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. Nonetheless: Travel health insurance is highly recommended, as treatments for non-Taiwanese can be expensive (no access to the Taiwanese healthcare system NHI).

Vaccinations

No mandatory vaccinations. Recommended: Hepatitis A (for intensive street food consumption), refresh standard vaccinations (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio). Japanese Encephalitis is only relevant for longer stays in rural areas.

Water & Food Hygiene

Tap water must be boiled (this is done in hotels and restaurants). Bottled water: 20 TWD (0.60€) at 7-Eleven. Many public buildings, temples, and train stations have free water dispensers — bring a water bottle! Street food is safe — hygiene standards at Taiwan's night markets are significantly higher than in most Southeast Asian countries.

Natural Hazards

• Typhoons (July–September): Taiwan is in the typhoon zone. 3–5 typhoons hit the island per year. The government issues timely warnings and can declare “typhoon days” (颱風假) — then offices, schools, and shops close, public transport is suspended. Flights are canceled or rerouted. If a typhoon is announced: Stay in the hotel, have snacks and water ready, follow weather warnings from the Central Weather Administration (CWA).
• Earthquakes: Taiwan is on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Minor earthquakes (below 4.0) are frequent and barely noticeable. Stronger quakes occur occasionally (most recently Hualien 2024, 7.4 magnitude). Hotels have evacuation plans — inquire at check-in. In case of an earthquake: Get under a sturdy table, away from windows, leave the building after the all-clear.