Phu Quoc Transportation Guide: VinBus, Shuttles, Grab, Taxis, and Rental Cars

Feeling overwhelmed by your first trip to Taiwan? Worry no more. We've created the ultimate Taiwan travel checklist of essentials to confirm before you leave, so you can depart with only excitement. This one article will help you perfectly prepare everything from complicated SIM cards and EasyCards to currency exchange and weather-appropriate clothing.

Preparing for a trip to Taiwan (Jiufen A-Mei Teahouse)

Connectivity: Taiwan SIM vs. eSIM Comparison & Recommendation

A data connection is essential for opening map apps and searching for restaurants the moment you arrive in Taiwan. In the past, roaming was the only option, but now there are much cheaper and more convenient USIMs and eSIMs. For those debating which to choose, we've carefully organized everything from pros and cons to purchase methods.

Taiwan USIM vs. eSIM: What's the Right Choice for Me?

USIM and eSIM differ in how they use data. A USIM is a physical method where you insert a chip directly into your smartphone, while an eSIM is a digital method where you download communication information onto your phone by scanning a QR code. Each has clear advantages and disadvantages, so it's best to choose based on your travel style and smartphone model.

Category	Physical USIM	eSIM
Replacement Method	Remove existing SIM and replace with Taiwan SIM card	Simple registration by scanning a QR code
Pros	• Often cheaper than eSIM• Compatible with most smartphones	• No hassle of swapping SIM cards• No risk of loss or damage• Can use your home number (calls/texts) simultaneously S
Cons	• Risk of losing your original SIM card• Hassle of swapping the chip	• Limited to supported smartphone models• May be slightly more expensive than USIM
Recommended for	Budget-conscious travelers, users with non-eSIM devices	Travelers who prioritize convenience, modern smartphone users

Recommended Carriers and Purchase Methods

Taiwan's major carriers include Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, and Far EasTone. Among these, Chunghwa Telecom is the most popular choice for travelers as it offers the widest network coverage and fastest speeds, similar to major carriers in other countries.

Chunghwa Telecom at Taoyuan Airport

There are two main ways to buy a USIM or eSIM:

• Buy in advance before you go
• Method: Purchase in advance by searching for "Taiwan SIM" or "Taiwan eSIM" on travel platforms like Klook or KKday.
• Pros: It's cheaper than at the local airport, and promotions are frequent. You can save time by picking it up at a designated counter or activating it immediately upon arrival, avoiding long lines.
• Process: After paying online, show the voucher (QR code) at a designated location (like Taoyuan or Songshan Airport) to exchange for a physical SIM. For eSIMs, simply scan the QR code sent to your email to activate.

• Buy at the Taiwan Airport
• Method: Purchase at the carrier booths located in the arrivals hall of international airports like Taoyuan, Songshan, or Kaohsiung.
• Pros: You can get immediate help from staff if any issues arise during activation.
• Cons: It can be more expensive than buying in advance, and you may face long queues if many flights arrive at the same time.

Tip: If you have enough time to prepare, we recommend buying in advance. It's the most efficient choice, saving both time and money.

Transportation: A to Z Guide on Using the Taiwan EasyCard

Taiwan has an excellent public transportation system, including the MRT (subway) and buses, making it a great environment for travelers exploring on foot. The "EasyCard" is an essential item that eliminates the hassle of paying cash every time and even provides fare discounts.

What is an EasyCard?

The EasyCard is a rechargeable transportation card, similar to Hong Kong's Octopus card or London's Oyster card, and is considered an essential item for any independent traveler in Taiwan. It's extremely convenient as it can be used not only for the MRT and buses in major cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung but also like cash at various affiliated merchants, including convenience stores, drugstores, and cafes.

EasyCard

• Where to Use
• Transportation: Taipei/Kaohsiung/Taoyuan MRT, city buses, Taiwan Railways (TRA), airport buses, YouBike
• Payment: Major convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, etc.), supermarkets (Carrefour, Wellcome), Starbucks, Watsons, tourist attraction tickets (e.g., Taipei Zoo), etc.

How to Buy and Recharge an EasyCard

The EasyCard can be easily purchased and recharged locally in Taiwan. The base price for the card is NT$100 (approx. $3.20 USD), which is non-refundable. After purchasing, you can top it up with your desired amount.

EasyCard purchase counter at Taoyuan Airport

• Where to Buy
• Airports: MRT service centers or convenience stores at Taoyuan and Songshan airports.
• MRT Stations: Information desks or vending machines at any MRT station.
• Convenience Stores: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, OK Mart, and Hi-Life stores throughout Taiwan.

Tip: Convenience stores often sell EasyCards with cute character designs like Sanrio or Disney, making them great souvenirs.

• How to Recharge
• MRT Stations: You can use the "Add Value Machine" at stations or ask for help at the information desk.
• Convenience Stores: Simply show your EasyCard to the staff and hand them the cash amount you want to add. You can say "Jiāzhí" (加值) or simply "Charge" to communicate.

Currency: The Best Taiwan Money Exchange Tips

Exchanging travel funds is a crucial process that can affect your travel satisfaction. Taiwan's official currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD or TWD), often denoted as $ or NT$.

New Taiwan Dollar banknotes

New Taiwan Dollar coins

Understanding the Exchange Rate (As of Sep 2025) The current exchange rate is approximately 1 USD ≈ 31 TWD (or 1 TWD ≈ $0.032 USD).

• NT$100 ≈ $3.20 USD
• NT$500 ≈ $16.00 USD
• NT$1,000 ≈ $32.00 USD

Double Exchange vs. Direct Exchange: Which is Better?

There are two main ways to get the best exchange rate. It's best to choose the method that suits you, considering your travel budget and convenience.

• Method 1: Exchange Directly from Your Home Currency
• Details: This involves exchanging your home currency (e.g., KRW, JPY, EUR) directly into New Taiwan Dollars (TWD) at your home bank, often using a bank app for a preferential rate.
• Pros: The process is very simple and convenient.
• Recommended for: Exchanging small amounts (e.g., under $400 USD). The difference compared to a double exchange is not significant, making it the most reasonable option for time and convenience.

• Method 2: Double Exchange (Home Currency → USD → TWD)
• Details: Exchange your home currency into US Dollars (USD) at home, then exchange the USD for New Taiwan Dollars at a local bank in Taiwan (at the airport or in the city).
• Pros: USD generally gets a better rate than other currencies, making this the most advantageous option when exchanging large amounts (e.g., over $800 USD).
• Cons: Involves the hassle of exchanging twice.

Local Exchange and Using Fee-Free Travel Cards

Recently, the trend has shifted from using a lot of cash to using cards specialized for overseas payments. These cards have minimal fees and good exchange rates, minimizing the need for cash.

• Local Exchange: There are exchange counters in the arrivals hall of Taiwan's Taoyuan Airport, some of which operate 24/7. However, the rates might be slightly less favorable than at downtown banks, so it's recommended to exchange only the minimum amount needed immediately upon arrival.

• Using Travel Cards (e.g., Wise, Revolut)

Fee-free travel cards (Korean examples: Travel Log & Travel Wallet)

• Concept: These are reloadable foreign currency cards (like Wise or Revolut) that allow you to load funds from your home currency via a mobile app and pay directly in Taiwan without transaction fees.
• Pros:
  • Favorable Rates: The exchange rate is often better than exchanging cash at a bank.
  • Convenience: Usable at most shops, restaurants, and convenience stores in Taiwan. You can also withdraw cash from ATMs if needed (some ATM fees may apply).
  • Transparency: Payment history is recorded in the app, making it easy to manage travel expenses.
• Tip: The most efficient method is to prepare a small amount of cash for places that don't accept cards (like night markets or local eateries) and use a travel card for most of your expenses.

Packing: A Complete Guide to Taiwan's Weather and Attire

Taiwan has a subtropical climate, characterized by generally hot and humid weather. Like many countries, it has four seasons, but their characteristics are distinct, making it crucial to pack clothing appropriate for the time of your visit. Here's how to pack smart, reducing bulk and maximizing comfort.

Seasonal Weather Characteristics in Taiwan

Taiwan is mild year-round, but it has a long summer and a short winter. High humidity can make the "feels-like" temperature different from the actual temperature.

• Spring (Mar-May): Average 18-25°C (64-77°F). Comfortable weather, great for travel. However, the weather can be fickle with frequent rain.
• Summer (Jun-Sep): Average temperatures exceed 30°C (86°F), with hot and humid conditions. Expect sudden afternoon showers (squalls) or typhoons.
• Autumn (Oct-Nov): Average 22-28°C (72-82°F). Known as the "best season for travel" due to less rain and lower humidity. Many clear, sunny days.
• Winter (Dec-Feb): Average 15-20°C (59-68°F), similar to late autumn in cooler climates. Although the temperature itself is mild, it can feel surprisingly chilly due to high humidity and frequent rain.

Recommended Clothing by Month

• Spring (Mar-May) & Autumn (Oct-Nov)
• Tops: Short-sleeved shirts, thin long-sleeved shirts
• Bottoms: Comfortable long pants like cotton trousers or jeans
• Outerwear: A light cardigan or windbreaker for cool mornings and evenings.
• Note: Temperatures can fluctuate, so layering is a good strategy.

• Summer (Jun-Sep)
• Tops/Bottoms: The lightest, most breathable clothes possible, such as short-sleeved shirts, shorts, and dresses.
• Essentials: Strong sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, portable fan.
• Note: The sun is intense and humidity is high. However, indoor air conditioning can be strong, so packing one very thin outer layer is a good idea.

• Winter (Dec-Feb)
• Tops: Long-sleeved shirts, sweatshirts, knits
• Outerwear: Light down jacket, thick jacket, or coat
• Note: While not as cold as winter in many northern countries, the "damp cold" is often described as a chill that "gets into your bones." Packing warm layers is recommended.

Year-Round Essential (Tip): You never know when it might rain in Taiwan, so it's always wise to keep a small folding umbrella in your bag. Also, as you'll be walking a lot, comfortable shoes are the most important item.

Final Check: Taiwan Travel Packing List

Based on what we've covered, here is a final checklist of essentials to review before you fly. Go through it carefully to make sure you haven't missed anything.

Travel packing check

Pre-Departure Essentials

For documents and reservations, it's a good idea to save them as files and also print one copy each, just in case.

Item	Checklist
Passport	Ensure it is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
E-Ticket	Save it in your mobile app or email, ready to be shown at any time.
Accommodation Voucher	Prepare the voucher with the hotel's address, contact number, and reservation number.
Travel Insurance	Screenshot or print the insurance certificate (in English) and keep emergency contacts.
E-Gate Application	Applying for Taiwan's E-Gate (automated immigration) online in advance can shorten your entry time. (Available for ages 17+)

Local Life Essentials

These are items that will make your travels in Taiwan more enjoyable and comfortable.

• 110V Adapter (Type A Plug): Taiwan uses 110V, so this is essential for using electronics from 220V countries.

• Power Bank: Your battery will drain quickly from map searches and photos, so a high-capacity power bank is a must.

• First-Aid Kit: Pack personal medications, digestive aids, painkillers, motion sickness pills, and waterproof bandages.

• Coin Purse: You'll accumulate a lot of coins at night markets and other cash-heavy places, so a small coin purse is useful.

• Personal Toiletries: Due to environmental policies, some hotels in Taiwan do not provide disposable toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc., so it's best to bring your own.

• Small Umbrella & Rain Jacket: Always recommended to carry in case of Taiwan's frequent rain.

[Essential Info] Taiwan's Voltage is 110V While many countries use 220V, Taiwan uses 110V (with a 2-prong flat plug, Type A). Most modern electronics like smartphone chargers and laptop adapters support free-voltage (100-240V) and can be plugged in directly. However, the plug shape is different, so you MUST pack a 110V conversion adapter.

Taiwan power outlet type (110V)

We've covered all the essential items for your independent trip to Taiwan. From communication (SIM/eSIM) and transportation (EasyCard) to currency exchange and weather-appropriate clothing, just following this checklist and our Taiwan travel tips will help reduce most of the difficulties you might face. We hope you have a wonderful trip filled with unforgettable memories by thoroughly preparing your Taiwan travel essentials.

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