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Landing There: Arrival & First Impressions




Landing in a new country can feel like a giant puzzle, but Taiwan is designed to be user-friendly. From the moment you touch down, the goal is to get you out of the airport and into a taxi (or a bubble tea shop) as fast as possible.


📋 Important! Fill out an Online Arrival Card (TWAC)

  • The Form: Complete on the official immigration website

  • The Timing: You must submit it within 72 hours (3 days) of your arrival. Doing it too early makes the form invalid, so the sweet spot is the day before your flight.



📶 Staying Connected: SIMs & eSIMs


If you don't want to pre-purchase eSIM on those 3rd party websites before you fly, you can always find the SIM card counters right in the Arrivals Hall. All network operators have regulated, fixed pricing.


  • The Process: Show your passport, pick a data plan, and they will help you install SIM or eSIM.

  • Operators: The 3 big companies are Chunghwa Telecom, FarEasTone and Taiwan Mobile. Doesn't matter which one you pick, just see how you feel.

  • Reliability: Taiwan (as a tech-y country) has some of the fastest and most reliable internet in the world. You’ll have a signal even in the middle of a mountain or deep in the subway.


Credit: Digitimes
Credit: Digitimes

🚕 Getting to the City


The airport (TPE) is about 40km outside of Taipei city. Depending on your energy level and luggage, you have a few great ways to get into town:


1. The Airport MRT (Metro)

  • How to find it: Follow the signs for "Taoyuan Airport MRT"

  • The Difference: The Purple "Express" train takes only 35 minutes to reach Taipei Main Station. The Blue "Commuter" train stops at every station and takes much longer.

  • Cost: $160 TWD (approx. £4 / $5)

  • Pro Tip: You can’t eat or drink on the train (not even water!), but there is free Wi-Fi and wireless charging on the Express trains.


2. Uber / Bolt

  • Cost: Usually between $1,200 – $1,500 TWD (£30–£38 / $40–$50).

  • The Pickup: Uber has specific designated pickup spots at the airport. Once you request a ride, the app will tell you exactly which numbered "Column" to wait at outside the arrivals hall.


3. Yellow Taxis

  • Where to get one: Just walk outside to the official taxi queue. They look pretty much the same as New York taxis.

  • Cost: Similar to Uber

  • Communication: Most drivers speak limited English. Have your hotel name and address written in "Traditional Chinese" characters on your phone to show them.



🛡️ Safety


Taiwan is consistently ranked as one of the top 4 safest countries in the world. Not because of a strict or scary government; it’s simply thanks to the citizens and a culture of mutual respect. You might notice these things during your visit:

  • The Unattended MacBook: In cafes, people often leave their laptops or phones (even wallets) on a table to "save" their seat while they go to the bathroom. Although we don't recommend being reckless, it shows the level of trust.


  • The keys in mopeds : It is a common occurrence (or mistake) for people to leave their keys in mopeds and scooters, often cited as a testament to the high level of safety in the country.


  • The 80% Return Rule: If you lose your wallet or phone, don't panic. Go to the nearest police station. There is a very high chance (80%+) that a local found it and handed it in.





🏥 World-Class Healthcare (Just in Case)


If you feel under the weather, don’t ignore it. Taiwan’s healthcare system is legendary and often ranked #1 globally on the Numbeo Health Care Index.


  • See a Doctor Today: You can often walk into a neighbourhood clinic and see a specialist the same day without a referral.


  • The Cost: Even as a tourist paying "out of pocket," it is remarkably affordable. A typical clinic visit plus 3 days of medicine usually costs between $800–$1,500 TWD (£20–£40 / $25–$50).


  • Emergency: If there is a serious emergency, the number for an ambulance is 119.

 
 
 

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