The practical stuff every Aussie needs to know
Who can stay, how long can you stay, and how do you get to stay?
Taiwan makes it easy for Australians. Visa-free entry for 90 days, efficient immigration, and a country that genuinely welcomes tourists. The only political wrinkle is Taiwan's unique international status — it's not officially recognised by most countries (including Australia), but that doesn't affect your travel one bit. Your passport gets stamped and you're in.
Australian passport holders can enter Taiwan visa-free for up to 90 days. No application, no fee. Just show your passport (6 months validity), a return or onward ticket, and you're through. Immigration at Taoyuan Airport (TPE) is fast and friendly. You get a stamp in your passport — 90 days from date of entry. This is one of the most generous visa-free arrangements in Asia.
The 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer, you need to leave the country and re-enter for a fresh 90 days. Popular visa runs include flights to Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea or the Philippines. Alternatively, apply for a visitor visa at a Taiwan representative office (they're called "Taipei Economic and Cultural Office" — TECO) before your trip for a 60-day extendable visa.
Australians aged 18-30 can apply for a Taiwan Working Holiday Visa through TECO. It allows 12 months of stay with work permission. Quota applies (usually 500-1,000 per year). Requirements: proof of funds (AUD $5,000), return ticket, health insurance and a clean criminal record. A great option if you want to teach English or work while exploring Taiwan.
If you're planning to work in Taiwan (most commonly teaching English), your employer sponsors your work permit and you apply for an ARC (Alien Resident Certificate). English teachers need a bachelor's degree from an English-speaking country. The process takes a few weeks. Taiwan has a well-established system for foreign workers and the bureaucracy, while thorough, is reasonably efficient.
Taiwan's Employment Gold Card is a combined work permit and resident visa for professionals in science, tech, economics, education, culture, sports, finance and law. Valid for 1-3 years. Applicants need to demonstrate expertise and a salary history of TWD $160,000+/month (or equivalent). It's Taiwan's pitch to attract global talent — similar to Singapore's ONE Pass. Worth investigating if you're a skilled professional.
If you marry a Taiwanese citizen, you can apply for a Spouse ARC (Alien Resident Certificate). This gives you the right to live and work in Taiwan. After 3-5 years of continuous residence, you can apply for permanent residency (APRC). Taiwan has straightforward spousal immigration compared to some countries. Your spouse handles most of the paperwork on the Taiwan side.
Taiwan officially calls itself the Republic of China (ROC). The People's Republic of China (PRC — mainland China) claims Taiwan as its territory. This has zero practical impact on your travel. Taiwan has its own government, military, currency, immigration and passport control. Treat it as a separate country because functionally it is one. Just don't refer to Taiwan as part of China when talking to locals — it's a sensitive topic.
If you're travelling from mainland China to Taiwan, you can do so freely as an Australian. However, be aware that having a Taiwan stamp in your passport won't cause problems with Chinese immigration — they don't stamp your passport (they use a separate landing card). Similarly, Chinese stamps won't affect Taiwan entry. The two systems operate independently from a practical immigration standpoint for foreign nationals.
Overstaying your visa-free period results in fines, potential detention and a ban from re-entering Taiwan. Fines start from TWD $2,000 per day. Overstays of more than 30 days can result in a 1-year entry ban; more than 90 days, a 3-year ban. Taiwan tracks this carefully through its digital immigration system. Set a reminder, plan your departure, and don't cut it close.
Passport with 6+ months validity. Return or onward ticket. Hotel booking confirmation (helpful but not always asked for). No special customs form — Taiwan uses an electronic system. Travel insurance recommended but not required. Taiwan entry is one of the smoothest in Asia — efficient, professional, no dramas. You'll be through immigration and on the MRT to Taipei in under an hour from landing.
What to eat (and where to find it)
Taiwan might just be the best food country in Asia. Bold claim, but the evidence is overwhelming. Night markets on every corner, world-class street food for pocket change, Michelin-recommended stalls, and a food culture that borders on obsessive. Taiwanese people eat constantly and they eat well. You will gain weight here. Accept it.
Taiwan's unofficial national dish. Rich, beefy broth with braised beef chunks, thick wheat noodles, pickled mustard greens and chilli oil. Every shop has its own recipe — some are clear broth, others are dark and intense with soy and five-spice. Yong Kang Beef Noodle and Lin Dong Fang in Taipei are legendary. TWD $180-250 per bowl. There's an annual beef noodle soup competition in Taipei — that's how seriously they take it.
Thin-skinned dumplings filled with pork and hot soup. Pick them up carefully with chopsticks, place on your spoon, nibble a hole and slurp the soup, then eat the dumpling. Din Tai Fung (which started in Taipei) is the world-famous chain. But locals swear by smaller places like Hangzhou Xiao Long Bao on Hangzhou South Road. TWD $100-200 for a steamer of 10. Addictive doesn't begin to cover it.
Taiwan's night markets are legendary. Shilin, Raohe, Ningxia, Tonghua in Taipei; Fengjia in Taichung; Liuhe in Kaohsiung. Open from about 5pm until midnight or later. Dozens of stalls selling everything from oyster omelettes to stinky tofu to grilled sausages. Most items TWD $30-100. This is where you eat dinner — skip the restaurants and hit the markets. Bring an empty stomach and cash.
Minced pork braised in soy sauce, five-spice and shallots, served over white rice. Cheap, comforting and available at practically every local restaurant. TWD $30-60 for a bowl — yes, that's under AUD $2. Jin Feng Lu Rou Fan near Chiang Kai-shek Memorial is the most famous. It's the kind of dish you eat three times a day without getting tired of it. The epitome of Taiwanese comfort food.
You'll smell it before you see it. Fermented tofu that's either deep-fried (crispy outside, soft inside, served with pickled cabbage) or braised in a spicy stew. The smell is genuinely pungent — like a dumpster in summer. But the taste is surprisingly mild and delicious. Deep-fried stinky tofu is the gateway version. Found at every night market. TWD $50-80. Try it — you might be shocked at how good it is.
Taiwan invented bubble tea in the 1980s and it's still the best place to drink it. Chewy tapioca pearls in milk tea or fruit tea. The original is from Chun Shui Tang in Taichung (milk tea) or Hanlin Tea Room (also Taichung). 50 Lan, CoCo and Tiger Sugar are popular chains. TWD $40-80. You'll develop an addiction within 48 hours. Customise your sugar and ice levels — Taiwanese do "half sugar, less ice" (ban tang, shao bing).
Small oysters in a starchy, eggy omelette with sweet chilli sauce and lettuce. A night market classic. The texture is unique — slightly gooey from the sweet potato starch batter. Raohe Night Market's Shi Boss and Shilin Night Market both have famous versions. TWD $60-80. It sounds weird, it looks messy, and it's bloody delicious. Pair it with a cold beer.
Taiwan takes breakfast seriously. Dedicated breakfast shops (zao can dian) serve dan bing (egg crepes), fan tuan (rice rolls with you tiao, pickled vegetables and pork floss), soy milk (dou jiang — sweet or savoury) and shao bing you tiao (sesame flatbread with fried dough). Yong He Soy Milk King is the classic. Breakfast runs TWD $50-100. These shops are everywhere and open from 6am. Get there early — popular ones sell out by 10am.
Taiwan has excellent food safety standards — much better than most of Southeast Asia. Tap water is technically treated but locals don't drink it — stick to filtered or bottled water. Ice at restaurants and night markets is fine (made from purified water). Street food is generally safe — high turnover and hygiene standards are better than you'd expect. The biggest risk is overeating, not food poisoning. Your stomach will thank you for Taiwan's food standards after travelling elsewhere in Asia.
Order at the counter, pay first, find a seat. At night markets, it's all standing or walking while eating. Chopsticks are standard — ask for a fork (cha zi) if you need one, nobody will judge. Taiwanese portions are designed for ordering multiple dishes — don't fill up on one thing, try five things. Download the "Taiwan Night Market" app for English menus and stall locations. And learn three words: hao chi (delicious) — use them constantly and locals will love you.
Local beers
Taiwan's beer scene has exploded in recent years. The old government monopoly brand (Taiwan Beer) still dominates, but a thriving craft beer scene has emerged alongside it. Beer is reasonably priced, widely available 24/7 from convenience stores, and perfectly suited to washing down night market food. Drinking culture is relaxed and social — Taiwanese love a good drinking session.
The original and still the most popular. Brewed by the government-owned Taiwan Tobacco and Liquor Corporation since 1919 (originally under Japanese rule). A light, clean lager made with ponlai rice, giving it a slightly sweet, smooth character. Around TWD $35-45 for a 330ml can from 7-Eleven, TWD $80-120 at restaurants. Available literally everywhere. It's the default and it's solid — nothing fancy, perfectly drinkable, cheap as chips.
The premium version of Taiwan Beer. Smoother, with more body and a slightly hoppy finish. Won actual gold medals at international beer competitions. TWD $40-55 from convenience stores. Many locals consider this the better beer. In a blue can versus the green classic. Try both and pick your camp — it's a genuine debate in Taiwan, like Holden vs Ford used to be back home.
Mango, pineapple, grape, honey and other fruit-flavoured beers. 2.8-3.5% ABV. Surprisingly popular and actually decent — the mango beer in particular is dangerously drinkable on a hot night. TWD $30-40 per can. Perfect for a night market crawl when you want something light and refreshing. They're sweet, so not for everyone, but don't knock them until you've tried the mango one on a 35°C evening.
Taiwan's craft beer revolution is real. Taihu Brewing (Taipei), Zhangmen Brewing (Taipei), Redpoint Brewing (Taipei — started by Americans), and Alechemist (Kaohsiung) are the standout local breweries. IPAs, stouts, wheat beers, sours — the full range. Expect TWD $180-300 per glass at taprooms. Zhangmen has multiple locations in Taipei and is a great entry point. The quality rivals craft beer anywhere in Asia.
Taiwan's convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, OK Mart) are on every block and sell beer 24/7. No alcohol sale time restrictions. You can buy a Taiwan Beer for TWD $35, sit at the store's outdoor table area, and people-watch. This is a legitimate and common way to drink in Taiwan — nobody thinks twice about it. 7-Eleven even stocks some craft beers. The convenience store is your bottle shop, your bar and your late-night snack shop all in one.
Taiwan's signature spirit. A clear grain liquor from Kinmen Island, typically 58% ABV. Made from sorghum. It's fiery, smooth (for its strength) and integral to Taiwanese drinking culture. Served in small glasses at banquets and formal dinners. Kinmen Kaoliang is the most famous brand. A bottle runs TWD $300-800. Be warned: this is not a sipping drink, it's a toasting drink. One shot at a time with food. Respect the kaoliang or it will humble you.
Most night markets have beer stalls or you can buy cans from convenience stores and walk around. Drinking while browsing the market is totally normal and part of the experience. Cold Taiwan Beer in one hand, grilled sausage in the other, weaving through the crowds — this is peak Taiwan. Some markets have sit-down beer gardens with seafood and barbecue. Raohe and Shilin both have excellent beer-and-food zones.
Japanese beers (Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo, Suntory) are very popular and widely available — TWD $50-70 from convenience stores. Given Taiwan's historical Japanese influence, this makes sense. Heineken, Corona and other international brands are also available. Costco in Taiwan has an incredible beer section — seriously, it's worth a visit just for the imported beer selection at warehouse prices.
Taiwan has strict drink driving laws with near-zero tolerance. The legal limit is 0.15 mg/L breath alcohol (lower than Australia's 0.25). Penalties include fines of TWD $30,000-120,000, licence suspension, and for repeat offenders, prison. Roadside breath testing is common, especially on weekend nights. Don't even think about riding a scooter after drinking — this is one of the most common ways foreigners get in serious trouble in Taiwan. Use taxis or the MRT.
Taiwanese drinking culture revolves around "gan bei" (bottoms up) toasts, especially at dinners and with kaoliang. It's polite to toast the host and senior people at the table. If you can't keep up, hold your glass with both hands and take a sip instead of draining it — say "sui yi" (as you wish) to indicate a sip rather than a full skull. Nobody will judge you for pacing yourself. But if you CAN keep up, you'll earn serious respect.
Transport options
Taiwan has excellent public transport — clean, efficient, affordable and extensive. The High Speed Rail connects the west coast cities in hours, the Taipei MRT is world-class, and even rural bus services are reasonably reliable. Scooters are everywhere but not recommended for tourists. This is one of the easiest countries in Asia to navigate without a car.
Taipei's metro system is clean, safe, efficient and covers most of the city. Trains run from 6am to midnight, every 3-7 minutes during peak hours. Fares are TWD $20-65 depending on distance. Announcements in Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka and English. No eating or drinking on the MRT (fines up to TWD $7,500). Get an EasyCard for tap-on-tap-off convenience. The Taipei MRT is genuinely one of the best metro systems in Asia.
The EasyCard is a rechargeable stored-value card that works on the MRT, buses, trains, YouBike, convenience stores, supermarkets, taxis, parking meters and vending machines. Buy one at any MRT station (TWD $100 plus whatever you load). Top up at MRT stations, convenience stores or via the EasyCard app. This single card will handle 90% of your daily transactions in Taiwan. Essential — get one at the airport.
Taiwan's bullet train connects Taipei to Kaohsiung (345km) in just 1.5 hours, with stops at Banqiao, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Miaoli, Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi and Tainan. Trains are fast, clean and on time. Standard car tickets: Taipei to Kaohsiung TWD $1,490. Book early online for discounts (up to 35% off). The HSR station is connected to the local MRT/rail network at most stops. This is how you see the whole west coast of Taiwan efficiently.
The regular rail network covers the entire island, including the scenic east coast route that the HSR doesn't reach. Slower and cheaper than HSR. Hualien (for Taroko Gorge) is best reached by TRA — about 2 hours from Taipei on the Taroko Express (TWD $440). The Taitung line along the east coast is stunning scenery. Book express trains online at the TRA website or via the Taiwan Railways app.
City buses in Taipei, Kaohsiung and other cities are cheap (TWD $15 flat fare in Taipei) and frequent. Use EasyCard to tap on/off. Google Maps gives excellent bus directions. Long-distance buses (Kuo-Kuang, Aloha, Ubus) connect cities that rail doesn't reach well — especially useful for the east coast and mountain areas. Comfortable, air-conditioned and cheap. Taipei Bus Station has services to practically everywhere.
Taiwan's public bike-sharing system is excellent. Yellow YouBike 2.0 stations are everywhere in Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung and other cities. Register with your EasyCard or credit card via the YouBike app. First 30 minutes: TWD $5. Cheap, convenient and great for short trips and exploring neighbourhoods. Taipei has dedicated bike lanes on many streets. Return the bike to any station — no need to go back to where you picked it up.
Yellow taxis are metered, clean and honest. Flag fall: TWD $70 (first 1.25km), then TWD $5 per 200m. A cross-Taipei ride rarely exceeds TWD $300. Night surcharge (11pm-6am) adds TWD $20 to the flag fall. Drivers generally don't speak much English — have your destination written in Chinese characters or show it on Google Maps. Uber also operates in Taiwan and works with local taxis. Tipping is not expected.
Taiwan has more scooters per capita than almost anywhere on Earth. They're the dominant form of transport for locals. As a tourist, you CAN rent a scooter if you have an International Driving Permit, but honestly — don't. Traffic is chaotic, scooters weave through cars, and the accident rate for foreigners is high. Electric scooters (Gogoro) are available through GoShare app. If you must ride, wear a helmet and stick to quieter areas outside the city.
Scooter accidents are the number one cause of injury for foreign visitors in Taiwan. The traffic dynamics are different from Australia — scooters share lanes with cars, turn independently at intersections and congregate in "scooter boxes" at traffic lights. If you're not experienced with Asian scooter traffic, the learning curve is steep and the consequences are real. Hospital visits for scooter injuries are common among tourists. Use public transport instead.
Taoyuan Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station: TWD $160, about 35-40 minutes. Express trains run every 15 minutes. This is the best option — fast, cheap and takes you right to the centre. Alternatively: taxi (TWD $1,000-1,200, about 40-50 minutes) or airport bus (Kuo-Kuang 1819, TWD $140, about 55 minutes to Taipei Main Station). The MRT is the winner for most people. Follow the purple signs at the airport.
Currency and ATMs etc
The New Taiwan Dollar (TWD/NT$) is the currency. As of 2025, AUD $1 gets you roughly TWD $20-22. Taiwan is very affordable — cheaper than Singapore, Japan and South Korea, roughly on par with Malaysia for food and transport. Cash is still widely used, especially at night markets and smaller shops, but card acceptance is growing fast. You won't have money headaches here.
ATMs are everywhere — every 7-Eleven and FamilyMart has one (and there's a convenience store on every block). Cathay United Bank, CTBC and Mega Bank ATMs work well with foreign cards. Most ATMs dispense up to TWD $20,000-30,000 per transaction. Fees are typically TWD $100 per withdrawal plus whatever your Australian bank charges. Withdraw larger amounts less frequently. The 7-Eleven ATMs (CTBC branded) are the most tourist-friendly.
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at department stores, chain restaurants, hotels, train stations and larger shops. Many night market stalls, smaller restaurants and traditional shops are still cash only. Apple Pay and Google Pay work at many retailers. JCB (Japanese card network) is widely accepted due to Japan's influence. Always carry TWD $2,000-3,000 in cash for night markets, small eateries and taxis. Card acceptance is improving rapidly but cash is still essential.
Exchange AUD to TWD at the airport (Bank of Taiwan counter in arrivals — rates are actually decent, unlike most airports). Banks in the city also exchange foreign currency — Bank of Taiwan and Mega Bank are the most foreigner-friendly. Money changers are less common than in Southeast Asia. Some hotels exchange money at poor rates. The airport exchange counter is honestly your best first stop — rates are competitive and the process is quick.
Night market meal: TWD $50-150. Sit-down restaurant lunch: TWD $100-250. Beef noodle soup: TWD $180-250. Bubble tea: TWD $40-80. Taiwan Beer (convenience store): TWD $35-45. Beer at a bar: TWD $150-300. Taipei MRT ride: TWD $20-65. Budget hotel: TWD $1,000-2,000/night. Mid-range hotel: TWD $2,500-5,000/night. You can eat extremely well for under AUD $20 per day. Taiwan is incredible value.
Tipping is NOT part of Taiwanese culture. Don't tip at restaurants, taxis, hotels or bars. Some upscale restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill — that's it. Attempting to tip can actually cause confusion or embarrassment. This is one of the few countries where you genuinely don't need to worry about tipping at all. What you see on the menu is what you pay. Refreshingly simple.
Your EasyCard isn't just for transport — it works at 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, vending machines, supermarkets, parking meters, some restaurants, and even some night market stalls. Top it up at any convenience store or MRT station. Maximum stored value is TWD $10,000. It's essentially a debit card for daily life in Taiwan. Keep it loaded with TWD $1,000-2,000 and you'll breeze through most small transactions.
Wise works for AUD to TWD transfers at excellent rates. If you're sending money to Taiwan, Wise to a local bank account is the cheapest option. Taiwan's domestic banking system is modern and efficient — LINE Pay, JKoPay and other mobile payments are popular locally. As a tourist, your EasyCard and cash will cover everything you need without setting up local digital wallets.
Night markets are almost entirely cash-only. ATMs at night markets either don't exist or have long queues. Withdraw cash BEFORE heading to the market. Carry plenty of TWD $100 notes and coins — many stalls don't have change for TWD $1,000 bills. A good night market session will cost TWD $300-500 for food and TWD $200-400 for drinks. Budget TWD $1,000 per night market visit and you'll eat like a king.
Tourists can claim a refund on the 5% VAT for purchases over TWD $2,000 at TRS (Tax Refund for Shoppers) participating stores. Look for the TRS logo. Process your refund at the airport before departure — bring receipts, passport and the goods. Department stores and electronics shops are the most common TRS participants. Not a huge saving but worth claiming if you're buying electronics, clothes or souvenirs over the threshold.
Traps and dangers — How to stay safe!
Taiwan is one of the safest countries in Asia — and one of the safest in the world. Violent crime is extremely rare, petty crime is low, and the biggest risks are natural disasters (earthquakes and typhoons) and traffic accidents. You can walk anywhere at any time and feel safe. The main danger is complacency — don't forget basic precautions just because Taiwan is so comfortable.
Taiwan has one of the lowest crime rates in Asia. Violent crime against foreigners is almost unheard of. Pickpocketing is rare even in crowded night markets. You can leave your bag on a chair in a cafe and it'll be there when you return. Lost wallets are routinely turned in with cash intact. This level of safety is remarkable and one of Taiwan's biggest selling points. Don't take it for granted, but do enjoy it.
Taiwan sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and experiences earthquakes regularly. Most are minor and barely noticeable. Major earthquakes do occur — the 2024 Hualien earthquake (magnitude 7.4) was the strongest in 25 years. Buildings in Taiwan are built to earthquake standards and the emergency response is excellent. Know the drill: drop, cover, hold on. Stay away from windows and heavy objects. Your hotel will have evacuation procedures posted in your room.
Typhoon season runs from June to October. Major typhoons can bring destructive winds, heavy rain and flooding. When a typhoon warning is issued, everything shuts down — schools, offices, public transport. Follow CWA (Central Weather Administration) updates. Stock up on water and food. Stay indoors. Don't go sightseeing during a typhoon (sounds obvious but people do). Flights will be cancelled — build buffer days into your itinerary during typhoon season.
Traffic is the biggest safety risk in Taiwan, especially scooters. Pedestrians need to watch for scooters running red lights, turning without indicating and driving on footpaths. Look both ways (and behind you) when crossing streets. Use pedestrian crossings but don't assume cars will stop. The phrase "Taiwan is a great country with terrible drivers" is widely acknowledged, even by Taiwanese. Be vigilant when walking, especially at intersections.
Taiwan has strict drug laws. Possession of marijuana can result in up to 3 years in prison. Manufacturing or trafficking carries potential death penalty for serious quantities. Drug testing can be ordered by police and a positive result is treated as use. Taiwan is not a place to experiment with drugs. The penalties are harsh and the enforcement is real. Zero tolerance — no exceptions for foreigners.
Taiwan has almost no tourist scams. Taxi meters run honestly. Night market prices are genuine. Nobody is trying to rip you off. The worst you'll encounter is a taxi driver taking a slightly longer route or a night market stall charging a tourist an extra TWD $10. Coming from elsewhere in Asia, the honesty is refreshing. Trust people here — they deserve it.
Taiwan's healthcare system is excellent and affordable, even for foreigners without NHI (National Health Insurance). A GP visit costs TWD $500-1,000. Emergency room visits are TWD $500-2,000. Pharmacies are everywhere (look for the green cross). English-speaking doctors are available at major hospitals in Taipei (NTU Hospital, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Mackay Memorial Hospital). Travel insurance is recommended but medical costs are reasonable even without it.
China claims Taiwan and tensions exist, including military exercises and rhetoric. For tourists, this has zero day-to-day impact. Taiwan functions as a peaceful, democratic society. There's no military presence on the streets, no checkpoints, no visible tension. The situation is monitored by governments worldwide but has not affected tourism. Don't let geopolitics put you off — Taiwan is safe, stable and welcoming.
Taiwan's mountains are beautiful but can be dangerous. Some trails require permits (e.g., Yushan, the highest peak). Weather changes rapidly at altitude. Flash floods in gorges (Taroko Gorge especially) are a real risk after rain. Always check conditions before hiking, tell someone your plans, carry water and rain gear, and stick to marked trails. Rescue services are good but remote areas can take hours to reach. Don't underestimate Taiwan's mountains.
Police: 110. Fire/Ambulance: 119. English-language assistance: 0800-024-111 (24-hour tourist hotline — genuinely helpful). Australian Office Taipei: (02) 8725-4100. Download the "Taiwan Travel Safety" app for earthquake alerts and typhoon warnings. Register with Smartraveller. Taiwan is incredibly tourist-friendly — if you need help, ask anyone. Taiwanese people go out of their way to assist foreigners. You'll be fine.
Getting connected on arrival
Getting a SIM in Taiwan is easy, cheap and essential. You'll need data for Google Maps, translation apps, Line (Taiwan's main messaging app) and looking up night market food recommendations. Buy a tourist SIM at the airport — the counters are right in the arrivals hall and the process takes 10 minutes. Coverage is excellent across the entire island.
Taiwan's largest carrier with the best overall coverage, especially in mountainous and rural areas. Tourist SIMs: 5-day unlimited data TWD $300, 10-day TWD $500, 15-day TWD $700, 30-day TWD $1,000. All include some local call minutes. Chunghwa is the go-to if you're heading to the mountains, east coast or rural areas. Their counter at Taoyuan Airport is hard to miss — just follow the signs in arrivals.
The second-largest carrier. Competitive tourist SIM prices, sometimes slightly cheaper than Chunghwa. Good coverage in cities and most rural areas, though Chunghwa edges it in remote mountain areas. Tourist SIM packages are similar — 5, 10, 15 and 30-day options. Available at the airport and Taiwan Mobile stores in cities. A solid choice if Chunghwa's counter has a longer queue.
The third carrier. Also offers tourist SIM packages at competitive prices. Coverage is good in urban areas and along major transport corridors. Slightly less coverage in very remote mountain areas compared to Chunghwa. Available at the airport. All three carriers are fine for most tourists — the differences are marginal unless you're doing serious mountain trekking in the interior.
Taoyuan Airport (TPE) arrivals hall — all three carriers have counters, open from early morning until the last flight arrives. Staff speak English, will install the SIM, test it and make sure everything works. Bring your passport for registration (mandatory). Also available at Songshan Airport (TSA — domestic/regional flights), Kaohsiung Airport and convenience stores (limited selection). The airport is by far the easiest option.
Airalo, Nomad and Holafly offer Taiwan eSIMs from AUD $5-15. Activated before you leave Australia, working the moment you land. Great for data — no local number for calls/texts. Chunghwa Telecom also sells eSIMs online. If you're only in Taiwan for a few days and just need data for maps and messaging, an eSIM is the simplest, queue-free option. Highly recommended if your phone supports it.
4G coverage is excellent across the entire island — cities, countryside, along rail lines, even in many mountain areas. 5G is available in Taipei, Kaohsiung and other major cities. You won't have connectivity issues in Taiwan. Speeds are fast and reliable. Streaming, video calls and navigation work flawlessly everywhere. This is a technologically advanced country and the mobile infrastructure reflects it.
Free WiFi (iTaiwan) is available at MRT stations, government buildings, tourist spots and many public areas. Register with your passport number at any visitor information centre. Cafes, restaurants and convenience stores generally have free WiFi. Speeds vary but are usually adequate. Between your SIM data and ubiquitous WiFi, staying connected in Taiwan is effortless.
Taiwan uses LINE as its primary messaging app — not WhatsApp, not Messenger. If you want to communicate with Taiwanese people, you need LINE. Download it, create an account and add your local contacts via QR code. LINE is also used for payments (LINE Pay), news, stickers (Taiwanese people are obsessed with LINE stickers) and even government communications. It's the Swiss Army knife of Taiwanese digital life.
Taiwan has a problem with scam phone calls — robocalls claiming to be from banks, police or government agencies. If you receive a call in Mandarin asking for personal information or money, hang up immediately. Don't answer calls from unknown numbers. This is a local issue that occasionally affects tourists with local SIMs. Your tourist SIM number may receive spam SMS — ignore anything asking you to click links.
Dual-SIM or eSIM: keep your Aussie SIM for receiving SMS (banking 2FA) and add a Taiwan SIM/eSIM for data and local calls. Download LINE, Google Maps (with offline Taiwan map), Google Translate (with offline Chinese package) and the EasyCard app before you arrive. Set your Google Maps to download the Taipei offline area. With this setup, you're fully operational the moment you step off the plane.
Where to go to relax, have a few beers and a feed, and meet other Aussies
Taiwan's Australian community is smaller than Singapore's or Hong Kong's but it's there — concentrated mainly in Taipei with a scattering of English teachers, professionals and long-term residents across the island. The expat scene is less Aussie-specific and more broadly international, but you'll find your people if you know where to look.
A long-running expat sports bar in Taipei's Fuxing area. Multiple floors, big screens showing sport (including AFL, NRL and cricket when available), pub food and a diverse crowd of expats and locals. This is the closest thing to an Aussie pub in Taipei. Regular events, trivia nights and sport viewing parties. Open late. If you're looking for English-speaking drinking buddies on any given night, start here.
A craft beer bar in the Da'an district with a strong expat following. Rotating taps of local and international craft beers. The atmosphere is more chill than clubby — a place for conversations and quality beers rather than getting loose. The staff speak English, the crowd is international, and the beer selection is excellent. TWD $200-300 per pint. A good spot for a quiet evening with like-minded beer lovers.
The area around Zhongshan MRT station (particularly the lanes between Nanjing and Linsen) has the highest concentration of expat-friendly bars and restaurants. Multiple Irish pubs, wine bars, craft beer spots and late-night eateries. The Revolver Bar, Carnegies and other venues have been expat fixtures for years. Friday and Saturday nights are busy. This is where you'll meet the English-teaching crowd.
ANZTCC (Australian and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Taipei) hosts regular networking events, lunches and social gatherings. More business-focused than purely social, but a good way to meet Aussie professionals working in Taiwan. Events are usually at hotels or restaurants and cost TWD $500-1,500. Check their website for upcoming events. If you're in Taiwan for business or considering working here, this is a valuable connection.
A "drinking club with a running problem." The Taipei H3 runs weekly — a trail run through the hills followed by a circle (ritualised drinking session) and dinner. Very international crowd with regular Aussie participants. A great way to see parts of Taipei you'd never find on your own and meet people who enjoy both exercise and beer. Check their Facebook page for weekly run details. Visitors always welcome.
The area around Taipei 101 is where the business crowd drinks. Rooftop bars, hotel lounges and upscale restaurants. More expensive but more polished than Zhongshan. CeFi36 (on the 36th floor), W Taipei's Woobar, and several other venues offer cocktails with views. The crowd includes Taiwanese professionals, Japanese businesspeople and international expats. Dress smart casual — no thongs and board shorts here.
Taichung has a growing expat community, particularly English teachers. The area around the National Taichung Theater and Calligraphy Greenway has several bars and cafes popular with foreigners. Peel the Garlic is a popular bar. Fengjia Night Market (the biggest in Taiwan) is a must-visit and you'll inevitably bump into other foreigners there. Smaller and more intimate than Taipei's scene but genuinely friendly.
Taiwan's second-largest city has a smaller but dedicated expat community. The Pier-2 Art District has hip bars and cafes. Brickyard (beer bar) and other venues in Zuoying and Lingya districts attract expats. The Love River area is pleasant for evening walks and drinks. Kaohsiung is warmer, cheaper and more laid-back than Taipei — some long-term expats deliberately choose it over the capital for exactly those reasons.
Many Australians in Taiwan are English teachers. If you're considering it, Taiwan pays well (TWD $600-700 per hour, typically 20-25 hours per week), offers a good quality of life and the demand is steady. The teaching community is social and well-networked. Facebook groups like "Teaching English in Taiwan" and "Taipei Expats" are active. Teaching is how most Aussies end up staying long-term in Taiwan — it's a gateway to deeper involvement with the country.
Facebook groups: "Australians in Taiwan," "Taipei Expats," "Foreigners in Taiwan." Meetup.com has hiking groups, language exchange meetups and social events. Language exchanges (finding Taiwanese people who want to practice English while you learn Mandarin) are one of the best ways to make local friends — and potentially meet someone special. Taiwan's people are among the friendliest in Asia. Put yourself out there and you'll be rewarded.