+ 7 h / + 6 h during our summer time

Taipei

Mandarin

• 110 volts
• Travel adapter required for plug types A and B
• A voltage converter is also required.

Banks

9.00 am - 3.30 pm (Mon - Fri)

Shops

10.00 am - 10.00 pm (Mon - Sun)

• 1 January - New Year’s Day (元旦, Yuándàn)
• Chinese New Year (農曆新年, Nónglì Xīnnián) – date varies (usually late January or February)
• 28 February - 228 Memorial Day (二二八和平紀念日, Èr'èrbā Hépíng Jìniànrì)
• 4 April - Children’s Day (兒童節, Értóng Jié)
• 4 or 5 April - Tomb-Sweeping Day (清明節, Qīngmíng Jié)
• 1 May - Labour Day (勞動節, Láodòng Jié)
• Dragon Boat Festival (端午節, Duānwǔ Jié) – date varies (May or June)
• Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋節, Zhōngqiū Jié) – date varies (September or October)
• 10 October - National Day (Double Ten Day) (國慶日, Guóqìng Rì)

The following documents are required to enter Taiwan:

• A Swiss passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and contains at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
• No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
• A return or onward ticket and valid documents for onward travel to the next country are required. Otherwise, entry may be refused.

• Minors: Check with the local authorities for the entry formalities applicable to minors.

As of: September 2024

Taiwan has a remarkably diverse climate that varies significantly by region and season:

• North (Taipei, Keelung): the subtropical climate in the north brings mild winters (15–20°C) and hot, humid summers (26–34°C). The rainy season is long and intense, particularly from May to September, giving the region its lush green landscapes.

• Central Taiwan (Taichung, Sun Moon Lake): mild climate with warm summers (24–32°C) and pleasant winters (15–23°C). Rainfall is considerably lower than in the north, making the region ideal for outdoor activities.

• South (Kaohsiung, Kenting): tropical climate with hot summers (25–33°C) and mild winters (19–27°C). The south is known for its sunny days, lower rainfall and ideal conditions for beach holidays, particularly during the winter months.

• East coast (Hualien, Taitung): humid tropical climate with high temperatures (24–33°C) and more frequent rainfall. Here, the sea meets the mountains – ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers. This region is particularly affected during the typhoon season from June to October.

• Mountains (Alishan, Hehuanshan): the mountain regions have a cool highland climate, with mild summers (10–20°C) and sometimes frosty winters (0–10°C). At higher elevations, snowfall is even possible in winter, a relatively rare sight in Taiwan.

Best time to travel to Taiwan:

• Cultural and city trips (Taipei, Tainan, Kaohsiung): spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) offer mild weather and relatively little rainfall – ideal for sightseeing and cultural exploration.

• Nature and scenic trips (Taroko Gorge, Alishan, Sun Moon Lake): April to June and September to November are ideal for experiencing nature in full bloom or enjoying the colours of autumn.

• Winter tourism (Hehuanshan, Alishan): December to February is ideal for enjoying cooler mountain temperatures and, occasionally, rare snowfall.

• Summer holidays (Kenting, Penghu Islands): June to August is ideal for sunshine, beaches and water sports along Taiwan’s coasts and islands.

• Using a mobile phone in Taiwan may incur roaming charges. Travellers are advised to check the applicable roaming fees before departure and, where necessary, purchase a suitable roaming package to reduce costs.
• Free Wi-Fi is available in cafés, hotels and public spaces.
• To reduce roaming costs, travellers are advised to purchase a tourist SIM card in Taiwan offering affordable mobile internet and local calls.

• Taipei 101 – Once the tallest building in the world, it offers spectacular views across the city.
• Taroko Gorge – An impressive national park with dramatic marble cliffs, hiking trails and waterfalls.
• Sun Moon Lake – Taiwan’s largest lake, surrounded by mountains and ideal for boat trips and cycling.
• Alishan National Scenic Area – Famous for its picturesque sunrises, tea plantations and train journeys through the mountains.
• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall – A national landmark in Taipei dedicated to former president Chiang Kai-shek.
• Kenting National Park – Located in southern Taiwan, it is known for its beautiful beaches, cliffs and tropical climate.
• Jiufen – A charming mountain village famous for its narrow lanes, teahouses and as an inspiration for the film "Spirited Away".
• Lungshan Temple – One of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Taipei.
• Shilin Night Market – Taipei’s largest night market, known for its street food stalls and souvenir shops.
• Yushan National Park – Home to Taiwan’s highest mountain, Yushan (Jade Mountain), and ideal for hiking and nature experiences.

Taiwanese cuisine is a fascinating blend of fresh ingredients, regional specialities and influences from China and Japan. Whether at lively night markets or cosy restaurants, there is something to suit every taste.

• Rice and noodle dishes: rice and noodles play a central role in Taiwanese cuisine. Classics such as fried rice (Chǎofàn) and the famous beef noodle soup (Niúròu Miàn) are filling, full of flavour and available across the island.

• Xiaolongbao and dumplings: steamed dumplings (Xiaolongbao) and other dumplings are among Taiwan’s culinary highlights. Filled with meat or vegetables, they are served at restaurants such as Din Tai Fung and are a must-try for visitors to Taiwan.

• Taiwan’s night markets: lively night markets are at the heart of Taiwanese food culture. You can find everything from crispy Stinky Tofu (Chòu Dòufu) and fresh oyster omelettes (Kēzǎijiān) to sweet Bubble Tea – a true culinary adventure!

• Seafood: fresh seafood plays an important role in Taiwanese cuisine. Whether grilled squid, steamed fish or garlic prawns, seafood lovers will find plenty to enjoy, particularly in coastal regions.

• Braised pork rice (Lǔròu Fàn): a Taiwanese classic combining comfort and flavour. Braised pork served over rice – simple, but incredibly tasty and a true comfort food.

• Tofu specialities: whether silky smooth in soups or fried until crispy, tofu is prepared in numerous ways in Taiwan and is enjoyed by vegetarians and meat lovers alike.

• Tea: Taiwan is famous worldwide for its Oolong tea. In traditional teahouses, you can sample high-quality varieties such as Alishan or Tieguanyin tea and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

• Sweet treats: Taiwanese desserts are an exciting combination of fresh fruit, glutinous rice and sweet beans. Mango Shaved Ice (Mángguǒ Bīng) is particularly refreshing and a must-try in summer!

• Street food: Taiwan’s street food stalls offer a wide range of delicious snacks, from fried chicken steaks to Zongzi (glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves). Whether grabbing a quick bite or strolling through a market, there is always something new to discover.

• Greetings: a polite nod or handshake is sufficient. To show respect, use the family name together with “Mr” (先生, Xiānshēng) or “Ms” (女士, Nǚshì).

• Saying please and thank you: politeness is important in Taiwan. A simple “Xièxiè” (謝謝) for “thank you” and “Qǐng” (請) for “please” are appreciated.

• Clothing: shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting temples. In everyday life, comfortable clothing suited to the weather is the norm.

• Dining etiquette: wait until the host invites you to start eating. Avoid placing chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice – this is considered a sign of bad luck.

• Smoking: smoking is prohibited in most public areas and on public transport. Use designated outdoor smoking areas.

• Tipping: tipping is rarely expected in Taiwan. In higher-end restaurants and hotels, a service charge is usually already included.

• Tap water: drinking tap water is not recommended in Taiwan. Bottled water is a better option and is available in most shops. 
• Vaccinations: no mandatory vaccinations are required to enter Taiwan. Before travelling, standard vaccinations should be checked and updated if necessary. Vaccination against hepatitis A/B is recommended. For longer stays or in cases of particular exposure, especially in rural areas, vaccination against dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis (JE) may also be considered.

• Taiwan offers excellent medical care, which is among the best in Asia. The country has a modern healthcare system comprising both public and private hospitals that are well equipped and internationally recognised. Many doctors and medical staff speak English, particularly in major cities and international clinics.
• Travellers are strongly advised to take out comprehensive international health insurance before departure that also covers emergency repatriation.
• Pharmacies are widely available and offer both over-the-counter and prescription medicines. International medicines are also available in larger cities and tourist areas.

• Before and during your trip, keep informed about the current situation through the media and remain in contact with your tour operator.
• Taiwan is generally considered a very safe travel destination with a low crime rate. The security situation is stable, and there are no specific threats to travellers. 

• Further information on the current security situation is available on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

As of: September 2024

• An International Driving Permit is required and is only valid locally when used together with your national driving licence.

• The minimum age for renting a car is 21.
• Driving conditions may feel unfamiliar to foreign drivers, as many road users do not always follow traffic rules strictly and sudden lane changes or ignoring traffic lights can occur. 
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.15 ‰.

Public transport in Taiwan is very well developed and offers travellers a convenient way to explore the country.

• Long-distance trains: the high-speed rail system (Taiwan High Speed Rail, THSR) connects the west coast from north to south and allows fast travel between major cities such as Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung. The trains are modern, reliable and offer comfortable seating.
• Regional trains: the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) operates a well-connected rail network serving both cities and rural areas. Different types of trains are available, ranging from slower local services to express trains.
• Buses: urban areas such as Taipei and Kaohsiung have extensive city bus networks. Intercity coaches also provide comfortable connections between cities and tourist regions. Long-distance coaches are particularly worth considering, as they are often cheaper than trains while still offering a good alternative for travel.
• Metro: Taipei and Kaohsiung have modern metro systems (MRT), making urban travel considerably easier. The MRT is efficient, clean and safe, with clear announcements and signage in several languages.
• Tickets: contactless cards such as the “EasyCard” or “iPASS” can be topped up and used on trains, buses and the MRT, as well as in many shops. Single tickets can also be purchased from machines or ticket counters.
• Apps: various apps make it easier to use public transport. The “THSR” and “Taiwan Railways” apps provide timetables and booking options for long-distance and regional trains. For urban transport, the “Taipei MRT Go” and “Kaohsiung MRT” apps are useful. Google Maps also provides reliable public transport routes and real-time information.

• Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), Taipei – The main international airport, handling the majority of international flights.
• Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA), Taipei – Mainly serves domestic flights and short-haul connections, particularly to China, Japan and Korea.
• Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH), Kaohsiung – A major airport in southern Taiwan offering both international and domestic flights.
• Taichung International Airport (RMQ), Taichung – Mainly offers regional flights within Asia.

Taiwan’s main national airlines are China Airlines and EVA Air. Both offer international connections and are among the most reputable airlines in the region. International airlines serving Taiwan include Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, KLM and Emirates.

002 41 (omit the initial zero of the Swiss area code)

• Police: 110
• Ambulance / fire brigade: 119

Trade Office of Swiss Industries 
Room 3101
No. 333 Keelung Road, Section 1
Taipei 110208
Tel.: +886 2 2720 1001
Email: taipei@eda.admin.ch

• The country lies in an active earthquake zone.
• From July to October, typhoons and heavy rainfall are possible and may cause flooding, landslides and damage to infrastructure. Travel may be temporarily disrupted.
• Due to strong currents, particular caution is advised when swimming unsupervised in inland waters and in the ocean.
• Drug laws are very strict, with penalties of up to life imprisonment or the death penalty.