Expats moving to Taipei can look forward to a global city that presents a seamless blend of history and modernity. The pace is frenetic and change is constant. The metropolis hums with the activity of millions of people living, working and entertaining themselves – all of which happens under the shadow of Taipei 101, one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers and the defining image of the Taiwanese capital.

Living in Taipei as an expat

Expats working in Taipei are positioned at the economic centre of Taiwan. The city has exhibited a steady growth which is driven by high-tech industries, manufacturing and an expanding services sector.

Accommodation consists mostly of apartment living, which can be small, old fashioned and come free of all furnishings, including appliances. Fortunately, foreigners working in the city will have access to Taiwan's excellent and heavily subsidised public healthcare system.   

Despite its large population being concentrated in a small area, getting around in Taipei is easy. Expats will be able to navigate the city using the MRT subway system and an abundance of yellow cabs. Scooters outnumber cars on the road and provide a convenient, popular and thrilling mode of transport.

Taipei is at the heart of Taiwanese culture, and lifestyle in the city is characterised by its fantastic food. From tasty fare at five-star hotels to xiaochi snacks served at street level, Taipei is a culinary wonderland. Its almost endless choices reflect the history of the city, combining the influences of indigenous tribes as well as Chinese and Japanese cuisine. As the capital, it is also the most Westernised city in Taiwan, making it a little easier for Western expats to find the things they miss from home.

Cost of living in Taipei

The cost of living in the city is generally quite high by Taiwanese standards. Western goods are expensive and accommodation can also be rather pricey. That said, living outside of the city centre can decrease these costs. 

While certain things are expensive in Taipei, public transport and local goods and produce are not among them. Eating out at local Taiwanese restaurants is also extremely cheap. 

Expat families and children

The standard of education is excellent in Taiwan. There are a number of International schools in the city that tend to be favoured by expats over the local schools. That said, international schools are extremely expensive and expats should take this into consideration when negotiating their salary. 

Parents looking to entertain their kids on the weekends will discover a variety of family-friendly activities and attractions in the city. Whether looking for educational fun, such as at a science museum or the Taipei Zoo, or a thrilling day at a water or theme park, it's always possible to find something to do with the kids no matter the weather.

Climate in Taipei

Taipei has a subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. It rains throughout the year, although the summer months are the wettest. Typhoon season generally sets in from July and lasts right through to the end of September. Although temperatures cool down dramatically during the winter months, they tend to stay above 50ºF (10ºC). 

Although it is densely urban, Taipei is close enough to the natural beauty of the Taiwanese countryside and beaches, contributing to the attractions of a city that offers expats prosperity and a high quality of life.

Taipei strikes a wonderful balance between the pros and cons of living in East Asia. It’s less polluted and has fewer big boulevards than Beijing, is friendlier than Hong Kong, cheaper and easier to assimilate into than Tokyo, and warmer than Seoul.

Many people who move to Taipei end up staying long term and cite the ease with which they made friends in Taiwan, its accessibility, the opportunities to learn Chinese, the variety of geography and outdoor activities, the laid-back culture and delicious food as key reasons for this.

On the other hand, many new arrivals feel that Taipei seems more intense and dirtier than what they are used to back home. It can be difficult to adjust to the weather, the traffic and some elements of business culture but, on the whole, most foreigners enjoy all of the great things that Taipei has to offer. As such, most people leave Taipei – if they leave at all – with great memories, happy for the time they spent living in Taiwan.

Accommodation in Taipei

+ PRO: Accommodation in Taiwan is comparatively cheap

It's possible to get an apartment in downtown Taipei for about a third of the cost of those in major Western or Japanese cities. Expats stand a realistic chance of finding comparatively affordable accommodation that is centrally located and close to convenient transportation routes. If accommodation in Taipei does seem to be too expensive, the cheaper inner suburbs are convenient and often have easy MRT (subway) access.

+ PRO: Apartments in Taiwan are bigger than elsewhere in East Asia

Living spaces tend to be larger than in Japan – bedrooms are often small but living rooms will be on par with apartments in the West. Utilities are good and fairly easy to set up, including air conditioning and wireless internet. Other luxuries, like an oven or clothes dryer, can be bought fairly cheaply, as most apartments don’t come with these furnishings. 

- CON: Many apartments are older and don’t have elevators

If accommodation isn't being arranged through a company, expats may find themselves looking at a lot of unregistered fifth-floor 'walkups' that don't have elevator access. Living on the top floor of an older building also leaves tenants vulnerable to roof leaks and, in the summer, exceedingly hot rooms. If the low price and living conditions of these top-floor apartments suit one's needs, then they can be a good option. Otherwise, it may be worth waiting until better accommodation becomes available. 

- CON: Apartments in Taipei tend to look 'cheap'

Apartments in Taipei are often painted in cheap white paint, and some landlords prohibit painting over. Flooring tends to be cheap tile and the metal bars and textured glass windows are not aesthetically pleasing. 

Lifestyle in Taipei

+ PRO: Life in Taipei is characterised by convenience 

Unless moving to the outer suburbs of Taipei, expats will likely be within walking distance of a few convenience stores, one or two supermarkets, a wet market, a few coffee shops and cheap and delicious local restaurants. 

Convenience stores are everywhere, and they operate differently to those in the West. In addition to selling groceries and other typical goods, they also offer services such as seating areas, printing centres and counters where residents can pay their utility bills.

+ PRO: Cafes and nightlife options abound

Whatever expats like – from quiet cafes, swanky see-and-be-seen lounges, neighbourhood bars, student dives, expat hangouts, pool halls or thumping nightclubs – Taipei has it all. There are also plenty of bistros and shopping streets. Taiwan is famous for its lively night markets, which stay open until about midnight, even on weekdays, and feature better shopping and eating than one might find in the liveliest city centres elsewhere.

+ PRO: Accessible foreign food and English language books

One can generally find a variety of cuisine options in Taipei. Indian, Thai, Mainland Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, German and French food are all popular, and many American chain restaurants have established themselves in Taipei.

There are some large bookstores offering English books, including travel guides, and a few used bookstores with fair selections.

+ PRO: Outdoor sports

Hiking, biking, river tracing, camping, paragliding, surfing and other outdoor sports are extremely popular in Taipei. Taiwan has scenic natural geography with a varied coastline, a few beaches, towering mountains, paddy-covered plains, rivers and high waterfalls, gorges and cliffs, and plenty of opportunities to get out into nature. It’s far easier to get out of the city than in most major Western cities. Northern Taipei has hills and mountains, and some hikes can be done within the city limits.

- CON: Wet weather

It rains a lot in Taipei. From late November to early April one can expect few sunny days. Autumn (mid-September to mid-November) is beautiful, often clear and sunny and is punctuated by the occasional late-season typhoon. Winter is an almost constant procession of grey clouds that cover the sky. Spring is hot, humid and interspersed with frequent, sudden downpours and thunderstorms known as 'plum rains'. Summer is also humid and hot with typhoons and thunderstorms on many afternoons – and then the cycle repeats. Many expats take holidays mid-winter just to escape the incessant grey weather.

- CON: Pollution

Although it’s noticeably less polluted than China and far cleaner than it was even 10 or 20 years ago, Taipei is not known for its crisp, clean air. Occasionally the dust of a sandstorm or a gust of pollution from China blows down to Taiwan, and occasionally the smog comes from local industry. 

Getting around in and outside of Taipei

+ PRO: Public transport in Taipei is great

Taipei has some of the best public transport in the world – a clean, safe and on-time MRT system and comprehensive bus system. This means that, while many foreigners choose to buy scooters and get around as locals often do, it's far from necessary. Those living in Taipei will never need a car or scooter.

- CON: Heavy traffic in Taipei

Many foreigners are put off by the Taiwanese road culture which results in speeding, disregard of traffic laws and congested roads. There are limited sidewalks and where they do exist, they can be uneven and difficult to navigate. Traffic signs tend to be in English but intersections can be extremely busy and confusing. Scooter accidents are common, and some expats complain about the noise levels near major thoroughfares.

- CON: Public transport is limited outside of Taipei

Outside of Taipei expats will need a car or scooter – buses are less frequent and only Kaohsiung in the south has another MRT system. It can be difficult to get around the rest of Taiwan without owning a car and although trains and buses go to most destinations, it can be difficult to get to the countryside from the bus or train station.

Travelling outside of Taipei

+ PRO: Lots of countryside to explore

Just outside of Taipei is an impressive collection of mountains with winding roads and breathtaking views. Head straight south and one will hit the cultural heartland of Taiwan, with towns and cities such as Sanxia, Daxi, Beipu, Sanyi, Lugang, Tainan, Meinong and Donggang preserving elements of traditional Taiwanese arts and lifestyle. There are also many fantastic national parks that often display unique geographical features. As such, there's much to do outside of Taipei.

+ PRO: Proximity to great holiday destinations 

From Taiwan, it's cheap and easy to take short trips to Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and most of Southeast Asia. India is even within affordable reach. Guam and Palau are popular vacation spots with locals and foreigners alike. With the advent of direct flights between China and Taiwan, visiting China is also easier than ever (although getting a visa may not be). 

- CON: Lack of direct flights from Taiwan

For all destinations outside of this corner of Asia, one generally needs to catch connecting flights. Direct flights to major cities such as New York and London exist, but they are expensive and usually involve a transfer in Hong Kong or Tokyo.

Education and schools in Taipei

+ PRO: Taipei has excellent private schools

Taiwan has a developed world school system which is competitive and holds students to high standards. The international schools are excellent, although there aren’t many of them. They provide a Western-style education in Taipei.

- CON: Taiwanese traditional teaching styles and cram schools

Students get an overwhelming amount of homework and learning tends to be rote learning rather than being based in critical thinking. Many parents will say that these local schools are fantastic – they help children learn more, review more and understand more, and help them score more highly on Taiwan’s important placement tests. That said, most Westerners feel that the amount of time Taiwanese students spend in class just to compete at the most basic level is too much.

Healthcare in Taipei

+PRO: Taiwan's National Health Insurance 

Public healthcare in Taiwan is excellent, heavily-subsidised and accessible. If working or studying here one is eligible for it.

Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) doesn’t cover checkups but it does make treatment, medication, dental and vision care and hospitalisation affordable. If an expat passes the health check required to get a long-term visa in Taiwan and gets an Alien Resident Card, they will be covered by Taiwanese public healthcare.

- CON: National Health Insurance in Taiwan is concerned with survival and treatment and not quality of life

Often the most comfortable, easiest treatments are not covered (or not covered initially) because they improve quality of life but not survival rates. 

If one is sick and needs a certain medication, there are regulations as to what can be prescribed first – and what can be given after that if the first drug doesn’t work. Doctors are not always free to just prescribe the medication they feel will be most effective.

Expats working in Taipei will find themselves at the centre of the Taiwanese economy. The city prides itself as a global leader in electronics and industrial manufacturing. The country’s improved trade relationships and proximity to China have also led to more business opportunities in Taipei. 

Foreigners need a work permit for Taiwan to legally take up employment, a process that must be started by a local employer.

Job market in Taipei

There are many employment opportunities for foreigners in Taipei. That said, aside from company transfers, opportunities for expats in Taiwan are concentrated in a few industries, such as IT, English teaching, translation, international trade and journalism. There are many English-language publications, so qualified expats may find work with a newspaper, magazine or with other publishers. Long-term residents often start up their own businesses, including bars, bakeries and restaurants. 

If an expat has the right kind of qualifications, however, they may be able to find a job opportunity in their field. It's common to meet foreigners working in tech companies, accounting firms, banks, finance companies, pharmaceutical firms and more.

Finding a job in Taipei

Most foreigners with senior positions in Taipei have been transferred to the city by their company back home. Apart from this, it can be difficult to find a senior position, as most companies try to hire locally.

Expats searching for jobs in Taipei should look for listings on online job portals and through local publications. As there are many multinational companies in Taipei, job seekers should also visit company-specific websites to see if any positions have been posted. Otherwise, expats should approach recruitment agencies who represent companies in Taiwan. 

Work culture in Taipei

One major complaint by expats and locals alike is that the 8am to 5pm workday in Taipei actually consists of longer hours than initially advertised. Expats may be asked to work on weekends and might get emails or phone calls from work as late as 10pm. It isn't uncommon for employers to expect their employees to finish projects or conduct research in their personal time.

Teachers and other hourly-wage workers may find themselves with more unpaid work than they think is fair. While it's uncommon for locals to protest these incursions into personal time, if they are polite, it is possible for expats to establish boundaries regarding what they are willing to do and when they are willing to do it.

Business culture in Taiwan, in accordance with Confucian principles, sees maintaining a sense of harmony by carefully controlling one’s interpersonal relationships as paramount. According to this line of thought, the most important aspects of business culture in Taiwan are ‘face’ and guanxi (relationships).

Creating and sustaining relationships are integral to doing business in Taiwan. Expats should take note of the practices that support this concept, like gift-giving, and should avoid rushing business dealings in order to allow for relationships to develop.

‘Face’ is a complicated concept relating to a person’s dignity, prestige and reputation. Giving face, saving face and avoiding losing face is extremely important in business in Taiwan. Expats should therefore avoid doing or saying anything that will embarrass or bring shame to the company. Causing a collective group to 'lose face' has an extremely negative impact on business relations in Taiwan.

Although the cost of living is much lower in rural and southern Taiwan, most new arrivals to the country settle in Taipei. A comparatively expensive city, the 2022 Mercer Cost of Living Survey ranked Taipei at 28th out of 227 other popular expat cities, although this is still far below other regional hubs such as Hong Kong, Tokyo, Beijing or Singapore.

In general, if earning an expat salary, one can enjoy a higher standard of living than back home, even if the actual wage, before adjusting for purchasing power, is lower. That said, many foreigners soon discover that they can generally afford more with less money. Even as a local hire, new arrivals will probably be paid a 'foreigner' rather than a 'local' wage, especially if bilingual, and certainly if speaking English or another foreign language is considered a necessary skill for the position.

That said, Taipei has as much of a consumer culture as many large Western or Asian cities, and expat families will need to decide how much of their monthly income they are prepared to spend to maintain the lifestyle that they were living in their home countries. Western clothing and foodstuffs are generally much more expensive than local options.

Cost of accommodation in Taipei

Although higher than elsewhere in Taiwan, housing in Taipei is generally affordable, as renting and living centrally is not as expensive as it might be in Western cities.

On the other hand, it's prohibitively expensive to buy property in Taipei, as real estate costs are similar to those in more expensive countries.

Cost of food and eating out in Taipei

Expats will be astonished by the depth and breadth of the options for eating out in Taipei. These range from food stalls making cheap, tasty and quick meals or snacks to restaurants offering sit-down dinners of several courses.

One downside is that it can cost as much to cook at home as it does to eat out, especially if cooking Western food. For those who prefer their own cooking or like to have total control of ingredients and the cooking process, this can be frustrating.

Drinking Western alcohol can cost more in Taipei than in the West, but going out in Taipei is still affordable. Even Taipei’s fanciest bars are affordable, and most local and expat-friendly places have wallet-friendly prices as well.

Cost of transport in Taipei

Getting around in Taipei is both easy and affordable thanks to the city's extensive and reliable public transport network. Most expats find owning a car an unnecessary expense and choose to travel on the MRT or the city's buses. Thrifty expats can purchase a smart card to access both the MRT and buses, this will also provide discounts.

Taxis are also available, although they are comparatively pricier than public transport, they are still affordable by global standards.

Cost of education in Taipei

Expats may be surprised by the lack of English language schools in Taipei, owing to the city's large English-speaking community. Expat parents who would like their children to learn in English will have to budget for the exorbitant fees associated with international schools or send their children to one of Taipei's highly religious English schools.

Those with young children have the option of enrolling their children in Taipei's highly regarded schools at a fraction of the cost of international schools.

Cost of goods in Taipei

Goods tend to be cheaper in Taiwan than they are in the US or UK. With all the street stalls selling accessories and the affordability of decor and furniture, items tends to be cheaper than in other countries.

Although many goods in Taipei are cheap, they are often poorly made. This is especially true when it comes to textiles and some electronics brands. Sheets, pillows, blankets, towels and curtains tend to be of inferior quality, and many are made of synthetic, even plastic-like fabrics.

Despite the abundance of inexpensive goods, imported luxury brands are costly due to high import duties.

Cost of living in Taiwan chart 

Prices may vary depending on product and service provider. The list below shows average prices for Taipei in January 2023.

Depending on an expat’s reasons for relocating, accommodation in Taipei can differ dramatically. Senior businesspeople moving with their families will want different housing than, say, expats looking to teach English in the city for a few years.

Housing in Taipei is expensive. Although there are efforts to bring prices down, they are expected to stay high for the foreseeable future.

The most expensive accommodation in Taipei is located in the areas closest to the city centre and prices decrease as one moves to the periphery. To save on rent, some expats opt to share an apartment.

Types of accommodation in Taipei

Regardless of wealth, most real estate in the city is found in the form of secure apartment blocks that have stair access to upper floors. Elevators are scarce except in the most luxurious complexes.

The Taiwanese measure floor space in a unit of measurement called ping, where one ping is equivalent to 3.3 square metres. Expats will find that by Western standards, apartments in Taiwan are extremely small and close together with little outdoor space.

Finding accommodation in Taipei

In many cases, employers will provide assistance in finding accommodation or will include free accommodation as part of an employment package. If this is the case, expats should investigate the arrangement. Aside from apartments in Taipei being smaller than Western apartments, accepting a lower salary in lieu of an accommodation allowance may not always be the best decision.

For young expats moving to Taipei to teach English, it's possible to find flatshares quite easily through expat social media groups. This saves money and can create an opportunity to make meaningful social connections.

It may be wise for new arrivals to first spend some time in temporary accommodation while they explore the city. This allows expats to get a feel for the options available and to visit potential apartments before settling on a lease.

Expats who don’t speak Mandarin and who don’t have a friend or colleague to help them should consider enlisting an English-speaking estate agent to help their search for accommodation. Most real-estate agencies charge one month's rent for their services. Expats can also search for accommodation through online property portals, some of which list properties in English. 

Renting accommodation in Taipei

Deposits

A deposit equivalent to three months of rent is typically required upon the signing of a lease, depending on the landlord. That said, it's often possible to negotiate that this payment is made in instalments.

Leases

Most leases are for 12 or 24 months and tenants are billed monthly on the same date until the end of the lease. 

Furnished or unfurnished

There are both unfurnished and furnished apartments in Taipei, and it is sometimes possible to negotiate for appliances or furniture to be included in the rent. Major appliances such as refrigerators and stoves may or may not be provided. There isn’t a standard that landlords are required to adhere to, but most will expect to negotiate prices, so it is sometimes possible to get a cheaper price.

Note that Taiwanese kitchens seldom have stove and oven units. The same goes for dishwashers. A normal kitchen consists of a refrigerator, gas stove and microwave.

Utilities

Expats can rest assured that electricity, water and gas will almost certainly be hooked up and ready to use before moving in. Utilities are affordable in Taiwan and tenants will start to pay from the first moment they use any of them. In Taipei, utility bills don't come every month but every two to three months depending on the utility company. They can be paid at any 7/11 convenience store, which are open 24 hours a day, the bank, post office or through their landlord.

Refuse is required by law to be separated according to different recyclable materials e.g. plastic, glass, paper, cans. Some apartment blocks have a communal area where refuse can be left at any time and is collected by refuse trucks. If one does not have such an area, however, residents are required to personally take out refuse when the trucks come around, and throw rubbish bags into the truck themselves. These trucks usually play a jingle that makes it easy to identify. They service different neighbourhoods on specific days and times.

The best places to live in Taipei

Taipei is a compact city, meaning that just about any area can be convenient to live in, but it's also densely populated. This can make getting around slower than one might think. 

Each area and suburb of Taipei has its own unique qualities and there are plenty of options for expats looking for accommodation.

Quiet and family-friendly areas in Taipei

While expats in various life circumstances will enjoy living in these areas, they are also well suited to families as they're less busy and more suburban than other areas in the city.

Danshui

The Danshui area is located at the northern terminal station of the Danshui MRT line. The area is quiet, with a small-town feel, and is close to some beautiful beaches. There's much for expats to enjoy in Danshui. Residents can travel to the mouth of the Danshui River and enjoy a day out of the city, take in Danshui’s old street for unique gifts and food, or hop on a bus out to Fisherman’s Wharf to enjoy the catch of the day and check out Hong Mao Fort on the way back – a beautifully maintained historical site from the days of Portuguese settlers.

The downside to Danshui is that there are fewer amenities and it's a long commute into Taipei for work. The area can also be crowded during the summer months

Da’an

Da’an is predominantly home to families. Many expats choose to live here for its convenient location close to work and for its family friendly atmosphere. There are plenty of excellent places in this neighbourhood to eat, hang out and play. Among these is the popular Da’an Forest Park, one of the city’s largest green spaces. Close by are the Jade and Flower markets, which are open on weekends, as well as the Zhongxiao Dunhua and Fuxing shopping areas.

Housing is relatively affordable, and there are great amenities in Da'an, but it's heavily populated and public transport is a bit more limited.

Dazhi/Neihu

Just across the Dahan Stream lies the Dazhi District. Largely residential, it provides a convenient respite from the city’s bustle. Residents can enjoy Dazhi’s riverside park areas, complete with paved bike paths that stretch across the city.

Neihu is home to a thriving community of multinational companies, high-rise luxury apartments and green spaces that entice and encourage family living without the commute. It hosts some of Taipei’s largest stores such as Costco, Carrefour and RT-Mart, and expats can enjoy world-class shopping at Miramar Entertainment Park, where kids can take a ride on a huge Ferris wheel.

Songshan

Songshan is another favourite option for expat families who want to live in a quieter neighbourhood. Located just north of Zhongxiao Road, Songshan features a variety of restaurants, neighbourhood parks and older apartments. It tends to be one of the more expensive areas but is a great place to raise a family in a convenient location. Each small neighbourhood-within-a-neighbourhood is designed to meet all a family's needs. The area is well connected via the Songshan Airport and Songshan train station, and there is lots to see and do.

Young, upbeat areas in Taipei

Young foreigners tend to enjoy living in these areas as they're centres of nightlife and urban culture. 

Shida/Guting/Gonguan

These are Taipei’s official student areas, dominated by an eclectic mix of foreigners and locals. This makes for a colourful melting pot of food, fashion and culture. Shida (National Taiwan Normal University) is Taipei’s liberal arts campus. A short distance away is Taipei’s premier university, Taida (National Taiwan University). The large population of students make this an affordable and interesting place from which to enjoy Taipei. 

Xinyi

The glass and steel heart of Taipei, Xinyi is young and modern. The district has all the trappings of a modern city. Many of the best restaurants, nightclubs and designer-shopping opportunities are available here. Whether looking to have a beer, dance the night away in a nightclub, shop for the latest styles, or take in a movie at Warner Village, Xinyi District has it all.

The system of healthcare in Taipei is well regarded, both in the public and private sectors. Medical facilities are modern and well equipped, and most doctors speak English, though their proficiency differs. 

As part of government efforts to improve national infrastructure and offer civic services, the Taiwanese Universal Health Insurance (NHI) programme was created and made available to residents in 1995. Expats living in Taiwan for more than six months or who hold an Alien Resident Card (ARC) are required to join the NHI. With the NHI, expats using one of Taiwan's excellent public health facilities are given access to heavily subsidised medical care.

Although public hospitals are world-class, many inpatient services that are standard in the West may not be provided at Taiwanese public facilities and patients seeking treatment may experience long waiting times.

Many expats therefore also utilise Taiwan's high-quality private care in order to avoid long waiting times, to receive better patient care and to access a greater choice of treatment options. Private healthcare in Taiwan is expensive, so those planning to make use of this sector should explore their private health insurance options.

Pharmacies are widely available across Taipei, with many doctors having pharmacies attached to their rooms.

Hospitals in Taipei

Website: www.tahsda.org.tw
Address: 424, Section 2, Bade Road, Songshan District

Tri-Service General Hospital

Website: www.tsgh.ndmctsgh.edu.tw
Address: 325, Section 2, Chenggong Road, Neihu District

Expats may find the lack of English-speaking schools in Taipei surprising. Although they do exist, most of these are either highly religious or one of several expensive international schools.

On the other hand, those open to raising Mandarin-speaking children have many excellent options to choose from, as Taiwanese schools meet high global standards. That said, Western children should be prepared for a more pressured school experience than they may be used to.

Parents should also consider commute times when choosing a school. Traffic is highly congested and travelling can take a long time. On the plus side, public transport in Taipei is excellent and makes it easier for children to make their own way to school.

Both local and international schools in Taipei begin the school year in August or September. The year consists of two semesters; the first semester ends with a break for Chinese New Year and the second ends with a break for summer holidays.

Public schools in Taipei

Education in Taiwan falls under the Ministry of Education, and the system regularly produces students with some of the best mathematics and science scores in the world. 

On the downside, Taiwanese schools are often criticised for placing too much emphasis on rote learning and not enough on creativity and independent thought. Students have long days, often attending private 'cram schools' between 4pm and 9pm to improve their English before returning home to do their homework.

When it comes to public schooling, Taiwan is a good choice for expats wanting to move to a country where their children can learn in a Chinese-speaking environment while receiving a high standard of education.

International schools in Taipei

International schools are usually the preferred option for foreigners in Taiwan, although there are surprisingly few international schooling options to choose from. As such, space is often limited and waiting lists can be extensive. Expats should therefore apply well in advance to ensure a place for their child at their preferred school.

International schools in Taiwan are prohibited by law from accepting Taiwanese students who do not hold a second passport. As a result, international schools are mostly attended by expat children. These schools are usually expensive and those moving to Taiwan as part of a corporate relocation should factor school fees into any salary negotiations.

Special-needs education in Taipei

The Taiwan government has a system of inclusion in place for the education of children with disabilities. Most disabled children are educated in mainstream schools with extra assistance in classes, unless their disabilities are too severe. If this is the case, they are either taught in separate classes in the school, or they attend a special school. 

Education at special schools and in special needs classes at mainstream schools focuses on providing students with professional skills. Students are also encouraged, through free tuition, to take vocational subjects at senior high level. 

Not all schools have the resources to accept disabled children, and expat parents should therefore do some research into this before applying. That said, some international schools in the city have both the facilities and trained teachers to assist all children with their educational needs.

Tutoring in Taipei

Tutoring is quite a big industry in Taiwan, especially when it comes to learning languages. While many of the local children attend cram schools after their regular school day, which is a form of tutoring, there is also a large industry for private and online tutors. Expat children may benefit from private lessons with a Mandarin tutor, while many Taiwanese children have English tutors.

Tutors are not only helpful for language classes but can also help children get up to speed and adjust to their new school curriculum, or with particular problem subjects. 

Sites such as MyPrivateTutor, ApprentUs and Tutoroo have listings for available tutors in Taiwan and are good places for expat parents to start searching for a private tutor for their child.  

Due to the high pressures placed on children in public schools in Taipei, most expat parents prefer enrolling their children in international schools. There are surprisingly few international schooling options to choose from in Taipei, however. As such, space is often limited and waiting lists can be extensive. Expats should apply well in advance to ensure a place for their child at their preferred school.

Below are our recommendations for international schools in Taipei.

International schools in Taipei

Acton Academy Taipei

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American
Ages: 6 to 11
Website: www.actontaipei.org

Dominican International School

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American (Catholic)
Ages: 4 to 18
Website: www.dishs.tp.edu.tw

Morrison Academy Taipei

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American (Christian)
Ages: 5 to 18
Website: www.taipei.mca.org.tw

Taipei Adventist American School

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American (Adventist)
Age: 6 to 14
Website: www.taas-taiwan.com

Taipei American School

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 4 to 18
Website: www.tas.edu.tw

Taipei European School

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, International Baccalaureate, German and French
Ages: 3 to 18
Website: www.taipeieuropeanschool.com

Initially, expats may find their lifestyle in Taipei is full of ups and downs. The city isn't necessarily the most aesthetically pleasing – marked by monoliths of glass and steel, congested boulevards and the pollution common to most major metropolises.

As a gateway between East and West, the cultural inconsistencies prevalent in Taipei can make it difficult for expats to carve out a niche in the city. For all their admiration of Western pop stars and ideology, locals often disapprove of pastimes that are fairly normal in the West. Drinking alcohol is taboo unless done in a bar or nightclub, being loud in public is looked down upon and complaining is a social faux pas.

Still, once expats become used to their surroundings they will find ample things to see and do in Taipei and get a better idea of the kind of lifestyle that they want in Taiwan's capital. 

A plethora of parks, nature reserves and rolling hills sit on the city’s edge. Further away, deserted beaches and countryside are begging to be explored during weekend breaks. The food culture is rich and unique, and shopping in Taipei is an experience in itself, whether at major malls or night markets. 

Shopping in Taipei

Shopping in Taipei will delight the discerning bargain hunters. The historical districts in central and west Taipei have many small stores lining the bustling, narrow streets, especially around the main station. Eastern Taipei has more open spaces and features shopping malls and large department stores. A number of these can also be found in the cosmopolitan Xinyi District, which is home to Taipei 101.

Nearly all of the high-end designer labels are found in shopping malls, which include the American-styled Breeze Center and Dayeh Takashimaya. Most shops open mid-morning at about 10am and close at 9pm. The Eslite Mall in Dunhua South Road is open 24 hours a day.

The Jade and Flower markets on Jianguo South Road are open during the day on weekends. The Jade Market, one of the biggest in Asia, offers good deals on gems. 

Technophile expats will be in their element at the Guang Hua Digital Plaza. Affordable, top-of-the-range electronics such as laptops and cameras are sold in stores and stalls throughout the building’s six storeys, and tech giants often unveil new products at the plaza.

Night markets 

Visiting a night market is a quintessential Taiwanese experience and a popular leisure activity. Held outdoors, the endless food stalls, game arcades and trinket peddlers create a carnival atmosphere. While they aren’t known for especially good quality, bargains are easy to find. 

Night markets are more than a shopping destination. They are an entire cultural experience that reveals much of the city’s hidden and traditional character. As the sun sets, thousands of stalls open to sell everything from pets to DIY tools and paper fans.

Markets run from 6pm to around 10.30pm. While some markets operate in the streets, others make use of built open areas.

The most popular markets are Shilin Night Market which has been open since 1899 and the Raohe Street Night Market.

Nightlife in Taipei

Although drinking culture isn't especially prevalent in Taiwan, expats have a variety of options when it comes to nightlife in Taipei. There's a wide selection of bars, nightclubs, karaoke venues and tea houses all over the city

Karaoke isn't just a source of entertainment in Taipei, but is a way of life. Casually referred to as KTV, it's popular for birthday celebrations, staff functions and weekend entertainment. Entire buildings are dedicated to karaoke with multiple floors of rooms that can be rented by the hour. Food and beer are usually sold on the premises, and many establishments are open 24 hours a day.

Another popular pastime in Taipei is tea drinking. Taiwan produces spectacular teas, most notably fragrant Oolong tea and the richer Tieguanyin tea, both of which are popular exports. There are dozens of tea houses in Taipei where expats can experience the local take on tea culture.

Eating out in Taipei

Expats unaccustomed to Asian cuisine may baulk at delicacies such as stinky tofu or Thousand Year Eggs (duck eggs kept underground for six months until the yolk is green and the white turns to jelly) but there are many other options for those with less adventurous tastes.

Conventional dishes include fried rice, noodles, steamed buns with meat fillings, dumplings and simmering pots of vegetables and meats.

Street food is cheap and delicious, and Taiwanese-style omelettes with a variety of fillings are a popular breakfast on-the-go. Take-out meals from street stalls or small neighbourhood shops are extremely cheap and it is not uncommon for people to live on a steady diet of this type of fast food. Night markets are great for snacks such as calamari and skewered squid.

Expats may find it difficult to get used to Taiwanese food. The good news for those who want to cook something familiar is that a variety of supermarkets sell Western food. Jason’s, Carrefour and Costco are popular with foreigners. Italian restaurants and chains such as Starbucks and McDonalds are also common.

Expats looking to maintain a level of fitness in Taiwan needn't worry – there's no shortage of gyms and sports centres in Taipei where they can exercise or join classes.

Fitness centres in Taipei are either private gyms which are run as independent facilities or as part of large fitness franchises or public government sport centres. There are also gyms and fitness centres associated with many large hotels and universities. The American Club Taipei has a fitness centre, courts for racquet sports and swimming facilities, and offers various classes taught by English-speaking instructors.

Public community sports centres are generally much cheaper than private gyms and do not require patrons to sign contracts. Private gyms, on the other hand, will expect patrons to sign annual or monthly agreements and sometimes commit to paying exorbitant fees. For expats looking for a gym in Taipei with an English-speaking instructor, it may be best to head for the larger national chains.

Yoga and Tai Chi groups are common, whether run through fitness centres, by independent instructors or through dedicated franchises such as True Yoga.

Schools and universities usually open their sports fields to the public on weekends, although some may charge a nominal fee for the use of some facilities, like the swimming pool or indoor gym.

Parks in Taipei

Taipei's parks are popular with locals and expats alike for jogging, cycling or walking. The city’s riverside parks have extensive cycling tracks, while community parks often have fitness classes or sport-specific facilities for tennis, basketball or skating.

Da'an Forest Park

This popular park in central Taipei (Xinsheng South Road, Da’an District) is a favourite with joggers and has an open-air stage which often features music concerts.

Youth Park

The large Youth Park in Shuiyuan Road, Wanhua District, has lots of facilities for different sports, such as basketball courts, tennis courts, a driving range, a swimming pool and a skating rink.

228 Peace Memorial Park

228 Peace memorial Park is both a historical site and recreational park, housing a number of historical buildings. It's a famous landmark and tourist attraction on Ketagalan Boulevard, in the Zhongzheng District. 

Gyms in Taipei

There are many gyms throughout Taipei, some of which belong to established multinational franchises, while other smaller local gyms also exist. 

Gyms in Taipei often host fitness, yoga and martial arts classes.

Public sports centres in Taipei

For those looking to join a sports class in Taipei, there are public sports centres throughout the city which offer both indoor training facilities and classes in everything from martial arts to shooting.

Basketball and baseball are the most popular sports in Taiwan. Some other popular sports in Taipei include tennis, badminton, volleyball, rock climbing, swimming, soccer, surfing, yoga, tai chi and kung fu. Classes offered will depend on the sports centre.

Cycling in Taipei

Cycling is a good way to get around the city itself, although, as with Taipei's ubiquitous scooters, it can be dangerous in rush-hour traffic and at busy intersections. The best places to cycle are along special bicycle paths and outside of the city. Taiwan has gone to great lengths to connect the whole island by bike trails with the result that people can cycle almost anywhere along rivers, near beaches, and on country trails. There are some guided cycling tours as well.

The Dan Shui Riverside Cycling Path (also for joggers) is a popular, well-maintained cycling path in Taipei that starts at the Tam Sui MRT station and progresses through mangrove swamplands.

Taiwan’s northeast coast is packed with cosy places to stay, dramatic ocean-side vistas and unique activities. Each town has something different to offer and a chance to soak up some local culture while trying out delicious food. 

Taiwan is a compact island with first-rate transportation. Whether choosing to travel by bus, train, air or high-speed rail, expats can access the best that the island has to offer without much effort and in a short amount of time.

Villages close to Taipei

Pingxi

Pingxi is a rural district in New Taipei City and is less than an hour's journey from the centre of Taipei by train. It is home to the annual Sky Lantern Festival, that occurs just after Chinese New Year for about two weeks. During this celebration, thousands of paper lanterns float into the night sky. In the evenings each weekend, this sleepy town turns into a thriving night market with one-of-a-kind handmade crafts.

Yehliu

Located outside of Wanli, Yehliu offers plenty of photo opportunities for photography enthusiasts. Curious geologic formations known as hoodoos can be viewed at Yehliu Geopark. A number of the formations have been given poetic names such as 'Fairy’s Shoe', 'The Queen’s Head' and 'The Bee Hive'.

The easiest means of getting there is to rent a car or to hire a taxi, when in the vicinity. There are also trains and buses that travel between Taipei and the Yehliu Geopark each day. 

Houtong

Taiwan’s famous 'cat village' is home to hundreds of stray tabbies, calicos, and many others. Felines of all shapes, sizes and colours can be seen walking on the roofs, playing in the alleys, or napping on warm paving stones. Houtong has become a weekend destination for cat lovers and couples looking for a fun day trip just outside of the capital. Expats can get to Houtong from Taipei via train, bus or taxi. 

Jiufen

This mountainside hamlet is home to a traditional street market and is a favourite weekend excursion for expats and locals alike. The journey is easiest via train or bus and takes just over an hour. 

Local delicacies and fresh seafood are sold from a low row of shops in the town, and hand-worked leather goods, original artwork, and countless other treasures are just waiting to be scooped up by savvy shoppers. Of course, Jiufen is most renowned as a tea-drinking destination and there are countless teahouses spread around the town’s hills overlooking the Pacific.

Beaches and seaside getaways

Fulong Beach

About an hour away by train, Fulong has a great selection of small guesthouses and hotels and is everything one could want in a day or weekend trip. In recent years, Fulong has become a popular getaway for holidaygoers trying to beat the heat during the summer months, so expats should plan to leave early on a hot day because it can be crowded.

Tou Cheng Beach

A relaxed surf atmosphere permeates this sleepy beach town. Tou Cheng is a place to surf, swim and generally relax. At night, the town usually hosts beach parties, which attracts a young crowd. If looking for a lively beach atmosphere, expats in You Cheng can expect to make some new friends with locals and expats alike. From Taipei, You Cheng is just a one-and-a half to two-hour journey by train or bus. 

Bai Sha Wan Beach

Bai Sha Wan is a well-developed family beach with a boardwalk, restaurants and other modern conventions that is well worth the two-hour train journey. During July and August, the beach can be a little crowded, so expats should be prepared. Year-round swimming is allowed and the water is still warm enough to be comfortable in late October.

Parents looking for things to do with kids in Taipei will be able to enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities and attractions that are sure to keep their children entertained.

Science museums, the Taipei Zoo, a number of water parks and theme parks, and various children's holiday programmes mean that no matter what the weather may be, it's always possible to find something to do with the kids.

Activities for kids in Taipei 

Taipei Zoo

No child can help but be entranced by the giant pandas at the Taipei Zoo. The zoo is the largest in Asia and is often praised for its modern, humane practices and for its educational displays about conservation and the environment. The Zoo also has a Rescue Center that protects and rehabilitates confiscated animals as well as endangered species. 

Taipei Astronomical Museum

The Taipei Astronomical Museum in opened in 1997 and is a must-see for those interested in learning more about the mysteries of the universe. It consists of four floors of gadgets, displays and observatories. There is an IMAX theatre, a 3D theatre and amusement rides, and the museum is well worth a visit for adults and children alike. 

National Taiwan Science Education Center

Children with an interest in technology will be fascinated by a visit to the National Taiwan Science Education Center. It boasts a high-tech museum with a kids' playground and discovery centre, where kids can play with Lego and draw on the walls. The complex has a 3D theatre with an ever-changing programme of exhibits and presentations. The Center aims to promote the teaching of applied science throughout the country and a visit here will therefore consist of educational fun for all ages. 

Miniatures Museum of Taipei

The first of its kind in Asia, this museum of miniatures features over 200 delicate dollhouses and cutaway scenes of houses from around the world. Founded in 1997, the museum is a great way to see and learn about local and foreign monuments and buildings. 

New arrivals will be able to get a taste of the culture of Taipei through visits to its museums, night markets, ancient temples and skyscrapers. With entertainment options rivalling other major Asian centres such as Hong Kong or Tokyo, expats in Taipei will easily find much to see and do in the city. 

Popular attractions in Taipei

Taipei 101

Taipei 101 was the world’s tallest building until 2009. Although it has been superseded, it remains the grandiose centre of Taipei’s financial district. Resembling a pagoda, the skyscraper towers above the city skyline at 671 feet (509m) and is the city’s chief landmark attraction. Visitors can take a trip up in its super-fast elevators and enjoy astounding views from the observation deck. The many shops and restaurants in Taipei 101 make it a popular weekend destination for locals and expats alike.

Lungshan Temple

Taipei has kept its ancient traditions alive as it thrusts towards the future. One of the city’s most famous temples is Lungshan, dedicated to Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy. Built in 1738 to serve as a place of worship for Chinese settlers, its various incarnations have survived earthquakes, fires and American bombs. The architecture is a fine example of traditional temple styling.

National Palace Museum

Taipei Zoo is a zoological garden that is famous for its panda family, among other unique local and international species. The animals are kept in zones that mimic their natural habitats, such as the Asian Tropical Rainforest section, desert area and even African savannah. In total, the zoo covers 165 hectares, including an extensive indoor area, and is consistently rated for its humane practices and advanced scientific practices. The zoo includes a Rescue Centre that takes in confiscated and stray wildlife for rehabilitation, as well as protecting a number of endangered species. It is also making an effort to educate the general population about conservation and the natural environment.

Whether passing through or living in the city, there are plenty of annual events in Taipei to keep expats entertained. From celebrating of Taiwanese traditions to showcases of local artistic talent and global fairs, foreign residents in the city have numerous opportunities to engage with local culture.

Below are some of the most popular yearly events in Taipei for expats to enjoy.

Annual events in Taipei

Lantern Festivals (February/March)

Taiwan is famous for its romantic lantern festivals, which are held all over the island on the fifteenth day of the first month of the lunar year. Expect elaborate fireworks displays, thousands of sky lanterns and entertaining events on the ground.

Hakka Tung Blossom Festival (April/May)

To celebrate the onset of spring, a series of spring-related events take place across the island. Take in the riot of colours and smells by biking, hiking or taking a train through popular spots in the countryside.

Taipei Arts Festival (September/October)

The biggest arts and culture festival in Taiwan, the Taipei Arts Festival holds local film, art, music and cultural events in a number of venues across the city.

Taipei International Travel Fair (October/November)

A showcase for Taiwan’s travel industry and a platform for global industry exchanges, the fair sees more than 60 countries take part in an event that invites the world to Taiwan. The fair gives expats a fascinating opportunity to see displays and performances representing cultures from around the world.

Taiwan Cycling Festival (October/November)

This event is a cycling festival featuring a round-island race and several shorter cycling events that sees many international names in cycling descend on the island.

Golden Horse Film Festival (November/December)

The most important event of its kind in Taiwan, the festival and awards ceremony showcases the latest in Chinese-language cinema. It is considered one of the leading film festivals in Asia.

The city's advanced public transport system makes getting around in Taipei easy. Even frequent day trips out of the city are feasible with high-speed trains.

Maps in English are easy to come by but, due to a lack of consistency in adapting Mandarin words into the Latin alphabet (pinyin), maps and road signs often display different spellings of the same roads or areas.

Given the abundance of public transport options in Taipei, and the heavily congested streets, most expats find that driving a car is an unnecessary expense.

With an EasyCard, expats can pay for bus, railway and MRT tickets. They can also pay for YouBike rentals, parking and convenience store purchases.

Public transport in Taipei

MRT (Mass Rapid Transport)

An efficient subway system in Taipei takes commuters all over the city, with trains running from 6am to midnight. All stations and trains have English signs. Stops are announced in four languages, including English. Even those who don't speak Mandarin should be able to find their way around easily. Stations have ticket booths, vending machines and a smart card system for frequent travellers.

Buses

New arrivals may find that buses can be difficult to navigate at first because most drivers don’t speak English and destinations on the city outskirts may only be written in Mandarin. That said, once expats get the hang of it, the bus system can be incredibly useful.

Bus fares are charged according to fare zones – passing through some zones will incur a higher cost than travelling within one zone. Ticket payment is either by smart card or in cash. If paying with cash, exact change must be used.

Taxis in Taipei

Taxis are plenty and the most flexible way to get around in Taipei. They are considerably more expensive than public transport, but affordable by global standards. Taxis charge higher rates at night, and tipping is not expected. A taxi can either be ordered by calling a designated taxi company number or by using the taxi company's app. 

Alternatively, ride-hailing applications such as Uber and FindTaxi operate in Taipei. Many expats prefer using these applications as they afford more control over routes and service prices while mitigating language barrier issues.

Driving in Taipei

Considering Taiwan's stressful driving culture and the city's excellent and affordable public transport network, most foreigners do not drive in Taipei. This is also because parking spaces are rare in the city, while rented spaces can be extremely expensive.

Expats looking to explore the rest of Taiwan by road tend to rent cars to do so. See Transport and Driving in Taiwan for detailed information on securing a driving licence as an expat in the country. 

Bicycles and scooters in Taipei

Owning a scooter in Taipei is cheaper and more practical than owning a car, but expats should consider the high number of scooter accidents that occur in the city.

Bicycles are a common sight in Taipei, although not as popular as motorised transport. The city is devoted to improving the cycling culture in Taipei and this can be seen in an increase in cycling infrastructure such as dedicated bicycle lanes and bicycle sharing initiatives.

Expats can hire a bicycle from kiosks through the public bicycle-sharing service YouBike, which is run by Taipei City. Smart cards or smartphone apps can be used to hire bicycles, and, expats will find that cycling is probably the quickest, healthiest and least expensive way to move around.

Walking in Taipei

Taipei is an extremely safe city to walk around on foot, especially during the day. That said, foreigners should beware of pickpockets in crowded streets and markets, and of the occasional drive-by bag snatch in the city.