Solo Travel in Taiwan: One of Asia’s Safest Countries
If you’re thinking to solo travel in Taiwan, hands down, it’s one of the safest places in Asia and even the world to travel solo. I have never encountered such kind people in this country. They even go out of the way to help you if you look lost. The crime rate is super minimal and the locals are very welcoming. There’s so many solo friendly things to do in this country too. Whether it be a visit to one of the tallest skyscrapers, Taipei 101, a hike in Taroko Gorge, or cafe hopping in artsy Taichung. With that said, don’t miss checking out my full itinerary to exploring Taiwan.
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Quick Facts before visiting Taiwan:
💱Currency: New Taiwan Dollar (NTD or TWD). You can generally divide the currency by 30 to convert it to USD.
💶 Budget for a trip to Taiwan: On average, you’ll likely spend around $113 a day in Taiwan including accomodation, food, and public transport.
💜 Is tipping required in Taiwan? No, tipping is not customary in Taiwan. Rounding up a bill or leaving small change at cafes is appreciated. High-end hotels may charge a service fee.
☀️ Best time to Visit Taiwan: Shoulder season is best from March to May or September to October. Do avoid June to August due to heat and typhoon risks.
🏥 Travel Insurance in Taiwan: It’s a good idea to get insurance when traveling to Taiwan. I recommend SafetyWing which will cover you in case of trip cancellations or any accidents during your travels.
Is Taiwan Safe for Solo Travel?
Absolutely! Taiwan is one of the safest countries in the world to travel alone and even if you’re a female. You’ll find the most hospitatable people here too. I spent a couple of weeks in Taiwan and everyone I encountered was so nice.
I was on a tour at one point and the guide informed me that Taiwan is so safe that you can leave your phone or bag on the table and no one will take it. Of course, I’d probably personally not do that but it’s something she said that proves how honest and safe the country is.
There were a few instances where I felt especially welcome in this country. One was when I was at a cafe I absolutely LOVED and I orderd some food and drinks and spent the day there working on my lap top.
I told the staff, I’m so sorry I spent so long here but I love your cafe. As I was getting ready to leave, she gave me a small gift. A bag of coffee with a little note that said I was welcome back any time. It was so sweet and will always remember that.
Another time was when I was waiting for the bus and I did look a bit confused as to which one I should take. This sweet lady went out of her way to help me understand it was the correct bus. She asked where I was going and she sat next to me as she was genuinely interested in my visit to Taiwan and seeing her amazing country. As soon as my stop was coming up, she let me know and pointed me the direction I should walk.
Check out my Instagram video on my solo travel experience!
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Taiwan Solo Travel: Top Safety Tips
Solo travel in Taiwan is a breeze, but just keep in mind the following safety tips when you visit!
Violent Crime: Extremely rare, especially in tourist areas.
Petty Crime: Pickpocketing or theft is uncommon but not impossible to happen in crowded places like night markets or train stations.
Be aware of emergency numbers: The police are helpful and approachable. Dial 110 for police and 119 for medical or fire emergencies.
Language Barrier: While many locals are friendly, English may not be widely spoken outside major cities. Use Google Translate to communicate with others, and bring a card with important addresses written in Mandarin.
Travel at night: As a solo traveler, you’ll find Taiwan welcoming and safe. It’s even ok to be out at night.
Best Places for Solo Travel in Taiwan
1. Taipei
Taipei is Taiwan’s bustling capital in which you’ll arrive to if you’re flying from an International airport.
I loved seeing the views from the iconic Taipei 101, where you’ll take an elevator all the way up to the 101st floor. It is recommended to buy tickets ahead online.
After, you can enjoy lunch at one of the most famous places in Taiwan, Din Tai Fung. The soup dumplings are the best I’ve ever tried. But be prepared for a long wait to eat here!
The rainbow walkway in Ximending, is the heart of the city and is surrounded by a lively shopping district.
Taipei is also home to incredible night markets like Shilin and Raohe, which are perfect if you hate eating out alone. Some food to try includes stinky tofu, scallion pancakes, and bubble tea. Did you know Chun Shui Tang in Taipei invented bubble tea!? I am literally obsessed.
At sunset, I’d recommend a visit to Elephant Mountain. After a short hike, you’ll be rewarded with a view of the city.
2. Jiufen
I did Jiufen as a day trip from Taipei, and I absolutely loved it! This magical hilltop village is filled with narrow alleys packed with teahouses, red lanterns, and views of the sea.
The famous Jiufen Old Street is the heart of the town, where you can try taro balls, peanut ice cream wraps, and other local dishes.
One of the most famous teahouses to try is A-Mei Tea House, where you can enjoy tea with a view overlooking the mountains.
3. Taichung
Read my full guide on the best things to do in Taichung
Taichung was one of my favorite cities in Taiwan. Why? because it had such an artsy and relaxed vibe.
Taiwan Connection 1908 is where you can see some really cool vintage-looking trains.
The highlight for me was visiting the Shen Ji New Village. It has the cutest market filled with so many handmade goods for sale.
The Rainbow Village is an Instagrammable area full of colorful buildings. And definitely don’t miss the Fengjia Night Market, one of the largest night markets in Taiwan, where you can try the best street food ever.
4. Tainan
Tainan is Taiwan’s oldest city and is known as the country’s culinary capital. Local dishes you should try include beef soup and coffin bread.
Anping Old Street is full of cobblestone lanes that lead to shops, street food stalls, and historic sites like Anping Fort.
Plus, there are so many cute cafes, a few of which are hidden away. My favorite one was tucked down one of the narrowest streets in Taiwan, the Narrow Door Cafe.
Don’t miss the Confucius Temple, a famous temple, full of so much history.
Where to stay in Taiwan as a solo traveler
While Taiwan is not as cheap as countries in Southeast Asia, you can still find some incredible hotels as a solo traveler.
Here are my top choices per city. I’d pick 2-3 bases for your visit, depending on how long you plan to stay.
Where to Stay in Taipei
Top Hotel Picks for Solo Travelers: ($) Meander Taipei Hostel | Poshpacker Hotel ($$) amba Taipei Zhongshan | The Riviera Hotel Taipei
Where to Stay in Taichung
Top Hotel Picks for Solo Travelers: ($) Norden Ruder Hostel | K Hotel – Yizhong ($$) | Hotel East Taichung
Where to Stay in Tainan
Top Hotel Picks for Solo Travelers: ($) Jerry’s Mazehut Hostel | Hotel Leisure ($$) Roots Chew Hotel | IsShoNi house
How to meet friends in Taiwan
Join FB groups to find other travelers visiting Taiwan
This is a good way to see who is traveling and if you can find any travel buddies to keep you company for part of your trip!
- Girls Who Wander Solo: my fb group and solo travel community. Often people post looking for travel buddies.
- Gals who Travel
- The Solo Female Traveler Network
- Taiwan Travel Planning
- Taiwan Travel Tips (TTT)
Take a Group Tour
There are so many fun activities and tours you can book with a group in Taiwan!
Cities like Taipei and Tainan offer free walking tours so you can get acquainted with the city and meet like-minded people. Just search “free walking tour in xx” and you’ll find one. Most operate on a tips-only basis!
You can also book hiking trips, such as in Taroko Gorge or Yangmingshan National Park.
The food scene is epic in Taiwan so try booking a food tour to meet other travelers.
Stay in Social Accommodations
Taiwan has many hostels you can choose from, and most have an opportunity to meet other travelers. I’d recommend browsing Hostel World and checking reviews for the best picks. Also, you can get a private room at a hostel and still have the benefits of the social atmosphere!
⭐ Other ways to meet people: Check my full blog post on meeting friends while solo traveling
What to pack for your solo trip to Taiwan
The dress code in Taiwan is casual, and you can likely wear what you are used to in your home country. Tank tops, jeans, skirts, and dresses are all acceptable to wear.
The local style leans toward practical and comfortable outfits, so you’ll fit right in with casual attire. However, it’s important to consider the weather and climate when packing. Taiwan has a humid subtropical climate, which means summers can be very hot and humid, so breathable clothing made from lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen is highly recommended.
Just note, rain is common throughout the year, so it’s wise to bring water-resistant or quick-drying clothing, especially if you’re traveling during the rainy season.
And remember to dress modestly when visiting temples or religious sites. Covering your shoulders and wearing longer skirts or pants is appreciated in these settings.
Here are some essentials for traveling solo in London.
- Scarf with a hidden zipper! As a solo traveler, you can discreetly hide important things here, like your passport or money.
- It’s smart to carry a mini first aid kit so you are prepared in case of accidents.
- The best mobile phone charger is this one by far. It’s long-lasting, and you will know because it says it’s a 10,000mAh power bank. It means the charger will charge the phone at least 3x.
- My favorite tripod is this compact tripod for mobile phones – people constantly ask me how I take solo photos and this is how!
Travel Insurance for Solo Travelers in Taiwan
I used to think travel insurance was not important, but I found it really is. Not only will it cover hospital visits, but it will even cover lost or stolen items, which is handy, especially if you travel with a lot of expensive camera gear. SafetyWing is the insurance I recommend!
How much does a solo trip to Taiwan cost?
Taiwan is not as cheap as Southeast Asian countries when it comes to accommodation. It’s definitely cheaper than Japanese prices, though.
If you’re on a budget, hotels generally cost between $50-70 USD. You could go even cheaper if you stay in hostels – maybe around $25/night USD.
When I visited, I didn’t want to stay in hostels, so I found budget hotels for around $60 a night. These were super basic and small rooms too.
Budget travelers can expect to pay $40-60 USD/day by staying in hostels, eating street food, and taking public transport.
A mid-range budget would get you hotels for $70-$150/night.
If you’re up for a splurge, luxury hotels will cost $200-300 a night.
The great thing is that the food is relatively cheap in Taiwan, especially if you want to have some of the incredible street food. You can definitely try a few different street food items for around $10 USD.
A normal sit-down restaurant may cost $17, while fancier restaurants can be around $45 a meal.
Below are some general travel costs for Taiwan.
| Expense | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotels | $50 (not hostel) | $70 | $250 |
| Food | $8 | $20 | $45 |
| Activities | $10 | $20 | $40 |
| Transport | $5 | $10 | $30 |
| Total | $73 | $120 | $365 |
When is the best time for Traveling Solo in Taiwan?
Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) are the most ideal times to travel to Taiwan as you will experience mild weather and fewer crowds. Taiwan, in general, is super underrated, and it won’t be like the crowds you see in other popular countries.
Be sure to avoid typhoon season, which happens between June to October.
If you are lucky to visit in February (as I was!), you will get to experience the Taiwan Lantern Festival.
Don’t miss these other posts!
🇹🇼 Taiwan Travel Guide
📅 Taiwan 7 Day Itinerary
🧋 Things to do in Taichung
🤎 Taipei 3 Day Itinerary
