Taiwan Cost Of Living as of Today

Taiwan is one of the most amazing places in the world.  The people are so nice, and they eat delicious food every day.  I’ll never forget my time there. Taiwan used to be known as “Food Heaven for Vegetarians,” but in 2021, Vegetarianism has made its way into mainstream society all across Taiwan.

Not only is the Taiwanese government encouraging people to go meat-free, but they are also giving incentives for people to become vegan. People who go vegan can receive monthly coupons throughout 2022. Taiwan’s economy is booming, with inflation not too far away. People are moving into major cities like Taipei and Taichung to find jobs.

With more people in larger cities, there’s more money in circulation.  The Taiwanese government also encourages people to buy their own cars instead of using public transportation, which is another factor for rising prices in 2022. What will the cost of living be like in five years?  Well, that’s something you’ll have to watch out for.  Check back here in 2022, and I bet you’ll see a difference. Below is a detailed analysis of the present cost of living in Taiwan.

Types of Visas Available For Expats in Taiwan

For foreigners who want to stay in Taiwan for a while without holding a work visa, there are five types of visas available.

1)    Visitor Visa (Category I)

This is the easiest and most common type of visa that can be obtained as long as one has an identity card from their home country. With this visa, a foreigner can stay in Taiwan for up to 3 months. Before the border, foreigners are required to apply for an extension of stay with the National Immigration Agency.

2)    Temporary Visitor Visa (Category II)

This type of visa is similar to Category I, but it allows foreigners to enter Taiwan more often over a period of 1 year. People who wish to stay in Taiwan for longer than three months should apply for this type of visa. No extension is required because the maximum time spent in Taiwan with a Category II visa is one year.

3)    Resident Visa

This type of visa is usually given to foreigners who have relatives in Taiwan. The resident visa allows its holder to stay in Taiwan for a year and then apply to extend their residence for another three years.

4)    Spouse/Fiancé Visa

This type of visa is given to foreigners who have Taiwanese spouses. It allows them to stay in Taiwan for a year, with the possibility of extending it indefinitely. Also, if the Taiwanese spouse has passed away, the visa will still be valid.

5)    Permanent resident visa (Category R)

This type of visa is given to foreigners who fulfill strict criteria. To be eligible for the permanent resident visa, you must have lived in Taiwan for at least seven years with a Category I or II visas, hold an employment permit, own real estate valued at over NT$6 million, or have a spouse or child who is a Taiwanese citizen. It allows the holder to stay in Taiwan indefinitely and apply for citizenship after living in Taiwan for three years.

5 Fun Facts about Taiwanese Culture

Have you ever wondered what Taiwanese people do when they’re not at work? Do you know anything about the food culture in Taiwan – who eats what, and why? If so, this article is for you! Here are five fun facts about Taiwanese culture that will have you exploring Taipei’s night markets in no time.

Water Fight

Taiwanese people are known for their water fights, but what makes these simple games so special? Well, it’s not just about the fun of squirting your friends with water guns or hoses – Taiwanese water fights are actually a deeply rooted part of local culture.

The origin of this fun tradition dates back to the Japanese occupation of Taiwan in 1895 when Taiwanese people fought against their colonizers with simple water guns and other homemade weapons.

Nowadays, water fights make a grand appearance during the Water Lantern Festival, where participants squirt each other with decorated buckets filled with – you guessed it- colored water. There is even a special award to the person who walks away with the most colored clothes at the end of the night.

Board Game

Speaking of festivals, there’s another one in Taiwan that fosters an interesting tradition: board gaming! This particular festival takes place during Lunar New Year and involves players moving their pieces across a board in order to get home. Even though the game has hundreds of regional variations, it’s widely considered that this tradition started in Tainan during the Qing Dynasty.

Marriages and Funerals

This may sound like an odd combination, but Taiwanese weddings and funerals share a few similar characteristics: both are ornate public events with a lot of traditions, and both of them require quite a bit of preparation.

Even though Taiwanese people typically refrain from discussing death too often, it is widely known that the deceased person’s family will prepare flowers, food, and money for guests during the funeral. The more friends and relatives gathered at the ceremony mean more gifts given to the family – which is why you should never refuse an invitation to one of these events.

Flower Market

The Taiwanese flower market is full of life, noise, and color – just like the country’s vibrant cities themselves! Even though flowers only grow in certain places on the island, each region specializes in selling a different kind. For example, people living in Taipei prefer to give orchids to their loved ones, while people living in Taitung might gift the recipient a bouquet of sunflowers instead.

Matsu

Taiwan’s famous goddess Matsu has many legends surrounding her origin, but one thing is for sure – she’s sacred! Taiwanese people believe that this divinity sits on top of the local mountain that bears her name. Even though most locals are Buddhist nowadays, they still visit her temple to offer prayers and incense sticks for good luck.

Matsu is also very popular among Taiwanese fishermen, who pray to this goddess before setting out on any long journeys – she’s believed to be the one who’ll protect them from any potential dangers lurking in the stormy seas.

Frequently Asked Questions about Taiwan Culture

How do you say “hello” in Taiwanese?

Hello, can be said in many different ways in Taiwanese. The most common way is to say ‘ hello’ (in English), and the second is to say it like you would when trying to get someone’s attention (e.g., ‘hey, you over there). The third way is to say ‘are you okay?’ or ‘do you have a problem?’. Lastly, the fourth most common saying is just two short words which translate to “I love you” in Mandarin.

Why do Taiwanese sound so smart?

One reason is because the average Taiwanese person studies much harder than the average American. Another reason is that Taiwanese tend to correct other people’s English more often, as they try to help others learn their language as best as possible.

This makes them sound smarter because they are correcting others. Taiwanese culture also values education more, so most Taiwanese people will know more about any subject than an average American does.

Are Taiwanese people racist?

Not generally, no! They are very accepting of different cultures and skin colors. The only time they can seem racist to other countries is when they speak about Japan since the two countries have somewhat of a rivalry. One example is that if you go into any Taiwanese city and say, “Hey, I’m Japanese, and I don’t like Chinese people!” They will laugh at you because they think that is funny.

Why do Taiwanese dress so well?

Taiwan is a very stylish country, and most young people dress very nicely. This is one of the main focuses of many TV shows and movies. Those who don’t study or go to school often have even more free time to focus on their fashion, as they have shorter days in their schools.

Why do Taiwanese people like to speak English?

Taiwanese can be very annoying when they see your foreign face. They will often offer you help in Chinese, but when you start speaking back in English, they get angry and don’t understand why you are not learning their language. More likely than not, you will see them studying English right after they get upset at you because they do want to learn other languages.

Conclusion

Taiwan is an amazing place to visit, but it’s even better if you decide to settle in and call it home. There are a lot of foreign-friendly policies that make a living in Taiwan great, especially for families who have children going to school here. Life in Taiwan may not be perfect, but it has a good life expectancy rate, and the people are some of the friendliest in Asia.

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.