foreignersintw - Taiwan Travel Blog

Turtle Island (Guishan Island) 龜山島, Taiwan’s Volcanic Island Treasure

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Guishan Island (literally Turtle Mountain Island) is a turtle-shaped island off the coast of Yilan in Eastern Taiwan. Once inhabited by fishermen, it is now a coast guard base but is open for day tours. The island tour includes beautiful sea cliffs, hiking, a lake, an abandoned village, military tunnels, and whale watching just offshore. …

Keelung Islet (基隆嶼) Travel Guide, A Little Island with Big Views

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Keelung Islet is the tall, rocky island off the coast of Keelung City, Taiwan that has recently been reopened to tourists. The island features a trail to the lighthouse at the highest peak that provides breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Just a short trip from Taipei, and then a 20-minute boat ride, it is…

Taiwan Festivals Guide, A Monthly Guide to the Best Festivals and Traditions 台灣節日指南

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Throughout the year, Taiwan is full of festivals and holidays. Besides the three major festivals and National Holidays when people are off from school and work, there are also many smaller religious festivals and events throughout the year. In this guide, we will provide a month-by-month breakdown of the major festivals and holidays in Taiwan….

Basic Info | Food | Fruit

Taiwan Mango Guide, How to Enjoy Over 50 Types 台灣芒果指南: 怎麽享用50多種的英文介紹

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Mangoes are one of the best aspects of living in Taiwan. Taiwan mangoes are the best. They are simply the king of fruit. Also, many mango varieties can only be found in Taiwan. The only downside is Mango season only lasts for a few short months during the summer in Taiwan. In this guide, we…

Basic Info | Cost Saving Tips | FAQ | Money | Work

Taiwan Bank Comparison, The Most Foreigner-Friendly Banks 台灣銀行比較 – 最適合外籍人士的銀行

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

From my personal experience, banking in Taiwan as a foreigner can be a painful and confusing experience. To help foreigners choose the best banking options and have a more pleasant banking experience in Taiwan, we have created this Taiwan Bank Comparison. If you are stuck with a terrible bank in Taiwan, chances are there are…

What to See and Do in Hualien Besides Taroko Gorge

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Sadly, due to a recent earthquake, much of Taroko Gorge, Hualien’s most famous landmark, is no longer accessible to the public. However, there are plenty of other places to check out in Hualien. In this blog, we will share a list of other places to visit in Hualien besides Taroko Gorge. Hualien is the largest…

Maolin Travel Guide 茂林旅游懶人包, Our Favorite Place in Taiwan

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Maolin District of Kaohsiung City is an amazing outdoor paradise and my favorite place in Taiwan. In this mountainous district of Kaohsiung, you can find waterfalls, streams, hot springs, butterflies, aboriginal culture, and great views, all by the roadside! Popular activities include swimming, hot spring bathing, river tracing, camping, and hiking. Please note I have also finished…

Taipei’s Waterfall Guide, Explore the City’s Most Breathtaking Falls 台北瀑布指南

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Taipei is home to some of Taiwan’s most magnificent waterfalls, and most of them are just a short trip away. Here we have compiled a list of the most easily accessible waterfalls around Taipei. Please note this is not an exhaustive list. There are many more waterfalls in Taipei than are listed in this blog. Get…

Tainan Travel Guide, Discover Taiwan’s Oldest City & Ultimate Foodie Paradise 臺南懶人包

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan and was the capital of Taiwan for over 200 years. It is also said to be the culinary capital of Taiwan, with many traditional Taiwanese snacks that originated here. Surrounded by historical sites, from the Dutch, Koxinga, and Qing Dynasty, it is a great place to enjoy Taiwan’s interesting…

Taiwan vs. Thailand, Key Differences You Need to Know

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Some people out there may confuse Taiwan with Thailand, however they are two very different countries. In fact, there are so many differences that we can’t even list them in this article. To help you differentiate between Taiwan and Thailand, we have laid out the key differences that you need to know here. I have…

The Ultimate Foreigner’s Guide for Surviving in Taiwan 外國人在台灣存活指南

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Whether you are coming to Taiwan for three days or for three years, it can be hard getting used to a new country, and new culture, and a new way of living. To help you out, we have prepared this guide to help you survive and thrive in this amazing country. 🏯 Planning your trip…

Basic Info | FAQ | Transportation

The Ultimate Taiwan SIM Card, eSIM, and Portable Wi-Fi Guide

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Having your own internet as you travel in Taiwan is essential for a great trip. Whether it is for map navigation, searching blogs, or communicating with friends and family, having a SIM card, eSIM, or portable Wi-Fi solution should definitely be part of your Taiwan travel plan. In this guide, we will compare the best…

Matsu Islands 2025 Travel Guide 馬祖列島懶人包, More than Just Mazu

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Matsu is a fun getaway just 45 minutes by plane from Taipei. Here you can find traditional stone villages, bioluminescent “blue tears,” wild sika deer, military museums, the world’s largest Mazu statue, a variety of local food, and much more to explore. In this blog, we will share with you some of the major sights…

100 Amazing Things to Do and See in Taipei 台北景點懶人包

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

This travel guide to Taipei offers an extensive overview of attractions, activities, and dining options. Highlights include popular sites like Taipei 101, night markets, and historical landmarks. It also provides tips on transportation, accommodations, and seasonal recommendations, presenting a detailed itinerary for an enriching experience in Taiwan’s vibrant capital.

Yehliu Geopark, The Amazing Crown Jewel of Taiwan’s Northern Coast 野柳地質公園

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Yehliu is perhaps the most famous geological park in Taiwan, with its most famous landmark being the Queen’s Head Rock. These rock formations have been forming for thousands of years through erosion of soft sandstone due to wind and water. Hurry and see these formations soon before they are gone forever! 🏯 Planning your trip…

Taitung Travel Guide, Top Things to Do in Taiwan’s Outdoor Tourism Paradise 台東懶人包

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Taitung has some of the most beautiful scenery in Taiwan, two amazing offshore islands, a striking coastline, deep mountains, and most of all it is bursting with unique aboriginal culture, with Indigenous people making up over one-third of the population. It is an unmissable stop on your next trip to Taiwan. Here we have compiled…

Our Travel Guide to Wulai, Taipei’s Amazing Mountain Paradise (烏來旅遊指南)

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Wulai District of New Taipei includes some of Taiwan’s most amazing waterfalls, hot springs, aboriginal culture, an old street with snacks and restaurants, a gondola, a train, an amusement park, hiking trails, camp sites, wildlife, and endless mountain scenery to explore. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Taipei. 🏞️ Planning…

Experience the Magic of Fulong’s Sand Art Festival: Taiwan’s Premier Sand Sculpture Event 福隆國際沙雕藝術季

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Fulong International Sand Sculpture Art Festival is the premier sand art display in Taiwan. It is easily accessible by public transportation (TRA Gongliao Station), and at the beach, you can find beautiful golden sand, a large shallow swimming area, and tons of food options within walking distance. It is definitely worth a trip this summer….

Taiwan Cycling Guide, The Ultimate Guide to the Bicycle Kingdom 台灣騎自行車指南

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Taiwan is recognized as a bicycle kingdom and offers stunning routes for cycling enthusiasts, including coastal roads, mountain trails, and breathtaking gorges. Renting bicycles is convenient via services like Youbike, which operates at MRT stations, as well as road bike rentals at shops. Popular cycling routes include Sun Moon Lake and the Taipei Riverside Bikeway,…

Nantou Travel Guide, Taiwan’s Most Stunning Mountain Getaway 南投縣懶人包

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Nantou lies at the heart of Taiwan and is its only landlocked county. It is known for its rugged natural landscapes and mountains, and includes the highest mountain in East Asia. If you come to Taiwan, you should definitely pass through this place and stop by some of the sights we will mention below. 🛥️…

Travel Guide to Hsinchu 新竹懶人包, Taiwan’s Charming Tech Hub

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Hsinchu, Taiwan, combines technological innovation with rich history, Hakka culture, and natural beauty. It has numerous old streets, preserved Japanese-era and Qing-era buildings, zoos, mountains, lakes, rivers, beaches, and much more to explore. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Taiwan. 🏯 Planning your trip to Hsinchu? 🪁 Here are some…

Shokolake Country House Chocolate Factory 巧克力雲莊

Byforeignersintw December 29, 2025January 20, 2026

Shokolake Chocolate Factory (aka Shokolate Country House) is a tourist factory, museum, and resort in rural Miaoli, Taiwan. Here you can taste all kinds of chocolate, enjoy gardens, cherry blossoms, and beautiful scenery, try out DIY activities, and more. It is a fun experience for the whole family. 🏯 Planning your trip to Miaoli? ☀️…

2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival Guide 台灣元宵節指南, A Complete List of Events in Taiwan

Byforeignersintw December 29, 2025December 29, 2025

The Lantern Festival in Taiwan is an exciting time when many cities and counties in Taiwan put on colorful displays of lanterns for visitors to enjoy. There are usually lanterns in all the big cities including Taipei, Hsinchu, Taichung, and Kaohsiung. In this guide, we will share how Taiwan celebrates the Lantern Festival and how…

Taiwan Amusement Park Guide 台灣主題樂園指南

Byforeignersintw December 23, 2025December 29, 2025

Taiwan does not have Disneyland or Universal Studios, but there are still quite a few home-grown amusement parks here that are worth visiting. In this guide, we will compare and contrast all the amusement parks in Taiwan so that you can find the right experience for you. Whether you are travelling with small kids, older…

The Best Views of the Taipei 101 (Best Places to see New Year’s Fireworks) 欣賞101煙火的最佳地點

Byforeignersintw December 23, 2025December 24, 2025

Wondering where you can find the best glimpse of the Taipei 101 fireworks? In this blog, we will share a list of the best views of Taipei 101 and therefore the best places to see the fireworks on New Year’s Eve. These places are also great locations to take stock photos to get less cliché…