Planning your dream escape to the "Heart of Asia"? From the neon-lit streets of Taipei to the misty peaks of Alishan, Taiwan is legendary for being safe, clean, and incredibly welcoming.
But here’s the thing: Taiwan takes its rules seriously. What might be a "minor oopsie" in Europe or US and even other Asian Countries could land you a hefty fine in Taipei. To keep your holiday stress-free (and your wallet full), here are the most common laws tourists accidentally break—and how to stay on the sunny side of the law!
1. The "Golden Rule" of the MRT: No Snacking!
Taipei’s MRT is one of the cleanest metro systems in the world, and they keep it that way with strict enforcement. The moment you cross that yellow line into the paid area, your snacks must stay in your bag.
•The Trap: This includes chewing gum, water, and even betel nuts.
•The Law: Mass Rapid Transit Act, Article 50.
•Penalty: NT1,500 – NT7,500 (€45 – €220 approx).
Pro Tip: Finish your espresso or bubble tea before you tap your EasyCard. Even a quick sip of water can technically get you flagged!
2. No "Creative" Street Crossing (Jaywalking)
In many cities, if the road is empty, you cross. In Taiwan? Not so fast. Traffic police and "tech-policing" cameras are everywhere.
•The Trap: Crossing the street outside of a designated zebra crossing or ignoring a red "Don’t Walk" man.
•Penalty: NT$500 fine (€15 approx) and a potential lecture on road safety
Pro Tip: Always wait for the green light, even if the street looks deserted. It’s safer and cheaper!
3. Beware of "Freelance" Tours on Social Media
Found a "hidden gem" tour on Instagram or a local "friend" offering a paid guided hike? Be careful. Taiwan requires all tour guides and operators to be strictly licensed.
•The Trap: Joining an unlicensed tour or acting as a paid guide for others without a permit.
•The Law: Act for the Development of Tourism, Article 59.
•Penalty: A massive NT30,000 to NT1.5 Million (€900 – €44,000+).
Pro Tip: Only book through reputable platforms (like KKDAY or GetYourGuide) or licensed travel agencies. If a "guide" asks you to pretend you're just "friends" if the police ask—run!
Taiwan is a paradise for travelers who love culture, food, and safety. By respecting these local laws, you’re not just avoiding fines—you’re showing respect to the beautiful culture that makes Taiwan so special.
Ready to explore? Make sure you’ve filled out your Online Arrival Card (TWAC) within 72 hours of landing to breeze through immigration!
Are you heading to Taiwan soon? Which of these laws surprised you the most?
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Planning a trip to Taiwan often feels like a tug-of-war between city sightseeing and mountain escapes. How do you fit the hot springs of Jiaoxi, the ancient forests of Taipingshan, and the legendary Alishan sunrise into one week without burning out?
After navigating the logistics from Taipei to the southern peaks, we’ve mapped out the perfect 8-day circuit. This guide covers the exact transit routes and the secret to timing your Alishan hike perfectly. Whether you’re flying in from Singapore or hopping over from Hong Kong, here is how to see the best of Taiwan.
Taiwan is one of those rare destinations where the reality actually lives up to the postcard. From the hot springs in Jiaoxi to the bone-chilling (but beautiful) 4:00 AM wake-up call in Alishan, every mile of this trip offers something unique.
Before you pack your bags:
The Pro Tip: Book your Puyuma and Alishan forest train tickets at least 2 weeks in advance—they will sell out.
The Foodie Edit: Don't skip the savory soy milk breakfast on your last day in Taipei; it’s the ultimate comfort food before a long flight.
I want to hear from you! Are you a "city explorer" who lives for Taipei’s night markets, or a "nature seeker" heading straight for the mountains? Drop a comment below or tag me in your Taiwan travel photos!
SAVE MONEY ON YOUR TRAVEL HERE!!!
ExpediaBooking.com, Hostelworld: Your one-stop-shop for hotel and hostel bookings. Find your perfect home away from home with Expedia's extensive listings.
KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.
GetYourGuide: Don't just visit your destination — experience it. Book your activities with GetYourGuide!
ABBEY: During our Taiwan trip, we stayed in several hotels across different destinations. Each one offered something unique, from convenient city access to relaxing hot springs and even a historic forest retreat.
Our first stop was Check Inn Taipei Main Station. The hotel is only a few minutes away from both Taipei Main Station and Ximending, making it a convenient base for exploring the city. We arrived much earlier than the official check-in time, but the staff kindly stored our luggage so we could start our Taipei adventure right away. By the time we returned, the city lights were already on. The room was quite compact, which is common for city hotels, but the hot shower had strong pressure and was exactly what we needed after a long day exploring Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area. It was simple, comfortable, and perfect for recharging.
Our next accommodation was Hotel Pin Jiaoxi, located in the famous hot spring town of Jiaoxi. Upon arrival at the station, a complimentary hotel pickup was already waiting for us. Compared to our previous stay, the room here felt like an upgrade. The highlight was definitely the private hot spring bath inside the room. We could draw water directly from the hot spring and enjoy a relaxing soak whenever we wanted.
Hotel Pin also impressed us with its generous amenities. Afternoon and evening snacks were available, including soy bean curd, nachos, popcorn, and chicken nuggets. Drinks such as wine, juice, coffee, and tea were also provided. Each floor had water refill stations so guests could easily fill their bottles. For entertainment, the hotel offered arcade games like basketball, foosball, air hockey, and console games. There is also an outdoor hot spring area for guests who want a different soaking experience. The location is another plus. Restaurants, bakeries, fast food chains, and even a casino are within walking distance. There is also a convenience store nearby where I happily grabbed a Coke Slurpee.
One of the highlights of our trip was staying at Alishan Hotel. We decided to splurge a little because this hotel sits right in the heart of the forest within Alishan National Scenic Area. The hotel itself has a long history and has hosted notable figures, including Lee Kuan Yew.
After arriving via the hotel’s complimentary shuttle from the train station, we were warmly welcomed at the lobby. Along with our room key, we were also given tickets for the famous Alishan Sunrise Train, which many visitors take to watch the sunrise over the mountains. Our room was slightly bigger than the one we had at Hotel Pin, but what truly stood out was the breathtaking view of the surrounding forest. The mini bar was also complimentary.
Next to the lobby is the hotel restaurant where we enjoyed both breakfast and dinner, which were included in our stay. The buffet selection was extensive. Dumplings, roasted beef, noodles, braised fish, chicken feet, pizza, ice cream, and many other dishes were available. Honestly, those two meals were enough that you could easily skip lunch. Before heading out for a walk or preparing for the sunrise viewing, guests can also enjoy complimentary tea throughout the day. I particularly liked the ginger tea, although the following day it was replaced with oolong tea. The staff even arranged a shuttle to the station after our checkout, despite the timing being outside the usual schedule. The service was nothing short of excellent.
Our final stay was at Roaders Plus Hotel Taipei Station, where we spent three days and two nights. This stay was actually a reward from my office. The hotel is very close to Taipei Main Station, which makes it extremely convenient when traveling with luggage to and from the airport. It is also within easy reach of popular areas such as Ximending and the well-known Raohe Night Market.
At the lobby, guests can enjoy complimentary coffee and tea, along with afternoon snacks starting at 2 PM. Before heading up to the room, we usually grabbed a few bottles of water for hydration. The room itself was clean, quiet, and comfortable. It was not particularly large, but there was enough space to move around and organize our luggage. Most importantly, the bed, pillows, and sheets gave us a good night’s sleep every day after exploring Taipei.
Roaders Plus Hotel Taipei lobby carousel and snacks
WILL: Choosing the right hotel depends on your purpose. Sometimes you just need a bed to sleep in; other times, the hotel is the vacation. Since Taiwan doesn't have many Ibis hotels (our usual favorite), we explored local options.
Whether it’s a budget stay or a luxury splurge, we always scrutinize reviews and YouTube videos before booking. Here is our honest experience staying in Taipei, Jiaoxi, and Alishan.
1. Check Inn (Taipei Main Station)
Best for: Short stays and transit.
Price: ~TWD 4,347 per night.
We chose this hotel specifically for its location. It is within walking distance of Taipei Main Station (perfect for tours to waterfalls and lanterns) and just a street away from the beautiful 228 Peace Memorial Park.
• The Room: Very small. If you have huge luggage, you might want to skip this one. We could only open one medium suitcase at a time, and there wasn't much space to hang clothes.
• Amenities: They surprisingly provided slippers, and the bed and bathroom were decent.
• Verdict: Good for a quick one-night crash, but not for lounging.
2. Hotel Pin (Jiaoxi Onsen)
Best for: Relaxation and value for money.
Price: ~TWD 7,667 for two nights.
This is a fantastic Onsen (Hot Spring) hotel in Jiaoxi. It felt worth every cent because of the "extras":
4. Free Evening Snacks served around 8:00 PM.5. Private Hot Spring Tub right in your room!
Note: They do not provide slippers or dental kits, so remember to bring your own! It’s also very close to the Jiaoxi Hot Spring Park.
3. Alishan House / Alishan Hotel
Best for: Luxury, nature lovers, and VIP treatment.
Price: ~SGD 888 for two nights.
This is the oldest hotel in Taiwan and has hosted dignitaries from around the world. Since it’s located inside the Alishan National Forest Area, it fills up fast—book at least 3 months in advance!
• The Perks: They provide a free shuttle that is very frequent. They even give you a free ticket for the famous Alishan Sunrise session.
• The Food: The buffet is incredible. They serve high-quality beef and lamb, and the menu changes every day so you never get bored.
• The Room: Your mini-bar (beer, juice, chips) is refilled daily for free!
• Verdict: 100% worth the splurge to be surrounded by century-old trees.
4. Roaders Plus Hotel (Taipei)
Best for: Families and fun vibes.
Price: Check their website for current deals.
Don't let the old building exterior fool you. Once you reach the lobby, it’s like a playground! There is a carousel, plus free boxes of chips and candies for guests.
• The Room: Much bigger than Check Inn. We could easily open two medium luggages.
• Service: The staff were very attentive to all our requests.
• Verdict: A great, whimsical choice for staying in the heart of Taipei.
Quick Summary for Taiwan Travelers
No matter which one you choose, all these hotels offered:
ExpediaBooking.com, Hostelworld: Your one-stop-shop for hotel and hostel bookings. Find your perfect home away from home with Expedia's extensive listings.
KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.
GetYourGuide: Don't just visit your destination — experience it. Book your activities with GetYourGuide!
