Saving Tips
Taiwan is already affordable, but with these strategies, you can save even more:
- EasyCard: The rechargeable card (100 TWD deposit) works on the metro, buses, trains, convenience stores, and even some restaurants. 20% discount on metro rides! Buy at the airport or any metro station.
- HSR Early Bird Tickets: Book up to 28 days in advance: up to 35% discount on high-speed trains. Taipei → Kaohsiung: instead of €44, only €29. Book online at thsrc.com.tw.
- Tourist HSR Pass: 3 days of unlimited HSR travel for 2,200 TWD (€65) — worth it for 2 long-distance trips. Only for foreign tourists!
- Breakfast at 7-Eleven: An onigiri (rice triangle, 25–35 TWD) + soy milk (15 TWD) = solid breakfast for €1.50. Alternatively: Danbing (蛋餅, egg pancake) at a street stall for 25–40 TWD.
- Water at the Convenience Store: Bottled water costs 20 TWD (€0.60). Many hotels and public buildings have free water dispensers — bring a water bottle!
- Free Attractions: Most temples are free, hiking in national parks is free (only permits for special trails), hot springs in the wild (Wulai) are freely accessible.
- Accommodation Tip: Taiwanese hostels are excellent — clean, modern, often with a communal kitchen. Capsule hotels from €15 offer more privacy than dorms.
- Scooter instead of Taxi: In cities like Tainan and along the east coast, a scooter (300–500 TWD/day) is cheaper than any taxi and gives you maximum freedom.
