Taoyuan Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Taoyuan.
Healthcare System
Taiwan operates one of Asia's most advanced National Health Insurance (NHI) systems, though tourists are not covered under this program. Taoyuan has modern medical facilities with well-trained healthcare professionals, many of whom have international training and English proficiency.
Hospitals
Major hospitals include Taoyuan General Hospital, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (Linkou branch, one of Taiwan's largest), Saint Paul's Hospital, and Cathay General Hospital. These facilities have 24-hour emergency departments and accept international patients. Airport medical centers at Taoyuan International Airport provide basic care and can arrange hospital transfers.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (藥局/yaoju) are widely available throughout Taoyuan. Watson's and Cosmed chains are common and reliable. Many over-the-counter medications available in Western countries require prescriptions in Taiwan. Pharmacists in major chains often speak basic English. Bring prescriptions for any regular medications, preferably with generic names in English.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage is highly recommended but not mandatory for entry. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation and repatriation, as well as emergency treatment.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications in original containers with prescriptions, as specific brands may not be available
- Taiwan has strict regulations on certain medications including some common cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine - declare all medications at customs
- Dental care is excellent and affordable; many travelers combine visits with dental tourism
- Keep receipts for all medical expenses for insurance claims; hospitals can provide English documentation
- Download the Taiwan V-Watch app if required for health monitoring during certain periods
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching are uncommon but can occur in crowded tourist areas, night markets, and on public transportation. Taiwan has significantly lower theft rates than most major tourist destinations.
Taiwan's traffic can be chaotic for newcomers, with heavy scooter traffic, aggressive driving, and different road rules. Pedestrians don't always have right-of-way in practice despite legal protections.
Typhoons typically occur between June and October, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, flooding, and potential landslides. Taiwan has excellent early warning systems and disaster preparedness.
Taoyuan occasionally experiences poor air quality, particularly during winter months due to industrial pollution and weather patterns bringing pollution from mainland China.
Taiwan is in an earthquake-prone zone. Most buildings are earthquake-resistant, and minor tremors are common. Significant earthquakes are less frequent but possible.
Summer months (June-September) can be extremely hot and humid with temperatures regularly exceeding 35°C (95°F) and high humidity levels.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Some airport taxis may take unnecessarily long routes, claim the meter is broken, or quote inflated flat rates to tourists unfamiliar with standard fares.
Friendly locals approach tourists, invite them to a tea ceremony or cultural experience, then present an exorbitant bill. While less common in Taoyuan than Taipei, it can occur.
Unlicensed money changers may offer attractive rates but shortchange tourists, use sleight of hand, or provide counterfeit bills.
Scammers create fake listings on booking platforms with attractive prices, then disappear after receiving payment or the property doesn't exist.
At some temples, individuals may pressure tourists into making large donations or purchasing expensive incense or offerings, claiming it's required or customary.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Transportation Safety
- Use licensed taxis with meters or ride-hailing apps; avoid unmarked vehicles
- The Taoyuan MRT Airport Line is safe, efficient, and connects the airport to Taipei and Taoyuan
- Wear helmets when riding scooters or bicycles (legally required and enforced)
- Be extremely cautious when crossing streets; scooters may not stop for pedestrians
- Download the Taiwan MRT app for navigation and the Taiwan Taxi app for reliable rides
- Keep belongings secure on public transportation, especially during rush hours
- If renting a car, obtain an International Driving Permit before arrival; driving is on the right side
Personal Security
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance) separate from originals
- Register with your embassy if staying for extended periods
- Taiwan has extensive CCTV coverage in public areas, contributing to low crime rates
- Police boxes (派出所) are common and officers are generally helpful, though English proficiency varies
- Night markets and public areas are generally safe even late at night
- Avoid political demonstrations as a foreigner; they are generally peaceful but best observed from a distance
- Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone in both English and Chinese characters
Food and Water Safety
- Tap water is treated but most locals drink boiled or filtered water; bottled water is widely available and inexpensive
- Street food is generally safe; choose vendors with high turnover and visible food preparation
- Food hygiene standards are high; food poisoning is uncommon
- Be cautious with raw foods if you have a sensitive stomach
- Restaurants display hygiene ratings; look for 'A' grade establishments
- Wash hands frequently, especially before eating; hand sanitizer is widely available
Money and Valuables
- Taiwan is largely cash-based; carry sufficient NT dollars but not excessive amounts
- ATMs are widely available and generally safe to use; 7-Eleven ATMs accept most international cards
- Credit cards are increasingly accepted but not universal, especially at smaller establishments
- Use hotel safes for passports and excess cash
- Be discreet when handling money in public
- Keep a record of credit card numbers and emergency contact numbers separately
- Inform your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
Communication
- Download translation apps (Google Translate works well); offline mode is helpful
- Free WiFi is available at the airport, many hotels, and public areas
- Consider purchasing a local SIM card at the airport for data and local calls
- Learn basic Mandarin phrases; English proficiency is limited outside tourist areas and airports
- Carry your accommodation address written in Chinese characters
- Taiwan uses traditional Chinese characters, not simplified
- Emergency services have some English support but response is faster in Mandarin
Cultural Awareness
- Remove shoes when entering homes, some temples, and traditional establishments
- Be respectful at temples and religious sites; ask before taking photos of worshippers
- Tipping is not customary and can sometimes cause confusion
- Public displays of affection are generally modest; follow local norms
- Avoid discussing sensitive political topics (Taiwan-China relations) with strangers
- Queue culture is important; cutting in line is considered very rude
- Smoking is prohibited in most public indoor spaces and some outdoor areas; fines are enforced
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Taoyuan and Taiwan generally are very safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. Taiwan consistently ranks as one of the safest destinations in Asia for women. Harassment is uncommon, and women can comfortably explore most areas alone, even at night. The local culture is respectful, and violent crime against women is extremely rare.
- Solo female travelers report feeling safe walking alone at night in most areas, though standard precautions apply
- Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps rather than unmarked vehicles, especially late at night
- Women-only hotel floors and facilities are available at some hotels if preferred
- Public transportation is safe; women-only cars are not necessary but some trains have priority seating
- Dress codes are relaxed; women wear everything from traditional to modern Western clothing without issue
- Unwanted attention or harassment is rare; if it occurs, don't hesitate to seek help from nearby people or police
- Tampons and pads are widely available at convenience stores and pharmacies
- Women's restrooms are clean and widely available, including at convenience stores
- Join women's travel groups or forums for Taiwan for additional tips and meeting other travelers
- Emergency contraception is available at pharmacies and hospitals
- Taiwan has strong laws against sexual harassment and assault; report any incidents to police immediately
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Taiwan is the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage (2019) and has strong legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is illegal, and LGBTQ+ rights are among the most progressive in Asia.
- Taoyuan is LGBTQ+-friendly, though the community is more visible in nearby Taipei
- Same-sex couples can stay in hotels without issues; many hotels actively welcome LGBTQ+ guests
- LGBTQ+ venues and events are more common in Taipei (30 minutes away) than in Taoyuan itself
- Taiwan Pride in Taipei (October) is one of Asia's largest and most welcoming Pride events
- Public hand-holding and modest affection between same-sex couples is generally accepted
- No special safety concerns for LGBTQ+ travelers; Taiwan is one of Asia's safest destinations for LGBTQ+ visitors
- Gender-neutral restrooms are increasingly common in public facilities
- Transgender travelers can use restrooms matching their gender identity
- LGBTQ+-friendly resources and support groups are available, primarily in Taipei
- Rural areas may be less familiar with LGBTQ+ issues but remain safe and welcoming
- Taiwan's progressive stance is not necessarily shared by all Asian countries; be aware when connecting through other destinations
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for Taoyuan despite Taiwan's excellent healthcare system and low crime rates. While medical costs are reasonable compared to Western countries, tourists are not covered by Taiwan's National Health Insurance and must pay out-of-pocket. Insurance provides crucial protection for medical emergencies, evacuation, trip disruptions due to typhoons, and lost belongings.