When people think of Taiwan, they often picture stunning landscapes, delicious food, and vibrant culture. And for good reason! Taiwan is a beautiful island that offers a perfect mix of modern cities and natural wonders. From the bustling night markets of Taipei to the breathtaking Taroko Gorge, there’s no shortage of reasons why travelers rave about this place. The food is legendary, with its street eats, bubble tea, and Michelin-starred restaurants, while the people are warm and welcoming. On top of that, Taiwan is a tech and transportation hub, making it incredibly easy to explore.
But while all these superlatives are well-known, today I want to introduce some of the less glamorous aspects of traveling to Taiwan. Every destination has its downsides, and Taiwan is no exception. From pedestrian safety concerns to the humid weather, there are a few things you should be prepared for before booking your flight.
1. Pedestrian Safety
One of the major downsides of visiting Taiwan is pedestrian safety - or rather, the lack of it. While the public transportation system is excellent, once you're on foot, things can get tricky. In many parts of the country, pedestrian crossings are ignored by drivers, and scooters seem to come from all directions. Even when crossing at designated crosswalks, pedestrians often have to be vigilant and assertive, as vehicles may not stop.
The issue is particularly noticeable in busy urban areas, where cars and scooters often speed through intersections or make quick turns, barely slowing down for those on foot. Even the sidewalks, especially in smaller towns, aren’t always pedestrian-friendly, often being cluttered with parked scooters or uneven surfaces. In some areas, sidewalks disappear altogether, leaving you to share narrow roads with vehicles.
For anyone who loves walking and exploring a city on foot, this can be frustrating and even dangerous. Visitors need to stay alert and exercise caution, especially at intersections and when walking near heavy traffic.
If you follow the news in Taiwan, you may already know there are quite a lot of incidents involving pedestrians, often with elderly drivers claiming they didn’t see the person crossing the road. Well, maybe if they slowed down, they would... This happens very often! I
n my 7+ years living here, I’ve encountered many accidents and have been nearly hit several times, usually by scooters running red lights!
Just this morning, after dropping my son off at school, I wanted to cross the road back. We had a pedestrian-only green light, and while cars stopped, as I was 3/4 of the way across and nearly at the other side, a grandma driving a scooter almost hit me. She then turned right onto another road full of kids heading to school. There are always elderly women volunteering to watch out for kids' safety, but no one said a word or reacted when things like this happen. At least a few times a week, the pedestrian crossing is blocked by people deciding to park there because it’s too much trouble to drive 100 meters more and stop in a parking area or drop their child in a better spot where they wouldn’t block others from crossing safely.
2. Hot and Humid Climate
Taiwan’s subtropical climate can be overwhelming for those not used to it. Summers (especially from June to September) are hot and extremely humid, with temperatures often reaching above 30°C (86°F). The humidity makes the heat feel even more intense, leading to sweaty clothes and a constant need for air conditioning.
Moreover, Taiwan is prone to typhoons, particularly in the late summer and early fall. These storms can disrupt travel plans, with heavy rains and strong winds sometimes causing delays or cancellations of flights, trains, and ferries. If you’re visiting during typhoon season, be prepared for sudden changes in weather and the possibility of being stuck indoors for extended periods.
As much as I’ve gotten used to the hot weather, I’m scared of winters here. Maybe if you watch the weather forecast and see 20 degrees, you think it’s fine, but the reality is different. The weather is super humid, and when it’s 20 degrees in winter, we’re wearing winter clothes. Not to mention, when it dropped to 3 degrees Celsius last winter, it was freezing. Our hands were red from the cold. It doesn’t get any better indoors because houses don’t have radiators, so it’s cold everywhere. Even when living in Tainan, one of the warmest places, there were still some colder days when the temperature inside dropped to 15 degrees Celsius. We have heaters in the rooms and bathroom, so we can manage, but going outside is a nightmare. Schools are also cold, and kids have to sit wearing winter jackets. How can you focus on studying when it’s that cold?
3. Air Quality Issues
Although Taiwan’s air quality has improved in recent years, pollution can still be a problem, especially in industrial areas or during certain times of the year. Air pollution, primarily from factories, vehicles, and neighboring countries, can affect visibility and make outdoor activities less enjoyable. On days when the air quality is poor, sensitive individuals may experience discomfort, especially if they have respiratory issues.
If you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors, it’s a good idea to check air quality apps and wear a mask on days when pollution levels are high.
We live near an industrial area, so we see the effects very clearly. Often, the sky is grey, and the smell is terrible. This usually happens on rainy or cloudy days when it’s hard to tell if the air quality is bad just by looking, but once you step outside, the chemical odor is overwhelming. Another issue is that many factories release polluted water into the rivers, turning them rotten-looking and contaminated.
4. Crowded Public Spaces
While Taiwan is known for its efficient public transportation, it’s also known for its crowds. In major cities like Taipei, Kaohsiung, or Taichung, rush hour can be a hectic experience. The MRT system is clean and reliable, but during peak hours, it’s packed to the brim. If you’re not a fan of crowded spaces, navigating busy night markets or popular tourist spots can feel claustrophobic.
Even outside the city, Taiwan’s small size and high population density mean that popular hiking trails or scenic spots can get crowded, particularly on weekends and holidays. If you're seeking solitude, it might be difficult to find in Taiwan’s most famous locations.
30 minutes looking for parking, we couldn’t find any nearby. And by 'nearby,' I mean within 1 km of the place we wanted to go. Often, cars block lanes as they wait for parking spots to open up. Some areas are also extremely expensive to park in. For example, in Keelung, which we got to know this year, many parking lots have no time limit and charge 30 NT or more per hour. Traveling to less touristy places is usually fine, and some spots may even have free parking. Another option could be riding a scooter or taking the bus or train, though I’m not too familiar with public transportation.
5. Strict Waste Disposal Rules
Taiwan has strict waste disposal regulations, and you’ll quickly notice that public trash cans are few and far between. While this is part of Taiwan’s efforts to reduce litter and improve recycling, it can be inconvenient for tourists who might not know where to properly dispose of their trash.
You often have to carry your waste with you until you return to your hotel or find a rare public trash bin. Recycling rules are also stringent, and incorrect disposal can result in fines. For long-term visitors or those staying in Airbnbs, understanding the local garbage disposal schedule is essential, as garbage trucks come at specific times with musical tunes announcing their arrival.
And to add to that, Taiwan isn’t as clean as you might think. Maybe not in Taipei, but once you go to smaller towns, you may see garbage on the streets or along the fields. The place I live has a 7-11 downstairs, and quite often I’ll see garbage on the sidewalk, cigarette butts, and other litter. A huge problem with garbage also exists in the mountains, where many residents dump it in the forests, and it is then carried around by the wind, rivers, and other elements.
6. Earthquakes
Taiwan experiences a significant number of earthquakes each year due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire. On average, the island records around 15,000 earthquakes annually. Of these, the vast majority are minor and go unnoticed, but about 1,000 are strong enough to be felt by residents. Additionally, a few earthquakes each year may be powerful enough to cause damage or be considered significant, typically registering over 5.0 on the Richter scale.
Taiwan's seismic activity is the result of the interaction between the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate, which converge near the island.
In rare cases, stronger earthquakes may cause transportation disruptions or damage to infrastructure. It’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with earthquake safety procedures, especially if you're staying in a high-rise building.
The most recent major earthquake was the 2024 Hualien earthquake, which had a magnitude of 7.4 and claimed 18 lives. The most recent major earthquake with a high death toll was the 921 earthquake, which struck on September 21, 1999, and claimed 2,415 lives.
7. Language Barrier
While English is widely taught in schools and signage in major cities is often bilingual, once you venture outside tourist areas, you may find the language barrier challenging. In smaller towns, fewer people speak English, and menus or transportation signs may only be in Mandarin or Taiwanese. This can make navigation and communication a bit harder for those who don’t speak the local languages.
While many locals are friendly and will try to help, having a translation app or some basic Mandarin phrases can go a long way in making your trip smoother.
Personally, I hardly find English-speaking people, or maybe they are shy; I'm not sure. Judging by my husband’s friends and coworkers, English speakers are relatively difficult to find here. My Chinese isn't great, but I somehow get by. However, for many things, such as doctor visits or even ARC-related matters, I need to rely on my husband as a translator.
8. High Costs in Tourist Areas
While Taiwan is generally more affordable compared to some Western countries, prices in tourist-heavy areas can quickly add up. Accommodation in popular areas like Taipei or Kenting can be pricey, and tourist activities often come with steep fees. If you’re visiting during a holiday season or major festival, prices may spike even more, so be prepared for higher-than-expected costs in these regions.
Sadly, many of the places are not even worth the price. Sometimes, when staying in hotels that weren’t the cheapest, we found dirty bedsheets, broken towels, and dust everywhere. If you find cheap options, don’t expect anything good from them; the air conditioning might even be too old to work properly! With the high prices, many people joke that they can only afford to travel to Japan and not locally. Honestly, after seeing the prices and high quality of accommodations in Japan and Korea, I’m not surprised - you can get twice as good a place for half the price.
Conclusion: Is Taiwan Still Worth It?
Despite these challenges, Taiwan is still an incredible destination, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, modern amenities, and rich culture. While it’s important to be aware of potential downsides like pedestrian safety issues, a hot and humid climate, and occasional air quality concerns, these are far outweighed by Taiwan’s many highlights.
With a bit of preparation and an open mind, you can navigate the island’s challenges and enjoy everything Taiwan has to offer - from its jaw-dropping landscapes to its unforgettable food scene.
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