🇹🇼 Taiwan

October to early December and March to April are the most pleasant periods, with comfortable temperatures and less rain. Summer (June–September) is hot and humid, and typhoons are most likely from July to September. May–June brings the "plum rain" season. Winter is mild in the south and cool and damp in Taipei.

The north is subtropical and the south tropical. Summers are hot and humid with afternoon storms; winters are mild, though northern Taiwan can be cool, grey and wet. Mountains such as Alishan and Hehuanshan are much cooler, and snow is possible on the highest peaks.

Citizens of many countries, including most of Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan and South Korea, can enter Taiwan visa-free, mostly for up to 90 days; some nationalities get 30 or 14 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months, and you need a confirmed onward or return ticket. Complete the online arrival card within seven days before arrival. Check the Bureau of Consular Affairs for your nationality.

The Taiwan High Speed Rail links Taipei with Kaohsiung in around two hours, and the conventional railway (TRA) covers the east coast. Taipei and Kaohsiung have metro systems. An EasyCard works on metros, buses, many trains and in convenience stores. For Taroko Gorge, check which trails and road sections are open: the April 2024 earthquake closed parts of the area.

Taiwan offers good value: street food, night markets and public transport are inexpensive, and mid-range hotels are reasonably priced outside peak holidays such as Lunar New Year. Plan daily costs with the Trip Budget Calculator and convert TWD with the Currency Converter.

Queues are respected and public transport is quiet; eating and drinking are not allowed in metro stations and trains. Give and receive items with both hands. Temples are active places of worship: be quiet, do not step on the raised threshold, and avoid pointing at statues.

Night markets are the best introduction: try beef noodle soup, xiaolongbao dumplings, gua bao, oyster omelette, scallion pancakes and bubble tea, which was invented in Taiwan. Tainan is known as the island's food capital.

Taiwan has low crime and is considered very safe for visitors. Natural hazards are the main concern: typhoons in summer and early autumn, and earthquakes at any time. Follow official alerts, avoid mountain roads and coastal areas during typhoon warnings, and check trail conditions after heavy rain.