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Practical Information

Everything you need for a smooth trip

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

Mobile data

Telia monthly €34.99 (10 GB)

Or Chunghwa tourist eSIM ~€14 unlimited. Order Telia before the trip, otherwise the €12 day package starts.

Language

~28% speak English

Google Translate with camera works great

Connectivity & Communication

eSIM Options (Recommended)

Nomad eSIM€4/1GB

Best value, easy setup

Saily€3.99

By NordVPN, reliable

Airalo~€5/1GB

Popular choice

Airport SIM~€15-25

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

Hello你好 (Nǐ hǎo)
Thank you謝謝 (Xièxiè)
How much?多少錢？(Duōshǎo qián?)
This one這個 (Zhège)
Delicious!好吃！(Hǎo chī!)
Where is...?...在哪裡？(... zài nǎlǐ?)

Booking Checklist

Rental car — delivery to Shangri-La Sep 30, return Taoyuan Airport Oct 6

High Priority

When: Arranged

Confirm delivery time and return point with the rental company

International Driving Permit

High Priority

When: Before Sep 26

Apply at Transpordiamet

Visit website →

Hualien hotel with parking (Sep 30 – Oct 2)

High Priority

When: 1-2 months before

Taitung hotel (Oct 2–4)

High Priority

When: 1-2 months before

Sun Moon Lake hotel (Oct 4–6)

High Priority

When: 1-2 months before

Airport hotel Oct 6 — Hyatt Regency Taoyuan Airport (ex-Novotel)

When: 1-2 months before

Confirm booking

Mobile data (Telia monthly €34.99 or Chunghwa eSIM)

When: Before departure

Green Island ferry (optional, Oct 3)

When: 3-5 days ahead

Book on ferry.tw

Visit website →

Packing List

Documents

essential
  • Passport (valid 6+ months)
  • Flight tickets
  • Hotel confirmations
  • International Driving Permit + Estonian driving licence
  • 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)
  • Light rain jacket (northeast monsoon rain on the east coast)
  • 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:

XXL fried chickenStinky tofuOyster omelette

Best for: First-time visitors, variety

Raohe Night Market

Taipei · Pepper pork buns

🏮

Less crowded than Shilin

Must try:

Fuzhou pepper pork bunsStinky tofuHerbal soup

Best for: Foodies, more local feel

Ningxia Night Market

Taipei · Traditional Taiwanese food

🏮

Most local, authentic

Must try:

Oyster omeletteLu rou fanGua bao

Best for: Serious food lovers

Dongdamen Night Market

Hualien · Indigenous food

🏮

Split into food, meat and clothing zones by the river

Must try:

Wild boar sausageMochiAmis-style grilled skewers

Best for: Trying Amis and Truku indigenous dishes