🫶 Taiwan First-Timer! Lost & Full of (Probably Dumb) Questions!
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Hello, seasoned Taiwan travel enthusiasts!
At long last, I'm heading to Taiwan for a trip at the end of this month and have some questions that need answering. Thank you in advance to all the experts!
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Regarding cash, how much should I prepare?
- I'll be carrying credit cards, with Alipay (commonly used electronic payment method in mainland China) on my phone as well, but I worry that some small shops or night markets might only accept cash.
- We'll be staying in Taiwan for 6 days and 5 nights.
- Our major expenses are likely to be eating our fill and enjoying delicious food at the night markets.
- Taiwan's climate is relatively humid, unlike in Japan where hair can stay clean for three days; probably I'd start feeling greasy after two days here without washing. So I'd like to visit the salon every two days to wash my hair.
- I also plan on participating in about 2-3 one-day tours around Taipei, depending on my mood at the time.
- Lastly, I want to try out Taiwan's massage services and relax those aching shoulders.
- Tip: Night markets and small vendors in Taiwan often use cash. Therefore, it'd be a good idea to exchange some currency beforehand. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven FamilyMart feature ATM machines for withdrawing cash using UnionPay cards. You don't have to carry too much cash on your person.
- Credit cards and Alipay are generally accepted in department stores, chain stores etc., according to the information available.
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Can salons in Taiwan simply offer hair washing services?
- We're just looking for a simple hair wash; no cutting or styling.
- Are there any specific things we should avoid or pay attention to when visiting these places? For instance, could there be instances of coercive sales tactics?
- Tip: The majority of salons in Taiwan offer basic hair washing services. Their prices are usually listed at the entrances or price lists. Family or large chain haircut shops provide such services. It's safe to ask for more information upon arrival.
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Can anyone recommend any good massage parlors?
- All I want to do is feel relaxed after being tired during the trip, mainly targeting shoulder stiffness relief.
- Tip: Taiwan has plenty of well-being centers or massage parlors. Check online reviews or ask the receptionist at your hotel for recommendations. Some larger chains tend to be more reliable. Be sure to double-check the price and service prior to going.
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Shouldn't I bring too many luggage, I wish to purchase some simple T-shirts directly in Taiwan since they may be discarded after wearing. Would such T-shirts cost a significant amount?
- Basically, I'm looking to buy comfortable cotton shirts as innerwear, sans flashy designs or decorations.
- My budget is roughly around 1000 JPY per piece (converted into New Taiwanese Dollar at around 200 NT$, right?), would these prices be around the average price in Taiwan? Where can I find these options?
- Tip: At this budget, you can easily find affordable T-shirts! You can visit night markets like Shilin Night Market or Raohe Night Market, or cheaper clothing shops such as NET or GU (sometimes even Uniqlo holds discounts). Also, check out general supermarkets like Carrefour or RT-MART, which tend to carry a variety of product options.
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For now, I only have one more question. If there are any other issues that arise, I'll ask again at a later date.
Thanks so much to everyone who has helped with information!
#Taiwan #TaiwanTravel #TaipeiTourism #TaichungTourism #YilanTourism
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- I'd suggest bringing around 10,000 TWD. If you're visiting Taiwan in July, you'll probably want to wash your hair every day (it's scorching hot
). My personal night market recommendations are Sanhe, Nanjichang, Yansan, and Linjiang. - & 3. Addressing both: Pretty much every salon offers hair washing, but some also include a massage. You can search for Vietnamese-style hair wash salons. My personal picks are: HAMA HAIR SPA (or Here SPA), followed by Shang Yue Hair Wash & Relaxation Salon, then Rosa Vietnamese Hair Wash.
- For affordable and stylish clothes, you're likely limited to UNIQLO or GAP. Honestly, given the prices, I'd recommend bringing a few extra outfits from Japan.
If you have other questions or need some travel tips, feel free to send me a private message.
- I'd suggest bringing around 10,000 TWD. If you're visiting Taiwan in July, you'll probably want to wash your hair every day (it's scorching hot
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- Around 5,000 TWD should do. 2. There's no escaping the heat; most salons offer hair washing. 3. I'm not familiar with massage places, so I can't recommend any. 4. Clothes will cost more than 1,000 JPY; you'll need to budget a bit extra. For night markets in Taipei, the one to definitely avoid is Shilin – it's notorious for being overpriced and a tourist trap.
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All hair salons offer hair washing. For massages, I recommend Bu Lao Song. What's 'zfb'?
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'zfb' is Alipay.
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It starts getting hot even before June. In July, you'll be sweating just standing still. Why not consider bringing old clothes you don't wear much and socks you can wear once and then throw away? When I travel to Japan, I often bring clothes I don't wear much and old, loose socks, and just dispose of them after use.
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It's because I'm not traveling directly from home. I'm visiting another place first, then transiting to Taiwan before heading back. Checking luggage during transfers is such a hassle, so I'm trying to pack light.
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Bring plenty of cash. Many places are cash-only, believe it or not, even as we're heading into 2025!
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Okay
, I'm planning to bring 20,000 TWD. If that's really not enough, I'll just have to cut back on my spending! -
I also did a 6-day, 5-night trip, and spent around 1,000 TWD per day. Topping up my EasyCard, visiting night markets, and eating out usually required cash. Only places like 7-Eleven or bigger malls and restaurants accept cards. If you're looking to buy clothes, night markets have them, and they're pretty cheap.
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For places to visit in Taipei City, check out the pinned note on my homepage. You'll want to wash your hair daily and probably get a few massages. Definitely bring plenty of cash; I'd suggest exchanging around 20,000 TWD to have ready. For clothes, NET is a pretty affordable option.
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July is incredibly hot – you'll sweat just standing still! I'm the type who washes my hair every day, haha~ For massages, it seems many international visitors go to 'Bu Lao Song.' If you're looking for cheap clothes, check out the chain store 'NET'; it's very reasonably priced and they have lots of locations!
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I saw T-shirts for 3 for 1000 TWD in Ximending.