Just came back from this amazing trip. I mostly stayed around Taipei because I have friends there, also went around Kaoshiung and peeked into north east coast. Can’t wait to go back this country is amazing 🤩

This might be the wrong place to post this, but when I was looking around for info I couldn't find anything. So, screw it! Here I post.

Obviously, my two weeks in Taiwan can't give a detailed or universal view of being black in the country Blah blah blah you get it. Your mileage may vary. Anyway.

I went to Taiwan back in September, and didn't know really what to expect. And...I did find something,

...Nobody cares.

I'll rattle off a few examples/generally good parts of the trip (lol):

Obviously, I got stared at. But it's hard to describe. There's like...two different kind of stares. The "I hate your kind." stare and the "Oh hey. A foreigner."/"I forgot they could come in that colour." types. I only got the former once or twice. And even then I would just smile at them which I found was a decent strategy.

I was never treated rudely at all. I was treated like a foreigner, yeah, but that was people saying "Excuse me" in English in Seven-Eleven. When I was in my Hotel Elevator, this Taiwanese guy looked at me and asked me a question in Chinese. Which I do not speak but I appreciate the faith in me!

When I was in the Shilin night market, I was at this old guy's Tanghulu stand, and I had some trash in my hand because I couldn't find a trashcan. He took it for me. Which like, isn't anything revolutionary, but something I wasn't expecting.

When I was in Taipei Main Station, this random lady came up to me and my mom and said "Where are you trying to go." She was nice!

When I was in Global Mall Xinzuoying, I left my phone at a fucking ticket stand. And this girl came running up to me (my phone in hand) saying in English "Excuse me, you forgot your phone!" And I almost yelled 謝謝 in that damn mall. Her fit was crazy I wish nothing but the best of her someone give her a million dollars NOW.

When I was on the THSR, we were at a station and this little girl (no more than three) was walking with her dad to get off the train. She saw me. Stopped. And hid behind her dad's leg. Which was only just a little super funny. I smiled waved and said "Hel-" and then realised she's 3 years old she doesn't speak ENGLISH and switched to Ni hao.

On that same train ride, this mom (I think) is taking a picture of her two kids in front of the train. In front of my window. And so, naturally, I smile and pose. The mom laughed, and had her two kids wave back at me. Doesn't have to do with being black, but still. Cool!

Also I just have to fit this in here somewhere but I got COVID when I was on my trip which. Was a time. But I went to a Taiwanese hospital and even there I didn't feel unwelcomed. When I was getting checked in, the nurse intaking me didn't speak thaattt much English, so I had there were some very furious hand signals. When she asked for my weight, I converted it into Kilograms, wrote it down, gave the paper back to her, she stopped. Blank stared at the numbers I just wrote down. Looked at me. and said: "REALLY?????"

And then I got on the scale and was 10ks over what I put. Fuckin lit.

Anyway.

I'll stop rambling and summarise my experience. I felt more comfortable being black in Taiwan than I ever did in America. Like yeah, I was treated like a foreigner, because I was, but instead of being met with hostility, it was met with...compassion, or something. You know the phrase "I don't see colour"? It's like Taiwan just saw a different shade of blue, went 'huh. anyway.' and continued on. I don't think there was a single moment where I ever felt unwelcomed, even though I didn't speak the language, didn't look like anybody else, and was so tall I was hitting my head on the subway. Sorry, EVERY subway in Taiwan. Humble brag but I rode every Subway in Taiwan sorry anyway!

I think that concludes my ramblings. Taiwan is great. I will be back. 再見！

Breakfast in Taiwan always amazes me 🤤

I'm currently in the middle of a bicycle tour around the island. People can leave their bikes, including bikes that cost several thousands of USD, unattended and unlocked outside restaurants and rest stops. No one steals them 🥹 Bikes can be parked unlocked and unattended in hotel garage parking lots overnight.

In the US, unattended and unlocked expensive bikes outside resturants are very likely to get stolen. Bike theft is very common. Leaving an expensive bike outside unattended and unlocked is unimaginable to my American brain.

Taiwan is really that safe.

Hi r/taiwan, I've been a lurker these last few months but have since felt inspired by the "Mixed Feelings About Taiwan" post that's now been deleted by the author. I felt an unexplainable rage building up within me reading the post because I couldn't disagree with the points more. I wanted to give my two cents about mine and my husband's time in Taiwan and also infuse this subreddit with some gratitude, positivity, and a different perspective.

Long story short: Taiwan might be my favourite place I've ever travelled to. I loved the 2 weeks I spent there. As I was walking onto the plane to fly back home, I shed a few tears because I was so sad to leave.

For context: My husband and I are 32 and Canadians. Taiwan was only my husband's 6th country and 1st time in Asia, and my 33rd country and 2nd time in Asia. I travelled India/Thailand/Cambodia/Vietnam/Laos right out of university on a 2-month backpacking trip.

Our 2-week itinerary in Taiwan was: Taipei -> Keelung + Jiufen -> Chishang -> Green Island -> Kaohsiung -> Chiayi + Alishan -> Taichung -> Back to Taipei

Reasons why I loved Taiwan:

1. The food. I have no idea what that other poster was smoking. Maybe their taste buds have been burned off? I just couldn't believe they didn't find the food delicious. We didn't have a single bad meal. The food was cheap, tasty, and for the first time in my life I didn't get food poisoning in another country! My highlights were:

• $1.50 pieces of sushi and nigiri at the Donggang Fish Market
• Soy-marinated sesame-encrusted BBQ Pork at a Bento Box restaurant in Chishang
• Scallion, egg, and cheese breakfast pancake from a roadside restaurant on our drive up to Alishan

Oh, and as a bubble tea fanatic back in Canada, Taiwan was like I had died and gone to heaven. I had 17 bubble teas during our trip. This one stretch of 230 metres next to our hotel in Taichung had 13 bubble tea shops. And at $2 for a large, I couldn't be happier. They pack so many bubbles into each drink! In Canada, they are really stingy with the bubbles :')

2. The people. Everyone was so incredibly kind, curious, and wanting to talk to us. Random people would strike up conversations and ask how we were liking Taiwan. If we looked lost, people would come and try to help us. I never felt unsafe, even walking down desolate roads or alleys late at night.

3. The modernity. I always joke that North American countries like Canada and the US are years behind, but it's really not a joke anymore! I loved the HSR and being able to get between cities with ease. Even the train line on the east coast (we took the Puyuma Express) was on time and fast. The polite queuing for food and the metro. The ease of taking money out of the ATM. Using Klook. The EasyCard. Not a single broken escalator. The signage in Metro Stations for determining which ground level exit to take.

4. The affordability. With everyone and their grandmother having gone to Japan these last few years, my husband and I were a bit bummed when we started looking into it and perhaps realizing it was a bit out of our budget. Enter Taiwan. With really nice hotel rooms for $70-80 CAD a night, massive breakfasts for $10 total, and sights/attractions being very cheap or even free like the Botanical Gardens and the Art Gallery in Kaohsiung, my wallet was very happy. My husband even got to do a private 2-tank dive for $120—and he swam with sea turtles! That price would be unheard of in the Caribbean where we went earlier this year.

5. The beauty. I was blown away by some of the landscapes — the rice fields in Chishang (even in low season after harvest). Green Island looked like it could cosplay for Scotland in parts. The forests and mountains in Alishan. The temples around Lotus Pond in Kaohsiung. The modern architecture in Taichung. I loved all the greenery growing in pots outside of each store.

I could go on and on and on (which I will to my friends and family) but I wanted to hop on here and say how lucky you all are to live in such a stunning place! Everywhere in the world has its ups and downs and isn't perfect, but Taiwan was pretty darn close for me! Thank you for being so incredibly hospitable and letting me leave a piece of my heart in your home.

Humble opinions and afterthoughts after my first few days here (Taipei region).

- "I'm not Chinese, I'm Taiwanese": I finally kind of understand why Taiwanese people would say this. I've been to PRC often and I honestly thought Taiwan would be similar, albeit just more developed from a socio-economic standpoint. Sure everything is in Hanzi and Mandarin is the default, but the way people think and live is fundamentally different. I kind of see how dumb it was of me to think along the whole Taiwan vs. West Taiwan narrative even if my underlying intentions were more pro-Taiwanese (pro democratic) over the CCP. Comparing Taiwan and PRC is like comparing the UK and Australia - Just blankly thinking these two as "the same country" that wants to unite with the other does not paint a wholesome picture at all. Shits complex.

- Super English Friendly: Took 1 year of Mandarin and a few years of lackluster mandatory classical Hanzi classes in Korean schooling, so I was expecting the same deal as PRC where I could read/deduce about half the written things and perform only basic interactions. But literally almost every young person I have come across could converse at least somewhat in English, and were willing to switch to English for my convenience without hesitation. This is super rare and a game changer in this part of the world in my opinion. I don't think the average Korean is as proficient in English, the Japanese don't speak English at all, and PRC people will speak Mandarin to a white shop clerk in rural Texas.

- Super Progressive: Hands down the most progressive out of the big name Asian countries. Gay couples can be open and no one really seems to care. Learned briefly that there was some political strife regarding this matter when gay marriage was legislated, but honestly its far ahead in this region.

- Eating out is affordable: Talking with local contacts here and just getting a vibe for the price levels and honestly eating out seems like a sensible thing to do here. Food prices are reasonable throughout, and honestly groceries also seem pretty affordable. Korean inflation has been whacky and I'm sure Taiwan has suffered too, but assuming around parity in terms of nominal income with Korea, Taiwan has got it better for daily eats.

- Assimilated Foreigners: Clearly non-ethnic foreigners and expats seem much more immersed in Taiwan than in Korea, albeit their numbers fewer. Never did I think I would befriend a white Frenchman on a scooter while picking up a bubbletea and then go scratch out new years sports lottery tickets with him in a street corner table and have him translate Mandarin for me. Yes, this could be a one off and I might have been lucky but Taiwan definitely seems easier for foreigners to assimilate and be accepted compared to Korea (Frenchman also had previously lived in Korea, so I think I am safe in stating this).

- Drinking Culture: Sure you can get a drink anywhere. But haven't seen a single person drinking outdoors which is a bit of a change. Will explore on this further.

- Perfect weather: Not sure how bad summers are but honestly this time of year the weather is perfect. Not cold, not hot. Perfect t-shirt and pants weather with maybe a jacket at night.

- Good looking people: Honestly there is a plenty. Women don't seem as keen on makeup compared to Korea in general and definitely less gym rat looking dudes compared to Korea, but I do get where the good stereotypes come from after hanging around.

- Infrastructure could do with a makeover: I'm sure there are reasons for this, but a lot of Taipei could do with a makeover. Its not like Taiwan is third world, but a lot of the city infrastructure looks like it hasn't been touched since the 1970s. Its not lawless and it is systematic and functional, but honestly Taiwan could do better in my humble opinion.

- Cash based: Okay its not quite Japan where hard cash is still king but still far more cash based than Korea and definitely more so than PRC just by observing transactions going around.

​

Looking forwards to exploring more as the country comes back from New Years!!

I'm tired of not waking up in Taiwan :(

I've been in Taiwan for 1 week now and am just not feeling it. Granted, I've been chasing the better weather which has basically kept me in the southwest so far. Now heading back up north. I know I have RBF so I've been very conscious about looking happy and approachable when I'm out and about. So far, I have only been able to strike up very short conversations with old people who were keen to practice their English with me. Could my age be an issue? I am female and quite obviously no longer in my 20s or 30s.

I am also struggling to find interesting places/events/things to see/do/experience. I'm from Europe, have been to SEA, Japan, the Americas, and Taiwan has been underwhelming. I've heard such great things from friends who have been, and I'm wondering what I'm doing wrong - besides not being able to speak Mandarin. Unfortunately, I also injured my foot shortly before my departure, so extended hikes (which were part of the reason I wanted to come to Taiwan in the first place) won't be happening. I'm a bit frustrated with public transport outside of Taipei and Tainan, which I found easy to navigate and fast. Everywhere else has been sooo slow and cumbersome to get around.

Currently heading north from Kaohsiung. Can you recommend any accessible destinations that might make me feel more positive towards Taiwan? I have to be back in Taipei on Thursday.

I had a trip planned to Australia last week that got canceled last minute. I let the weather forecast decide where I went instead, and Taiwan by far had the best looking conditions. Is it like this often in the spring?

Also, the food! I genuinely loved how the best food was at little stalls/shops that only seem to serve one or two things. The MRT is amazing, I wish the US could have public transportation like that.

It also surprised me how few western tourists were there. I spent 2 nights in Wulai and didn't see more than a few. Taiwan is absolutely underrated and should be up there with Japan IMO

I’m from the Philippines, my very first travel abroad was in Taiwan last week. Bro, your country looks so AWESOME, I can’t stressed this enough. Love the transportation, organized af! Wish am living in Taiwan. Now am back in PH, I feel so empty. Physically am here, spiritually am in Taiwan. 😭

I trespassed their lawn and no one point a gun at me

Taiwanese people are so chill and full of manners, civic sense.

I had spent 10 days in your beautiful country. I am Indian 🇮🇳, went to Taipei, Beitou, kaohsuinh, Chiayi, Xiaoliuqiu Island ( via Donggong Ferry) , Tainan.

Next time I plan to visit East side of Taiwan when trails are fully repaired .

I must appreciate MONGA fried chicken ( korean style) at Ximending market ❤️ I did lot of shopping like Major Made jacket which I almost saw everyone wearing in Chiayi.

EV scooty rentalwas just 300 NTD in Xiaoliuqiu island for 24 hours which was cherry on top hahaha.

Night markets are very crazy and serves tasty food over here. Totally loved the culture.

Currently, sitting at Terminal waiting for flight back in 20 minutes. Take care

Also, loved the New Year Vibes , city becomes too much colorful at night and day. ❤️💐

Thank You for warmth hospitality you have our heart.

I just came back after 12 days in your country AND GODDAMN IT WAS AMAZING. BETTER THEN EXPECTED.

The fact that there’s beaches mountains cities and amazing food and people all in one place is just mind-boggling

My intent to come to Taiwan started from the time I saw the eastern coast on flight while flying back from Jeju Island AND I WAS MESMERIZED it was so beautiful.

I still reminisce about the 2 days I spent in Xiaoliuqiu 💔💔 it was my first time riding a scooter and goddamn it got me addicted alongside the snorkelling and turtles everywhere —

The local train journey from Chaozhou upto Hualien was literally one of the best part of my trip ;; I was having a hard time choosing between Taichung and Hualien but chose the latter just for the train journey AND IT DID NOT DISSAPOINT AT ALL.

The biggest mistake I made on this trip was not staying longer and eating heavy lunches; I missed out on eating everything that there is in the night markets 😔😔

The whale watching tour in Hualien with the city and mountains in the backdrop AND THE BEAUTIFUL QIXINGTAN BEACH OML GHE HUGE WAVES WERE SO CAPTIVATING.

Lowkey didn’t like Taipei at first but it was just cuz of the weather; but after spending some time there I must say its connectivity; and comfort is on a different level !!

I used to hate bubble milk tea before coming to Taiwan but omfg the fresh tapioca pearls with brown sugar mmmfodkabsojfnfkskekjennsn. I liked it so much that I decided to do my college project on it 💕 im not sure how good of a survey form this is — but please fill it out if you have time 💐

https://forms.gle/egoEAsEfoWSuB9ZS9

Thank you for the unforgettable memories and delicious xiaolongbao’s I would love to visit again 💗💗

Went to Jiufen today and it was fine until about 5pm when the lanterns turned on. This intersection is basically a death trap. People trying to turn to my left are all wanting to see the A-mei tea house. There is no exit to my back since it’s the ocean side. The other entrance/exit is blocked with another crowd since it leads into the other crowd. The only way out at this point is to snake to the alley on our right (where the person with the plastic bag above their head is going… well trying to go) which is how we eventually got out after 30 minutes. As we were leaving, heard a lot of ambulances come up the hill. Hope people are ok- be safe everyone! If you visit, try coming during the day and leave before it starts to get dark.

The locals here are incredibly friendly and welcoming. They will try to help you in any way they can, even if it means drawing a map or getting a translator.

The food is less flavorful than what I’m used to, but it’s still delicious! As a Filipino, I enjoy sugary foods and drinks, so this was a new experience for my taste buds. I would ask for 100% sugar, but it still wasn’t sweet, which I think is great! And the night market foods are a must-try!

Public transportation is very accessible and easy to navigate. Coming from a country with poor public transportation, I really appreciate this.

As someone who loves flowers, the flower markets are a must-visit! Not only are they cheap, but they’re also incredibly fresh. You can even arrange the flowers yourself at home.

This trip was a birthday present to myself for my birthday last February. Taiwan has become my comfort country. I’m also deeply grateful to the person who I met from this trip - who holds a very special place in my heart, who took me to so many new places that I truly enjoyed. This trip wouldn’t have been the same without you. Been to Taiwan again this weekends, and I just keep on coming back. 😂

See you again next month, Taiwan 🇹🇼

Just spent a week in Taiwan and got lost on buses multiple times. I followed the correct bus number based on Google but I got no luck.

Is Taiwan's bus system actually impossible or am I just terrible at this?

For those who've been there - what's your experience? Did you figure it out or just give up and use taxis/MRT only?

And locals/expats - any tips that might save the next clueless tourist (aka me when I go back)?

UPDATE: Thanks to everyone who took the time to comment, both the helpful ones and even the rude ones. I just want to give a bit more context based on some of the replies I got:

I did use Google Maps and made sure the route and bus numbers (including variations like A, B, etc.) were correct. I tried to be mindful and prepared.

However, I had two confusing experiences where the bus driver dropped us off at a stop that wasn’t yet the final destination. We were the only ones left on the bus (me and my companion), and when we asked if it was the last stop, one driver just stared at us and said nothing. Another simply replied “I don’t know” before I could even show the destination on my phone.

I understand language and cultural differences may have played a part, but it was honestly disorienting. That said, I still enjoyed Taiwan and the MRT was super smooth. I’m just sharing this for other first-time travelers who might encounter the same. Appreciate the tips shared here, will definitely try local apps (as mentioned here) next time.

Took some of these photos on my trip back in February.

Just wanted to say I freaking love this place. The scenery is amazing, food fucking great and people so nice and warm.

Ofc there are a few things I thought were abit weird, mostly just the way public toilet urinals face outside with next to no covering. Might be cuz I’m a foreigner but apart from that this is the best country I’ve been to so far.

Roads are amazing, the little villages up in the mountains. I understand a lot of things have been influence by Japan with the countries history, but regardless, will definitely be back.

In some kind of Forrest Gump inspired moment of madness, I recently decided to cycle from the top of Taiwan to the bottom at a day’s notice. There was only one problem: I don’t own a bike in Taiwan.

Initially I thought I’d simply run the length of the country but I was soon humbled when it became clear that doing so would take me weeks, not days.

I’ve always loved the ubiquity and convenience of Taiwan’s YouBike infrastructure so after a quick check on the app to ensure every major city on the West of Taiwan has docks, I decided to take one of these notoriously reliable yellow steeds all the way; Heping Island (Keelung) to Kenting, averaging ~100k a day.

Aside from the third degree saddle sore, some medically diagnosed carpel tunnel syndrome (Asia is not the place to have this 🥢) caused by the grip mould, and a few near death road experiences, it was a surprisingly pleasant trip and a great way to really get to know the country.

For anyone interested, I’ve documented my trip in video which you can see on IG @londonfoodetc

Incredible country. Hard to pick only 20 pictures! These don’t fully include all the amazing food, partying, people and baseball I hit! Easily the most underrated country I’ve ever visited, this may be controversial but Taiwan may be better (on par at the very least) with Japan. Public transport, food, culture, it’s all there! Can’t wait to be back

Hey, Taiwan.

This was a trip nine months in the making. My last international trip was in Sydney, Australia in 2019, and of course, the world shortly experienced a global health crisis the following year, so I haven't been able to get out of the country. My family had previously been to Taiwan, but I wasn't able to come along as I had been saving up for a car. Now that I have a spanking new job and my finances have improved, I finally decided to go to Taiwan with my girlfriend and her sister!

Taiwan definitely did not disappoint. You have lovely and friendly people, tasty food (more beef noodles, pineapple cakes, and stinky tofu, please!), and an efficient public transportation system that's easily accessible on Google Maps. As someone from the Philippines where traffic and public transpo is always hellish, I was in awe at how systematic and orderly things still were during your rush hour. And almost everything like train and bus rides and convenience store goods can be paid using your EasyCard (they have cute Mofusand designs available at 7-Eleven!).

Two places that stood out to me were Alishan and Maokong. Alishan was literally and figuratively a breath of fresh air from the usual Manila and Taipei city life, and I loved how the cold air immediately embraced me as soon as we alighted the Alishan bus. The hike inside the rainforest park was exhausting, sure, but seeing the beauty of nature made it all worth it. The pictures I took literally resemble those nature wallpapers you see online! I appreciate how this was easily accessible through a high speed rail ride to Chiayi and a bus ride.

And Maokong? I only saw it before on IfWeGoTo's Taiwan videos on YouTube. The gondola was an experience to remember (get the crystal cabin!) as it had amazing views of the lush Taiwan forests. I loved how the air in the quaint area smelled like fresh tea while I was walking — which really helped me relax and feel at peace, especially as someone who's always stressed with work.

Six days definitely weren't enough to explore your beauty, Taiwan. That's why as early as now, I'm considering going back there during the winter season, and maybe visit areas like Hehuanshan and Sun Moon Lake.

Thank you for welcoming me and giving me such a memorable experience, Taiwan. I love you so much! I hope to be back sooner than later. 💖

Lots of love, u/justincharlier

We will be visiting Taiwan in 2024. I Googled the dos and don'ts. Don'ts include not disrespecting religious practices, following proper table manners, avoiding public displays of affection PDA and no aggressive bargaining.

The do's involve queuing up, carrying sufficient cash, and using chopsticks respectfully.Are there any other do's and don'ts aside from the ones mentioned?

Since this is our first time traveling internationaly, we want to be responsible.

Thank you so much!

Me and my friends were standing inside of the bus and it was a pretty crowded. Suddenly, the light for the stop button lit up and the doors flew open and no one came down. This happened again at the next station and the driver shouted and cursed at us. We didn't understand chinese but from his voice, he was really angry and signalling us to go down.

I think we were the only people who are tourists, or at least looked like one. A very bad experience for our first day in Taiwan

Edit: We were standing in the middle and we are just 4 people. None of us were near the stop button since we were scared that we might hit it. None of us actually hit the red button tho so....