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

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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.

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.