Taiwan Basic Information | 10 Essentials You have to Know before You Arrive

Are you too busy to research travel information about Taiwan before traveling? Don’t worry! MyProGuide is not only your best choice for a tour but also your little helper. We have listed the most important ten points for you! Taiwan basic travel information – Top 10.

1. Taiwanese speak Mandarin as their mother tongue.

Maybe you heard their dialect—Taiwanese before. But, Mandarin is the official language used in Taiwan. Let me teach you how to greet in Taiwan! “ni hao”. It means “Hello” in Mandarin. Sometimes, Taiwan people say “jia ba bei” as a greeting. It means “Are you full?” in Taiwanese.

2. The currency used in Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD or TWD).

Exchange rates change every day; in recent years USD 1 has been worth roughly TWD 29–33, so check the rate on the day. You can go to any bank or post office to change your money.

3. Taiwan’s time zone is UTC+8.

Taiwan doesn't use daylight saving time, so it is 12 hours ahead of the USA's Eastern Time in summer (when the US is on daylight saving time) and 13 hours ahead in winter. While an American is eating his lunch, a Taiwanese is sleeping like a log. It is interesting, right? The sky will dark around 6 pm, but most of the stores and restaurants close at 10 pm.

4. Taiwan’s calling code is +886.

When you are missing a handsome guy or a pretty lady who you met in Taiwan, you can call him/her after you get back to your country. Just kidding, haha!

5. Taiwanese use plug type A, B outlets(110-120V / 60Hz).

This is a piece of travel information that you really need to know in advance. So, don’t forget to bring your plug adapter, or you will not be able to share the amazing Taiwan scenic photos to your social media at all times!

6. Taiwan’s emergency number: Ambulance 119 / Police 110.

It’s absolutely an important number, but we hope that you would never have to use it in Taiwan.

7. Taiwan driver's seat is on the left and drives on the right side.

If you have a chance to drive in Taiwan, please don’t forget this basic transit norm or someone will call 110 to catch you.

8. Drinking in public is legal in Taiwan.

This information may make many people shout hurray! Taiwanese love beer just like all of you! So, don’t worry and drink Taiwan beer with your Taiwanese friends together!

9. Boil tap water before drinking it in Taiwan.

Locals boil tap water before drinking it, and so should you. Don’t worry about staying hydrated, though: water dispensers are common in hotels, MRT stations and public buildings, and bottled water is sold at convenience stores on almost every corner.

10. Tipping is not expected in Taiwan.

Tipping is not a must in Taiwan, but don’t worry. Taiwanese are enthusiastic and charismatic. Regardless of the tip, they will treat you friendly and kindly.

Bonus: visas, the arrival card and getting around

Visa: Passport holders from many countries, including the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and the EU member states, can visit Taiwan visa-free for up to 90 days. Other nationalities may get a shorter visa-free stay or need an eVisa, and the list changes from time to time, so check the Bureau of Consular Affairs for your passport before you book.

Arrival card: Since October 2025, the paper arrival card has been replaced by the online Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC). It is free; fill it in at twac.immigration.gov.tw within three days before you land.

EasyCard: Pick up an EasyCard (or an iPASS card) at an MRT station or convenience store. Top it up and you can tap through the MRT, buses and trains, and even pay at convenience stores.

Paying: Credit cards are accepted at hotels, department stores, chain restaurants and convenience stores, but many night-market stalls and small local eateries are cash only, so always keep some New Taiwan Dollars with you.

After reading this article, don’t you feel like you are more well-prepared to explore Taiwan? Just keep these top ten travel information in mind, then you can travel around Taiwan independently! Oh! Please don’t forget to bring your passport and money. See you soon!

Learn more:

Survival Guide in Taiwan - Tips for You to Live and Thrive