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2026/4/20

Practical information you need to know about living in Taiwan

Welcome to Taiwan!

Taiwan offers a friendly, convenient, and safe living environment. This guide compiles the most frequently encountered practical information for living in Taiwan, helping you settle in quickly.


I. Accommodation

Housing search channel

  • 591.com.tw is Taiwan's largest rental platform.
  • Facebook group : Search for "[city name] rentals", such as "Taipei rentals".
  • Company assistance : Some companies will assist in arranging dormitory or accommodation.

Things to note when renting a house

project illustrate
deposit Typically, it's 1 to 2 months' rent.
Rental range Suites in Taipei cost approximately NT$8,000 to NT$15,000 per month; suites in central and southern Taiwan cost approximately NT$4,000 to NT$8,000 per month.
Required documents Passport, ARC (Residence Permit), Proof of Employment
contract A written contract is essential, and a copy must be kept. If you cannot read Chinese, please ask a friend or colleague for assistance.

II. Transportation

modes of transportation illustrate Fee Reference
MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) Taipei and Kaohsiung have MRT systems, which are fast and convenient. One-way 20-65 yuan
the bus The routes are frequent and can be accessed using an EasyCard. The price in the city center is mostly 15 yuan.
Train/High-speed rail The main options for inter-county/city travel The Taipei to Taichung High Speed Rail ticket costs approximately NT$700.
locomotive The most common mode of transportation in Taiwan requires a driver's license. Used cars are priced between approximately 15,000 and 30,000 yuan.
YouBike Public bicycles can be borrowed and returned using an EasyCard. 5 yuan for the first 30 minutes

Quick tip: Get an EasyCard! It's super convenient for taking the MRT, buses, and making purchases at convenience stores. You can buy one at any convenience store (7-Eleven, FamilyMart).


III. Diet

Taiwan is a food paradise, where dining out is very convenient and affordable.

  • Buffet : Priced by serving food, approximately 60-100 yuan per meal.
  • Bento shops : A bento costs approximately 70-120 yuan.
  • Night market snacks : NT$30-80 each
  • Convenience store : Open 24 hours, offering hot and microwaveable food.
  • Supermarkets : You can buy ingredients and cook at PX Mart and Carrefour.

Dietary Notes: If you have religious dietary requirements (Halal, vegetarian, etc.), there are halal and vegetarian restaurants in major cities in Taiwan. You can use Google Maps to search for "Halal restaurant" or "vegetarian".


IV. Bank Account Opening

It is recommended to open a bank account as soon as possible after arriving in Taiwan for work, to facilitate receiving salary and making remittances.

Documents required for account opening:

  • Original passport
  • Original Alien Residence Permit (ARC)
  • Seals (can be made at a seal engraving shop, approximately 100-300 yuan)
  • Minimum account opening amount (usually 100 to 1,000 yuan)

Recommended banks: Large banks such as CTBC Bank, Cathay United Bank, and Taishin Bank have many branches and a high density of ATMs.

Remittances back to the home country: You can use international bank transfers or remittance services such as Wise and Western Union.


V. Mobile phone number

Major telecommunications companies in Taiwan: Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, and FarEasTone Telecommunications.

Documents required for obtaining a phone number:

  • Original passport
  • Original ARC (Residence Permit)
  • Some telecommunications companies require dual certificates.

Option selection:

  • Prepaid cards : No contract required, suitable for short-term use. Top-up is available at various convenience stores.
  • Monthly plans : typically 299-499 yuan/month, including unlimited internet access.

VI. Medical Care and Health Insurance

Taiwan has a world-renowned universal health insurance system .

  • Eligibility requirements : Must have resided in the country continuously for at least 6 months with a valid residence permit.
  • Monthly fee : Shared by the employer and the individual, with the individual's share being approximately several hundred yuan.
  • Medical treatment method : Register at a hospital or clinic with your health insurance card. Outpatient fees are usually NT$150-300.

Before your health insurance card is activated: It is recommended that you purchase commercial insurance or buy over-the-counter medication at a pharmacy to treat minor discomfort. In case of emergency, call 119 .


VII. Recommended Useful Apps

use App
Map Navigation Google Maps
translate Google Translate
Transportation Inquiry Taipei Metro Go, Taiwan Railways e-Ordering, Taiwan High Speed Rail T Express
Delivery Uber Eats, foodpanda
communication LINE (Taiwan's most popular messaging app)
Mobile payment LINE Pay, JKO Pay

Special reminder: In Taiwan, LINE is the most commonly used communication software, and many companies also use LINE to communicate work matters. It is recommended to install it first.


8. Emergency Contact Information

context Telephone
Call the police 110
Fire/Ambulance 119
Labor rights consultation (multilingual) 1955
Immigration Agency (02) 2388-9393
Legal aid (02) 412-8518

This article provides general lifestyle information. Prices and fees may change over time, so please refer to the actual situation.

※ Information Timeliness Reminder: The amounts, rates, market conditions, and regulations contained in this article are information as of the time of writing (2026). Basic wages, labor and health insurance rates, etc., may be adjusted every year. Please refer to the latest announcements from the competent authorities and current regulations for the most accurate information.

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