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Before you go to Taiwan: what to know

Must know

  • The online Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) is mandatory since 1 Oct 2025 - fill it in free within 3 days before arrival at twac.immigration.gov.tw.
  • Do not bring pork or meat products (incl. sausages, jerky, instant noodles with meat): fines start very high and visitors who cannot pay can be refused entry.
  • E-cigarettes are banned in Taiwan; do not bring vapes.
  • Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months on arrival (US and Japanese citizens: valid for the stay).
  • Carry cash for night markets and small eateries; get an EasyCard for transport and convenience stores.

Entry and visas

US, British (British Citizen status), all EU and many other passports get 90 days visa-free. Other nationalities need a visa or eVisa, or may qualify for special travel authorisation schemes; check the Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA). All visa-exempt visitors must submit the online arrival card and hold a return/onward ticket.

Online arrival forms and permits

Passport validity: At least 6 months on arrival (US and Japanese nationals: valid for the whole stay).

At the border you may be asked for

  • Fingerprints and a photo are taken for most foreign visitors.
  • Show proof of onward travel if asked.
  • Buy an EasyCard (or iPASS) at the airport MRT station or a convenience store.

Customs

  • Meat products from African swine fever-affected countries are strictly banned; first-offence fines are very high (up to TWD 200,000).
  • Declare cash over TWD 100,000, foreign currency over USD 10,000 equivalent, or RMB over 20,000.
  • E-cigarettes are prohibited.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: boca.gov.tw ↗, immigration.gov.tw ↗, gov.uk ↗, twac.immigration.gov.tw ↗

Money

Cash and cards are both common. Cards are accepted mainly in cities and tourist areas.

Payment networks: Visa, Mastercard, JCB, UnionPay, Amex

Apple Pay — works in some places · Google Pay — works in some places

Where to exchange money

  • Bank of Taiwan counters at the airport (fair rates, open for arrivals)
  • Withdraw at 7-Eleven (CTBC) or Chunghwa Post ATMs

Where not to exchange

  • Hotel desks
  • Dynamic currency conversion

ATMs: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart and bank ATMs accept foreign Visa/Mastercard (look for Plus/Cirrus). A local fee (around TWD 100) may apply plus your bank's fee.

Tipping: Not expected. Restaurants and hotels often add a 10% service charge.

  • Cards work in hotels, malls, chain restaurants and convenience stores; night markets, small eateries and many taxis are cash-only.
  • EasyCard/iPASS pays for metro, buses, trains, YouBike and convenience-store purchases.
  • Russian-issued Visa/Mastercard do not work abroad; bring a foreign-issued card or USD/EUR cash.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: eng.taiwan.net.tw ↗, easycard.com.tw ↗, support.apple.com ↗, usa.visa.com ↗, mastercard.com ↗

Rules and bans

Prohibited

  • E-cigarettes: import, sale and use are banned; heavy fines.
  • Pork and meat products from abroad (African swine fever rules).
  • Drugs incl. cannabis and CBD with THC: severe penalties; trafficking can carry the death penalty.
  • Smoking in indoor public places, near schools and in many parks.
  • Drones over 250 g must be registered; flying near airports, military sites and crowded areas is restricted.
  • Photographing military installations.

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Carry your passport for ID.
  • Drink-driving penalties are severe, including for scooter riders.
  • An international driving permit alone may not be valid for scooters; riding without the correct licence is illegal.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, web.customs.gov.tw ↗, gov.uk ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Buddhism, Taoism and Chinese folk religion dominate; small Christian minority.

Clothing: Casual wear is fine. Cover shoulders and knees in temples.

Etiquette

  • Queue in marked lines on MRT platforms; no eating, drinking or gum on the MRT (fines).
  • Leave priority seats free for those who need them.
  • Use both hands to give and receive cards and gifts.
  • Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice.
  • Sort rubbish carefully; public bins are few.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: eng.taiwan.net.tw ↗

Climate

Subtropical north, tropical south (Taipei shown). Mild, damp winters; hot humid summers; plum rains May–June and typhoons July–September. The south (Kaohsiung) is warmer and drier in winter.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: 19°C / 13°C, cool, damp, drizzly
  • February: Feb: 20°C / 14°C, cool; Lunar New Year
  • March: Mar: 22°C / 15°C, mild; changeable
  • April: Apr: 26°C / 19°C, warm; pleasant
  • May: May: 29°C / 22°C, hot; plum rains begin
  • June: Jun: 32°C / 25°C, hot, humid; plum rains
  • July: Jul: 34°C / 26°C, very hot; typhoons
  • August: Aug: 33°C / 26°C, hot; peak typhoons
  • September: Sep: 31°C / 25°C, hot; typhoons possible
  • October: Oct: 27°C / 22°C, warm, drier; good
  • November: Nov: 24°C / 19°C, pleasant
  • December: Dec: 20°C / 15°C, cool, damp in the north

Best season: October–December and March–April for comfortable temperatures and fewer storms.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: cwa.gov.tw ↗

What to pack

  • Type A/B plug adapter if needed; check devices accept 110V
  • Compact umbrella and rain jacket
  • Light layer for cold air-conditioning
  • Cash in small TWD notes for night markets
  • Sun protection and mosquito repellent

Do not bring / prohibited to import

  • Pork jerky, sausages, meat-filled snacks or instant noodles with meat
  • E-cigarettes and vapes
  • CBD products

Practical

Plugs: Type A/B, 110V, 60Hz

Water: Boil tap water before drinking or use bottled/filtered water; free filtered water dispensers are common.

Traffic: drives on the right

Mobile and eSIM: Tourist SIMs/eSIMs (Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, FarEasTone) at the airport; fast 5G. iTaiwan free Wi-Fi in public places.

Apps: Google Maps, TWAC, Taiwan Railway, THSR T Express, Uber, YouBike, Go! Taipei Metro

Internet: Open internet; no restrictions.

Health: No vaccinations required. Dengue occurs in the south in summer; use repellent. Good, affordable hospitals.

Insurance: Not required for visa-exempt visitors; recommended.

Emergency: Police 110; fire/ambulance 119; foreigner helpline 0800-024-111

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, eng.taiwan.net.tw ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.