Interesting Things to Know About Taiwan

1.    Taiwanese Are Obsessed With Food

Taiwanese people have a deep passion for food, and they consume almost everything edible. For example, night markets are very popular in Taiwan, where you can find great food at cheap prices.

You would be wise not to eat before going to one so that you will have room because the options available are endless (and very likely delicious). Taiwan has more Michelin-star restaurants than any other country, and you will find it difficult to even walk around the city.

2.    People Are Extremely Polite

Even though Taiwanese people are busy with their own lives, they make time for others to be friendly and offer help. If you’ve ever needed something (directions, help with shopping bags), you can count on at least one person offering assistance, even if it is just directions. Try asking for help in the street sometime!

3.    They Are Self-Conscious About Bullying

Though there are many rumors about bullying in Taiwan, it is actually not as common as people make it seem. Some people will gossip about it, but almost everyone you meet will laugh at the rumors or be very defensive of Taiwan. Taiwanese people are aware that Western media portrays them as bullies, and they want to show the world the truth instead.

4.    People Like To Queue Everywhere

Taiwanese people like lining up for everything – from going to a restaurant to getting coffee at a cafe and even just walking down the street. Taiwan is also home to many 24-hour restaurants because of how important food is for Taiwanese people – almost as much as lining up.

5.    Taiwanese Are Extremely Family-Oriented

Though it may seem like an exaggeration, Taiwanese people are family-oriented. The majority of people you meet will mention their parents or siblings in some way, and they often talk about how much they love them.

Taiwanese people treat their elders with the utmost respect, and there is a general sense that all Taiwanese are extremely close to each other because of shared cultural experiences.

6.    There Are Two Official Languages

Taiwanese has become the official language of Taiwan by law, but that’s not all there is. Many Taiwanese still speak Mandarin because it was the official language prior to being recognized, but that doesn’t mean all Taiwanese are fluent in it.

The majority of people you will see in Taiwan who work in business and customer service will be fluent in both languages (and occasionally one more), although many cannot speak English. If you encounter a Taiwanese person who is not fluent in Mandarin and does not want to speak Taiwanese, you can always try English.

7.    It’s Easy For Westerners to Get Around Taiwan

Taiwan has a public transportation system that covers the entire island, and most places of interest will be easily accessible by bus or train (although you may have to transfer to another bus or train). You will also find taxis everywhere, and it is relatively cheap (depending on your bargaining skills) to get around by taxi.

If you are not near a bus stop or train station, don’t fret; scooters/mopeds are very common in Taiwan and can be easily rented. However, it will be difficult for westerners to get around Taiwan by scooter/mopeds because of the traffic laws, but I’m sure you can figure that out if you try.

8.    Taiwan Has a Thriving Nightlife

Taiwanese people love going out at night, and it’s very popular in Taiwan to go bar hopping in the city. This is especially true on the weekends, where you will find people out until early in the morning (or even all night long).

Taiwan is also home to many clubs and lounges, and they usually require a small fee for entrance that includes one or two drinks. Clubs/lounges in Taiwan are generally westernized and cater to westerners, so it shouldn’t be difficult to get in or figure out the dress code if you’re a foreigner.

People from around the world visit Taiwan every year to explore five most visited places in Taiwan.  It’s a beautiful country with a rich history and culture that is surprisingly not well-known outside of Asia.  Most of these top attractions are located on or near the island’s western coast, while some lie further east.

7 Most Visited Places in Taiwan

Living in Taiwan is relatively easy as an expat. If you’d love to visit this this country, it’s crucial you know the best places to visit. Without further ado, below are the seven most visited places in this wonderful country.

1)    The Taroko Gorge

If you visit Taiwan, put the Taroko Gorge on your list of places to see.  It’s an 18-kilometer long canyon cut deep into marble rock with cliffs that tower more than 300 meters above the gorge floor.  The stone walls lining the paths are marbled with visible swirls of colors, including white, black, purple, and yellow.  The area is so beautiful it’s been designated as a national park.

2)    Kenting National Park

Taiwan is home to many gorgeous beaches with powdery sand, swaying palm trees, and clear blue water that feels wonderful against your skin.  One of these hot spots is the sandy beach of Kenting National Park, where you can enjoy surfing, sunbathing, and swimming.  The plentiful sunshine here makes the area a hot spot for water sports, while a popular night market offers a wide range of delicious snacks.

3)    Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake is known as the “Most Beautiful Waterfall Under Heaven,” and that’s definitely true.  Lush forests and towering cliffs surround this mountain lake.  You can get there by taking a cable car up the steep face of Jade Mountain, or if you prefer to avoid heights, buses run regularly from Shueishe in Nantou County at the base of Jade Mountain.

4)    Jiufen

Nestled in the mountains of Ruifang District, there’s a small town called Jiufen.  The village was once a hotbed for gold mining and is home to some wonderful tea houses where you can sit down and enjoy a cup while admiring the lovely views of nearby peaks.

Visitors come here to enjoy the unique atmosphere of Jiufen, but also to take the easy walk up to Gold Ecological Park, where you can see some beautiful flowers and ponds.

5)    Cingjing Farm

You’ll find Cingjing Farm in Nantou County near Sun Moon Lake.  Visitors come for three main reasons, including sightseeing, tea tasting, and lunch. There are plenty of animals to see, including goats, sheep, llamas, and even emus.  You can also enjoy some great food, including beef noodles, bread bowls filled with meat stew, and oden, which is Japanese fish cake soup.

6)    Maokong

While not exactly a major tourist attraction, Maokong is worth mentioning since many people visit for tea tasting.  Taipei has dozens of teahouses that offer delicious drinks that will rejuvenate you.  But aside from the tea, Maokong is home to beautiful mountain views and fantastic hiking trails where you can get away from all the city’s noise below.

7)    Penghu Islands

Located in the Taiwan Strait, Penghu is a group of islands belonging to Taiwan Province.   This area has many beaches, and the sea is calm enough for water sports like surfing.  It’s also a great destination for enjoying seafood, especially scallops, which are very popular here.

Frequently Asked Questions about Living in Taiwan

What is there to do in Taiwan?

Taiwan is a small island with plenty of adventures waiting to be discovered by the intrepid traveler. While you can’t go wrong with an evening spent wandering through one of Taipei’s lively night markets or a day spent hiking up Elephant Mountain, it would be a shame not to venture around the island and see what else Taiwan has to offer.

What is the work culture like in Taiwan?

Taiwan’s work culture can be best summed up by one word: busy. A common joke among Taiwanese people is that everyone works until they die. And while that might not be quite true, it doesn’t seem far off for most people who are employed full-time. Most of Taiwan operates on a 40 hour work week with at least one day off.

What is the cost of living in Taiwan?

Taiwan has a reputation as an expensive country, but with careful planning and budgeting, it’s possible to save some money.  Accommodation will eat up a large portion of your expenses, so if you can stand living with roommates, there are ways around spending thousands on rent each month.

What is public transportation like in Taiwan?

The Taiwanese love their conveniences, and if it can be done with less effort, they’ll do it for you. This is reflected in the public transportation system, which consists of trains, buses, and taxis that run everywhere throughout Taiwan. The train system is especially good because it is cheap and runs up to Taipei’s northern suburbs, where many expats live.

What does the average Taiwanese person look like?

Taiwan is one of the most ethnically homogenous countries in the world (Japanese occupation during WWII didn’t help either). Most people who live here are Han Chinese, so if you’re looking for diversity, Taiwan might not be your place. That being said, there are some pretty awesome things about living in a place where everyone looks the same.

Conclusion

Living in Taiwan can be a great experience. It is the only country in Asia where most people speak Mandarin, and it’s easy to find cheap food and drinks as well as English-speaking locals. Meanwhile, if you’d like to know more about what this country offers, follow this platform.

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.

Ways to Find Job in Taiwan as a Foreigner

If you’re a foreigner, looking for work in Taiwan can seem nearly impossible. Whether it’s because of your educational background, your age, or your country of origin, the traditional hiring process might not place you at the top of their list when it comes to new hires.

However, there are still plenty of opportunities if you know where to look and you’re willing to get creative. From teaching jobs to work-from-home opportunities, here are five ways for foreigners to find jobs in Taiwan!

1.    Teach English

TEFL certification from a reputable school is one of the best ways for a foreigner looking for employment in Taiwan. The demand for English teachers has been high ever since the Taiwanese government started promoting the benefits of learning English for business purposes.

The hourly salary is decent (though it varies depending on location), and there are plenty of opportunities to find work at international schools and language centers throughout Taiwan. Additionally, many smaller cities around Taiwan offer free housing or flat rates for teachers who agree to teach at their schools on a monthly basis.

With a few months of searching, it’s not hard to find long-term contracts that give you enough time to settle into the country and learn the language completely.

2.    Work for an International Company

If your previous experience is in international business, finance, or marketing, there are plenty of opportunities to work with foreign companies doing business in Taiwan. Many companies need bilingual representatives that can work directly with the local clients and higher management, which is another great way for foreigners to find jobs in Taiwan. Though many of these opportunities entail working on-site at a Taiwanese office, there are also numerous telecommute opportunities as well.

3.    Teach Yoga

Taiwan’s always been at the forefront of health and wellness trends, which means there are plenty of opportunities to work in specialty fields like yoga or Pilates. With a small investment in equipment, these types of jobs are great for people who want to explore Taiwan without committing to one specific location. Additionally, many gyms offer free housing for live-in instructors, and the hourly rates and student volume can be enough to live comfortably.

4.    Open a Local Company

If you’re an entrepreneur with a business degree, there are plenty of great opportunities in Taiwan for you to set up shop and start your own business. Though it might take some time to get approved by the government and get your business license, many foreigners (and Taiwanese) would be willing to pay for your services or products.

Whether you’re looking to offer coach or consulting services, open an e-commerce store to sell clothing, or start the next Starbucks franchise in Taiwan, there are plenty of opportunities available if you know where to look.

5.    Go Freelance

If you know how to program, write, or speak another language in addition to English, there’s a good chance that you can find work as a freelancer in Taiwan. With sites like Upwork and Fiverr readily available for foreigners, it doesn’t take too much time to snoop around and see if the project you’ve been looking for has already been posted. Use this as an opportunity to jumpstart your career, and seek out projects that allow you to develop your skills further and contribute something meaningful!

6.    Join Military/Police Force

Due to Taiwan’s complicated relationship with its neighbors, both the police force and military have special regulations regarding the hiring of foreigners. While this may seem discriminatory at first glance, joining one of these organizations can be an incredibly rewarding experience for people looking to make a meaningful contribution while learning about Taiwanese culture. And if you’re lucky, you may even get to travel abroad during your service.

Top 7 Jobs for Expats in Taiwan

Taiwan has become one of the most popular destinations for expats looking to live abroad. According to some surveys, it was voted one of the five top countries people look forward to living in. This survey also states that 65% of these people plan on staying here for a period between 1 and 5 years, and 35% expect their stay to be for more than five years.

That is really good news, especially if you are looking to stay here for a long time and also want to work in Taiwan. Taiwan is very attractive not only because of its culture but also due to the job opportunities available here. Here are some cool jobs that you can get in Taiwan.

Teaching English

Taiwan’s education system is severely lacking in several areas, one of which is speaking English. ESL teachers are often well-paid and work a varied schedule depending on their school and students’ needs.

The Taiwanese government has made it clear that its goal is to increase the amount of time students spend learning English and the number of students learning it. Although not usually a starting point for expats, teaching ESL is an increasingly attractive option after gaining some time in Taiwan and getting to know local culture and practices.

English-Mandarin Translator/Interpreter

English teachers are often asked to translate or interpret for their workplaces because of the language barrier. This may be a good option for those who know both languages very well but don’t want the responsibility of teaching children or adults.

This is because; it’s a more casual job that can usually be done from home. Teaching English and working as an interpreter have advantages and disadvantages, so they’re not always interchangeable.

Business Owner/Manager

Many English teachers who have been in Taiwan long enough decide to open their own schools or business. For those who prefer not to teach every day but enjoy the business aspect of education and want more responsibility and say over what happens at work, owning or managing your own business can be an attractive and lucrative option.

Office Worker/Administrator

Taiwan is a very business-oriented country, so those with degrees in business or office administration are often sought after for good pay and benefits. Although salaries may not be as high as in Western countries, they’re usually much higher than local Taiwanese employees earn. The drawback is that a foreigner’s experience and education are not always recognized, so it’s harder to find a high position.

Consultant

There are also many foreign companies in Taiwan looking for consultants who have specific knowledge or skill sets that can be utilized to increase the company’s productivity or sales. This option is most common among business owners, managers, and office workers because it allows them to remain in their current industries with added responsibility.

Journalist and Social Media

Although not as widely available as those listed above, there are jobs in social media and journalism for English speakers with the right qualifications and experience. This is likely to be a more difficult option than those listed above but can be extremely rewarding if you’re able to create your own career path out of it.

Athlete

Although not a traditional job, English-speakers have many opportunities to become athletes in Taiwan and bring home medals from international competitions. Many foreigners have also found success as cross-country or track cycling teams. For those with exceptional physical ability and the mental strength acquired from being an athlete, this can be a very rewarding job option.

Frequently Asked Questions about Working in Taiwan

What do I need to know about working in Taiwan?

Taiwanese law protects the rights of both employees and employers. Foreigners are generally hired on one-year renewable contracts. If you receive a job offer, ask for an English copy of the “Employment Service Act” (ES) before signing it or any other contract.

You should also ask for an English translation of everything you sign. CSLB is the governing authority for labor law in Taiwan, so it might be helpful to check out their website as well.

How much money can I expect to make?

Taiwan’s average monthly salary is around NT$19,000 (about US $640) for foreign nationals. Foreigners will also likely be expected to work overtime if their Taiwanese counterparts are working late on a regular basis.

If you want more information about the average salaries in Taiwan, you can check out CSLB’s website. Besides, you can ask your local friends about the average salary for the position you will be taking.

What are my working hours likely to be?

The typical workday in Taiwan starts at 8:30 am and ends at 5:00 pm with a half an hour lunch break. You can expect to put in some overtime during busy periods, but not as much as your Taiwanese colleagues. However, remember that this law applies only to Taiwanese employees. Your employment contract determines the working hour for foreign nationals.

Can I work remotely from home?

It depends on your company, but there is a growing telecommuting trend. Taiwanese companies like to follow the traditional nine-to-five schedule and might balk at the idea of working from home.

However, if you work for a foreign firm or can convince your employer that allowing remote work will increase productivity, you are more likely to work from home on a regular basis. Taiwanese companies are not familiar with this idea of working remotely yet, so you would have to convince them that it is an advantage.

Will I need to join local/national organizations?

If you want or expect your employer to pay for your local or national organization’s dues, then the answer is probably yes. Some employers expect their employees to join different associations and might even refuse to hire foreigners who don’t wish. If you’re not interested in joining any of these organizations, find a company that isn’t too strict about this.

Conclusion

When it comes to work, some people want to travel the world, but others want a job that will make them money. It’s no secret that western countries are becoming increasingly obsessed with working for themselves rather than doing jobs they don’t necessarily enjoy. If you want more out of life, Taiwan may be your answer.

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

Whether you’re a teacher looking for a career break or you’ve graduated and need to get some experience before going back to university, working in Taiwan as an expat can be a perfect choice. However, there’s not always much information about how to go about doing it.

Here, we’ll look at why teaching English is such a popular option and then look at the different jobs available for foreigners, along with some of the pros and cons of doing them. We will focus mainly on jobs in Taiwan, so if you want something more general, you might want to try this guide.

Taiwan is one of Asia’s economic powerhouses, which means it needs a lot of people to work in the factories that produce electronics and other goods. However, it’s also investing heavily in research and development, which means schools need teachers who are up to date with the latest teaching methods.

All this has made Taiwan a popular destination for people looking to teach English. There’s no shortage of demand for good teachers because there are both public and private schools throughout the island, but English is mostly taught as a second language. Does that sound interesting to you?

Well, we have compiled this article to meet your requirements. This way, if you’ve been surfing the internet to get the right information about working in Taiwan as an expat in today’s world, look no further. We will walk you through the jobs available, requirements, and many more. Read further to get the full details!

Requirements to Work in Taiwan as an Expat

Taiwan is one of the most popular countries for expats to work because it’s not only a great place to make money but also has a lot of opportunities for those looking to build their skills and experience. If you want to find out whether you can work in Taiwan as an expat, here are the requirements you’ll need.

A Degree

The first requirement you’ll need is a degree. If you’re an expat coming from the west, this shouldn’t be too much of a problem as many Taiwanese universities accept international students and degrees. The only downside to studying in Taiwan is that your school needs to be government authorized to issue degrees which means if it’s not licensed, you may not be able to work in Taiwan with your degree.

A Police Record Check

In Taiwan, it’s needed to obtain a working visa, and you’ll need this before you can begin working, even when doing an internship. It is possible to get the police record check done while you’re still in your home country, but if not, once you arrive in Taiwan, you’ll need to go to the nearest police station and get one done.

A Social Insurance Card

This is something that all employees in Taiwan are required to have; this includes foreigners working there on a working visa. Your employer pays for it, so you don’t need to worry about paying it yourself. However, if you’re planning on resigning and leaving Taiwan, then the money that’s been deducted from your salary for this will be refunded to you.

A Physical Examination Form

You’ll need a medical certificate issued by a government-recognized clinic or hospital, which is basically proof of your health so they can see if you’ve got any medical conditions that may put you or anyone in Taiwan in danger. Also, if you’re planning on getting married in Taiwan, then you’ll need to bring this certificate with you as well.

Proof of Financial Security

This is something your employer will need to see before hiring you. Usually, this means showing them bank statements for the past six months that show you have enough money deposited in your account to live for a year. However, some schools don’t even ask for this and will just hire you if you can show them that you have enough money to last you through your first month of employment.

A Tax Record

This is different from the Social Insurance Card as it’s only needed if you’re planning on staying in Taiwan for at least 183 days (6 months) and working there. It’s also paid by your employer but will be deducted from your salary like the other card. However, this one needs to be taken out before arriving in Taiwan.

A Work Permit

If you’re planning to work, your best course of action would be to hire a recruitment agency that specializes in recruiting expats for companies over in Taiwan; they’ll help with the paperwork and make sure you have everything you need to be able to work there safely and legally. Luckily, once you’ve got everything you need and your working visa is all sorted, you’ll be able to start work as soon as possible.

Benefits of Working in Taiwan as an Expat

I’m sure you’ve already heard a lot about how great it is to live and work in Taiwan, and I don’t want to bore you by going over the well-known pros of working here. You can read more about this in our previous article about living in Thailand as an expat. Some great benefits of working in Taiwan which aren’t often mentioned include the following.

1)    No Work Visa Required

Did you know that you can come to Taiwan and work on an ARC (Alien Resident Card), validating your status in the country with no visa required? This is completely legal; it’s what English teachers do all the time. And if you’re currently in Taiwan on a tourist visa (yes, you can do that too) but want to change your status, you should know that no work visas are required for citizens of most first-world countries.

 This means Australians, Americans, Canadians, and other first-world nationalities don’t need to jump through the hoops that other foreigners and Taiwanese people do. The ARC process is straightforward, and no work visa gives you the same rights as a Taiwanese citizen: you can study in Taiwan (a lot of teachers go for Chinese classes at their local college), possess a household registration, open a bank account, buy property, apply for loans as well as travel to many more countries than just Hong Kong.

2)    Cheap Medical Care

For a country with a developed economy, Taiwan’s medical costs are incredibly low. You can see a doctor at one of many reputable clinics for as little as 70NT (about $2). The cost of medicine is also very cheap in Taiwan, making it much more affordable to get your prescriptions filled than in many other countries. You can also purchase cheaper health insurance from overseas, saving you a lot of money.

3)    No winter

Did you know that Taiwan has no winter? This is one of our favorite things about living here. The seasons are very different from those in Europe and North America. In fact, some people who come to Taiwan for the first time find it difficult to believe there’s any winter here at all!

4)    Competitive Salary

Whilst Taiwanese salary statistics can be a little misleading due to the various taxes and added benefits involved; you’ll still find that your take-home pay will be much higher than in many other countries. Additionally, teaching jobs are not limited to English teachers: there’s a huge demand for teachers of French, Spanish and Japanese, amongst other languages.

5)    Cheap Real Estate

Did you know that your salary will go much further in Taiwan than in many western countries? The cost of living, including rent on real estate, is very cheap compared to home. A 100 square meter (about 1100 square feet) apartment in a central location can be rented for as little as $400 per month. If you plan on staying long-term and want to buy, property prices are also very cheap compared to other developed countries.

6)    A Safe Environment

Taiwan has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, ranking 111th in the world according to CIA statistics. While violent crime does happen here, it’s rare, and Taiwan is generally very safe. As the saying goes, you’re more likely to get hit by lightning than mugged in Taiwan.