A Digital Nomad Guide to Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei Visa

If you’re planning to visit Taipei for less than 90 days, you can easily get a tourist visa on arrival. If your visit will last for 6 months or longer, you will be required to apply for a Taiwanese permanent resident card. However, the process is quite expensive and requires a whole lot of investment that makes it unnecessary for a digital nomad. 

As a digital nomad, you have two options: 

• Exit and enter the city every 3 months to renew your tourist visa. 
• Apply for a Taiwan entrepreneur visa: Because the government recognizes the importance of innovation, it has made the process quite simple to obtain this visa. However, you’ll only be eligible if: 
  • Acquired $70,000 in funding.
  • Received acceptance to become part of an incubation program run by the government.
  • Have overseas or domestic patents. 
  • Won awards from entrepreneur or design competitions. 

Culture and Food in Taipei

The Taiwanese cuisine is heavily influenced by different parts of China, but mostly by the Fujian province. Food is a huge part of the Taiwanese culture, with so many exciting dishes that make Taiwan a culinary destination you don’t want to miss. The Taiwanese cuisine consists of simple and local ingredients that are put together and transformed into something delicious. While each city might have slightly different dishes, here are the highlights that you absolutely must try when in Taiwan: 

• Niu Rou Mian: Beef noodle soup sounds quite basic, right? But not in Taiwan. It’s one of the staple dishes in Taiwan and you’ll be able to find it pretty much everywhere you go. The soup consists of a variety of flavours and herbs that really implement the beef and make it a must-try. 
• Lurou Fan: If you’re a fan of pork, then this could possibly end up being your best dish in Taiwan. A dish made of braised pork cooked in soy sauce with five other spices with a side of white rice is what you’re in for when you order Lurou Fan. You can choose between sliced pieces of pork belly or a whole piece but be sure that in all cases the pork will be tender and complement the sauce perfectly. 
• Stinky Tofu: Before you get repelled by the name, this is one of Taiwan’s most famous street foods. The tofu is deep-fried and dipped into a sweet and spicy sauce. It is called Stinky Tofu for a reason, though; when the tofu is fried, it tends to give off quite a strong scent that isn’t exactly appealing. If you can get past the odour, then you’re in for a big surprise and is definitely an experience you should try when in Taipei. 
• Oyster omelette: Add a new addition to your eggs in the morning and try Taiwan’s oyster omelette for breakfast. The dish is pretty straightforward with scrambled eggs and small oysters combined with a tangy sauce. You’ll either love it or hate it, but it’s one of those dishes you have to try. 
• Scallion pancakes: This savoury snack is a very popular Taiwanese dish that can be found at any night markets. The pancakes are a very thin layer that is pan-fried in oil with small green scallion pieces. The oil makes the pancakes super crispy from the upside, but still soft and flaky from the inside, giving it a wonderful contrast. 
• Ba wan: You can’t be in Asia and not feast on some sort of dumplings. This giant snack is the Taiwanese take on dumplings and is sticky and gooey in texture. It is made of a starchy dough and is filled with pork and vegetables. After it’s cooked, it is served with a tangy sauce that really adds to the flavour. 
• Mango shaved ice: This dessert is something that can be easily addictive. It’s exactly what it sounds like, a pile of mango ice shavings and can be found at any night market as it is a famous Taiwanese dessert. 

While there are so many other Taiwanese dishes you should try, these are the ones on the top of the list. 

When it comes to the Taiwanese culture, you’ll find that the people are quite reserved, traditional and conservative by nature. Like many other Asian countries, Taiwan’s culture is focused on the family and is quite patriarchal. But while the culture is influenced by China, there is also a noticeable Japanese influence that cannot be missed. 

However, the longer you stay, the more connected you’ll feel to the people and the place. With it having so much to offer in terms of incredible scenery, food, exciting activities and extremely friendly people, it’s pretty easy to fall in love with Taipei and its people. 

Taipei Nightlife

Taipei’s nightlife is filled with a variety of things to do that will suit your taste whatever you’re looking for. From night markets, street performances, temples, exhibitions and shows to red-light districts, clubs, bars and locals gathered around in the streets filled with lights and music. If it’s your first time in Taipei, here are a few things you can do when the sun goes down in Taipei: 

Visit one of Taipei’s night markets

The night markets can be found all around Taiwan and are one of the absolute attractions you have to experience when in Taipei. The markets not only give you a deeper understanding of Taiwan as a country, but you can even start to understand the difference from one region to another based on their night markets. 

While the market itself is an attraction that is crowded, vibrant and very lively, you’ll also be able to shop local crafts, find some really good deals and of course, try the street food that is one of Taipei’s specialities. 

Take a stroll on Rainbow bridge

While this bridge just connects the two neighbourhoods of Neihu and Songshan by day, at night it comes alive as the bridge reflects a rainbow of colours on the water beneath it, making it the most colourful bridge in the world. If you’re into photography or want to experience something breathtaking, you’ll definitely enjoy the scenic walk and the magnificent ambience that it creates. 

Cycle around Ximending

This district not only comes alive at night but is also one of the most bike-friendly neighbourhoods in the city. With its own bike lane, you can enjoy the scenery, cycle around the river, across one of the parks or even head downtown where all the local shops are located. 

Visit the red-light district

Located near Taipei Main Station you’ll find Taipei’s famous red-light district. The entire area lights up as the bars and pubs come alive and where buying a girl a drink can cost you quite the bill. Be sure to be aware of what you’re getting yourself into before heading to this area. However, it is definitely an area that is considered a top tourist attraction in Taipei.

Clubs and bars in Taipei

• 45 Old Bar Coffee: Because of its cheap prices and happy hours, it has become quite the student hangout and is usually packed with a younger crowd. But, if you’re looking for noise, a crowd and cheap drinks with no dress code, then this place is about to become your favourite bar in Taipei. 
• Barcode: Unlike Pub 45, you need to dress to impress at Barcode as it is pretty much the place to be in Taipei. As it is located on the fifth floor, it has a stunning view of the Xinyi shopping district showing skyscrapers and bright lights. Here, the DJs will be playing a mix of classic house music to funk, new wave or even acid Jazz. You’ll find a wide variety of cocktails and drinks at the bar that will make you come back for more. 
• Blue Note: Known as one of the most popular music venues, you’ll find live bands playing mainly on Fridays and Saturdays. As it’s a small and cozy environment, it gets crowded very quickly and usually requires you to go early if you want to find a table. The music here is mostly Jazz, but the atmosphere and vibe are absolutely incredible. 
• The Brass Monkey: If you’re used to a sports bar, then this is definitely the place to be. Many expats choose this pub because of the flat-screen televisions that show some of the most important international games and you’ll also find a lively bunch of people playing pool, foosball or darts while having a beer or two. The DJs play lively and entertaining music and the owners are friendly and welcoming keeping the crowd happy and entertained. 

Things to do in Taipei

Apart from the incredible things to do in Taipei at night, the city offers so many fun, exciting, cultural and adventurous things to do, that it makes it difficult to get bored when in Taipei. While the list can be endless, here are some of the absolute must when in Taipei: 

• Visit the city’s temples

  One of the most popular attractions and landmarks of Taipei are the many temples you can find situated in each area. Visiting them will give you an insider’s perspective into Taipei’s culture, traditions and history, too. The temples are also a beautiful sight and a glory to look at. Some of the temples that should definitely be on your list are Mengjia Longshan Temple, Baoan Temple, Qingshan Temple, Confucius Temple, Ciyou Temple and Guanyin Temple.

• Visit Taipei’s tallest building and get a bird’s eye view of the city

  Taipei 101 was built with a Guinness World Record in mind of becoming the tallest building in the world. It held that record up until Dubai built the Burj Khalifa. While it is no longer considered the tallest building, it is still a must-visit as you get to experience the world’s fastest elevator as you climb up to the observation deck on the 89th to the 91st floors and get a fantastic view of the city like no other. 

• Go to a tea tasting at one of Taiwan’s many Tea farms

  Taiwan is known for its tea and has numerous tea farms where they plant and harvest their own tea. One of the best things to do in Taipei is visit a tea farm, get familiar with the entire plantation process and indulge in a variety of tea tastings. It will definitely be the highlight of your day. If you’re lucky, you’ll even get to pick some tea leaves yourself the Taiwanese way. 

• Eat, eat and eat some more

  We’ve already mentioned that Taipei’s night markets are an absolute must and a huge part of the Taiwanese tradition. While there are many night markets, the must-visits where you can find the best street food are Shilin, Raohe, Tonghua, Ningxia and Huaxi. Because Taipei’s culture is heavily dependent on food, the food scene is incredible even beyond the street food and going out for dinner or experiencing some of Taipei’s most authentic restaurants is an absolute must. 

• Hot springs

  Soaking in hot springs can do your skin wonders as it acts as a natural detox. That’s why visiting Taipei’s Beitou Hot Spring should be on the top of your list. Not only is it a natural spa for your body, but the view and scenery are absolutely to die for. 

• Hike Elephant Mountain

  If you’re looking to do some exercise while exploring nature, then it’s time you hike Elephant mountain. While it’s a short, steep hike from Xiangshan metro station, expect to climb 500 stairs to the rock viewing point and 600 stairs to the viewing platform. Many people like to hike up to watch the sunrise or sunset and experience the stunning views of Taipei from the top. Expect to reach the top in around 30 minutes, or longer if you’re physically unfit. 

• Experience the true Taiwanese traditions in some of Taipei’s most famous festivals

  If you’re staying for a while expect to experience the best nights of your life when it’s time for a typical Taiwanese festival. During the first half of the year from January – July there are several festivals such as the Taipei Lantern Festival, Lunar New Year and street parades celebrating the birthdays of the Gods. During these times, the city’s festivities are brought out to the maximum with costumes, music, dance, performances and of course, a whole lot of food. 

• Get a knife massage

  In Taipei, you won’t just get any massage, but one with blades. Known to be part of the traditional Chinese culture, knife massages are still highly recommended and quite popular in Taipei. Before you get thwacked numerous times with a knife, you’ll be handed a list of benefits which include improving sleep, boosting metabolism, improving blood circulation, fighting fat and helping any sores along with a price list. Usually, it costs around NT$220 for a 10-minute massage or NT $ 1200 for a 60-minutes massage. 

• Hop on the Taipei Double Decker bus

  On this bus, you’ll get the chance to visit some of Taipei’s top attractions and indulge in its culture, history and architecture. Some of the many attractions include Taipei 101, CKS Memorial Hall, National Palace Museum, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Temples, Huashan 1914 Creative Arts park and many more. 

• Take a Taiwanese cooking class

  Because you’ll be addicted to Taiwanese food, it’s a fun and exciting opportunity to attend a cooking class and learn how to make some of Taiwan’s speciality dishes. You’ll find numerous ones all over the city and can even take up a different dish every month or so and get familiar with the secrets to Taiwanese cuisine. 

Best Time to Visit Taipei

The weather in Taipei is usually warm all year round with a tropical climate. While the winters are quite warm, the summers are known to not be only hot, but also quite wet with thunderstorms and typhoons. So, be sure to bring your umbrella along. However, even during the hot summer months, you’ll still get to feel the breeze coming from the ocean cooling the weather down and making it tolerable. While the average temperature throughout the year is around 22 degrees Celsius, the lowest average temperature is between 12-17 degrees Celsius. 

During the typhoon season in the summer from July-September, the rain provides the water supply for Taiwan, but can also cause flooding and huge damages. 

• Spring: During the months of March-May, the average temperature in Taipei offers highs of 25 degrees Celsius and lows of 19 degrees Celsius. 
• Summer: During the months of June-August, the weather is quite hot and humid with frequent thunderstorms and typhoons. The temperature in the summer is around 34 degrees Celsius with lows of 25 degrees Celsius. However, June is still considered to be the most popular month for tourists to visit as they can hit the beach and go surfing. 
• Autumn: From September to November, the weather is still warm and sunny, but slightly cooler than the hot summer months making the weather ideal in Taipei. During these months expect highs of 30 degrees Celsius and lows of 18 degrees Celsius. 
• Winter: The winter months of December-February are usually quite foggy, but not too cold. However, the nights can get a bit cold with lots of 8 degrees Celsius. 

Taipei for Families

Because Mandarin is the language used in Taipei, most schools are in Mandarin and will be difficult for children who do not speak it. However, as one of the most expat-friendly cities in Asia, there are other international schools in English, most of which follow an American curriculum. Just keep in mind that because of the low supply of schools and large number of expats, the waiting lists for schools can take quite a while. This requires you to start the application process early on to try and guarantee a spot for your child. Here are some of the best international schools in Taipei: 

• Taipei American School- American curriculum: Children from 4-18 can be enrolled and school fees differ according to age but range from NT$ 835,840- NT$ 930,495. (USD 29,960 – USD 33,353)
• Taipei European School – IB, British, German and French curriculum. Children from 3-18 can be enrolled and school fees range from NT $466,000- NT$ 693,400 per year. (USD 16,703 – USD 24,854)
• Grace Christian Academy – American, Christian curriculum: Children from ages 6-18 can be enrolled and fees range from NT $ 388,000 – NT $ 478,000 per year. (USD 13,907 – USD 17,133)
• Morrison Academy Taipei – American, Christian curriculum: Children from ages 5-18 can be enrolled and fees range from NT$ 516,000 – NT$ 613,000 per year. (USD 18,495 – USD 21,972)
• Taipei Adventist American School – American, Adventist curriculum: Children from ages 6-14 can be enrolled and fees range from NT $ 450,000 – $498,000 per year. (USD 16,130 – USD 17,850)
• Dominican International School Taipei – American, Catholic curriculum: Children from ages 4-18 can be enrolled and fees range from NT $ 297,101 – NT$ 493,356 per year. (USD 10,649 – USD 17,684)
• Hsinchu International School – American curriculum: Children from ages 3-18 can be enrolled and fees range from NT$ 310,000 – NT $450,000 per year. 
• Kang Chiao International School – IB, American curriculum: Children from ages 12-18 can be enrolled and fees are not announced by this school. 
• Taiwan International Montessori Experimental School – Montessori: Children from ages 3-15 can be enrolled and fees are not announced by this school. 

As for daycares and nurseries, most of them will offer Chinese-English instruction with a not-so-good level of English. But, if necessary here are a few to consider:

• Taipei Oxford Cultural & Educational Institute
• Everygreen Montessori Bilingual Kindergarten
• Little Lily 
• Pa Pa Jordan International Preschool 
• CKids American Preschool 
• Smart Start Preschool 
• Gym Baby
• Childs World 
• Hess International Kindergarten 
• Gu Gu House Baby School 
• Taipei Cats Multicultural Bilingual Preschool 
• Taipei Youth Program Association 

Living in Taipei

Taipei Transportation

Getting around in Taipei is fairly easy due to the well-connected Metro system. As a digital nomad planning to stay for a while in Taipei, your best bet when it comes to transportation is getting an Easy Card as it gives you special discounts on public transportation systems in Taipei. Otherwise, you can pay for your ticket in cash or even by credit card. 

A ticket costs NT $20-65 (USD 0.72 – USD 2.33) based on the distance and the number of stops. Or you can also get a one-day ticket for NT$200. (USD 7.17)

An Easy Card will allow you to get on the metro, city bus, taxi, rent a bike or even pay in shops. The prices are discounted on the metro and you’ll get a free 30 minutes when using public bicycles. 

Long-distance bus

Taipei bus station has numerous buses that go to other cities at a cheap cost. From here you can travel to Kaohsiung, Tainan, Chianti, Hualien, Taichung every hour. 

City bus

In Taipei, there are around 300 different bus routes and most of them will take you to the scenic spots you need to go to. Just remember that the drivers do not stop at every stop so, you have to alert them you’re getting off beforehand to make your exit. A one-section journey on a bus in Taipei costs NT$15.(USD 0.54)

Taxi

The yellow taxis in Taipei are also another option of transportation in the city, but will require you to put up with the heavy traffic in the city. The taxis in Taipei have a flat rate of NT $70 (USD 2.5) and cost NT$5 (USD 0.18) for every 250 m. If the taxi will wait for you, expect an additional cost of NT$5 (USD 0.18) for every 1m 40 seconds during the day time.

Bike

There are so many bike sharing options in Taipei. In fact, you’ll find over 180 bicycle leasing stations. If you have an Easy Card, you can rent a bike for NT$10 (USD 0.36)for every 30 minutes for the first 4-8 hours. 

Motorcycle

If you’re a regular, then motorcycles are one of the most common transportation options available in Taipei, but it is not for the faint-hearted. You will need to have an International Drivers license to rent a motorcycle. The fare usually differs from one place to another but starts from NT $40. (USD 1.43)

Fitness and Health

While spas and massages are very popular in Taipei, the number of gyms and people signing up to take care of their physical health has also increased. While there are many private gyms, public community sports centres are a lot cheaper and don’t require any contracts to be signed. As a digital nomad looking for a gym where you can find an English-speaking instructor or personal trainer, your best bet is to head to the larger more known chains. 

• Public sports centres in Taipei: There are many public sports centres across the city that offer basketball, baseball, tennis, badminton, swimming, volleyball, rock climbing, football, indoor facilities and even classes such as martial arts and yoga. However, the specific classes and sports offered will depend according to the sports centre you go to. 
• Running: If you’re looking to get fit outdoors, head to any of Taipei’s national parks and you’ll find several people running, jogging or walking. 
• Cycling: You can easily rent a bike using your Easy Card and head to the riverside parks where there are cycling tracks. Or you can go on the many expeditions around the city and use cycling as a sport and means of transportation to discover the city. 
• Youth park: Here you’ll find basketball courts, tennis courts, a swimming pool and even a skating rink. 

Private gyms in Taipei 

• TDF Fitness
• Achilles Gym 
• Myway Fitness Strength & Conditioning 
• Taipei Sports and Fitness Center 
• Soulfit
• 1st Fitness Heping Branch 
• Kat Fitness
• Sunfish 
• Gymcube
• Fun Fitness
• Fang CrossFit
• UFC Gym
• World Gym 
• Fit Gym 
• Core Space

Taipei People

The Taiwanese people are one of the friendliest, kindest and most helpful nations you can encounter. Even though the majority of Taiwanese do not speak English, they will still go out of their way to help you and try to understand what you need. Their welcoming nature makes people fall in love with Taiwan and feel at home. The Taiwanese love to make new friends and have an interest in getting to know people from different cultures making them constantly approaching foreigners and offering a warm welcome along with lots of smiles. 

The Taiwanese are very heavy on family and really take care of their elders. Family is the core focus and respecting your parents, grandparents and elders is a huge part of their upbringing. The Taiwanese are polite people in general and will rarely ever be put in a situation where they’re labelled as rude. 

One of the things that make the Taiwanese quite special is while their heritage and culture are so strong, they do not pass judgment whatsoever. They are used to be around foreigners of different beliefs, tradition and values and will accept you just the way you are. 

When in Taiwan, expect to be invited to the homes of the locals as they love to play host. They will go above and beyond to ensure that you’re comfortable and having a good time. They’re so generous that they will also pamper you with excess food whether you’re in their homes or eating out. However, you must understand that the Taiwanese are a bit sensitive and might feel like they didn’t prepare enough food if you finish everything that’s provided. So, always be sure to leave something behind as a gesture that they’ve done it just right. 

One other aspect that you’ll notice besides their warmth is their love for having a good time. They’re warm, bubbly and full of laughs making their company quite enjoyable and a night out with them absolutely remarkable. However, the Taiwanese are not too fond of spending their time in bars and clubs but instead will probably grab a bite to eat at a restaurant as food is such an important part of the culture. 

Taiwan in general is one of the safest places you can visit because of how honest the people are. Whether you forget your wallet or purse behind, you’ll find it exactly where you left it.

Taipei Insurance and Medical Care

If you’re a citizen or have residency in Taiwan, you’ll be able to get National Health Insurance. While it is not always all free, most things are covered under the insurance, or just require a small fee to be paid. The amount will differ from person to person depending on their salary and how many dependents they have. The quality of healthcare whether in the public or private sector is generally quite high with excellent facilities and trained, specialized medical workers. 

One of the downsides of the public health care system comes in the wait time for each appointment. This is reduced massively with private health care. 

However, as a digital nomad, you’ll be required to get private health insurance to be able to visit a hospital or clinic. Most of the medical workers in the private healthcare sector will be English-speaking and have better communication with expats. While it does offer excellent care, it does come with a hefty price tag. You can compare from different packages by some of the insurance companies below: 

• Allianz Care 
• Cigna Global 
• Integra Global 
• AXA 
• Aetna 

Make sure you are fully covered by reading our full Digital Nomad Travel Insurance guide.

Jobs in Taipei

Finding a job in Taiwan might not prove easy, especially because of the language barrier. However, the Taiwanese are starting to value the importance of learning English and many people seek English tutors for their children. This could be an excellent opportunity for a digital nomad in Taiwan looking to make a living.

For citizens from the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, to be eligible for a teaching job, you need to hold a bachelor’s degree and two years of work experience. However, to work in a public school, you will need to have a teaching license or certification. If you don’t, you can still work in a buxiban or cram school. 

To work legally, an expat would need to obtain a work permit and ARC which is usually prepared by the company you’ll be working for. In some cases, a physical exam at a hospital may be required to obtain legal work status. 

For a company to hire a foreigner in a sector other than education, the company is required to prove that they are unable to hire a qualified local or that the foreigner will serve the company better than the candidates available locally. This can make it quite difficult and stressful for companies to hire foreigners. If the company does require a foreign candidate, they must have a bachelor’s degree and have two years of relevant work experience or a graduate degree. 

If you’re still determined to find a job in Taipei, here are a few websites to help you on your job hunt: 

• Tealit.com (English Jobsite)
• Myu.com.tw (for teachers looking for students)
• LinkedIn 
• 104.com.tw (Chinese)
• 1111.com.tw (Chinese)

Check out our Digital Nomads Jobs Postings to find the best jobs available for Digital Nomads.