At this point in time Taiwan is not open to tourist travel, but for everyone out there that is dreaming of getting on a plane and jet-setting across the world once the pandemic is over, Taiwan should be at the top of your list. If you weren't already planning on visiting this gorgeous little island, it's worth putting on your travel bucket list. If you're headed this way, here are the top ten things you need to know.
1. Brief History of International Relations
Taiwan and China. The relationship between these two is complicated. Basically Taiwan sees itself as an independant country (they have their own elections, own laws, own flag), but China views Taiwan as a territory of China and it constantly threatening to take back power.
Obviously this is a sensitive subject. If you're staying in Taiwan short-term, you probably won't encounter this much. However, if you're planning on living long-term, you would probably benefit from knowing a little more about the situation.
2. The Magic of 7/11
7-11 in Taiwan is a wonderful, magical place. Literally anything you could ever need to do can be accomplished in a 7-11 store.
"What? surely you're exaggerating!" You may exclaim, saturated with the knowledge of 7-11 as merely store where the only good outcome is a slurpee. Hear me out.
All of the following can be accomplished a 7-11: Printing documents and pictures. Buying tickets for the High Speed Rail. Buying concert tickets. Receiving mail. Paying utility bills. Adding money to your Youcard. Withdrawing money from the bank (okay, an ATM). Paying parking tickets. Getting a new phone sim card. Calling a taxi. Picking up lottery winnings.
On top of all this, 7-11 has AC, a restroom, drinks (including alcohol), plenty of food (which they will heat up for you) and space to sit and eat your meal. And there is one on pretty much every street corner. Basically 7-11 will be your best friend in Taiwan.
3. The Power of Public Transportation
Are you from any American city besides New York and don't have a subway system? Do you hate waiting for late buses? Abhor getting on gritty, gross public transportation that is slow and troublesome? If you're visiting Taiwan, that will all be a thing of the past. Public transportation in Taiwan is great. It's clean, safe, timely and easy to use. If you were thinking about renting a car, think again. Buy yourself a Youcard and you're good to go.
One of the best things about public transportation, be it subway, buses, trains, ferries or bikes, is that it's all on one payment system, no matter where you go in the country. You can buy a Youcard at any 7-11 (good 'ol 7) for 100NT and you're ready to ride. (You can also use your Youcard at select retailers to pay for your groceries). You can also download an app and keep track of bus and train tables, as well as Youbike locations.
The coverage of public transportation is also mind-blowing. You can get nearly anywhere you need. Emily and I have taken 2-4 hour trips up into the mountains on public buses. In Taipei especially, the subway system is incredibly developed and even provides transport to the airport, which is in a different city.
A note: remember to wave down your bus, because they won't always stop unless you do.
4. Taiwan is Safe
Most tour books about Taiwan will say 'Taiwan is so safe' or 'Taiwanese people are so warm and friendly' and it seems a little general and unbelievable.
I am here to tell you it's the truth.
First off, as far as safety goes, it's unreal. You can leave your bike unlocked, phone and personal belongings on a table, keys in your scooter and they'll be there when you get back. As a woman you can walk home in the middle of the night, alone, and not have to hold keys between your fingers. You don't have to worry about pick pockets. Your biggest concern will be not being run over by a scooter. Of course things happen, but I will say that I have never felt unsafe in Taiwan.
I think this all comes down to the culture and the people. The people are indeed, very welcoming. As a foreigner, people will stop to ask if I need help. They often apologize for not speaking English, despite the fact that I'm in their country. They are generous and often excited to see a foreigner. And that's just with strangers. Even among my group of friends, I'm consistently amazed at how kind and generous everyone is. It has changed my perspective on my responsibility as a citizen.
5. You Will be Stared At
On the flip side of everything just mentioned, if you are an obvious foreigner (aka not Asian), people are going to stare. A lot. They will also whisper about you. Some will say hello or hi or beautiful girl or where are you from or any other bit of English they have picked up. Or ask to take your picture. And it will get really old, really fast.
This is more true for smaller cities where the international influence isn't as strong. I lived in Changhua (a retirement city out in the middle of nowhere) for a whole year and I got really sick of being stared at. I often had to remind myself that I could be the first white person they'd ever seen. Now that I've moved to Kaohsiung, it happens less often. But if you plan on traveling anywhere outside a main city, prepare yourself for the questions and looks that will mostly likely come your way.
6. Always Have an Umbrella
Taiwan is an island that straddles the tropic of cancer, and thus it receives a great deal of sunshine and also a great many thunderstorms. During the summer rainy season, the storms can burst out of a seemingly beautiful sunny day. The sun can also bake you alive if you're in it too long.
So, my recommendation is to always have an umbrella. You can protect yourself from the sun and from sudden rain-showers. The time that you don't have it will be the time that you need it.
7. Always Have a Water Bottle
You can't drink water straight from the tap in Taiwan. Walking around in the heat all day will dehydrate you quickly, so it is important to always carry a water bottle with you, since drinking fountains aren't common (public fountains can be found in train stations and other government buildings).
You can buy a bottle at a 7-11, but if you're trying to help protect the environment (a crusade that Taiwan is fully on board with) make sure to bring your own. Train stations and other public transport stations often have water machines where you can fill up).
Stay hydrated, stay healthy!
8. Food is Cheap.
If you're moving to Taiwan and trying to find a place with a kitchen, good luck. A lot of studios don't have kitchens. Or if they do, they're small and lack the typical appliances that would be in an American kitchen. If you're like me, this is a small tragedy, because I love cooking my own food. However, food in Taiwan is really cheap.
Included below is a quick list of sundry goods and their prices in USD.
-carton of milk: $1.50
-carton of eggs: $2.50
-fried rice: $3.25
-pasta: $5
-stinky tofu: $2.15
-chocolate bar: $1.25
So, if you're a foodie, then Taiwan is the place to be. There is tons of delicious food, all at great prices. Try everything you can.
9. Taiwan is the Birthplace of Bubble Tea
Bubble milk tea, boba, peal milk tea. It goes by many names, but all you need to remember is that it is delicious. Bubble tea is ubiquitous in Taiwan because this is where the drink originated from. While there is some contention about the exact shop that first created it, there is no denying it has become a staple.
The tapioca pearls provide a wonderful QQ texture. This texture is also found in a lot of other Taiwanese cuisine, and is best described as something is chewy, springy or elastic-y (think gummy bears). However in Taiwan, this texture is found in both sweet and savory foods. Walking through a night market, you might find fish balls, sweet potato balls, bubble milk tea, sesame donuts and Q bars, all of which have the QQ texture.
When my friend Emily first came to Taiwan, she was not a fan of the 'bubble' part of bubble tea. But she kept trying it, and now when we're having a down day, we go grab bubble tea as a treat. If you're in Taiwan, you definitely need to grab a cup of bubble tea. While you're at it, don't forget to branch out into the other wonderful QQ textures.
10. Taiwan is Beautiful
Honestly this should be much higher on the list. The only reason it's not is because all of the other things on this list are important for traveling. The final point is one of the reasons why you're traveling.
Taiwan is a stunning island. The blue ocean runs right into steep green mountains. There are 100 peaks over 3,000m in height. A lot of flora and fauna are endemic to the island. Mini-islands provide getaways and the "island life" vibes. Cloud seas gather below mountain peaks. Clean beaches are perfect for surfing and diving. Waterfalls and rivers are tucked into emerald mountain valleys. It is enough to take your breath away.
Even in the city, there is beauty. Bright flowers. Temples alight with lanterns. Boardwalks along the river. Night markets abuzz in the sultry evening air. Historic alleys bring you back in time. There is beauty to be found in every turn.
If Taiwan wasn't already on your bucket list, it should be now. And hopefully with these few tips, you'll know how to navigate the island a little better during your time here. Whether you come to travel, work or study, Taiwan is a wonderful place to call home.