Taiwan Airport Arrival Guide: Tips for First-Time Visitors (2025)
some notes i took when arriving in taiwan in feb 2025
this post is part of the root-seeking journey series
1. Be Careful with Bringing Food with You
For prevention of African swine fever all hand luggage is checked thoroughly after arrival at the airport. Anything containing meat is strictly forbidden and will be fined, if not declared. Fresh fruits & vegetables are also not allowed, which is why I had to let my apple go. (This would have been a fine of 3,200 NTD)
Afterwards, I continued to another station to fill out my entry permit and after getting my passport stamp entered the luggage pick up hall.
It was perfect timing that I immediately saw my suitcase at the conveyor belt and could smoothly find my way to the exit door.
2. Enter the Lucky Draw
Pro tip for non-Taiwanese citizens:
Register 1-7 days before arrival here for a NT$5,000 prize for foreign tourists. Unfortunately, you can’t register anymore once you have arrived.
But you should check if you have won once you arrived. Check out the website for more information.
3. SIM Card
For obvious reasons accessing the internet is one of the most important things in modern times. I checked the local mobile shops at the airport. But after googling for E-SIMs using airport wifi, I found cheaper alternatives. (After using Bing and Baidu in Mainland China for months, Google somehow felt like a relief)
Getnomad offered 20GB/30days for 14 USD, which was half of what physical SIM cards would have cost.
(Update: Found a better deal via Klook)
4. Exchange Money
Unlike Mainland China, cash is still frequently used in Taiwan. Especially in rural areas it might be difficult/impossible to pay by card or withdraw money with a foreign credit card. The airport has many exchange services, you won’t miss them on your way out.
Many ATMs don’t charge fees for withdrawing money with foreign credit cards, in that case it is best to avoid ATMs in supermarkets.
I’d recommend exchanging 5,000NTD - 10,000NTD (140€ - 280€) to begin with.
LinePay and ApplePay are the most used cashless options, so make sure to set it up beforehand.
5. Buy an EasyCard
EasyCard is a top-up card that you can use for using public transport and even as payment in some shops.
You can purchase it at the machine at the MRT entrance (or at a Klook station) for a non-refundable 100 NTD and an additional top up amount (I’d recommend 200 – 500 NTD).
6. Take the MRT
The Airport MRT offers two train options to Taipei:
Express Train (Direct Train): 160 NTD, takes about 35-40 minutes to Taipei Main Station.
Commuter Train (Local Train): 160 NTD, takes about 50 minutes to Taipei Main Station, with more stops on the way.
7. Essential Practicalities
Electricity Plugs: Taiwan uses Type A/B plugs with 110V (same as in USA/Japan). Coming from Europe, you’ll need an adapter. I bought mine in Taipei in a POYA drugstore.
Language: English signage is common in major cities and tourist areas. In rural areas, it may be limited, so download a Translator App of your choice beforehand. In Taiwan, Traditional Chinese is used (different from Mainland’s Simplified Chinese).
Resources: I really enjoyed reading the travel blogs by Nick Kembel or Robert Schrader while travelling. This hiking blog has been a good read as well. Other than that, I can recommend to checkout Klook for deals.
Enjoy your time on this wonderful island! 🥥