TW
Taiwan
Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), is a country in East Asia. The main island of Taiwan, formerly known as Formosa, lies between the East and South China Seas in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, with the People's Republic of China (PRC) to the northwest, Japan to the northeast, and the Philippines to the south. It has an area of 35,808 square kilometers (13,826 square miles), with mountain ranges dominating the eastern two-thirds and plains in the western third, where its highly urbanized population is concentrated. The combined territories under ROC control consist of 168 islands in total covering 36,193 square kilometers (13,974 square miles). The largest metropolitan area is formed by Taipei (the capital), New Taipei City, and Keelung.
Photo: xiangyang17 · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Capital
- Taipei
- Currency
- TWD
- Population
- 23,317,031
- Coordinates
- 24.0000, 121.0000
Traveler Guide
Travel & Tourism Guide for Taiwan
Taiwan (TW) is a distinctive destination home to approximately 23,317,031 residents, with its capital city of Taipei serving as the principal gateway for international arrivals, cultural institutions, and commerce at coordinates (24.00°, 121.00°), operating with TWD as the national currency.
Best Time to Visit & Climate
October to April (Warm Winter & Spring Window)
Positioned in the subtropical latitude band (24.00°), Taiwan offers crisp evenings and warm, sunny days from autumn through spring, avoiding intense midsummer heat.
Key Traveler Essentials
- Currency: TWD
- Language: Official national language of Taiwan; English spoken in major hotels and airports
- Emergency: 112 (Unified Emergency: Police, Ambulance & Fire)
- Power Plugs: Standard national power sockets (typically 220–240V; universal adapter recommended)
Top Attractions & Highlights
Historic Core & National Museums of Taipei
Taipei anchors Taiwan's cultural landscape with national museums, civic monuments, and historic quarters.
Natural Reserves & Scenic Landscapes of Taiwan
Beyond Taipei, regional parks and natural corridors showcase Taiwan's topography, biodiversity, and outdoor trails.
Traditional Markets & Cultural Districts in Taipei
Experience everyday culinary traditions, regional produce, and local craftsmanship across Taipei's bustling markets.
Getting Around & Transport
International access to Taiwan centers on gateway terminals serving Taipei, supported by intercity highway coaches, municipal public transport, metered taxis, and private car hire for regional travel.
- Taipei serves as the primary multimodal hub linking international flights with overland routes across Taiwan.
- Licensed municipal taxis and regional ride-hailing services provide reliable door-to-door urban transit in Taipei.
- Renting a car or booking a private transfer offers the best flexibility for exploring countryside sights outside Taipei.
Essential Tips & Local Etiquette
Managing Expenses in TWD
The national currency is TWD. Carry sufficient local cash for markets and short transit rides alongside credit cards accepted at major hotels in Taipei.
Emergency Contacts & Safety
The official emergency dispatch in Taiwan is 112 (Unified Emergency: Police, Ambulance & Fire). Save these numbers before arrival and keep identification accessible.
Local Etiquette & Time Zone
Observe respectful dress and photography etiquette at heritage sites, and align transit schedules with the local time zone (UTC).
Budget, Logistics & Entry Planning for Taiwan
Daily Budget & TWD Currency Strategy
Official transactions across Taiwan are conducted in TWD. Balance your travel budget between international bank cards for hotels and intercity transport and local TWD cash for municipal transit, markets, and daily dining in Taipei.
Gateway Arrival & Urban Infrastructure
Taiwan has a population of approximately 23,317,031, with Taipei serving as the primary administrative and international aviation hub operating on the UTC time zone.
Safety Preparedness & Official Emergency Contacts
Store Taiwan's verified emergency dispatch numbers (112 (Unified Emergency: Police, Ambulance & Fire)) in your phone prior to departure, and keep digital copies of your passport, entry documentation, and accommodation address in Taipei.
Seasonal Scheduling & Peak Booking Windows
Optimal weather conditions align with October to April (Warm Winter & Spring Window). When visiting Taiwan during national holidays or peak seasonal windows, confirm accommodation and intercity transit reservations several weeks in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Taiwan
What is the official currency in Taiwan and how should I plan payments?
The official currency of Taiwan is TWD. Use the interactive currency converter on this page to benchmark daily costs against USD, EUR, GBP, and regional currencies, and carry local cash alongside bank cards.
What are the official emergency numbers in Taiwan?
Verified emergency dispatch numbers in Taiwan are: 112 (Unified Emergency: Police, Ambulance & Fire). These lines connect travelers to local police, medical ambulance, and fire rescue services.
When is the best time of year to visit Taiwan and Taipei?
The most favorable travel window for Taiwan is October to April (Warm Winter & Spring Window), when ambient temperatures and daylight hours best support sightseeing in Taipei and regional nature reserves.
How do travelers get between Taipei and regional cities in Taiwan?
Taipei functions as the primary transport hub connecting regional cities via intercity highway coaches, rail corridors where available, private transfers, or domestic flights. Select any city guide below for specific airport and ground transit details.
Travel Essentials & Currency
Currency & Travel Essentials for Taiwan
Quick currency calculator and emergency hotline guide for a hassle-free trip to Taiwan.
Quick Currency Calculator
Official national currency is TWD. Calculate exchange conversions below:
* Exchange rates are indicative and subject to market rates and banking fees.
Emergency & Payment Tips
112 (Unified Emergency: Police, Ambulance & Fire)
(Police, Ambulance & Fire Rescue — toll-free 24/7 service)Payment & Banking Guidelines:
- 💳 Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, and digital wallets (Apple Pay) are widely accepted across hotels and retailers.
- 💵 Cash: Keep small cash bills handy for local souqs, small taxis, and casual tipping.
- 🏧 ATMs: ATMs are readily available throughout international airports, metro stations, and shopping malls.
