Is Taiwan Secure for Vacationers? (2023)

This island nation, formally referred to as the Republic of China, is a wealthy collage of historical past, tradition, magnificence, and progress. Taiwan is a riot of shade and persona, which is embodied in its each aspect.

Its persons are among the many finest on the earth, peace-loving, type, and useful. You’ll really feel proper at house from the second you land. That mentioned, you is likely to be questioning, “is Taiwan secure for vacationers?”

Simply to place you comfortable, this nation is extremely safe, which illuminates all the things it has to supply. Navigating between historic and modern with ease, Taiwan will pull you in and make you need to keep inside its attractive borders.

In case you’re nonetheless having doubts about whether or not this unbelievable island is for you, this information will present you why Taiwan actually is without doubt one of the hidden gems in Asia, and your bucket record can be higher for it.

Why Go to Taiwan

Taiwan has a wealth of recollections ready to be made. From the quirky themed cafes in Taipei to Hualien’s picturesque panorama to the old-world intrigue of Tainan, you’ll be immersed on this nation and its folks from the get-go.

Taiwan’s night time markets are legendary. Providing a culinary expertise such as you’ve by no means had earlier than, this nation’s avenue meals tradition is among the many finest on the earth.

Dive into historical past and spirituality among the many temples and museums scattered throughout the nation. In case you’re a nature lover, you’ll be spoilt for alternative between the 9 nationwide parks and sprawling pure landscapes.

Everybody has seen a minimum of one merchandise with the label ‘made in Taiwan,’ which has given the nation a dynamic status. Store for something and all the things at market stalls or high-end boutiques. This island has all of it.

Is Taiwan Harmful?

Taiwan is a really secure nation, a lot to be able to depend the damaging elements on one hand. It has low crime charges in addition to glorious infrastructure and security measures. You’ll be capable to tour this nation with ease, figuring out you’re in good palms.

Whereas the crime charges could also be low, crime does nonetheless exist. Petty theft, drug use, prostitution, and scams are issues right here. Nonetheless, the influence on vacationers isn’t one thing to noticeably fear about.

One thing that’s price a second thought is Mom Nature. The prevalence of earthquakes and typhoons is probably harmful. Landslides, flooding, harm to property and lives are all brought on by these catastrophes. The federal government has it in hand, although. They’ve stepped up their response and security measures to assist hold folks secure.

Harmful Areas in Taiwan

Zhongshan District and Wanhua District, Taipei

Wanhua is known for its historic temples and memorable buildings, equivalent to Longshan Temple and Snake Alley Night time Market. The realm additionally options loads of eating places that provide conventional Taiwanese dishes, like beef noodle soup or Xiaolongbao, that are Taiwanese dumplings.

Zhongshan is the house of many monuments that testify to Taiwan’s attraction. Xingtian Temple, Lin An Tai Historic Home and Museum, and Taipei Wonderful Arts Museum embody Taiwanese tradition and historical past. This space can also be well-known for its in depth avenue meals selection, with each possibility a delight to your style buds.

Taiwan could be very secure for vacationers, even solo females. Even so, there are areas that vacationers ought to keep away from. These areas embody Wanhua District and Zhongshan District. These districts have larger charges of petty crime. On high of that, these areas have elevated charges of drug use and prostitution as a result of presence of gangsters.

Is it Secure to Stay in Taiwan?

You’ll battle to search out areas in Taiwan which are legitimately unsafe. The crime fee on this nation is meager, and violent crime is uncommon.

Pickpocketing and purse grabbing do happen in crowded areas, particularly if you happen to aren’t alert. Scams are usually bank card or phone-related, however frequent sense ought to hold you out of their clutches. Drug use and distribution are strictly monitored by authorities, and gangs aren’t sometimes violent.

Taiwan has many trendy facilities to supply these eager to stay there, and the record of issues to do and see is so long as your arm.

Secure Areas/Cities in Taiwan

Taipei

The shining capital of Taiwan, Taipei, was positioned excessive on the rankings of the most secure cities on the earth in 2023. It has a low crime fee and boasts the most secure transport system in Taiwan.

This futuristic metropolis has a standard coronary heart. Wandering via this metropolis will make you are feeling like a time traveler. You may marvel on the panoramic views from Twenty first-century Taipei 101 after which step again into the 18th century as you enter the Mengjia Longshan Temple.

There are a number of wonderful locations to go to in Taipei, and this magical metropolis guarantees to make all of your needs come true.

Hualien Metropolis

Tucked between the Central Mountain Vary and the Pacific Ocean, Hualien Metropolis is a scenic marvel. Filled with wonderful nationwide parks, waterfalls, mountain trails, and sultry seashores, nature lovers will swoon at the great thing about this panorama.

Hualien Metropolis is a middle for artwork and tradition, with actions to maintain you entertained on this jap metropolis. It’s the primary metropolis to see the dawn in Taiwan, so seashore sunrises are undoubtedly one thing to behold.

Hualien Metropolis could be very secure as a consequence of its location and infrastructure. Simply two hours from Taipei by practice, this rustic seaside paradise is the right escape from the city jungle.

Kaohsiung Metropolis

Taiwan’s third-largest metropolis is a foodie’s dream. Well-known for its avenue meals and epic Taiwanese delicacies, Kaohsiung has a lot to supply.

Bursting with tradition and genuine experiences so that you can bask in, this metropolis is a heady combination of two worlds. Each inexperienced and developed, Kaohsiung is known for its abundance of lovely parks in addition to its good infrastructure.

Kaohsiung is a particularly secure metropolis and is commonly advisable for households or vacationers on a finances. Its infrastructure and transport system add to its attraction, making guests really feel assured as they traverse its streets.

Warnings & Risks in Taiwan

Fortunately, Taiwan has very low crime charges, with most seen crimes being within the type of petty thieves. There’s a threat of organized crime and fraud, however vacationers aren’t usually impacted.

Sadly, the island is in a really lively seismic zone, in addition to the Northwest Pacific hall, which is the world’s busiest tropical cyclone hall. This implies it experiences many earthquakes and typhoons.

Moreover, Taiwan has each an air and water air pollution drawback. The excessive portions of gases being expelled by industries and the burning of fossil fuels have brought about various air high quality relying on location and time of yr.

Total Journey Threat (1/10)

Taiwan is barely a journey threat, being voted as one of many most secure nations on the earth regardless of headlines in the previous few years calling it essentially the most harmful place on Earth.

There may be little or no crime, with the exception being petty crime, very like you’ll discover wherever on the earth. The cloud hanging over the heads of the Taiwanese is the specter of battle with China over the nation’s independence.

In truth, you’ll face extra hazard from nature than from the nation itself. Earthquakes and typhoons can lead to flooding, landslides, and in depth harm.

Taiwan does have a air pollution drawback, which might be dangerous for you you probably have respiration difficulties to start with. There are additionally occasional infections of Dengue fever within the south.

Typhoons and Earthquakes

Earthquakes and typhoons are commonplace in Taiwan however have enabled the nation to enhance its catastrophe response protocols.

Caught on the infamous Ring of Fireplace, Taiwan is subjected to roughly 100 earthquakes a day, with a minimum of 2 with a magnitude of 6.0 or larger yearly. It has additionally been proven that typhoons are chargeable for inducing gradual earthquakes.

Storm season sometimes runs from Could to October, bringing a mean of three to 4 typhoons a yr.

Prime tip: Know what the response procedures are and examine information updates to be ready if you happen to get caught up in a single.

Air pollution

Taiwan has intervals through the yr when the air high quality takes a dip as a consequence of air pollution ranges within the nation. The smog is brought on by the numerous automobiles on the roads and the numerous industries releasing combustive gases into the air. Taiwan’s topography additionally provides to the pile as a result of it impacts the quantity of air pollution dispersed away from the nation.

The air high quality index will allow you to decide whether or not the smog might be an issue for you. If in case you have respiration difficulties or a medical situation, communicate to your physician for recommendation earlier than you journey.

Doable Battle with China

Taiwan has had an unbiased authorities since 1949. This truth doesn’t sit properly with China, which claims that Taiwan is solely a rogue state. Chinese language efforts to deliver Taiwan underneath its management have resulted in tensions between the 2 nations.

There are sometimes warnings that the problem is escalating; nonetheless, this has been occurring for years. Taiwanese persons are occurring with their lives, and the nation is steady.

Whereas the argument is ongoing, the risk doesn’t have an effect on vacationers. You may hold your self within the know by maintaining with information updates relating to the problem.

Petty Crime

Petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching are a hazard in Taiwan, however no more so than in every other nation. It’s extra prevalent in vacationer areas and a few elements of massive cities as a result of crowds.

Areas just like the Kenting Nationwide Park are typical hotspots for pickpockets and bag snatchers. Working towards frequent sense and being alert to your environment ought to stop you from being a sufferer.

Don’t depart your baggage unattended, and keep away from placing valuables in your again pockets or in a backpack that you may’t see as you stroll in crowded locations.

Ideas for Staying Secure in Taiwan

Staying secure in Taiwan must be straightforward, however listed below are our high suggestions that will help you bridge the hole.

• Avoid politics. The Taiwanese could also be sensitive concerning the China problem, so it’s finest to not focus on or ask about it.
• Keep on with filtered or bottled water. Allegedly, the faucet water in Taiwan is secure, however we wouldn’t guess on it. Public water fountains are usually filtered, so you need to be superb utilizing them. Carry a refillable bottle and high your self up as you want.
• Hold your eyes peeled on the roads. The variety of street accidents in Taiwan is just a little scary. Watch your six, at the same time as a pedestrian.
• Don’t stinge on mosquito repellent. Taiwan’s tropical local weather comes with tropical illnesses. Dengue fever is thought to interrupt out once in a while.
• Don’t purchase into organized crime. Keep away from dodgy-looking nightclubs, barber retailers, and therapeutic massage parlors. In case you can’t see what’s occurring inside, skip it.

Is Taiwan Secure? | Regularly Requested Questions

When is the Finest Time to Go to Taiwan?

If you wish to see iconic cherry blossoms, go between February and April. It’s additionally the most effective time to take a look at the new springs.

The locals will inform you the most effective time to go to is October and November. Assume delicate, balmy climate and diminished crowds.

Keep away from getting in December and through the Chinese language New 12 months. Every part is busier and dearer. The summer time months will also be unpleasantly scorching and crowded, and it’s hurricane season as well.

What’s the Finest Strategy to Journey round Taiwan?

The most cost effective strategy to journey is by bus. Additionally they connect with extra factors than trains.

There are three various kinds of rail. The high-speed rail, the THSR, is right for journey between cities. The MRT (much like a New York subway) and TRA are additionally efficient however have restricted stations.

Taxis are regulated and are fairly secure, however they’re additionally the most costly strategy to commute. Lastly, Uber is an possibility in most cities.

Do I Have to Know Mandarin to Journey round Taiwan?

Not essentially. Most signage within the main cities has English variations. The federal government additionally goals to turn out to be a bilingual nation by 2030, so the variety of English audio system is on the rise.

Within the smaller areas, chances are you’ll battle just a little, however the locals are keen to assist, so you must handle to get your level throughout. In case you’re sport, although, it’s all the time enjoyable to be taught a brand new language.

Do I Have to Carry Money with Me?

Money continues to be king in Taiwan. For a lot of eateries, markets, taxis, and retailers, playing cards aren’t a well-liked technique of cost. There are ATMs in all places and the choice of shopping for an Simple Card, which will be topped up with money.

Many bigger shops and eating places settle for playing cards, however we wouldn’t depend on them alone. Take a look at our information on easy methods to carry cash overseas that will help you handle your money whereas touring.