Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) The main airport of Taiwan is located 40 km west of Taipei and is the hub for international flights. Two terminals, modern and efficient. The main connections from Europe: China Airlines (CI): Taiwan's national airline flies directly from Frankfurt and Vienna to

Transport within the Country

HSR — Taiwan's High-Speed Train The Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR, 高鐵) is Taiwan's pride: A Shinkansen system that connects the west coast from Taipei to Kaohsiung (Zuoying) in just 1 hour 34 minutes at speeds of up to 300 km/h. Punctual, clean, comfortable — on a Japanese level, at a fraction of Japa

Visa Germans, Austrians, and Swiss do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Only a passport (valid for at least 6 months) and a return or onward flight ticket are required. Entry is uncomplicated and quick — Taiwan has one of the most efficient border control systems in Asia. Important: Taiwan an

New Taiwan Dollar (TWD / NT$) Exchange Rate (Reference 2025/2026): 1 EUR ≈ 34 TWD / 1 USD ≈ 32 TWD Coins: 1, 5, 10, 50 TWD. Bills: 100 (red), 200 (green), 500 (brown), 1,000 (blue), 2,000 (purple). Withdrawing Money & Payment ATMs: Everywhere — 7-Eleven and FamilyMart have ATMs with English instru

Health & Natural Hazards

Medical Care Taiwan has an excellent healthcare system — one of the best in Asia, on par with Western standards. Hospitals in Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung have English-speaking staff, modern equipment, and short waiting times. Pharmacies (with English-speaking staff) are everywhere. Nonet

Communication & Internet

SIM Card & Internet Taiwan has one of the best network coverages in Asia — 4G/5G even in the mountains, tunnels, and countryside. Buy tourist SIM cards at the airport (arrival hall): Providers: Chunghwa Telecom (best network, most expensive option), Taiwan Mobile, Far EasTone Prices: 5 days unlimit

One of the Safest Countries in the World Taiwan is extremely safe. The crime rate is one of the lowest worldwide — significantly lower than in most European countries. Pickpocketing is rare, violent crimes against tourists are practically unknown. You can walk alone at night in any city, leave your

Home Travel GuidesTaiwan

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Travel Guide Taiwan

Your complete travel guide for the island of night markets, hot springs, and marble gorges

Capital:Taipei

Language:Mandarin Chinese

Currency:New Taiwan Dollar (TWD)

Best Travel Time:Oct–Dec, Mar–May

Flight Time:12–13 hours from DE

Visa:Not required (90 days)

Last updated: 17 March 2026 · 12 Chapters · 41 Sections

RECOMMENDED

Route Suggestions

Classic Taiwan Tour

14–18 days

The grand tour counterclockwise: From Taipei along the east coast to the south and back along the west coast. Perfectly doable by HSR, train, and bus — you see the whole island.

TaipeiJiufenHualien/TarokoOstküsteSun Moon LakeAlishanTainanKaohsiungKenting

Taiwan Express

7–8 days

The highlights in a week: Taipei intensive (3 days), day trip to Jiufen, Taroko Gorge (2 days), and Kaohsiung/Tainan (1–2 days). The HSR makes it possible — Taipei → Kaohsiung in 90 minutes.

TaipeiJiufenHualien/TarokoKaohsiung/TainanTaipei

Nature & Mountains

10–14 days

For hikers and nature lovers: Yangmingshan Volcano Park, Taroko Gorge (including Zhuilu Trail), east coast by scooter, Yushan ascent (apply for a permit early!), Alishan sunrise, and Sun Moon Lake by bike. Taiwan's scenic diversity on one route.

TaipeiYangmingshanTarokoOstküsteYushanAlishanSun Moon Lake

Foodie Tour Taiwan

10 days

For gourmets: A different night market every evening, Beef Noodle Soup in Taipei, Bubble Tea at its birthplace in Taichung, street food in Tainan (Taiwan's foodie capital), seafood on Cijin Island in Kaohsiung. Tea ceremonies in Maokong and Jiufen, Xiaolongbao at Din Tai Fung.

TaipeiTaichungTainanKaohsiungTaipei

All Chapters

Planning· 3 Chapters

Chapter 1

Welcome to Taiwan

4 Sections

Chapter 2

Best Travel Time & Climate

3 Sections

Chapter 3

Budget & Costs

3 Sections

Regions· 4 Chapters

Chapter 4

Taipei & North

5 Sections

Chapter 5

Central Taiwan

4 Sections

Chapter 6

South & Kenting

4 Sections

Chapter 7

East Coast & Taroko

4 Sections

Understanding· 3 Chapters

Chapter 8

Culture & Society

3 Sections

Chapter 9

History

1 Sections

Chapter 10

Food & Drink

3 Sections

Practical· 2 Chapters

Chapter 11

Arrival & Transport

2 Sections

Chapter 12

Practical A–Z

5 Sections

Discover More Travel Guides

Regions at a Glance

Taipei & North

Taiwan's vibrant capital with Taipei 101, the best night markets in Asia, hot springs in Beitou, and the magical mountain village of Jiufen — the starting point for any Taiwan journey.

Taipei 101Night markets (Shilin, Raohe)Beitou Hot SpringsJiufen+2

Taipei

Central Taiwan

Taiwan's green heart: The mystical Sun Moon Lake, the Alishan mountain railway, sunrises over the sea of clouds, Taiwan's best tea plantations, and the creative Taichung.

Sun Moon LakeAlishan Forest RailwaySunrise over the sea of cloudsYushan (3,952 m)+2

Sun Moon Lake

South & Kenting

Taiwan's historic south with the temple capital Tainan, the creative Kaohsiung, the giant monastery Fo Guang Shan, and the tropical Kenting National Park.

Tainan (200+ temples)Kaohsiung Pier-2Dragon & Tiger PagodasKenting National Park+2

Tainan Kaohsiung

East Coast & Taroko

The spectacular Taroko marble gorge, the wild east coast with dramatic cliffs, indigenous culture, and the tropical islands Green Island and Orchid Island.

Taroko GorgeZhuilu Old TrailHualienSanxiantai Bridge+2

Hualien