A Digital Nomad Guide to Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei is among the most important cities in Taiwan. While it is utilized to be the biggest city, it is still thought about to be Taiwan’s financial, political, and cultural center. Moreover, Taipei is a contemporary cosmopolitan city because of Taiwan’s political history.

Taipei is found on the Tamsui River on the north side of Taiwan and is surrounded by New Taipei City. While it has a location of 272 square km, its population is approximated to be around 2.65 million occupants.

Taipei and Taiwan’s self-reliance status remains unclear as they have their federal government; however, they are still thought about as a part of the Republic of China. While Taipei is an essential center for abroad trade, it is still acknowledged as part of China and not as a different entity.

Among the important things that make Taipei unique is its strong mix in between its commercial feel and the quantity of stunning nature and landscape it holds. While Taipei is ruled out as a significant touristic city, it depends on tourists. The federal government even attempted to promote Taipei for tourists and put it on the map through its business jobs by constructing the world’s highest structure in 2003, till Burj Khalifa was integrated into Dubai and took the title from it.

Operate in Taipei

Finest Places to Work in Taipei.

• FutureWard
• The Hive
• Link
• Kafnu
• Makerbar Taipei
• Hun
• CLBC
• Changee

FutureWard

One of the finest locations to work as a digital nomad in Taipei is FurtureWard. You’ll likewise discover lots of occasions taking location in their occasion area, and you can even reserve the recording studio or podcasting space if that fits your line of work.

To schedule an open seat at FutureWard it would cost NT$ 500/day (USD 17.95) or beginning with NT$ 5000/ month (USD 179.55).

The Hive

One of Taipei’s most perfectly developed coworking areas, The Hive, uses a simple and comfy area to which you’ll desire to go every day. It’s likewise an excellent location for a digital nomad to fulfill other individuals as they have neighborhood lunches and beverages, too.

You can schedule an area at The Hive for NT$ 400/day (USD 14.36), or you can even pick to lease a personal workplace for a month for NT$ 18,000 (USD 646.38).

Link

A center for business owners and remote employees makes Connect an energetic and passionate location to work. Surrounded by young, gifted beings filled with energy releases an amazing ambiance and environment. Here, you can discover Skype spaces, a projector, and even ergonomic chairs to ensure you’re entirely comfy and prepared to take the business owner’s scene by storm.

You can reserve an area for a day for NT$ 380 (USD 380) and even lease a personal workplace for NT$ 6890/month (USD 247.42).

Kafnu

Kafnu functions as your one-stop location for all remote and digital employees. It is an ideal website with many centers such as a recording studio, video recording devices, expert lighting devices, a picture studio, a yoga studio, and an outside balcony. But, that’s not all, you can even discover a health club, laundry services, and board video games to assist you in linking with the other remote employees around you.

A month-to-month subscription expenses NT$ 10,000 (USD 359), or you can reserve a personal workplace for NT$ 50,000 (USD 1,795.49) each month.

Makerbar Taipei

If you’re more of a hands-on digital nomad seeing where you’ll discover other designers, artists, and business owners, then Markerbar is simply the location for you. Not just do they use a passionate and relaxing coworking area where you can lease a desk, but you’ll likewise discover a 3D printer and a lounge location where you can mingle with the other nomads. If you wish to bring your furry buddy along, Markerbar is a pet-friendly area.

The charges for one-day expenses are NT$ 300 (USD 10.77) and one-month subscription expenses are NT$ 3600 (USD 129.28).

Internet & Phone

Web speed is quickly practically all over, and phone strategies or pre-pay cellphones work well.

The typical speed of the web in Taiwan is simply over 80 Megabits per second (Mbps) according to Speedtest’s worldwide index, beating the international average of 55 Mbps by rather a margin. Unfortunately, that puts the nation in the 24th position worldwide.

It’s often tough to discover the best details regarding nation contrasts because Taiwan is typically lumped in with China.

Mobile speeds are a little much better, with Taiwan’s mobile speed ranking in position 23 with 42 Mbps usually.

If you can’t choose which SIM service provider to pick, go with Chunghwa. It’s the most popular alternative for digital nomads, and you can get a SIM card at Taipei Airport when you land.

Protection consists of all of Taiwan, consisting of some islands. The 30-day strategy costs $32. However, I believe it’s the best strategy for the SIM card business.

If the idea of altering SIMs leaves you cold, attempt a service like OneSimCard.

Food/ Night Markets in Taipei

Taipei is a real night market capital, boasting a minimum of 7 big markets in Taipei alone (a lot more counting New Taipei City!). I choose to go to them since there are usually images of things you can indicate if you do not speak Chinese, and there are lots of options. My individual favorites are the Gongguan Market in Taipei (at MRT Gongguan on the Green Line) and the Lehua Market in New Taipei City (near MRT Dingxi on the Yellow Line).

Many fast treats run 50-60 NT, bowls of noodles about 70-90 NT, and a plate of rice + meat/seafood 100 NT and up. I advise attempting the Le Cordon Bleu-like meal listed below at the Curry Prince at Lehua and getting shaved ice for dessert (I didn’t take the store’s name; however, it’s on the left-hand side strolling from Yonghe Road).

I discovered standard Mom n’ Pop dining establishments to be difficult to get food at (well, to get precisely what you desire, I indicate). Normally you’ll discover an extremely couple of locations with English menus or photos for you to point at, and you will not discover any middle-aged to older Taiwanese cook that speaks English.

Discover an Apartment in Taipei

Since the Taiwanese do not speak much English, discover a home in Taiwan. There are a couple of methods to assist make the experience much easier. While befriending a region will constantly put you in the best instructions as the Taiwanese are friendly and handy, one of the most fundamental actions to do by yourself is signing up with a few of the popular groups that provide apartments or condos and spaces for lease in Taipei:

While online choices seem like a simpler method to browse, there are other choices, such as the red ads published around the area or nationwide property firms. Likewise, the latter will be a terrific benefit if you do not speak Mandarin. Numerous property managers could be rather careful about renting to immigrants due to the language barrier.

Zhongzheng: Renting a one-bedroom home in Zhongzheng can cost NT $22500- NT $25000( USD 806 -USD 900). You might discover more affordable options by leasing a personal space in a shared house. This would most likely cost someplace between NT $10,000– NT $15,000 (USD 358– USD 537.67) each month with various choices of personal or shared restrooms readily available.

Datong: Renting a house in Datong begins at around NT $ 19,000/ month (USD 681), whereas leasing a space in a shared apartment or condo might cost you typically around NT $12,000 monthly (USD 430).

Wanhua: Apartments in this location are generally a lot more pricey than in the rest of the city, and a one-bedroom apartment or condo might cost around NT $100,000/ month (USD 3,585). You might cut the expenses; however, you still discover it a lot more pricey than other locations by selecting to share a home with other flatmates.

While lots of agreements will be for a year, simply be clear with your property manager or firm on the length of time you wish to remain, and many of them use an escape of the agreement with no fines or additional costs. In many cases, you may need to discover an alternative service by discovering another renter to take your location. Publishing on the Facebook groups or as soon as you understand the residents will be an excellent action in assisting you to discover somebody else to take your location.

Constantly ask if there are any additional expenses such as electrical energy, water, and web, or if that is currently included in the lease rate. It is likewise essential to ask what happens if something is harmed or needs fixing at the house and who is anticipated to repair it or pay for it.

Expense Of Living In Taipei

Taiwan is not costly compared to significant European or United States cities. It’s an excellent worth location. Do not anticipate Bangkok or Hanoi costs.

According to Numbeo, the website that crunches the numbers on user-generated information, a bachelor’s regular monthly expenses before lease are simply under $750 (EUR700). From the figures on the site and my research study, I would recommend doubling this number for rental expenses.

Living expenses ($ 750) + one-bed house leasing ($ 750) = $1500. Okay, for a contemporary city with lots of facilities.

Expatistan, the website that compares living expenses in between cities, puts Taipei as 89% more affordable than New York City, 25% less expensive than Austin, Texas, and 15% cheaper than Berlin.

Transportation & Getting Around

Taipei’s city (train) is substantial, affordable, and quick. It is the very best type of transportation for the city. The train network connects with all the primary railways, so it’s simple to get on your regional metro/subway line and make a fast connection before avoiding as far as the coast or inland.

It’s simple to navigate the city by strolling and subway/metro. There are likewise taxis and buses however the city lines cover all over you’d require to go.

For excursion out of the city and circumnavigating the remainder of the nation, I advise the train. It’s an effective and comfy method to take a trip.

Many visitors to the city head out to Wulai at some phase. Wulai is a popular relaxation location with hot springs set in stunning surroundings just an hour from the city. If you look up “how to get to Wulai” on Google, many suggestions recommend taking bus 849 from Xindian MRT Station.

Bikes are a fantastic alternative for zooming around the city. They may not be the comfiest kind of transportation in July or in the rains of September; however, they’re quick, inexpensive (around the United States $0.70 an hour), and eco-friendly.

Culture and Food in Taipei

Food is a big part of Taiwanese culture, and such numerous interesting meals make Taiwan a cooking location you do not desire to miss out on. While each city may have somewhat various meals, here are the highlights that you need to attempt when in Taiwan:

Not in Taiwan. It’s one of the staple meals in Taiwan, and you’ll be able to discover it quite much all over you go.

Lurou Fan: If you’re a fan of pork, this might perhaps wind up being your finest meal in Taiwan. A meal made from braised pork prepared in soy sauce with five other spices with a side of white rice is what you’re in for when you order Lurou Fan. You can select between sliced-up pieces of pork tummy or an entire piece; however, make certain that the pork will hurt and enhance the sauce completely in all cases.

Stinky Tofu: Before you get driven away by the name, this is one of Taiwan’s most well-known street foods. If you can get past the smell, you’re in for a huge surprise, and it is certainly an experience you need to attempt when in Taipei.

Oyster omelette: Add a brand-new addition to your eggs in the early morning and attempt Taiwan’s oyster omelette for breakfast. The meal is quite uncomplicated, with rushed eggs and little oysters integrated with an appetizing sauce. You’ll either enjoy it or dislike it; however, it’s one of those meals you need to attempt.

Scallion pancakes: This mouth-watering treat is an incredibly popular Taiwanese meal that can be discovered at any night market. The pancakes are an extremely thin layer that is pan-fried in oil with little green scallion pieces. The oil makes the pancakes extremely crispy from the advantage, however still soft and flaky from within, offering a fantastic contrast.

This huge treat is the Taiwanese take on dumplings and is sticky and gooey in texture. It is made of starchy dough and is filled with pork and veggies.

Mango shaved ice: This dessert is something that can be quickly addicting. It’s precisely what it seems like, a stack of mango ice shavings, and can be discovered at any night market as it is a popular Taiwanese dessert.

While there are numerous other Taiwanese meals you ought to attempt, these are the ones on the top of the list.

When it concerns Taiwanese culture, you’ll discover that individuals are rather booked, standard, and conservative by nature. Like numerous other Asian nations, Taiwan’s culture is concentrated on the household and is rather patriarchal. While the culture is affected by China, a visible Japanese impact can not be missed out on.

Taipei Nightlife

Taipei’s nightlife is filled with a range of things to do that will match your taste whatever you’re trying to find. From night markets, street efficiencies, temples, exhibits, and reveals to red-light districts, clubs, bars, and residents collected around in the streets filled with lights and music. If it’s your very first time in Taipei, here are a couple of things you can do when the sun decreases in Taipei:

Check out Taipei’s night markets.

The night markets can be discovered all around Taiwan and are among the tourist attractions you need to experience in Taipei. The marketplaces not just provide you with a much deeper understanding of Taiwan as a nation; however, but you can even begin to comprehend the distinction from one area to another based upon their night markets.

While the marketplace itself is a tourist attraction that is crowded, lively, and extremely dynamic, you’ll likewise have the ability to go shopping for regional crafts, discover some actual bargains, and obviously, attempt the street food that is among Taipei’s specialties.

Take a stroll on Rainbow bridge.

While this bridge simply links the two areas of Neihu and Songshan by day, in the evening, it comes alive as the bridge shows a rainbow of colors on the water below it, making it the most vibrant bridge on the planet. So if you’re into photography or wish to experience something awesome, you’ll certainly delight in the beautiful walk and the spectacular environment it develops.

Cycle around Ximending

This district not just comes alive during the night but is likewise among the most bike-friendly areas in the city. With its bike lane, you can delight in the landscapes, cycle around the river throughout the parks, or perhaps head downtown where all the regional stores lie.

Check out the red-light district.

Found near Taipei Main Station, you’ll discover Taipei’s popular red-light district. It is certainly a location thought of as a leading traveler destination in Taipei.

Things to do in Taipei.

Apart from the unbelievable things to do in Taipei in the evening, the city uses numerously enjoyable, amazing, cultural, and daring things to do, which makes it tough to get tired when in Taipei. While the list can be limitless, here are a few of the outright needs when in Taipei:

Check out the city’s temples.

One of Taipei’s most popular destinations and landmarks is the numerous temples you can discover positioned in each location. Visiting them will provide you with an expert’s point of view on Taipei’s culture, customs, and history, too.

Check out Taipei’s highest structure and get a bird’s eye view of the city.

Taipei 101 was developed with a Guinness World Record in mind ending up being the highest structure on the planet. It held that record up till Dubai constructed the Burj Khalifa. While it is no longer considered the highest structure, it is still a must-visit. You get to experience the world’s fastest elevator as you climb to the observation deck on the 89th to the 91st floorings and get a wonderful view of the city like no other.

Go to a tea tasting at one of Taiwan’s lots of Tea farms

One of the finest things to do in Taipei is checking out a tea farm, get familiar with the whole plantation procedure, and indulge in a range of tea tastings. If you’re fortunate, you’ll even get to select some tea leaves yourself the Taiwanese method.

Consume, consume and consume some more

We’ve pointed out that Taipei’s night markets are an outright should and a substantial part of the Taiwanese custom. While there are numerous night markets, the must-visits where you can discover the best street food are Shilin, Raohe, Tonghua, Ningxia, and Huaxi. Since Taipei’s culture is greatly based on food, the food scene is extraordinary, even beyond the street food. Going out for supper or experiencing a few of Taipei’s majority genuine dining establishments is an outright must.

Warm springs

Taking in warm springs can do your skin questions as it functions as a natural detox. That’s why checking out Taipei’s Beitou Hot Spring ought to be at the top of your list. Not just is it a natural medical spa for your body, but the view and surroundings are definitely to crave.

Trek Elephant Mountain

While it’s a brief, high walk from Xiangshan city station, anticipate climbing up 500 stairs to the rock-watching point and 600 stairs to the seeing platform. Numerous individuals like to trek up to view the daybreak or sundown and experience the spectacular views of Taipei from the top.

Finest Time to Visit Taipei

The weather condition in Taipei is normally warm all year round with a tropical environment. However, even throughout the hot summer season months, you’ll still get to feel the breeze coming from the ocean cooling the weather condition down and making it bearable.

Throughout the hurricane season in the summertime from July to September, the rain supplies the water supply for Taiwan; however, it can likewise trigger flooding and big damage.

Spring: During the months of March-May, the typical temperature level in Taipei uses highs of 25 degrees Celsius and lows of 19 degrees Celsius.

Summer season: From June-August, the weather condition is rather hot and damp with regular thunderstorms and tropical cyclones. The temperature level in the summer season is around 34 degrees Celsius with lows of 25 degrees Celsius. Nevertheless, June is still thought to be the most popular month for travelers to go to as they can strike the beach and browse.

Fall: From September to November, the weather condition is still warm and warm, however somewhat cooler than the hot summer season, making the weather condition suitable in Taipei. Throughout these months, anticipate highs of 30 degrees Celsius and 18 degrees Celsius.

Winter season: The cold weather of December-February is typically rather foggy, but not too cold. The nights can get a bit cold with lots of 8 degrees Celsius.

Taipei Transportation

Navigating in Taipei is relatively simple due to the well-connected Metro system. As a digital nomad preparing to remain in for a while in Taipei, your best option when it pertains to transport is getting an Easy Card as it offers you unique discount rates on public transport systems in Taipei. Otherwise, you can spend your ticket on money and even by charge card.

A ticket costs NT $20-65 (USD 0.72– USD 2.33) based on the range and the variety of stops. Or you can likewise get a one-day ticket for NT$ 200. (USD 7.17).

An Easy Card will permit you to get on the city, city bus, taxi, lease a bike or perhaps pay in stores. The costs are marked down on the city, and you’ll get a complimentary 30 minutes when utilizing public bikes.

Long-distance bus.

Taipei bus station has many buses that go to other cities at an inexpensive expense. From here, you can take a trip to Kaohsiung, Tainan, Chianti, Hualien, and Taichung every hour.

City bus.

There are around 300 various bus paths in Taipei, and many of them will take you to the picturesque areas you require to go to. A one-section journey on a bus in Taipei costs NT$ 15.

Taxi.

The yellow taxis in Taipei are likewise another choice of transport in the city; however, they will need you to endure the rush hour in the city. The taxis in Taipei have a flat rate of NT $70 (USD 2.5) and an expense NT$ 5 (USD 0.18) for each 250 m. If the taxi will await you, anticipate an extra expense of NT$ 5 (USD 0.18) for every single 1m 40 seconds throughout the daytime.

Bike.

There are a lot of bike-sharing alternatives in Taipei. You’ll discover over 180 bike leasing stations. If you have an Easy Card, you can lease a bike for NT$ 10 (USD 0.36) for every 30 minutes for the very first 4-8 hours.

Motorcycle

If you’re a routine, bikes are one of the most typical transport alternatives in Taipei; however, it is not for the faint-hearted. The fare typically varies from one location to another however begins from NT $40.

Physical fitness and Health.

While day spas and massages are incredibly popular in Taipei, the variety of fitness centers and individuals registering to look after their physical Health has likewise increased. While there are numerous personal health clubs, public neighborhood sports centers are a lot less expensive and do not need any agreements to be signed. As a digital nomad searching for a health club where you can discover an English-speaking trainer or individual fitness instructor, your best choice is to head to the bigger, more understood chains.

Public sports centers in Taipei: Many public sports centers throughout the city use basketball, baseball, tennis, badminton, swimming, beach ball, rock climbing, football, indoor centers, and even classes such as martial arts and yoga. The particular classes and sports provided will depend on the sports center you go to.

Running: If you’re seeking to get in shape outdoors, head to any of Taipei’s national forests, and you’ll discover a number of individuals running, running, or walking.

Biking: You can quickly lease a bike utilizing your Easy Card and head to the riverside parks where cycling tracks are. You can go on many explorations around the city and use biking as a sport and methods of transport to find the city.

Youth park: Here, you’ll discover basketball courts, tennis courts, a pool, and even a skating rink.

Taipei Insurance and Medical Care.

If you’re a resident or have residency in Taiwan, you’ll be able to get National Health Insurance. The quantity will vary from individual to individual depending on their wage and how many dependents they have.

Among the drawbacks of the general public healthcare system can be found in the wait time for each visit. This is decreased enormously with personal healthcare.

As a digital nomad, you’ll be needed to get personal health insurance coverage to check out a medical facility or center. While it does provide outstanding care, it does come with a large cost tag.

• Allianz Care.
• Cigna Global.
• Integra Global.
• AXA.
• Aetna.

 

 

References:

1. https://digitalnomads.world/city-guide/taipei/
2. https://nomadflag.com/taipei-digital-nomad/#visa-runs
3. https://vagabonddisposition.com/taipei-digital-nomad/
4. https://offbeatescapades.com/taiwan-taipei-digital-nomad/
5. https://thisremotecorner.com/living-in-taipei-as-a-digital-nomad-or-expat/