←Taiwan travel guide
Tainan, Taiwan
Tainan
Taiwan's oldest city, layered in temples and culinary heritage
CultureFood & DrinkHistory & Heritage
Founded in the early seventeenth century and once the seat of colonial and imperial rule, Tainan is the island's most historically dense city, where Dutch-era forts stand alongside some of Taiwan's oldest Confucian and Mazu temples. Wandering its compact lanes, travellers encounter centuries-old shrines at nearly every turn, alongside a street-food scene widely considered the finest in the country.
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Best time to visit
March to May and October to December
Region
Tainan
Main airport
Tainan (TNN)
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Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Tainan
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
Compare fares from hundreds of airlines to find the best route in — search options are on the way.
Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Taiwan
Entry requirements depend on your passport. Check your specific requirements on the Taiwan page at Yoogo.
Taiwan uses the New Taiwan dollar (TWD). Cash is still commonly used, especially at night markets, smaller restaurants, and local shops. Cards are accepted at most hotels, chain restaurants, and larger shops. ATMs are widely available, including at convenience stores such as 7-Eleven and FamilyMart, which are found on virtually every street corner.
Taiwan is considered very safe for visitors. Crime rates are low, and tourists rarely encounter serious problems. Standard precautions apply in crowded areas. Typhoons are a seasonal hazard, typically between July and October, and travellers should monitor weather forecasts during this period.
Taiwan has an excellent public transport system. The High Speed Rail (HSR) connects Taipei with Kaohsiung in under 90 minutes. Taipei's MRT is clean, efficient, and easy to navigate. Buses serve most destinations, and the EasyCard contactless smart card works across the MRT, buses, and some other transport. Scooter hire is popular but requires a valid licence.
Autumn (October to December) is widely considered the best time to visit, with comfortable temperatures and lower humidity. Spring (March to May) is also pleasant. Summer brings heat, humidity, and typhoon risk. The north tends to be cooler and wetter than the south, which is drier and sunnier year-round.
Mandarin Chinese is the official language and is spoken widely. Taiwanese Hokkien is spoken by a large portion of the population. English proficiency is relatively high in urban areas, tourist sites, and among younger people. English signage is common on the MRT and at major attractions.
No vaccinations are required to enter Taiwan for most travellers. Routine immunisations should be up to date. Tap water is technically safe but many residents prefer bottled water. Healthcare standards are high, and travel insurance is recommended.
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan and is generally not expected. In many cases, staff may politely decline a tip. High-end hotels and some tourist-facing services are becoming more accustomed to tips from international visitors, but it remains entirely optional.
Taiwan has excellent mobile coverage and fast internet infrastructure. Prepaid SIM cards with generous data are available at the airport on arrival and at convenience stores. Free Wi-Fi is available at many public spaces, MRT stations, and convenience stores. Travel eSIMs are also a convenient option.