What's the best way to get around Taiwan?

The best way to get around Taiwan is by combining the high-speed rail (HSR) for fast, west-coast travel with the comprehensive conventional rail (TRA) for scenic, eastern, and local routes. For cities, the MRT, public buses, and ubiquitous YouBike sharing are highly efficient, affordable, and safe.

How to get around Taiwan as a tourist?

Long-Distance Travel – Going Between Cities

1. Taking the THSR – Taiwan's Bullet Trains. ...
2. Leisurely Views via Regular Trains. ...
3. Charter Buses: Cheap but Kinda Inconvenient Taiwan Transportation. ...
4. Rental Cars and Scooters. ...
5. Choose Metro, AKA MRT, for Cheap and Convenient Taiwan Transportation. ...
6. City Buses – The Old Standard.

Is Taiwan easy to travel around?

Taiwan has very well developed public transportation system, fully integrated and inter-connected, with easy card, you can take airport mrt (subway) to Taipei, the hub of transportation to take, high speed railroad (HSR), Taiwan Railway (TRA), or bus, to almost everywhere of Taiwan.

Can you get around Taiwan with only English?

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.

Can tourists use Uber in Taiwan?

Uber is available in major cities across Taiwan, including Taipei, New Taipei City, Taichung, Kaohsiung, Tainan, and Taoyuan.

TAIWAN TRAVEL TIPS: 13 Things to Know Before You Go

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 a taxi in Taiwan 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 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).

What is the cheapest way to travel in Taiwan?

Buses and Trains > High Speed Rail and Drivers

Purely from a cost perspective, buses and local trains are the cheapest way to get around Taiwan.

Is it better to use cash or card in Taiwan?

The use and acceptance of credit cards in Taiwan is widespread, especially in urban areas, and many outlets accept major credit cards. However, smaller market stalls may not accept credit cards, so it's always a good idea to carry some cash with you.

Which month is typhoon season in Taiwan?

Latest update:Typhoons occur during the wet season from May to November, causing heavy rain, flooding and strong winds and can disrupt essential services and transport.

How many days in Taiwan is enough?

Two weeks is a good amount of time if you want to do a full circle around Taiwan. You won't be able to hit every stop along the way (unless you are willing to rush and change hotels/locations almost every night). But you can at least cover most of the main ones.

How do I pay for public transport in Taiwan?

Tickets

1. Coin: One-segment ticket, regular NT$15; Two-segment ticket, regular NT$30; Three-segment, NT$45. Most passengers will only need a One-segment ticket. ...
2. Electronic payment: Just lightly swipe your card over the sensor zone, and payment is automatically completed with the beeping of the reader.

Can you get by speaking English in Taiwan?

Are you planning a trip to Taiwan soon and wondering if language will be a barrier? Visiting a foreign country for the first time can be intimidating, especially if you don't speak the language. But if you're planning a trip to Taiwan, you can relax knowing that many Taiwanese people know their way around in English.

How do I reply to Ni Hao?

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. 

What does Xie Xie mean in Taiwan?

It means acknowledging the kindness given between individuals. Mandarin Chinese, a widely spoken language in China, has numerous ways to say thank you in different contexts. While “xiè xie” (谢谢) is the most common phrase for saying “thank you very much” in daily interactions, it has its limitations.

What should I be careful of in Taiwan?

Taiwan is affected by frequent natural disasters

This includes earthquakes, typhoons, floods and landslides. Avoid mountainous areas after quakes and heavy rains. Strong winds often mess up sailing schedules to and from Taiwan's islands, and cross-island buses may stop running after a landslide.

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.

Is Taiwan a rich or poor country?

Taiwan is a rich, high-income, technologically advanced economy, ranking high globally in GDP per capita and known for its "Taiwan Miracle" of rapid development, strong tech sector (especially semiconductors), and universal healthcare. Despite this wealth, some locals perceive less prosperity due to high property costs and a gap between the thriving tech sector and lower wages in other industries, creating a contrast between national wealth and individual financial feel. 

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.

Are taxis honest in Taiwan?

Taxis are fine. People don't tend to rip off tourists. They're more likely to offer you freebies than to overcharge you. A random taxi driver bought my elderly parents fruit because they'd never tried custard apples before.