Taiwan Travel Safety Guide

Tap water is commonly boiled or filtered before drinking. Many locals avoid drinking straight from the tap, so visitors usually do better with filtered or bottled water.

Typhoons, earthquakes, and heavy rain disruption are more relevant than street crime in many trips, especially outside the dry season.

Mosquito protection matters in hot months, especially in the south. Dengue risk is not theoretical.

Heat, humidity, and sun exposure can hit harder than expected, especially if you are walking cities in summer.

Photography is usually fine in public, but treat military or security-sensitive sites carefully and follow posted restrictions.

In a major emergency or cross-strait tension event, follow local government guidance quickly rather than assuming the situation will stay symbolic.

Traffic is more orderly than in much of Southeast Asia, but scooters are everywhere. Check carefully before stepping into turns or crossing side streets.

Currency is New Taiwan dollar (TWD). Cards work widely in cities, malls, chain stores, and metro systems, but small eateries, markets, and some rural shops still lean cash.

Taipei feels much more card-friendly and transit-friendly than smaller towns or mountain areas, so countrywide assumptions can mislead you.