Visa
Not required for Estonia/EU
90-day visa-free entry for most passport holders
Currency
1 EUR ≈ 35 TWD
ATMs everywhere, credit cards widely accepted
eSIM
From €4 (Nomad/Saily)
Much cheaper than Telia roaming (~€30/day)
Language
~28% speak English
Google Translate with camera works great
Connectivity & Communication
eSIM Options (Recommended)
Best value, easy setup
By NordVPN, reliable
Popular choice
Physical SIM at TPE
Telia Estonia roaming: ~€30/day - avoid!
English & Communication Tips
- Younger generation (under 40) often speaks conversational English
- Tourist areas, hotels, major restaurants usually have English-speaking staff
- Google Translate camera mode - point at menus, signs (use Traditional Chinese)
- Download offline Chinese language pack before trip
- Screenshots of addresses in Chinese characters help taxi drivers
Useful Mandarin Phrases
Booking Checklist
Alishan Forest Railway
High PriorityWhen: 2 weeks before
Book Chiayi to Alishan full route if available
Visit website →Hualien trains (Taroko/Puyuma Express)
High PriorityWhen: 2 weeks before
Popular routes, book early
Visit website →Hotels
When: 1-2 months before
Book refundable in case of typhoon
eSIM
When: Before departure
Nomad or Saily - download before trip
Airport hotel (Novotel Taoyuan)
When: 1-2 months before
Night before Oct 7 flight - connected to Terminal 2
Packing List
Documents
essential- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Flight tickets
- Hotel confirmations
- HSR pass voucher (if purchased)
- Travel insurance documents
- Copies of all documents (digital & paper)
Electronics
essential- Phone + charger
- Power bank
- Universal adapter (Taiwan uses Type A/B, 110V)
- Camera + charger
- Headphones
Clothing
essential- Light, breathable clothes (hot in lowlands)
- Warm layer for Alishan (much cooler at altitude)
- Rain jacket/poncho (typhoon season possibility)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals for hot springs
- Hat for sun protection
Hiking Gear
recommended- Small daypack
- Reusable water bottle
- Flashlight/headlamp (for Taroko caves)
- Light hiking shoes
- Quick-dry towel
Health & Comfort
essential- Prescription medications
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitizer
- Face masks (still common in Taiwan)
- Motion sickness pills (mountain roads)
Nice to Have
optional- Umbrella (compact)
- Packing cubes
- Neck pillow for trains
- Snacks for long journeys
- Ziplock bags (for wet items)
- Binoculars for birdwatching
Night Market Guide
Shilin Night Market
Taipei · Largest and most famous
Touristy but essential experience
Must try:
Best for: First-time visitors, variety
Raohe Night Market
Taipei · Pepper pork buns
Less crowded than Shilin
Must try:
Best for: Foodies, more local feel
Ningxia Night Market
Taipei · Traditional Taiwanese food
Most local, authentic
Must try:
Best for: Serious food lovers
Liuhe Night Market
Kaohsiung · Seafood
Compact, near MRT
Must try:
Best for: Seafood lovers