The Best Times to Visit Taiwan
Taiwan has a tropical climate. This implies that it never experiences extreme cold, but summer can bring heat and humidity. Maximum temperatures of 38C (100F) occur between June and August. The southern region of the island is generally a few degrees warmer than the northern portion.
The best time to visit Taiwan is from November to April, as this period typically sees the least amount of rainfall. However, if you are visiting during typhoon season (June to October), it might be a good idea to bring an umbrella with you.
We spent three weeks in Taiwan during July, August, and September (i.e. typhoon season), and we experienced no major difficulties. While in Taipei, we had a typhoon. The electricity and Internet were available throughout the time, although it rained heavily for a day or two. Spending a day indoors is fine if you are going on a longer journey. If you’re only away for one night, avoid typhoon season.
Although it rained on some days during our stay, there was always plenty of sunshine, and we were able to wear t-shirts every day.
Getting To Taiwan
Taiwan is a beautiful country that does not yet have as many tourists as some of its neighbors, so flights are not quite as frequent. Nevertheless, there are plenty of airlines that fly to Taiwan from all over the world. You may need to stop at a hub along the way depending on your origin point, but this just adds to the adventure! For example, if you are coming from south east Asia or Australia, you will likely need to make a quick layover in either Singapore or Kuala Lumpur.
Use Expedia to find affordable flights by searching a variety of airlines at once. This will save you time and energy sifting through multiple sites.
Do I Need a Visa to Enter Taiwan?
A visa-free 90-day stay in Taiwan is available to passport holders from many nations. The UK, the US, and Australia are among the countries whose immigration policies will be reexamined at the end of 2017.
Eating In Taiwan
In Taiwan, there are several fantastic, uniquely Taiwanese methods to enjoy your fill. Taiwan’s numerous nighttime markets are perhaps the most renowned. These active open air markets are packed with food vendors. If you’re unsure what to get, seek for ones that seem popular among the locals. Using gestures and a smile might help you communicate better. In the end, they’re in the business of selling food, so you’ll muddle through.
Steamed dumplings are a fantastic alternative for both lunch and dinner. Freshly made dumplings are available at many cafés, ranging from simple boiled ones to more elaborate varieties including filled with chopped chicken or pork and vegetables. You may use whatever fillings you like, such as onion skins, celery stalks, carrots, mushrooms, or leeks. Soy sauce, vinegar, chili powder, and sesame oil can all be mixed together in any quantities you want to create your own dipping sauce.
There is usually a menu with both English and Chinese translations near the front. Customers fill out an order form by writing numbers in boxes next to food items, which are only listed in Chinese. If you can’t read Mandarin, don’t worry–just compare the characters on the paper to those on the board at the front of the restaurant. It may seem tedious but, trust me, it’s worth it once you taste the delicious food!
Sushi Express is a sushi restaurant chain that sells very low-cost yet surprisingly excellent sushi. Sushi Express was an ideal choice for when we were out walking around Taipei and wanted a cheap, tasty, and nutritious dinner. We happily satisfied our tummies with the sushi train for approximately $1 per plate before departing.
You might not be aware that bubble tea originated in Taiwan. If you haven’t tried it before, make sure to give it a try. As a basis, we suggest “less sugar, less ice, milk tea with bubbles.”
Be forewarned that regular sugar is like eating candy floss.
Do not be concerned about being restricted in your food options. If you want to try something new, there is a wide variety of food available from all across the world in Taipei. Taipei has a lot of different types of cuisine.
Taiwan Attractions
Taipei
We spent six weeks house-sitting in Taipei. That gave us ample opportunity to become familiar with the area. If you will be in town for more than a few days, get an EasyCard. Metro stations and some 7-11s and FamilyMarts may sell them. You can use them to pay for the subway, buses, and even some supermarkets and department stores quickly and simply.
If you’re ever in Taipei, make sure to look up upcoming concerts. We got to see Radiohead while we were there, and it was unforgettable.
In Taipei, you’ll find an abundance of fantastic cuisine. A chain called Sushi Express serves inexpensive yet surprisingly delicious sushi. Around Taipei, you’ll see a lot of steamed dumpling shops. Near the front, look for heaps of steamers. In Taipei, we’ve never had a bad experience with Dumplings. There are also several international restaurants to choose from as well as exceptional dining restaurants.
Day Trips From Taipei
I was happily surprised at how effortless it was to travel for a day outside of Taipei. The outstanding train system there makes many locations close by or on the outskirts of Taipei simple to get to.
The Pingxi Rail Line, Shifen and The Cat Village
A scenic train ride through the sublime mountainous terrain of northern Taiwan. With its rivers, cats, quaint towns and a waterfall, it’s no wonder this area is so popular with tourists!
Yangmingshan National Park
Yangmingshan National Park is a mountainous national park located just outside of Taipei. It has stunning views, lots of vegetation, and the opportunity to work up a sweat climbing some of the area’s many peaks.
Keelung
The port is the foundation of Keelung–seafood is plentiful, the night market is bustling and there’s even a replica of the Statue of Liberty.
Beitou
Technically, Taipei Beitou has some hot springs that may be accessed using the Taipei MRT system. You don’t have to travel far into the woods to enjoy a genuine Taiwanese hot spring; you can do it on the subway.
Hsinchu
Keelung is the oldest city located in northern Taiwan. Furthermore, it houses the oldest zoo in Taiwan which makes for a great day trip if you’re staying in Taipei (only an hour away by train).
