While the bright yellow taxis of Taipei are the most expensive of the public transportation options available, they are still very cheap by international standards. A journey right across the city will generally cost less than NT$250.
No, UK citizens do not need a visa for short visits to Taiwan (up to 90 days) for tourism or business, enjoying visa-exempt entry, but must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond their entry date and complete a Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) before travel. For longer stays or other purposes, a visa from the Taipei Representative Office in the UK is required.
I'm going to cut right to the chase: Taipei isn't a particularly walkable city. At least compared to what I've grown accustomed to while waltzing around Paris. If you only have a limited time to visit the capital as a tourist, I wouldn't recommend doing it all by foot.
Taiwanese have a reputation for being friendly and welcoming to outsiders. Visitors are likely to receive random hellos on the street. People may want to practice their English with you (most people can speak at least some basic English).
Will my phone work in Taiwan? Yes, modern smartphones should work without a hitch in Taiwan, but roaming with a US carrier can get expensive pretty quickly.
Yes—at least a little. Mandarin is the official language of Taiwan. While English is spoken in tourist areas and among some younger people, it's far from universal.
No, the UK does not officially recognize Taiwan as an independent sovereign state, adhering to the "One China" policy by recognizing the People's Republic of China (PRC) as the sole government of China; however, the UK maintains strong, unofficial economic, cultural, and political ties with Taiwan through entities like the British Office in Taipei and the Taipei Representative Office in the UK, supporting peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues.
In Taiwan, it is American English that is regarded as 'good English' because of the close historical and political relationship between the USA and Taiwan. 'English' for Taiwanese means 'American English.
To respond to "Ni Hao" (你好, Hello), the simplest reply is another "Ni Hao" (你好), but for a more natural interaction, use "Wǒ hěn hǎo, xièxie. Nǐ ne?" (我很好, 谢谢。你呢? - I'm fine, thank you. And you?) or simply "Hǎo!" (好! - Good!) or "Hǎo, nǐ ne?" (好,你呢? - Good, and you?) for a polite exchange, acknowledging their greeting and asking back.
As you can see, budget travelers can comfortably explore Taiwan on around NT$2000 (US$65) per day, while mid-range travelers should prepare about NT$4,000 (US$130).
The most popular digital payment method in Taiwan is the credit card, which is widely used for both online and offline retail. E-wallets like LINE Pay and JKOPAY are also extremely popular for in-store QR code payments, P2P transfers, and bill payments.
If you're wondering what to buy in Taiwan, bring home a little of the island's flavor and artistry with pineapple cakes, high-mountain oolong tea, handmade ceramics, Indigenous crafts, jade jewelry, and market finds like lantern keepsakes, local snacks, and beautifully designed stationery.
Choose Metro, AKA MRT, for Cheap and Convenient Taiwan Transportation. I'd highly recommend using MRT – Mass Rapid Transit – for going between sightseeing spots in the city. Stations are sprinkled throughout the city, often close to popular tourist attractions. It's cheap, with trains coming and going regularly.
