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6,081 mi away
£1 NT$42.69
Today
6:26 pm
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Weather & climate
Weather in Taiwan
Taiwan
22°
Moderate rain
Sat
20°
22°
Sun
21°
27°
Mon
21°
30°
Tue
22°
26°
Wed
21°
27°
Thu
22°
30°
Fri
23°
28°
SPF level in Taiwan
Recommended: SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50
Summer
SPF 50+
Autumn
SPF 50
Winter
SPF 30
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Taiwan
What British travellers need to know
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the day you arrive in Taiwan.
You can visit Taiwan without a visa for up to 90 days as a tourist.
You must complete an online Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) within three days before your arrival.
You can extend your visa-exempt stay by a further 90 days once you have arrived in Taiwan.
If you plan to stay longer than 180 days, you must obtain a visa before you arrive.
Good to know:
Declare cash if the value is higher than 100,000 New Taiwan dollars or 10,000 US dollars when entering.
Do not bring unauthorised animal products into Taiwan, particularly pork products, to avoid a heavy fine.
Safety in Taiwan
Tips when travelling
Taiwan is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Always carry your passport or a printed copy of its photo page as identification.
Avoid any involvement with illegal drugs, including cannabis, as the laws are strict and penalties severe.
If you plan to drive, you need a 1949 International Driving Permit validated locally in addition to your UK licence.
Be alert when crossing roads as scooters weave through traffic and vehicles may not stop at crossings.
The alcohol limit for drivers is very low, and being over it can lead to heavy fines or imprisonment.
Bonus tips:
Check local weather websites for announcements if there is a typhoon, as these can cause road blockages.
Familiarise yourself with earthquake safety procedures, as earthquakes are a risk in Taiwan.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Taiwan
Foreign drivers can use an International Driving Permit in Taiwan. Check the validity of your UK driving license. You must carry your valid UK driver's license. A Taiwan driver's license is required for people staying over 30 days.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
110 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.03%
Remember: Taiwan drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Taiwan
As a British tourist, you'll need travel insurance to cover healthcare costs in Taiwan. The GHIC/EHIC card is not applicable in Taiwan. Ensure your insurance policy provides comprehensive coverage, including medical evacuation.
No vaccinations required
Consult your doctor about recommended vaccinations and health precautions before travelling to Taiwan. Dengue fever is present, so take mosquito bite prevention measures. The tap water is not safe to drink; buy bottled water.
Cards & payments
Card acceptance is good in major establishments in cities, but cash is still preferred in smaller shops, markets, and rural areas.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in Taiwan
Tipping is not widely practiced in Taiwan, and service charges are often included in bills. However, small tips for exceptional service are appreciated.
Restaurant
5-10% for exceptional service, or round up the bill. Often already included.
Bar/Café
Round up the bill for good service.
Taxi
Not customary; rounding up is acceptable.
Hotel Porter
50-100 TWD per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
50-100 TWD per day, left in the room.
Tour Guide
100-300 TWD per person per day for good service.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile customers. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Taiwan. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for potentially cheaper rates.
Local SIM
10GB for 300 TWD (~£7)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Taiwan
Voltage
110V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public areas in cities.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Internet access is readily available in Taiwan. Many establishments offer free WiFi. Mobile data is also a viable option, with reasonable pricing for local SIM cards.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
110
Ambulance
119
Fire
119
Save 110 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Taiwan
Country code
+886
To call a Taipei number (02 1234 5678) from the UK, you would dial 00 886 2 1234 5678.
To call Taiwan, you'll need the country code (886) and the specific area code. Mobile phone numbers start with 09. Remember to drop the leading zero from the area code when calling from abroad.
Languages in Taiwan
UK Embassy
British Office Taipei
9th Floor, President International Tower, 9-11 Song Gao Road, Taipei 11073
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Airports in Taiwan
Beaches in Taiwan
Frequently asked questions
British citizens can enter Taiwan visa-free for tourism purposes for up to 90 days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. For stays longer than 90 days or for other purposes, you will need to apply for a visa at a Taiwanese representative office.
Taiwan is generally a very safe country with a low crime rate. Petty theft can occur in crowded areas, so be mindful of your belongings. Natural disasters, such as earthquakes and typhoons, can occur, so it's wise to monitor weather forecasts and follow local authority advice.
The best time to visit Taiwan is during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summers (June to August) can be hot and humid with possible typhoons, while winters (December to February) are mild but can be rainy, especially in the north.
When visiting temples, dress respectfully, covering your shoulders and knees. Avoid sticking your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, as this resembles funeral incense. It’s customary to use both hands when giving or receiving business cards. Be aware that queues are common, so be patient. Avoid loud and brash behavior in public.
The local currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD). Credit cards are widely accepted in major establishments, but smaller shops and restaurants may prefer cash. ATMs are readily available in cities and towns. Remember to inform your bank before travelling to avoid any issues with your card.
While Taiwan is generally safe, be cautious of overly friendly strangers who may try to lure you into tea houses or bars with inflated prices. Always confirm prices before agreeing to any services. Be wary of taxi drivers who don't use meters or offer suspiciously low fares. Stick to reputable taxi companies.
Taiwan has an excellent public transportation system. The High-Speed Rail (HSR) connects major cities along the west coast. Taipei has a convenient MRT (metro) system. Buses are also available but can be more challenging for non-Mandarin speakers. Taxis are readily available and affordable.
Taiwan is a food lover's paradise! Street food is a must-try, with night markets offering a wide array of local delicacies. Be adventurous and sample dishes like bubble tea, stinky tofu, and beef noodle soup. Water from taps is generally not potable but bottled water is available. The country prides itself on the quality of its tea.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.