Photos and Contents credited to Harold Lo
All flights to Taipei coming from Manila arrive at Taoyuan Airport, officially known as Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. From a solo Pinoy traveler who went to Taiwan in 2023, see below my practical tips:
DIY Guide To Take A Trip To Taiwan The Cheapest Way Possible
Taiwanese Dollar (NTD)
I claim that the best rate you can get for your currency is by using a GCash Mastercard (just Google how to get one). This will function as a debit card, then you can withdraw once you find an ATM at the airport. The current conversion is 1.81 PHP to 1 NTD, and with GCash, it's around 1.819, with no transaction fee. This is better than buying USD and then changing it to NTD where you'll incur a transaction fee. 5000 NTD is the max withdrawal per transaction. [Please check the most updated exchange rate for 2024 since this is based from currency conversion in 2023].
Unlimited data SIM card
I recommend Chunghwa Unli Data SIM as it has the cheapest rate and strong signal. Purchase it through Klook, which is cheaper than buying it directly at the airport (by a little). Claim it right outside the arrival hall.
Taiwan EasyCard
The price is the same on Klook. You can buy it at the airport or any MRT station and load it at any convenience store. You’ll need this for all bus and train rides. I personally prefer this over an unlimited pass because you’ll only make the unlimited pass worth it if you’re visiting various destinations quickly in a single day. If you only visit a few destinations in a day, the EasyCard is more cost-effective.
MRT Airport Token
This purple coin token is used for the train from the airport straight to Taipei Main Station. The EasyCard can also be used for this ride, but you get a discount if you buy the token from Klook or KKday and then claim it at the airport. Buy a round-trip if you’re also taking the train back to the airport. We also got a free snack (Sun Cake) that you can claim in Ximending (subject to change).
Hotel Accommodation
Agoda is the cheapest app to book accommodations for me. The best is always to book near or within walking distance of Taipei Main Station because this is where tours usually meet, especially if the call time is early. There are no buses or trains before 6 AM.
How to get around Taipei As a Solo Tourist
1. Wear comfy shoes
There’s a lot of walking to be done, bring a power bank, and make sure your phone doesn't run out of battery.
2. Taiwan transportation is super efficient.
Philippines, please take note. There are many bus stops and train stations. Google Maps is your best friend here. It will provide you with the best route options, accurate time, and transportation costs to your destinations. it usually tells you the nearest station and bus number. Once you reach the bus station, look for the bus number on display, which has an English translation and indicates the arrival time. Just wait for your bus number, tap your card on the machine when you board (or the bus driver will give you a look), then tap again when you get off to avoid being charged for the longest route.
3. Bus and Train Fees
The charge usually for buses and trains is a minimum of 15 NTD (Php 27) from point A to point B. Long bus rides (1 hour or more) are usually more expensive depending on the route. If you're only around Taipei, this is roughly how much you'll spend to get around the city.
Top Recommended Tourist Attrations To Visit in Taipei
Chang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, Tianyuan Temple, Lungshan Temple, Taipei 101, Elephant Mountain, National Palace Museum, Beitou Hot Spring Museum, and famous night markets etc.
Popular tourist destinations outside Taipei City
Yehliu Geopark, Shifen Waterfall and Old Street, Jiufen Old Street tour and more. It is popularly called Taiwan North Coast tour.
How to book any of these tours
This can be done DIY but if you want it to be stress-free, book a tour from Klook or KKday plus NTD 100 per person tip for the tour guide. But if DIY, the total fare will not exceed PHP 600 for the round trip to these areas.
Other destinations to consider outside Taipei
Cherry blossoms viewing in Wuling Farm in Taichung or other national Parks nearby Taipei such as nearby Yangmingshan if visiting around February - March. If you want to catch snow in Taiwan, it is a bit of a challenge because you have to go to the mountainside of taiwan. Taipingshan and HehuanShan are famous destinations to experience snow.
Tours are available via Klook but due to its unpredictability and the snow season there is short-lasting, you have to plan and check for updates regularly before your visit. Snow usually last only a week in these areas anytime between the months of December - January To experience a rural vibe of taiwan, Wulai is a must visit which is just a short trip from Taipei city.
More practical tips for traveling to Taiwan
1. AirAsia fares fluctuate, so one of our companions managed to book just a day before travel for around 10k PHP round trip.
2. If you only have hand-carry luggage, AirAsia won’t weigh it at NAIA. But at Taoyuan Airport for the return trip, they weigh it! Wear some of your clothes to reduce weight.
3. To get on a bus, you need to flag it down if you see your bus number. They won’t automatically stop if they don’t see anyone boarding or alighting. Use the buttons near the seats to signal before your stop.
4. Don’t bother lining up for the Queen's Head in Yehliu. It's a waste of time and not worth it. There are plenty of similar-looking rocks nearby.
5. It’s best to visit Jiufen last rather than Shilin on a day tour, especially at night for the beautiful lantern lights. Then there’s a bus that goes straight to Taipei, dropping you off at Raohe Night Market which is where most tourists go to including Shilin. If something lowkey and slightly cheaper, go to Ninxia night market instead.
6. Food in Taiwan is more expensive than in the Philippines but definitely cheaper than in Korea or Japan.
7. Taiwan is a great destination for first-time and solo travelers because you won’t be shocked; there are English translations on signs, a tourist-friendly system, and no scammers.
8. You’ll get a mix of both China and Japan feels, as Taiwan is heavily influenced by these countries.
There you go! Solo traveling is feasible in Taiwan because you pay per individual for essentials and tours. No need for a travel buddy unless you have uncommon destinations you want to visit.
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