£1 NT$42.85
Today
11:55 am
+8h from you
Weather in Taiwan
Taiwan
24°
Overcast
Wed
18
24
Thu
17
24
Fri
19
22
Sat
19
23
Sun
18
27
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.
Getting around Taiwan
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.
Safety in Taiwan
Tips for British travellers
Taiwan is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Always carry your passport or a printed copy of its photo page for identification.
Do not use, possess, or transport any illegal drugs, including cannabis, as penalties are severe and can include long prison sentences or the death penalty.
Be very alert when crossing roads as vehicles, especially scooters, may not stop at pedestrian crossings.
If you plan to drive, you must obtain a 1949 international driving permit in the UK and get it validated at a local Motor Vehicles Office in Taiwan.
The legal alcohol limit for drivers is very low, so you could face a heavy fine and imprisonment if you drive while over the limit.
Bonus tips:
Listen to local English radio stations like ICRT for typhoon alerts during the May to November typhoon season.
If there is a typhoon or earthquake, check the local authorities' websites for details on road closures and other public announcements.
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.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
110
Ambulance
119
Fire
119
Save 110 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Taiwan
Voltage
110V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Taiwan uses 110V electricity at 60Hz. Plug types A and B are standard. British travelers will need a plug adapter, and may need a voltage converter for some devices.
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
ATMs in Taiwan
ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas, especially at banks and convenience stores.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are readily accessible in Taiwan. Ensure your card is chip and PIN enabled. Check for fees from your bank and the local ATM provider.
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 data package
10GB for 300 TWD (~£7)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, FarEasTone
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.
Health & vaccinations 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.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Consider vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Typhoid, as these are potential risks due to food and water contamination.
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.
Calling Taiwan
Country code
+886
To call Taiwan from the UK, dial 00 886 followed by the area code (without the leading zero) and the local number.
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.
UK Embassy in Taiwan
British Office Taipei
9th Floor, President International Tower, 9-11 Song Gao Road, Taipei 11073
Airports in Taiwan
Frequently asked questions
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.