Important Notes for Traveling to Taiwan

Are you planning to explore Taiwan? This beautiful island combines traditional charm with modern life, captivating many travelers. However, to ensure a smooth trip, it is essential to understand the key points for traveling to Taiwan. Explore them in this article!

Overview of Taiwan Tourism for Vietnamese Travelers

Taiwan has long been a favorite destination for Vietnamese tourists. Each year, more than 320,000 Vietnamese visitors travel to the island. With its stunning natural landscapes, from rolling mountains to clear lakes, Taiwan feels like a vibrant painting waiting to be explored.

Spring and autumn are considered the best times to visit Taiwan, with cool weather, less rain, and ideal conditions for outdoor activities. However, to have a truly complete trip, Vietnamese travelers should prepare carefully-from documentation to travel planning.

Just a 2–3 hour flight from Vietnam, combined with reasonable costs, makes exploring Taiwan easier than ever. By knowing these essential travel tips, you can start your journey smoothly and fully enjoy Taiwan’s natural beauty and delicious cuisine.

Entry Procedures and Required Documents

Entry Requirements for Taiwan

To enter Taiwan, Vietnamese travelers must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months. In particular, a tourist visa is required to visit Taiwan. If you do not have a visa, contact iVISA for full A–Z support for a Taiwan tourist visa. iVISA staff will help process your application quickly and reduce risks. Preparing from this stage will save time and give peace of mind for your trip.

Important Notes at the Airport

When arriving at Taoyuan, Songshan, or Kaohsiung airports, Vietnamese travelers should pay attention to some key regulations to start the trip smoothly. First, you must present your passport and a completed arrival form to the customs officers. You also need to follow airport security instructions, including passing through screening and cooperating with control staff.

Additionally, travelers are not allowed to carry liquids over the permitted limit in hand luggage and should avoid bringing fresh food such as meat or unprocessed fruits. Since Taiwan conducts strict luggage checks, following these rules will save time, avoid trouble, and ensure a smooth start to your journey. Many Vietnamese tourists often overlook these important tips.

Preparing Luggage for Taiwan Travel

If you plan to travel to Taiwan independently, preparing luggage properly will make your trip more convenient. Below are essential items to bring, items to avoid, and packing tips. These are crucial considerations for anyone wondering “What should I bring to Taiwan?”

Items to Bring

You should prepare the following to ensure convenience and safety:

Season-appropriate clothing: Winter in Taiwan can be below 10°C, especially in Alishan or Yangmingshan. Layered clothing or thermal wear is recommended for warmth and flexibility.
Comfortable, slip-resistant shoes: Walking all day is easier with sports shoes.
Electronics and accessories: Don’t forget a 3-prong plug adapter, power bank, and charging cables.

Items to Avoid

To avoid trouble at customs, pay attention to items that are prohibited in Taiwan:

Fresh food, fruits, meat: These items are strictly banned; violations may result in fines.
Knives, lighters, liquids over 100ml: These will be confiscated from hand luggage.
Excess cash: Instead, use cards or top up an EasyCard for travel and shopping.

Understanding these rules helps save time and avoid inconvenience, making them essential travel tips often overlooked by tourists.

Packing Tips

When preparing luggage for a self-guided trip to Taiwan, organize items into separate groups for easy access. For example, electronics, toiletries, important documents, and clothing sets can go into small separate bags. During winter, prioritize thermal wear instead of bulky coats to save space while staying warm at high-altitude attractions like Alishan or Yangmingshan.

A well-organized suitcase ensures smoother travel, saves time, and allows you to enjoy Taiwan’s food and sightseeing comfortably. Careful luggage preparation is one of the key tips for traveling to Taiwan.

Currency and Payment Methods in Taiwan

For independent travelers, understanding currency and payment methods is important for a smooth trip. The New Taiwan Dollar (TWD) is the main currency, currently around 1 TWD ≈ 850 VND. Check the latest exchange rates before departure and exchange enough cash for daily expenses, transportation, and shopping.

You can exchange money at banks in Vietnam, at Taiwan airports, or authorized exchange counters in city centers. However, exchanging cash in Vietnam often offers better rates and saves time upon arrival.

Popular payment methods in Taiwan include:

Visa/MasterCard
EasyCard: A convenient prepaid card for MRT, buses, and purchases at stores like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart.
Digital wallets like Apple Pay or Line Pay: Convenient, secure, and suitable for cashless travelers.

Communication and Connectivity in Taiwan

English is not widely spoken outside major tourist areas. Therefore, preparing connectivity tools and translation apps is essential to avoid difficulties. These are crucial tips often overlooked by travelers.

Choosing the Right Connectivity Option

Depending on your stay and usage needs, you can choose:

3–7 day SIM cards: Cheap, suitable for short trips.
Mobile WiFi hotspot: Ideal for groups of three or more, with stable speeds and easy sharing.
Long-term SIM cards: For stays of several weeks, studying, or business trips, ensuring stable connection.

Apps to Install Before Traveling

Google Maps, Taipei MRT Map: For easy navigation.
Google Translate or LINE: For basic communication with locals.
Uber and iBus: For faster and more convenient city transport.

Transportation in Taiwan

Understanding transportation options saves time and money. Taiwan has a modern, clean, and easy-to-use public transport system, making travel within cities and between major destinations convenient.

Main Transportation Modes

THSR (High-Speed Rail): Fastest way to travel between major cities, up to 300 km/h.
MRT (Metro): Clean, punctual, and covering most tourist spots in Taipei, New Taipei, or Kaohsiung.
Intercity buses: Affordable, suitable for trips from airports or to suburban attractions.
Taxi/Uber: Safe and convenient for groups or nighttime travel but more expensive.

EasyCard: A Must-Have “All-in-One” Card

EasyCard is a highly convenient prepaid card. Purchase at airports, MRT stations, or convenience stores. It can pay for almost all public services, including MRT, buses, and snacks, and can be refunded when leaving Taiwan. EasyCard is essential for a smooth and independent Taiwan trip.

Culture, Customs, and Things to Avoid

Understanding local culture and customs helps travelers integrate better and avoid misunderstandings. Taiwan blends traditional Asian values with modern life. Knowing these cultural tips ensures a smoother and more enjoyable trip.

Typical Customs

Personal space: Taiwanese prefer maintaining distance, often nodding instead of shaking hands.
Queuing culture: Strictly respected, especially at MRT, elevators, or ticket counters.
Visiting temples: Dress modestly and avoid loud conversations.

Respecting these customs helps you make a good impression and avoid awkward situations.

Things to Avoid

Sticking chopsticks upright in rice: Symbolizes offerings to the deceased.
Gifting items related to number 4: “4” sounds like “death” in Chinese.
Eating on the MRT: Considered impolite and punishable.
Pushing, shouting in public: Disruptive and rude.
Taking photos indiscriminately in religious or military areas: Ask or follow regulations.

Taiwanese Cuisine: Must-Try Dishes

Taiwanese cuisine offers over 1,000 street food dishes, familiar to Vietnamese tastes yet unique. Food is a vital part of what you should know about Taiwan.

Must-try dishes include:

Bubble milk tea: Taiwan’s famous drink.
Taiwanese beef noodles: Rich broth, tender beef, available at almost every street stall.
Stinky tofu: Crunchy outside, soft inside, with a distinct aroma-unforgettable flavor.
Salt and pepper fried chicken, scallion pancakes, youtiao: Popular night market foods.

This article provides the answers to the question: “What should I keep in mind when traveling to Taiwan?” Don’t forget to contact iVISA for quick and safe assistance with your Taiwan tourist visa!

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