Taiwan was a big surprise for us. I always pictured boring, crowded cities, but actually most of the island is covered with green mountains and good hiking ops. Even the capital city Taipei was amazing, with cool monuments, good food, and Taiwan’s unique mango ice cream.
Climate
Most of Taiwan, including Taipei, has a subtropical climate, while the very southern part of the island is tropical. The nicer, cooler months are from October to May, when temps range from 55 to 75 F (13 to 23 C). June to October is the typhoon season, and also the hottest time of year.
Safety
Taiwan is a very safe place to travel, with a low violent crime rate of 0.8 per 100k inhabitants (89% lower than the global average). The country had 12 million tourist arrivals in 2019.
Budget
Train transportation here is extremely cheap and efficient. It’s shocking. We took some rides in Taipei that cost less than $1 USD. Uber is also available in Taipei. Hostels and private hotels are available from $15 in many cities like Taichung and Kaohsiung, although Taipei hotels are a bit more pricey. Meals are normally about $5 to $10 depending on location.
Quick Tips
- Language: Mandarin Chinese
- Currency: Taiwanese Dollar (TWD)
- Capital: Taipei
- Visa: Visa free entry for 60+ nationalities
- Climate: Tropical & subtropical; warm and humid year round
- Apps: Uber
Posts
My latest blog posts about Taiwan
Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall & Liberty Square In Taipei, Taiwan
The Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall in Taipei city is one of Taiwan’s most famous landmarks. This place is a must see if you’re ever in Taipei, and… Read More
Taroko Gorge Taiwan – Taroko National Park In Hualien
The awesome Taroko Gorge National Park in Hualien is a bit like Taiwan’s version of the Grand Canyon. This is a huge marble gorge with steep rock walls… Read More
Zhuilu Old Trail – Best Hike In Taiwan’s Taroko Gorge
Zhuilu Old Road is an epic cliff trail in the mountains of Taroko Gorge, one of Taiwan’s best national parks. Zhuilu is an awesome hike. It’s probably one… Read More