Taiwan (TW)

A safe, democratic, tech-forward island with excellent public healthcare, dense transit, world-class food culture, and a strong base for East Asia.

Capital: Taipei

Region: Asia

Language: Mandarin Chinese

Currency: TWD (NT$)

Cost of living: Moderate (index 58)

Emergency: 110

Getting Around

Transport options for living in Taiwan.

Public Transport Overview

Taiwan is excellent without a car in major cities. Taipei/New Taipei have dense MRT, buses and YouBike; Taoyuan has airport MRT; Taichung and Kaohsiung have MRT or light rail plus buses. EasyCard and iPASS work across most transit and convenience stores.

Main operators:

Taipei MetroNew Taipei MetroTaoyuan MetroTaichung MRTKaohsiung MetroTaiwan Railway CorporationTaiwan High Speed RailTaipei City BusYouBikeUbusKuo-Kuang Motor Transport

🎫 Transit Passes

EasyCard Card deposit/purchase usually NT$100 plus stored value

Taipei MRT, buses, YouBike, many trains, convenience stores

💡 Most useful everyday card in northern Taiwan.

iPASS Card purchase usually NT$100 plus stored value

Kaohsiung MRT, buses, Taiwan-wide partners

💡 Very useful in southern Taiwan and accepted widely.

TPASS regional monthly passes Common 2026 range: about NT$399-1,200 depending on region

Regional unlimited public transport bundles in participating areas

💡 Check local city/county programme; commuter value can be excellent.

THSR commuter/multi-ride tickets Varies by route and product

Taiwan High Speed Rail

💡 Good for intercity commuters; reserve peak tickets early.

YouBike membership Registration free; short rides often subsidised by city

Bike-share in major cities

💡 Requires local phone/SMS; helmet use is optional but recommended.

Taxi & Rideshare

Taxis are metered, plentiful and reasonably priced. Apps reduce language friction; ask for a receipt after business trips.

Rideshare (Long-distance)

Uber operates mainly through licensed taxi partners. LINE TAXI, Taiwan Taxi 55688 and FindTaxi are common local options.

Cycling

Cities have improved bike lanes, riverside paths and YouBike docks. Defensive cycling is important because scooters and turning vehicles are constant hazards.

Intercity Trains

TRA serves the whole island, including slower eastern and scenic routes; THSR connects Taipei to Zuoying/Kaohsiung quickly along the western corridor.

Driving

Driving is on the right. Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on provincial highways, 110 km/h on national freeways. Urban traffic is scooter-heavy, parking is scarce, and mountain roads require care after typhoons or earthquakes.

Airports

Taoyuan International Airport is the main hub with Airport MRT to Taipei; Songshan handles domestic and regional routes; Kaohsiung and Taichung serve regional/international flights.