Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Taiwan (Seriously, Don't Be *That* Tourist)
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Hello, fellow wanderlust enthusiasts! Whether you're traveling anywhere, always remember to respect local customs and traditions to avoid being disrespectful and to have a more enjoyable vacation. If you are planning a trip to Taiwan Airways
️, take a glance at my trip tips, so you don't unintentionally make some embarrassing mistakes!- 1️⃣ Be mindful of your conversation: When chatting with locals, try to avoid sensitive topics as much as possible. The purpose of travel is to relax and have a good time, not to get into heated discussions.
- 2️⃣ Change money in advance: Make sure you exchange some New Taiwan dollars prior to arriving in Taiwan. The amount needed depends on the length of stay; it's best to estimate according to personal circumstances.
- 3️⃣ Fun seal souvenirs : Bring along a small notebook or planner! Take the MRT (Taiwan's metro
) and get commemorative stamps of different patterns and colors at each station to keep as mementos – very unique and worth collecting! - 4️⃣ Regarding WC etiquette: Restrooms in Taiwan typically provide toilet paper🧻, which is designed to be flushed down the toilet. Be sure to dispose of the toilet paper you bring from home into a garbage bin
️. - 5️⃣ Public transportation & dining etiquette:
- Taking the MRT (Metro) :
- Refrain from occupying the "residential" prioritized seats, which are reserved for the elderly, weak, sick, disabled, or pregnant women, unless you have a need for it.
- It is strictly forbidden
to eat or drink (including water or even coffee
️) inside of MRT cabins.
- Street food and restaurants :
- If you wish to take-away some street-foods while enjoying night markets, store owners usually remind customers of certain rules.
- Bringing outside food to dine-in restaurants (such as the one next door) is generally not allowed.
- Some popular establishments may require a minimum consumption requirement, which can be less favorable for solo visitors.
- Taking the MRT (Metro) :
- 6️⃣ Convenience stores are amazing: While traveling in Taiwan, there really isn't much need to carry plenty of food. Convenience store here function as another type of snack market with a great variety, diverse food items, excellent value-for-money deals!
- A quick reminder: Shopping bags come at a fee and trash has to be sorted (similar to Japan
). You can bring along a reusable bag, which serves both for shopping and storing trash.
- A quick reminder: Shopping bags come at a fee and trash has to be sorted (similar to Japan
- 7️⃣ Queuing & riding escalators:
- Don't cut in-line – this goes without saying as it’s fundamental manners any time and anywhere.
- While riding an escalator, it is customary to stand on the right-hand side. On the left side is designated for people who don’t want to stand still (such as to quickly proceed)
. (Though I heard some Taiwanese friends that this rule is not strictly abided by, but I noticed locals queueing clearly during my stay, so it might help to follow this guideline while visiting)
- 8️⃣ Terminology disparities between the mainland and Taiwan :
- The word "酒店" in the mainland means “hotel”
, while in Taiwan, this denotes a place that provides accommodation. - In the mainland, a “hotel” typically stands for an upscale establishment (such as a casino). In Taiwan, it probably refers to some sort of night clubs or entertainment venues.
- The word "自助餐" in the mainland is synonymous to "buffet", in Taiwan, "吃到饱" is more common in denoting the ability to “eat until fully sated”, which often applies to self-service buffet meals.
- Young females in Mainland China are addressed as “beautiful lady / 美女”. “小姐” is a common way to address young women in Taiwan - it conveys no offense.
- The word "酒店" in the mainland means “hotel”
- 9️⃣ Wonderful prize draw: Between now and June 30th, 2025, check out a lottery campaign called 台湾金福气 (Translation: "Taiwan Golden Fortune"). After registration, apply for lottery tickets
(make sure to apply at least one week prior to arrival in Taiwan.) If lucky, you might earn a $5,000 NTD travel coupon! To receive the prize (if drawn), show your QR code to the counter (for example, at Taoyuan International Airport). 
Essentials: EasyCard: This versatile EasyCard (悠游卡) can be bought in any convenience store. There are numerous designs, many that are super cute; if you have a unique one it will make a great keepsake.- 1️⃣1️⃣ Taking a bus: Be sure to disembark before boarding another. Press the bell
before you arrive at your intended stop (don’t dawdle looking around while missing your exit!). Boarding and disembarking require you to swipe your card.
In the final picture, you can see some useful apps that I used during my trip to Taiwan. Feel free to reference these suggestions! We look forward to more tips from our fellow Taiwanese readers to make everyone’s journey perfect and enjoyable!
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Thanks to all my friends and fellow Taiwanese for their additional input and clarifications. I've been getting a lot of DMs asking for travel tips, and I'll get back to you gradually, so please be patient. As for those who criticize me, I won't respond—if it makes them happy, so be it. Everyone has different life experiences and perspectives on the world. I just want to express my most genuine experiences and thoughts, and share some friendly suggestions with those who haven't had the chance to visit Taiwan yet. It's great if I can be of help. What I've shared is basic common knowledge, and while that's true, it doesn't mean everyone is aware of these things. Even when traveling to other cities within one's own country, it's important to respect local customs. I find Taiwan to be a very inclusive place—the scenery is beautiful, but the people are even more so. I really hope independent travel reopens soon so more people can come to appreciate and fall in love with Taiwan.
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Regarding point seven, it seems this mainly applies to Taipei, probably because of the faster pace of life there.
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The first point is spot on. People have different experiences and ways of looking at things, so everyone has their own understanding. You're out to have fun, so stubbornly debating sensitive topics is pointless—it's not like you're going to change anyone's mind.
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I also find these kinds of questions rather pointless. I have a Taiwanese friend, and I greatly respect his views. Everyone comes from different educational backgrounds and has different understandings, so what's the point in pressing these issues?
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When using public transport, try to let passengers exit before you board. (This is to avoid unexpectedly encountering people rushing to get off; sometimes you might even get chided and told to let those on board alight first.)
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The same applies to elevators: let people out before you get in.
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Anyone can use a priority seat; just offer it up if you see someone who needs it more—no need to feel pressured. Not all elderly individuals expect you to give up your seat; some feel they're still quite young and don't require it, and may even decline. However, if you see someone who is visibly pregnant, people will generally offer their seat, regardless of whether it's a regular or priority one, since it's risky for a pregnant woman to stand.
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Exactly. If my foot is hurting and the only seat available is a priority seat, I'll take it too.
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Regarding point 4 (about flushing toilet paper), that's not always a given, so be mindful, everyone. You wouldn't want to clog the toilet.
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I've been flushing it for over a decade and never had it clog.
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I absolutely love Taiwan! I definitely want to visit if I get the chance.
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They're not even issuing visas, so how exactly are you planning to go?
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Why can't you bring outside food in?
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Perhaps it's because the establishment doesn't want to have to dispose of your trash.
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Regarding point five: You can't get takeout when dining in a restaurant? Why not? I actually get takeout quite often.
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It means you can't bring food you've gotten as takeout from another place into a restaurant to eat when you're dining in. Take another look more carefully.
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These seem pretty standard everywhere, don't they?
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Speak for yourself, don't lump me in with you.
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You're amazing at taking photos!!!!!