Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Hepatitis A and B vaccinations are recommended for travelers to Taiwan. If you plan to visit rural areas or stay longer, consider the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine. Routine vaccines like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP), and influenza should be up to date. Always check the latest health advisories before your trip.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Taiwan, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for TaiwanCulture & Customs
Don’t wear shoes inside homes; it’s customary to take them off at the door. When giving or receiving anything, use both hands to show respect. Public displays of affection are frowned upon, so keep it low-key. When waiting in lines, don’t cut; it’s seen as rude.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, Taiwan is quite progressive, being the first in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. However, public displays of affection might still attract stares.
Women generally face no specific concerns, but as always, staying aware of your surroundings is wise. Avoid discussing politics, especially regarding China, unless invited to share your views.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Taiwan.
- Beef Noodle Soup: A rich, hearty bowl of slow-cooked beef, noodles, and aromatic broth. It’s a staple comfort food that you’ll find in countless variations across the island, often sparking debates about which vendor makes the best.
- Xiaolongbao: These are delicate steamed dumplings filled with pork and a burst of savory soup. Originally from Shanghai, they’ve become a beloved part of Taiwan’s food scene, especially at places like Din Tai Fung.
- Oyster Omelette: A savory, gooey omelette made with fresh oysters, eggs, and tapioca starch. It’s a night market favorite, showcasing Taiwan’s abundant seafood and love for street food.
- Stinky Tofu: Fermented tofu that’s fried to crispy perfection, served with pickled cabbage. Its pungent aroma is polarizing, but it’s a must-try for an authentic street food experience.
- Pineapple Cake: A sweet pastry filled with a pineapple-based jam, these are popular gifts and a symbol of prosperity. They reflect Taiwan’s history of pineapple farming and its knack for delectable sweets.
Tap water in Taiwan is generally safe for locals to drink, but it might taste a bit off to tourists due to the chlorine. It’s usually recommended for travelers to stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any potential stomach upset. If you’re staying longer, consider getting a small portable filter or using the free water stations often available in public places.
The main language in Taiwan is
Mandarin. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Mandarin skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Taiwan includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Taiwan,
English proficiency varies widely depending on the region and context. In major cities like Taipei, you’ll find that many young people, professionals, and those in the tourism industry speak English reasonably well. Signs in public transportation and tourist attractions are often bilingual, making navigation easier for English speakers.
However, in rural areas or smaller towns, English proficiency may be limited. Older generations, in particular, may not speak English, so basic Mandarin phrases can be helpful. While many Taiwanese are eager to practice their English and may understand simple phrases, communication can sometimes be challenging.
Overall, while English is not universally spoken, especially outside urban centers, many locals are friendly and willing to help. Using translation apps or learning a few basic Mandarin phrases can enhance your experience and interactions.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Taiwan is TWD (NT$).
When backpacking in Taiwan, having some cash on hand is a good call. Most places, especially in smaller towns or night markets, prefer cash. ATMs are everywhere, but not all accept foreign cards. Stick to those in 7-Elevens or major banks like Bank of Taiwan for reliable transactions.
If you bring foreign currency, USD is your safest bet. Euros work too, but less prevalent. Exchange rates at banks are generally better than at the airport, so save some for immediate expenses and swap the rest later. Major credit cards are accepted in urban areas, but don’t bank on them for everyday purchases.
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan, and service charges are usually included in your bill at restaurants and hotels. However, you might consider rounding up the fare for taxi drivers or leaving small tips for exceptional service, though it’s not expected. In general, locals may find tipping unnecessary, so don’t stress over it.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.