20 Must-Know Facts for First-time Taiwan Travelers

As a first-time visitor to Taiwan, it's important to be prepared with some essential knowledge to make the most out of your trip. Here are the top 20 must-know facts for first-time Taiwan travelers:

1. Visa-free entry: Many countries are granted visa-free entry for up to 90 days in Taiwan.
2. Public transportation: Taiwan has an excellent public transportation system that's safe and reliable. You can easily get around using the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and buses.
3. Delicious food: Taiwan is known for its amazing street food, night markets, and tea culture. Be sure to try out some of the local specialties like stinky tofu, bubble tea, and beef noodle soup.
4. Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language in Taiwan, but simple English is widely spoken in some urban areas.
5. Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Taiwan, so don't feel compelled to do so in restaurants, taxis, or other service industries.
6. Currency: The official currency in Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD).
7. Weather: Taiwan has a subtropical climate with hot and humid summers and mild winters. Be sure to pack accordingly for the season you'll be visiting.
   
   
   
   
   
8. Safety: Taiwan is considered one of the safest countries in the world with a low crime rate. However, it's still important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.
9. Nightlife: Taiwan has a vibrant nightlife scene with plenty of bars, clubs, and night markets to explore.
10. Festivals: Taiwan has a rich cultural heritage and celebrates many festivals throughout the year, including Lunar New Year, Dragon Boat Festival, and Lantern Festival.
11. Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is widely available throughout Taiwan, including in hotels, cafes, and public areas.
12. Culture: Taiwan has a unique blend of traditional Chinese culture and modern Western influence. Be sure to visit some of the many temples, museums, and galleries to learn more about the country's rich history.
13. Transportation cards: To make getting around easier, you can purchase an EasyCard or iPass, which are rechargeable cards that can be used on all public transportation.
14. Health care: Taiwan has a well-developed health care system with modern facilities and highly trained medical professionals.
15. Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in most public areas, including restaurants, cafes, and bars.
16. Street signs: Street signs in Taiwan are often written in both Chinese and English, making navigation easier for foreign visitors.
17. Electricity: Taiwan uses 110 volts with a two-pronged flat plug, so be sure to bring a travel adapter if needed.
18. Holidays and business hours: Taiwan observes many national holidays and has shorter business hours on weekends, so be sure to check ahead if planning to visit any specific attractions.
19. Souvenirs: Taiwan has a wide variety of unique souvenirs, including tea, pineapple cakes, and handicrafts.
20. Nature: Taiwan has stunning natural beauty, from the Taroko Gorge to Yushan National Park. Be sure to take in some of the country's breathtaking scenery during your visit.

We hope these facts help make your first-time trip to Taiwan as enjoyable and memorable as possible. Thank you for choosing Taiwan as your travel destination!