Asia · Eastern Asia
Taiwan
Republic of China (Taiwan)
🏛️ Capital
Taipei
👥 Population
23,317,031
📐 Area
36,197 km²
💱 Currency
New Taiwan dollar ($)
🗣️ Languages
Chinese
📞 Calling Code
+886
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+08:00
🌐 Region
Asia / Eastern Asia
About Taiwan
Taiwan is one of Asia's most underrated and utterly captivating destinations — a compact island that somehow packs in lush mountain gorges, world-class night markets, ancient temples, cutting-edge cities, and some of the warmest hospitality you will ever experience. You can hike through the cloud-draped peaks of Taroko Gorge in the morning and be feasting on dumplings in a neon-lit alleyway by nightfall. This is a place where tradition and modernity coexist in effortless harmony, where Buddhist incense drifts past glass skyscrapers and scooters weave through ceremonial dragon parades.
Taipei, the vibrant capital, is a city built for exploration on foot. Its famous night markets — Shilin, Raohe, and Ningxia among them — are as much cultural institutions as they are places to eat, drawing locals and visitors alike into a swirl of sizzling woks, herbal tea stalls, and carnival games. Beyond the city, the island unfolds into a series of stunning natural landscapes: the volcanic hot spring valleys of Beitou, the mirror-calm waters of Sun Moon Lake, and the dramatic coastal highway hugging the Pacific along the east coast.
Taiwanese people are genuinely, spontaneously kind — locals have been known to personally escort confused tourists to their destinations simply out of goodwill. With an excellent and affordable public transportation system, a low crime rate, and a culinary culture that food lovers rank among the finest in the Chinese-speaking world, Taiwan delivers an experience that exceeds every expectation. Whether you come for the mountains, the metropolis, or the mouth-watering food, you will leave already planning your return.
Taipei, the vibrant capital, is a city built for exploration on foot. Its famous night markets — Shilin, Raohe, and Ningxia among them — are as much cultural institutions as they are places to eat, drawing locals and visitors alike into a swirl of sizzling woks, herbal tea stalls, and carnival games. Beyond the city, the island unfolds into a series of stunning natural landscapes: the volcanic hot spring valleys of Beitou, the mirror-calm waters of Sun Moon Lake, and the dramatic coastal highway hugging the Pacific along the east coast.
Taiwanese people are genuinely, spontaneously kind — locals have been known to personally escort confused tourists to their destinations simply out of goodwill. With an excellent and affordable public transportation system, a low crime rate, and a culinary culture that food lovers rank among the finest in the Chinese-speaking world, Taiwan delivers an experience that exceeds every expectation. Whether you come for the mountains, the metropolis, or the mouth-watering food, you will leave already planning your return.
History & Background
Taiwan has been inhabited for over 25,000 years by Austronesian peoples whose descendants form the island's indigenous population today. Chinese migration began significantly in the 17th century, and the island briefly fell under Dutch colonial administration (1624–1662) before Koxinga, a Ming dynasty loyalist, expelled the Dutch and established the first Han Chinese-led government on Taiwan. The Qing dynasty incorporated the island in 1683, and Taiwan was ceded to Japan following China's defeat in the First Sino-Japanese War of 1895.
Japanese colonial rule brought significant modernization in infrastructure, education, and public health, leaving a complex legacy still visible in architecture and culinary traditions. Following Japan's defeat in World War II, Taiwan returned to Chinese administration, but the Communist victory in the Chinese Civil War of 1949 drove the Republic of China government under Chiang Kai-shek to relocate to Taipei. The subsequent decades saw rapid economic growth — Taiwan's "economic miracle" — transforming the island into one of Asia's wealthiest and most technologically advanced societies, alongside a gradual democratic transition that culminated in the 1990s.
Japanese colonial rule brought significant modernization in infrastructure, education, and public health, leaving a complex legacy still visible in architecture and culinary traditions. Following Japan's defeat in World War II, Taiwan returned to Chinese administration, but the Communist victory in the Chinese Civil War of 1949 drove the Republic of China government under Chiang Kai-shek to relocate to Taipei. The subsequent decades saw rapid economic growth — Taiwan's "economic miracle" — transforming the island into one of Asia's wealthiest and most technologically advanced societies, alongside a gradual democratic transition that culminated in the 1990s.
Culture & People
Taiwanese culture represents a unique blend of indigenous Austronesian heritage, Chinese cultural traditions brought by waves of migration, Japanese colonial influences from 1895 to 1945, and a vibrant home-grown identity that has flourished in the decades since. Confucian values of respect for elders, emphasis on education, and strong family bonds remain deeply embedded in social life, yet Taiwan's democracy and open society have fostered a culture of free expression, creativity, and progressive social values that distinguishes it from its regional neighbors.
Religion pervades everyday Taiwanese life in an organic, unhurried way. Taoist temples and Buddhist shrines dot every neighborhood, and festival culture is exuberant — the Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Ghost Month each bring elaborate rituals, street processions, and communal celebrations. Aboriginal Taiwanese communities, comprising sixteen officially recognized peoples, maintain distinctive languages, weaving traditions, harvest ceremonies, and musical forms that have increasingly gained national recognition and pride. Taiwan's arts scene is dynamic, producing internationally acclaimed film directors, visual artists, and a pop music industry — Mandopop — that reverberates across East and Southeast Asia.
Religion pervades everyday Taiwanese life in an organic, unhurried way. Taoist temples and Buddhist shrines dot every neighborhood, and festival culture is exuberant — the Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Ghost Month each bring elaborate rituals, street processions, and communal celebrations. Aboriginal Taiwanese communities, comprising sixteen officially recognized peoples, maintain distinctive languages, weaving traditions, harvest ceremonies, and musical forms that have increasingly gained national recognition and pride. Taiwan's arts scene is dynamic, producing internationally acclaimed film directors, visual artists, and a pop music industry — Mandopop — that reverberates across East and Southeast Asia.
Food & Cuisine
Taiwan's food culture is extraordinary, rightly earning its reputation as one of the world's great culinary destinations. The humble beef noodle soup — rich braised broth, meltingly tender chunks of beef shank, and chewy hand-pulled noodles — is a national obsession, with countless restaurants competing fiercely for the title of best bowl. Xiao long bao, the delicate soup dumplings perfected at Din Tai Fung restaurants worldwide, originated here and must be eaten fresh from the bamboo steamer with a dab of ginger and black vinegar. Scallion pancakes, oyster vermicelli, and stinky tofu (more delicious than it sounds) round out the essential Taiwanese canon.
Night market culture elevates street food to an art form. Grilled corn slathered in butter and soy, bubble tea (invented in Taiwan in the 1980s), taro ball dessert soups, and iron eggs braised until dark and chewy are just a few of the hundreds of treats you will encounter. Taiwan also produces excellent oolong and high-mountain teas — Ali Shan and Li Shan teas are prized by connoisseurs worldwide — making any tea house visit a meditative pleasure. Vegetarian cuisine is remarkably well-developed due to Buddhist influences, ensuring plant-based travelers eat exceptionally well throughout the island.
Night market culture elevates street food to an art form. Grilled corn slathered in butter and soy, bubble tea (invented in Taiwan in the 1980s), taro ball dessert soups, and iron eggs braised until dark and chewy are just a few of the hundreds of treats you will encounter. Taiwan also produces excellent oolong and high-mountain teas — Ali Shan and Li Shan teas are prized by connoisseurs worldwide — making any tea house visit a meditative pleasure. Vegetarian cuisine is remarkably well-developed due to Buddhist influences, ensuring plant-based travelers eat exceptionally well throughout the island.
Top Attractions
- Taroko Gorge National Park — A breathtaking marble canyon carved by the Liwu River, featuring turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, suspension bridges, and trails through indigenous Truku territory in eastern Taiwan.
- Taipei 101 — The iconic skyscraper that dominated the world's tallest building rankings for years, offering an observatory with sweeping views over the Taipei Basin and surrounding mountains.
- Sun Moon Lake — Taiwan's largest natural lake, nestled in the Central Mountain Range, surrounded by cycling paths, ancient temples, and serene tea plantations perfect for a multi-day retreat.
- Jiufen Old Street — A hillside former gold-mining town whose lantern-lit teahouses, winding staircases, and misty harbour views famously inspired Studio Ghibli's "Spirited Away."
- Tainan Historic District — Taiwan's oldest city, dense with Dutch-era forts, Qing dynasty temples, and a street food scene widely regarded as the finest on the entire island.
- Alishan National Scenic Area — A highland forest famous for its sea of clouds at sunrise, ancient cypress groves, and the nostalgic narrow-gauge forest railway winding through mountain mist.
Practical Travel Tips
- Load an EasyCard (stored-value card) upon arrival at Taoyuan Airport — it works on all MRT lines, buses, taxis, and even convenience store purchases across Taiwan.
- Download the Taiwan High Speed Rail app before arrival; HSR connects Taipei to Kaohsiung in under 90 minutes and is a game-changer for exploring the west coast.
- Most ATMs in 7-Eleven stores accept foreign Visa and Mastercard — these are the most reliable cash withdrawal points island-wide.
- Tipping is not customary in Taiwan and is often politely refused — good service is simply the standard expectation rather than an expectation of extra reward.
- Google Maps is fully functional and highly accurate in Taiwan; use it confidently for navigation across cities and national parks.
- Taiwan uses the Type A plug (two flat pins) — bring a universal adapter if your devices use other socket types.
- Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but English signage is widespread in cities, airports, and tourist areas, making independent travel very manageable.
Visa Overview
Citizens of over 60 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, most EU nations, and Japan, can enter Taiwan visa-free for stays ranging from 30 to 90 days depending on nationality. This makes Taiwan one of the most accessible destinations in Asia for international travelers. Those who require a visa should apply through the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in their home country. Taiwan's visa-free entry policy is generally straightforward, and most travelers simply need a valid passport, a confirmed onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds for their stay.
Getting Around
Taiwan has an excellent and affordable public transportation network. The Taipei MRT is clean, punctual, and covers most major attractions in the capital. Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) links Taipei to Kaohsiung in under 90 minutes, making day trips between major cities effortless. Local trains (TRA) serve the east coast scenic route and smaller towns at lower cost. Intercity buses connect destinations not reached by rail. In cities, Ubike (public bike sharing) and the YouBike app are ideal for short-distance exploration. Scooter rentals are popular outside Taipei, though an international driving permit is required.
Safety Notes
Taiwan is one of the safest travel destinations in Asia, with very low rates of violent crime and a highly efficient emergency services system. Natural hazards are the primary concern — typhoons strike between July and October, and earthquakes occur regularly given Taiwan's position on tectonic fault lines. Always follow local government alerts during typhoon season and familiarise yourself with earthquake safety procedures. Healthcare is excellent and affordable. Tap water in Taipei is technically drinkable but most locals prefer filtered or bottled water.
Live Exchange Rates
Current exchange rates for currencies used in Taiwan.
New Taiwan dollar (TWD) $
Updated: 2026-08-21
New Taiwan dollar (TWD) $
Updated: 2026-08-21
| Currency Code | Rate |
|---|---|
| 1INCH | 0.353164 |
| AAVE | 0.000317 |
| ADA | 0.153293 |
| AED | 0.115315 |
| AFN | 2.072190 |
| AGIX | 0.502721 |
| AKT | 0.059858 |
| ALGO | 0.357944 |
| ALL | 2.488569 |
| AMD | 11.449171 |
| AMP | 78.810198 |
| ANG | 0.056646 |
| AOA | 28.822726 |
| APE | 0.238093 |
| APT | 0.054533 |
| AR | 0.015231 |
| ARB | 0.344053 |
| ARS | 47.012156 |
| ATOM | 0.020750 |
| ATS | 0.369584 |
| AUD | 0.044044 |
| AVAX | 0.004331 |
| AWG | 0.056205 |
| AXS | 0.032320 |
| AZM | 266.895693 |
| AZN | 0.053379 |
| BAKE | 41.968296 |
| BAM | 0.052531 |
| BAT | 0.471474 |
| BBD | 0.062799 |
| BCH | 0.000139 |
| BDT | 3.840791 |
| BEF | 1.083477 |
| BGN | 0.052531 |
| BHD | 0.011806 |
| BIF | 93.457379 |
| BMD | 0.031399 |
| BNB | 0.000047 |
| BND | 0.039891 |
| BOB | 0.362590 |
| BRL | 0.163122 |
| BSD | 0.031399 |
| BSV | 0.001944 |
| BSW | 84.084995 |
| BTC | 0.000000 |
| BTG | 0.066802 |
| BTN | 3.006040 |
| BTT | 110,819.916176 |
| BUSD | 0.031396 |
| BWP | 0.422038 |
| BYN | 0.095610 |
| BYR | 615.377172 |
| BZD | 0.063240 |
| CAD | 0.043247 |
| CAKE | 0.018979 |
| CDF | 71.983262 |
| CELO | 0.463723 |
| CFX | 0.697552 |
| CHF | 0.025097 |
| CHZ | 2.378347 |
| CLP | 28.973819 |
| CNH | 0.211105 |
| CNY | 0.211081 |
| COMP | 0.001655 |
| COP | 96.422300 |
| CRC | 14.271287 |
| CRO | 0.585043 |
| CRV | 0.109985 |
| CSPR | 11.915768 |
| CUC | 0.031397 |
| CUP | 0.832015 |
| CVE | 2.961709 |
| CVX | 0.018299 |
| CYP | 0.015720 |
| CZK | 0.647998 |
| DAI | 0.031403 |
| DASH | 0.000949 |
| DCR | 0.002551 |
| DEM | 0.052531 |
| DFI | 58.277544 |
| DJF | 5.592814 |
| DKK | 0.200792 |
| DOGE | 0.382288 |
| DOP | 1.837067 |
| DOT | 0.037128 |
| DYDX | 0.276596 |
| DZD | 4.171838 |
| EEK | 0.420248 |
| EGLD | 0.010510 |
| EGP | 1.597551 |
| ENJ | 1.195757 |
| EOS | 0.449254 |
| ERN | 0.470992 |
| ESP | 4.468912 |
| ETB | 5.117379 |
| ETC | 0.004501 |
| ETH | 0.000013 |
| EUR | 0.026859 |
| EURC | 0.026950 |
| FEI | 0.031392 |
| FIL | 0.042091 |
| FIM | 0.159695 |
| FJD | 0.068985 |
| FKP | 0.023010 |
| FLOW | 1.080541 |
| FLR | 4.513935 |
| FRAX | 0.031641 |
| FRF | 0.176182 |
| FTT | 0.144375 |
| GALA | 19.342785 |
| GBP | 0.023010 |
| GEL | 0.081655 |
| GGP | 0.023010 |
| GHC | 3,482.569568 |
| GHS | 0.348257 |
| GIP | 0.023010 |
| GMD | 2.328725 |
| GMX | 0.004519 |
| GNF | 276.046381 |
| GNO | 0.000255 |
| GRD | 9.152102 |
| GRT | 2.077069 |
| GT | 0.004360 |
| GTQ | 0.239669 |
| GUSD | 0.031446 |
| GYD | 6.574181 |
| HBAR | 0.423457 |
| HKD | 0.246264 |
| HNL | 0.842382 |
| HNT | 0.172525 |
| HOT | 88.810488 |
| HRK | 0.202367 |
| HT | 0.667780 |
| HTG | 4.112834 |
| HUF | 9.793955 |
| ICP | 0.013167 |
| IDR | 557.162759 |
| IEP | 0.021153 |
| ILS | 0.094252 |
| IMP | 0.023010 |
| IMX | 0.283910 |
| INJ | 0.006625 |
| INR | 3.006040 |
| IQD | 41.192827 |
| IRR | 43,157.248771 |
| ISK | 3.814035 |
| ITL | 52.005693 |
| JEP | 0.023010 |
| JMD | 4.973398 |
| JOD | 0.022262 |
| JPY | 4.991150 |
| KAS | 1.090768 |
| KAVA | 0.739692 |
| KCS | 0.004173 |
| KDA | 6.432672 |
| KES | 4.064078 |
| KGS | 2.748970 |
| KHR | 126.390291 |
| KLAY | 1.163533 |
| KMF | 13.213614 |
| KNC | 0.288108 |
| KPW | 28.257124 |
| KRW | 43.381163 |
| KSM | 0.009831 |
| KWD | 0.009680 |
| KYD | 0.026118 |
| KZT | 14.350688 |
| LAK | 707.586995 |
| LBP | 2,818.502940 |
| LDO | 0.092487 |
| LEO | 0.003378 |
| LINK | 0.002915 |
| LKR | 10.372283 |
| LRC | 3.870672 |
| LRD | 5.701211 |
| LSL | 0.505630 |
| LTC | 0.000652 |
| LTL | 0.092738 |
| LUF | 1.083477 |
| LUNA | 0.678280 |
| LUNC | 588.694712 |
| LVL | 0.018876 |
| LYD | 0.199090 |
| MAD | 0.290472 |
| MANA | 0.445301 |
| MBX | 1.475149 |
| MDL | 0.539713 |
| MGA | 134.311517 |
| MGF | 671.557586 |
| MINA | 0.669846 |
| MKD | 1.656137 |
| MKR | 0.000021 |
| MMK | 65.930042 |
| MNT | 113.012763 |
| MOP | 0.253651 |
| MRO | 12.537335 |
| MRU | 1.253734 |
| MTL | 0.011530 |
| MUR | 1.464712 |
| MVR | 0.485423 |
| MWK | 54.502377 |
| MXN | 0.531896 |
| MXV | 0.060475 |
| MYR | 0.126994 |
| MZM | 2,003.993896 |
| MZN | 2.003994 |
| NAD | 0.505630 |
| NEAR | 0.017779 |
| NEO | 0.015814 |
| NEXO | 0.039513 |
| NFT | 112,911.243128 |
| NGN | 42.397380 |
| NIO | 1.156160 |
| NLG | 0.059189 |
| NOK | 0.293039 |
| NPR | 4.811919 |
| NZD | 0.052636 |
| OKB | 0.000292 |
| OMR | 0.012082 |
| ONE | 42.075791 |
| OP | 0.324186 |
| ORDI | 0.007502 |
| PAB | 0.031399 |
| PAXG | 0.000007 |
| PEN | 0.105282 |
| PEPE | 9,743.015010 |
| PGK | 0.140816 |
| PHP | 1.936707 |
| PI | 0.344752 |
| PKR | 8.722568 |
| PLN | 0.115962 |
| POL | 0.388464 |
| PTE | 5.384686 |
| PYG | 189.311763 |
| QAR | 0.114294 |
| QNT | 0.000508 |
| QTUM | 0.038580 |
| ROL | 1,410.414763 |
| RON | 0.141041 |
| RPL | 0.019280 |
| RSD | 3.151398 |
| RUB | 2.599677 |
| RUNE | 0.069945 |
| RVN | 10.366353 |
| RWF | 46.209103 |
| SAND | 0.712558 |
| SAR | 0.117748 |
| SBD | 0.251646 |
| SCR | 0.440931 |
| SDD | 1,884.399832 |
| SDG | 18.843998 |
| SEK | 0.297366 |
| SGD | 0.039891 |
| SHIB | 6,325.172850 |
| SHP | 0.023010 |
| SIT | 6.436419 |
| SKK | 0.809145 |
| SLE | 0.719049 |
| SLL | 719.049401 |
| SNX | 0.147499 |
| SOL | 0.000355 |
| SOS | 17.954902 |
| SPL | 0.005233 |
| SRD | 1.187416 |
| SRG | 1,187.415750 |
| SSP | 176.461640 |
| STD | 663.541727 |
| STN | 0.663542 |
| STX | 0.211448 |
| SUI | 0.042411 |
| SVC | 0.274746 |
| SYP | 408.221119 |
| SZL | 0.505630 |
| THB | 1.031072 |
| THETA | 0.193143 |
| TJS | 0.290467 |
| TMM | 548.936754 |
| TMT | 0.109787 |
| TND | 0.091016 |
| TOP | 0.075618 |
| TRL | 1,508,785.846224 |
| TRX | 0.092857 |
| TRY | 1.508786 |
| TTD | 0.212996 |
| TUSD | 0.031449 |
| TVD | 0.044044 |
| TWT | 0.076419 |
| TZS | 83.071739 |
| UAH | 1.402466 |
| UGX | 116.781725 |
| UNI | 0.008270 |
| USD | 0.031399 |
| USDC | 0.031398 |
| USDD | 0.031405 |
| USDP | 0.031444 |
| USDT | 0.031408 |
| UYU | 1.259899 |
| UZS | 371.904669 |
| VAL | 52.005693 |
| VEB | 2,440,484,711.454834 |
| VED | 24.337209 |
| VEF | 2,433,720.883170 |
| VES | 24.337209 |
| VET | 6.039354 |
| VND | 817.623003 |
| VUV | 3.723250 |
| WAVES | 0.152477 |
| WEMIX | 0.157849 |
| WOO | 2.704490 |
| WST | 0.085298 |
| XAF | 17.618152 |
| XAG | 0.000459 |
| XAU | 0.000007 |
| XAUT | 0.000007 |
| XBT | 0.000000 |
| XCD | 0.085010 |
| XCG | 0.056646 |
| XCH | 0.021700 |
| XDC | 1.095336 |
| XDR | 0.022931 |
| XEC | 4,523.904871 |
| XEM | 68.442267 |
| XLM | 0.169816 |
| XMR | 0.000075 |
| XOF | 17.618152 |
| XPD | 0.000023 |
| XPF | 3.205095 |
| XPT | 0.000017 |
| XRP | 0.024443 |
| XTZ | 0.140132 |
| YER | 7.444088 |
| ZAR | 0.505630 |
| ZEC | 0.000055 |
| ZIL | 12.413985 |
| ZMK | 595.764991 |
| ZMW | 0.595765 |
| ZWD | 11.363476 |
| ZWG | 0.836185 |
| ZWL | 2,089.394839 |
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Cities in Taiwan 53
Browse all cities and towns
Cities in Taiwan 53
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Changhua City
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Visa Requirements
Check what visa a citizen of Taiwan needs to enter any country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Taiwan?
The capital of Taiwan is Taipei.
What currency does Taiwan use?
Taiwan uses the New Taiwan dollar ($) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Taiwan?
The official language(s) of Taiwan include Chinese.
What is the population of Taiwan?
Taiwan has a population of approximately 23,317,031 people.
What region is Taiwan in?
Taiwan is located in Asia, specifically in the Eastern Asia subregion.
What is the international calling code for Taiwan?
The international dialing code for Taiwan is +886.
What time zones does Taiwan observe?
Taiwan observes the following time zone(s): UTC+08:00.
What is the current time in Taiwan?
The local time in Taiwan is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Taiwan?
Taiwan covers a total area of 36,197 km².
How many states or provinces does Taiwan have?
Taiwan is divided into 22 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Taiwan in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Taiwan in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Taiwan?
Visa requirements for citizens of Taiwan vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.