Is Taiwan A Good Place To Live As An Expat part 1 – that will be the topic of today’s article.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

Everybody knows that Taiwan is a beautiful island. Many foreigners live here and enjoy life in this country. However, there are some things you should know before moving to Taiwan: the difficulties and problems that expats face while living in Taiwan.

Taiwan isn’t one of the cheapest destinations, but it’s not as expensive as Australia or the US. The Taiwanese currency is quite popular all over Asia, and you can easily exchange money in different countries. Nevertheless, Taipei is one of the most expensive cities to live in. Modest housing will cost around $1.000 or more per month; a meal at a restaurant will cost around $5.

If you still think that Taiwan is cheap, let me tell you one more thing: the Taiwanese are not used to tipping taxi drivers or waiters, so don’t expect a 20% tip for your services. Taiwan offers several visa options for foreigners who want to stay in the country longer than 30 days, but they are quite challenging to get.

You will either need a job or a valid visa from another country to apply for a resident permit in Taiwan. You can pack your bags and move to Taipei, but learn some Mandarin before you do it. Most Taiwanese people don’t speak English at all. In addition, not all landlords agree to rent their apartments to foreigners. And Taiwan is a multi-cultural country, so you can meet people from all over the world.

But, don’t expect to see too many expats if the employer doesn’t find it necessary to hire an English teacher or a customer service representative that speaks Chinese. Now, people wonder if this country is safe for expat to live in. Well, that’s why we’ve compiled this article. Read further to understand better!

Ultimate Guide to Living In Taiwan as an Expat

1.    Learn Some Chinese First

Taiwan may be small, yet it’s one the most populous countries globally. To survive here, you will need to know at least some Mandarin or Taiwanese (the local dialect). The good thing is that Taiwanese people are usually friendly and patient with foreigners who try to speak their language.

Even if your Chinese language skills are abysmal, you can always answer with ‘DUI bu qi.’ This is Taiwanese for ‘I don’t understand, and it will baffle the Taiwanese person trying to help you.  You can also use this trick in China or Singapore as well.

2.    Watch Out For Scammers

Taiwan offers a variety of scams, and you need to know about them in order to protect yourself. There are good people here, but there are also bad ones who want your money or ID card.  To avoid being scammed, try not to give out your passport when renting a place.

Also, if somebody offers you a ‘gift,’ then it’s not free. They will ask you to pay an administrative fee afterward, and it can go up to hundreds of dollars.

3.    You Don’t Need a Car

Taiwan has one of the best public transportation systems in the world, which is why owning a car is not necessary here. There are buses, trains and even bicycles for rent.  If driving is your thing, then it’s okay to buy a scooter in Taiwan but make sure you have an international driving license with you since Taiwanese law doesn’t acknowledge any other driver’s license apart from this one. 

4.    Renting or Buying?

Taiwan is known for its high real estate prices.  It’s more affordable to rent a place here, but if you are looking for long-term investment, then buying might be good.  Keep in mind that the purchase of every real estate property has to go through an agent who will charge you fees. 

5.    Bring Extra Cash with You

Taiwan is famous for its night markets, and there are plenty of them in the country.  The food in these places is cheap, yet you might have trouble paying with a credit card since most vendors don’t accept it.  It’s wise to come with extra cash on you because you will want to eat your way through Taiwan and pay for souvenirs as well.

6.    Do Some Online Research on Taiwanese Culture

Taiwan has a very interesting culture, and it’s something that you should learn before coming here. Even if you do come from a country with its own unique culture, there will be things that are different in Taiwan.

Every place has its own set of rules and norms, and this is especially true when living in Asia.  To get acquainted with Taiwanese life, read articles or watch videos about what to expect from life here. You can also talk to other expats already living in Taiwan for advice.

7.    Avoid Using Taxis All the Time

Taiwan has a great public transport system consisting of trains and buses covering the entire country. It’s very affordable, and you can easily get from one end of Taiwan to the other using this method. Only use taxis if you are in a rush or feel unsafe when taking public transport. You can also take a taxi if it’s cheaper than the train but make sure to confirm the price with them beforehand.

8.    Pack Light

Taiwan is only around 36,000 square kilometers, but it has a lot of mountains which can make traveling difficult. If you want to go hiking or camping, you should pack light. By using public transport, not bringing unnecessary items, and keeping your bag small or compact will help you move around the country with ease.

Why Consider Taiwan A Good Place To Live?

In many ways, Taiwan is a good place to live as an expat. The cost of living is low, and the country has a lot going for it. There are some significant reasons why Taiwan isn’t necessarily a paradise for expats, however. Here’s a look at both sides of the coin.

The Pros

The first reason why Taiwan is a good place to live as an expat is that it’s easy for foreigners to get by without speaking Mandarin Chinese, the language that most Taiwanese people speak. This may not be the case in countries that are even more welcoming of expats than Taiwan.

However, it can certainly make life easier. There are English-speaking Taiwanese and plenty of foreigners who speak Mandarin, so even meeting people can be easy if you don’t make an effort to learn the language yourself between your 9 to 5.

The cost of living is another reason Taiwan is a good place to live as an expat. While it’s not free by any stretch of the imagination, it’s much cheaper to live in Taiwan than in other Asian countries like Japan or South Korea. Just because something costs less here doesn’t necessarily mean that quality of life is lower. You can be living simply without having to go without access to good healthcare and fresh food.

This high standard of living contributes to Taiwanese people being happier overall than in other parts of Asia. It’s a good place to live as an expat if you want to have access to the kinds of things that people in Western countries take for granted.

The Cons

Of course, there are many reasons that Taiwan is not necessarily a paradise for expats either. The biggest issue with living in Taiwan is the weather. It’s subtropical here, so it gets really hot and humid during the summer.

In fact, many Taiwanese people leave the country during this time to escape the heat at their own expense. And this is because; they know that they’ll be forced to pay a premium for air conditioning in their homes and cars once they return from holidaying elsewhere.

The rainy season can be nice because it’s more comfortable, but Taiwan is prone to typhoons, and the island isn’t particularly well-equipped for dealing with them. If you’re someone who has a low tolerance for discomfort, then this may not be the place for you.

Another concern that many people have about living in Taiwan is that they don’t speak Mandarin Chinese. Even though it’s possible to get by without speaking the language, you might miss out on some opportunities as a result, along with making yourself seem unprofessional in front of your Taiwanese colleagues and superiors.

The Verdict

Ultimately, Taiwan is not necessarily a paradise or hell for expats. It all comes down to what you’re looking for. If you want to live somewhere with a low cost of living and where it’s easy for foreigners to get by without speaking the native language, then Taiwan may be good for you.

If you want good weather, to be comfortable, and don’t mind making an effort to adjust, then Taiwan might still be a nice place for you. However, if you’re not willing to put in the time or effort, then it’s probably best that you go somewhere else. The language barrier can be difficult enough for some people without throwing the weather and comfort into the mix.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

When I first arrived in Taichung, one thing became abundantly clear: I’m a foreigner. No matter how long my hair is or what clothes I wear, people stop and stare when they see me walking around town. “The only way you won’t be stared at is if you’re with another foreigner,” my boss told me.

The number of expatriates who are living in Taiwan is on the rise, which is likely to create an environment where foreigners feel more comfortable about calling this island home. Informal polls showed that many expats tend to stay in Taiwanese cities like Taipei or Taichung for anywhere between three months and ten years.

The people here are mostly Taiwanese aboriginals, Han Chinese (the majority ethnicity in China), and other minorities. There is also a significant population of non-Asians, who often come for business or family reasons. Of this population, some stay in Taiwan permanently.

Living in Taiwan as an expat may be something you’d want to do for some time or on a more permanent basis. You might also be here only on vacation, but you’re looking at it from the perspective of possibly living here, right? Whether you’re here on a temporary or long-term basis, it’s worth considering the pros and cons of living in Taiwan. It might not be the right choice for everyone.

In many cases, it isn’t easy to go from being a tourist to someone who has moved permanently to another country. Have you been surfing the internet to know what moving to Taiwan in 2022 looks like? If that sounds like a yes, look no further, as we’ve got you covered here. Read further to know more!

Pros and Cons of Living in Taiwan

The island nation of Taiwan is perhaps best known for its dramatic mountain scenery, stunning beaches, and hospitable people. Located off the southeast coast of mainland China, it is a small country rich in culture and history.

It has also become an increasingly popular destination for expats looking to live abroad. However, before you pack up your bags and move to Taipei, there are a few things you should know. In this section, we will walk you through the pros and cons of living in Taiwan as an expat as of today.

Pros

Many Foreign Languages Available For Study

Many international students who come to Taiwan opt to take courses in the Chinese language because of the diverse dialects and languages spoken in Taiwan. Mandarin is the official language of Taiwan, but Taiwanese Hokkien and Hakka are also popular languages among locals.

This means it will be easy for you to find a course of study that fits your needs since there are courses available in many different languages.

Safe and Peaceful Country

Taiwan is ranked as number 17 out of 142 countries in the 2017 Global Peace Index list. This high ranking means that it is one of the safest countries to live in as a citizen and foreigner. In fact, Taiwan is ranked as the world’s safest country, with Japan coming in second after Taiwan.

However, there are some cons to the peaceful nature of Taiwan. Many Taiwanese people complain that there is almost no culture or nightlife because everyone goes home early; this makes it difficult for expats to make friends.

Rich Cultural Activities

Taiwan has a rich cultural history that many expats and travelers can take advantage of by visiting various museums, monuments, and parks. For example, the National Palace Museum houses over 700,000 Chinese artifacts in its collection; it is one of the most prominent art galleries in Asia. Many people come to Taiwan to tour the museum to see these ancient works of art.

Moreover, people can also visit various temples and famous scenic spots. However, there are some cons to this rich culture; many visitors complain about the high prices for all these activities.

Beautiful Natural Scenery

Taiwan is a small island that has a lot of natural beauty. There are many mountains and scenic spots to explore; even people in the countryside enjoy the beautiful natural views every day. Also, there is a diverse variety of flora and fauna that nature lovers can appreciate.

However, there are some negative aspects as well. The overpopulation on an island with limited space means that there is a lot of air and water pollution.

Low Cost Of Living

In general, Taiwan has a low cost of living compared to other developed countries like the USA and the UK. For example, you can buy food for an entire week for only 100-300 NT dollars (equivalent). You can also get your haircut for 40 NT dollars, assuming you are willing to wait in line for a long time.

Moreover, transportation is also cheap in Taiwan, so foreigners do not need to spend so much money traveling around the island. However, there are some pros and cons with the low cost of living in Taiwan. For example, Taiwanese people complain that everything is too cheap and that there is a lack of good quality goods and services.

Delicious Food

Taiwan is a country that prides itself on its Taiwanese cuisine. Taiwan’s dishes include soy milk, oyster omelets, stinky tofu, and bubble tea. Many Taiwanese foods are sweet or salty to add flavor to the bland taste of some of the local cuisine. But there are also many healthy options available to anyone who visits.

Religious Freedom in Taiwan

Taiwan was the first Asian country in history to recognize religious freedom in its Constitution when it went through a constitutional reform in 2005. This means that regardless of your religion, you will be able to go about your day-to-day life without fear of persecution or attack. There are no Acts or documents that target a certain religion in Taiwan.

Broad Job Market

No matter what field you are in, Taiwan will have job opportunities. Many people work in the service industry, but there are many opportunities to be a writer or researcher at universities. It is easy for foreigners to find jobs in teaching English because of the large number of people who want to learn English. The Taiwanese government has even begun funding “The 100,000 Strong Initiative,” which grants universities with higher education programs in teaching English.

Cons

Taiwan, a beautiful country located in the Pacific Ocean, is known for its hospitable people and delicious food. However, not everything about this country is perfect. Here are five cons of living in Taiwan as an expat.

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Taiwan has always been quite liberal when it comes to beauty standards. This might seem like a positive thing, but it can be a bit overwhelming for people who aren’t used to it. Plastic surgery is also quite common here, emphasizing this beauty standard even more.

Earthquakes

Taiwan is located in one of the most earthquake-prone zones globally, and these natural disasters frequently occur – especially in the southern part of Taiwan. Since these earthquakes can be quite destructive, living in a house or apartment that is not earthquake-proof will put you at risk of injury and damage to your property.

Mandarin

Mandarin is the official language of Taiwan, but Taiwanese also has its own dialect, which many locals speak with each other. The benefit of learning Mandarin is that you will communicate with most locals who only speak Mandarin. However, the downside of learning Mandarin is that people will assume that you can’t understand Taiwanese, making them talk about you behind your back.

The Food

Taiwanese cuisine is tasty and unique; however, it might not be what everybody is used to. The biggest issue with Taiwanese food is its basis in meat; Taiwanese cuisine has very few vegetarian dishes. Also, since Taiwanese people like their food spicy, it might be quite difficult to find food that suits your tastes during the first few months after moving here.

Isolation

If you are single and looking for a company, chances are you will have a hard time finding what you are looking for. This is because Taiwan is generally an unfriendly place for people who don’t speak Mandarin Chinese to find love, friendship, or even just conversation. This also means that if you do not have many friends here, it might be hard to make them – especially since Taiwanese people are more homogeneous than other societies.