Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Taiwan. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in Taiwan.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country and during the length of their entire visit. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required for stays under than 90 days.
US Embassy/Consulate
the US does not have an embassy in Taiwan; commercial and cultural relations with the people of Taiwan are maintained through an unofficial instrumentality, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), a private nonprofit corporation that performs citizen and consular services; telephone [886] 7-335-5006; FAX [886] 7-338-0551; American Institute in Taiwan, Tel: (+886) (02) 2162-2000; No. 100, Jinhu Road, Neihu District 11461, Taipei City, Taiwan; TaipeiACS@state.gov; https://www.ait.org.tw/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
886
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 119; Fire: 119; Police: 110
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Taiwan: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical; marine; rainy season during southwest monsoon (June to August); persistent and extensive cloudiness all year
Currency (Code)
New Taiwan dollars (TWD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
110 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B
Major Languages
Mandarin Chinese, Taiwanese (Min Nan), Hakka dialects, approximately 16 indigenous languages
Major Religions
Buddhist 35.3%, Taoist 33.2%, Christian 3.9%, folk (includes Confucian) approximately 10%
Time Difference
UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Taipei (includes Taipei 101, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Longshan Temple, National Palace Museum, Shilin Night Market); Yangmingshan National Park; Chimei Museum; Kenting Street; Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
Major Sports
Baseball, soccer, basketball, golf, softball
Cultural Practices
Respect for elders is considered vital, as is loyalty toward the family. Eating is a central part of the culture, and people in Taiwan are proud of their cuisine. At home, meals bring the family together and last longer than in many other societies.
Tipping Guidelines
A service charge of 10-15% is typically added in restaurants. Taxis do not require a tip.
Souvenirs
Jade jewelry and other jade items; coral, agate, and other precious stone jewelry and decorative items; bamboo items; hand-tailored clothing; Seagrass items; glass figurines; ceramics/pottery; Chinese musical instruments; traditional dolls in costumes; hand-painted palace lanterns; lacquerware; teak furniture; replica antiques; teas; beauty products
Traditional Cuisine
Beef Noodle Soup — a soup made with beef, broth, vegetables, noodles, and spices and often served with seaweed and braised dried tofu
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Wednesday, October 04, 2023
