Highlights
Taipei, the vibrant capital, mixes the Taipei 101 skyscraper and world-class National Palace Museum with buzzing night markets (Shilin, Raohe), the hot-spring suburb of Beitou, and tea houses in the lantern-lit hills of nearby Jiufen and Pingxi.
The island's natural wonder is Taroko Gorge on the east coast — a dramatic marble canyon of tunnels, trails and turquoise river (check access, as it is periodically affected by earthquakes and closures). The centre rises into the high peaks of Yushan and Hehuanshan, laced with tea plantations around Alishan, famous for its sunrise sea of clouds and forest railway.
The south offers the historic city of Tainan (Taiwan's culinary capital), the beaches of Kenting, and Sun Moon Lake in the mountainous interior. Cycling the whole island, hopping outlying islands like Penghu and Green Island, and soaking in hot springs round out a superb itinerary.
When to go
October to April is the most comfortable season — drier, cooler and ideal for cities, hot springs and hiking, though the north can be drizzly in winter.
Summer (June-September) is hot, humid and the typhoon season, when storms can disrupt travel for a day or two; the high mountains, however, stay blissfully cool and make a fine escape. Spring brings cherry blossom and, later, plum rains. Aim for spring or autumn for the best balance of weather and clear mountain views.
Visa & entry
Many nationalities enjoy visa-free entry for stays of up to 90 days, and others can apply for a visa or online travel authorisation. A passport valid for the duration of stay (six months recommended) and proof of onward travel are standard.
Confirm the current allowance and any online authorisation requirement for your nationality on Taiwan's official Bureau of Consular Affairs website before you fly, as visa-waiver terms can change.
Health & safety
Taiwan is one of the safest places in the world to travel, with very low crime, superb infrastructure and famously honest, helpful locals — lost items are routinely returned. The real hazards are natural: typhoons in summer and autumn (follow official warnings and avoid mountains and coasts during storms) and earthquakes, for which buildings are well engineered.
Mountain weather changes fast, so hikers should prepare properly and, for high peaks, obtain the required permits. Healthcare is excellent and affordable. Check your government's advisory, mainly for weather, before departure.
Getting around
Taiwan's transport is a joy: the High Speed Rail runs the length of the populous west coast in around two hours, while the conventional TRA railway loops the whole island, including the scenic east. Taipei and Kaohsiung have clean, cheap metros.
An EasyCard (or iPASS) tap-card covers metros, most trains, buses, bike-share and even convenience-store purchases — buy one on arrival. Intercity buses are comfortable and cheap for night travel, and scooters (with an international permit) are the local way to explore, though renting a car suits the mountainous east and interior.
Money
The New Taiwan Dollar is easy to obtain — ATMs are everywhere, including in the ubiquitous 7-Eleven and FamilyMart stores, and most accept international cards. Cards and mobile payment are accepted in department stores, hotels and chains, but many night-market stalls, small eateries and rural shops are cash-only, so always carry notes.
Taiwan is refreshingly scam-free and prices are fixed, so no bargaining. Tipping is not customary or expected — service is included, and trying to tip can even cause confusion.
Taiwan