5 Essentials to Prepare Before Your Trip to Taiwan
Hey everyone! I’ve barely finished blogging about one trip and another one’s already here. Honestly, I keep telling myself to finish writing about past adventures before moving on, but it never works out. So today, I’m jumping straight into the next one—let me share with you 5 must-have items I personally prepared before traveling to Taiwan. Hopefully, they’ll help you get ready for your own journey too!
1. Budget-Friendly Accommodation: Airbnb or Booking
The first “essential” is, of course, affordable lodging in Taiwan. Both Airbnb and Booking.com have their pros and cons, depending on your payment preferences and desired experience.
If you want something cozy and local, Airbnb might be for you—rent a private room or an entire apartment directly from the host. But note: Airbnb in Taiwan is technically not legal, so hosts may ask you to sign a “long-term rental agreement” for protection. Also, avoid mentioning Airbnb to the neighbors to protect your host.
Booking.com is better if you prefer hotels with more structure and services. Most properties on Booking let you pay upon arrival, which is super convenient. You can browse hotel options across Taiwan here.
For first-time Airbnb users, I’ve got a $34 USD discount link. Just create a new account and the discount will automatically apply to your first booking. That’s nearly 800,000 VND saved!
2. Gohub Pocket WiFi Device
Second essential: a Gohub Pocket WiFi device. I used this in Japan and loved it—here’s a detailed review if you’re curious.
This little device is a lifesaver when traveling abroad. Instead of swapping SIM cards (which can be annoying and may block your access to SMS or OTP codes), just rent a WiFi device with unlimited high-speed data. Gohub’s battery life is impressive, and the connection is stable—even in Taiwan’s mountainous areas.
Pro tip: Book it in Vietnam before your trip to avoid higher rental rates abroad.
3. Taipei Fun Pass
This is truly a genius idea from Taiwan’s tourism bureau to boost travel in Taipei. The Taipei Fun Pass isn’t cheap, but the more you use it, the more value you get.
The pass comes in 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day options. Each pass is valid until 11:59 PM on the day of activation. So start using it in the morning to get the most out of your day! One pass can be used by two people across all services.
With the Fun Pass, you’ll get free rides on public transport (MRT, buses, and routes to Jiufen, Shifen, Yehliu, etc.), and free entry to 12 major attractions—including the Taipei 101 Observatory and Yehliu Geopark.
Buy it online before your trip here for convenience and better deals.
4. Travel Blogs & Trip Resources
Okay, maybe this one’s a bit self-promotional, but seriously—my blog inkonthemap.org keeps popping up on Google when I search for Taiwan travel tips. I guess I think the way I write!
But jokes aside, my blog and others like KKday or Klook are packed with useful info for independent travelers. You’ll find itineraries covering Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung, as well as how to connect these cities into one epic 7-day Taiwan trip.
Browse the blog to build your own customized adventure!
5. Visas from Developed Countries
This final essential is a game-changer—if you have a valid visa from countries like the USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, or any Schengen country, you can use it to apply for Taiwan’s eVisa online.
It only takes a minute! Even if you make a mistake, you can reapply at the airport (true story—this happened to me!).
If you don’t already have one, the easiest to get is a South Korean visa, which Taiwan recognizes under its relaxed visa policy. You can apply via a travel agency—processing takes about 5 working days and costs between $100–$150 USD, depending on your documents and connections.
Bonus tip: Once you get a Korean visa, why not visit South Korea too? My blog has plenty of info for that trip as well 😉
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—5 essentials that I always prepare before a trip to Taiwan. Whether it’s booking smart, staying connected, saving on attractions, or fast-tracking your visa, these tips can make your journey smoother, cheaper, and way more fun. Good luck with your trip planning!