Can you get around Taiwan with just English?

Yes, it is entirely possible to get around Taiwan with only English, particularly in major cities like Taipei, due to widespread English signage, bilingual public transit, and a helpful local population. While you will encounter a language barrier in rural areas or with older residents, relying on translation apps (Google Translate), hand gestures, and booking with Uber makes navigation easy.

Can you get by with just English in Taiwan?

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 Taiwan without speaking Chinese?

You'll be fine to travel! People are generally nice and helpful and in Taipei especially you shouldn't have a problem, especially if you use Google translate or just point at menus or whatever (many have English!). You will have a language barrier in Taiwan if you don't speak Mandarin or Hokkien.

How do tourists get around in Taiwan?

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.

How much of Taiwan knows English?

While Mandarin Chinese is the official language of Taiwan, you'll find a unique linguistic landscape on the island. English is spoken by around 28.5% of the population as a second language, reflecting its global significance.

How To Get Around Taiwan Effectively

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. 

Is Taiwan friendly to foreigners?

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).

Is a Taiwan taxi expensive?

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.

Is Taiwan a walkable country?

Travelers can walk to most tourist attractions in Taiwan, especially when staying in convenient locations like most Taipei or Taichung hotels. Depending on the duration of your trip, walking as a main form of transportation may or may not be the best use of your time.

Can I use my US phone in Taiwan?

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.

How to say in Chinese 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10?

To count from 1 to 10 in Chinese, use these numerals and pronunciations: 一 (yī), 二 (èr), 三 (sān), 四 (sì), 五 (wǔ), 六 (liù), 七 (qī), 八 (bā), 九 (jiǔ), 十 (shí).

Can I visit Taiwan without speaking Chinese?

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.

Is Taipei English friendly?

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.

Can British visit Taiwan without a visa?

You can visit Taiwan without a visa for up to 90 days. You can extend this by a further 90 days once you have arrived in Taiwan.

What to be careful of in Taiwan?

There is a risk of natural disasters in Taiwan, including earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, flooding, and extreme heat.

Is Taiwan cheap for tourists?

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).

When to avoid visiting Taiwan?

Worst Times to Visit Taiwan

July to September (Typhoon Season): The risk of extreme weather events can lead to disrupted travel plans. Public Holiday Rush: Prices can surge, and attractions crowd during months with national holidays, like the Lunar New Year (January/February).

Is Uber ok in Taiwan?

Uber. Uber is the only major (non-taxi) ride-hailing app you'll find in Taiwan. It's not very popular in Taiwan for legal reasons and because most locals just use yellow regular taxis.

What is a must buy in Taiwan?

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.

How to not be rude in Taiwan?

Putting an arm around someone's shoulder, winking, and pointing with your index finger are all considered rude gestures. You may point with an open hand. Palms facing outward and in front of the face moving back and forth means “no”. Nervous movements, such as tapping your foot, are considered rude.

Why is pork not allowed in Taiwan?

To keep African Swine Fever(ASF) out of Taiwan

The competent authority had banned the import of all kinds of pork products from ASF infected area. Passengers in first time violation shall be fined NTD 200,000 regardless of nationalities. Foreigners would be repatriated if they had not paid the fine at the border.

What do Taiwanese call foreigners?

The term laowai, which originally meant “layman” or an unprofessional person in a particular field, is now widely used and can be translated as “non-Chinese,” “foreigner,” “outsider,” or “alien” in the Chinese Mandarin language in mainland China (Qi, 1998).