Exploring Taiwan on a budget

Traveling affordably in Taiwan is entirely possible, and with some careful planning, it can be a truly delightful experience.

While Taiwan may not be as economical as Vietnam, Malaysia, or Indonesia, it remains more budget-friendly compared to Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan.

Though accommodation prices can be on the higher side, this is more than balanced out by a wealth of delicious, affordable food, low-cost public transport, free access to fantastic attractions, outstanding hiking opportunities at little to no cost, and numerous free festivals throughout the year. Here are all the essential tips and tricks for visiting Taiwan on a budget.

Use the metro or bus services to get from the airport

Taoyuan International Airport serves as Taiwan’s main gateway to the world, with another significant international airport located in Kaohsiung. Buses run every 15 minutes to an hour, providing the most economical rides (NT$90 to NT$145) to downtown Taipei from Taoyuan International Airport. The journey typically takes between 50 to 80 minutes, depending on your drop-off point.

For just a bit more (NT$160), the Airport MRT speeds you to the city center in under 40 minutes, with trains arriving reliably every 10 minutes.

A quick 15-minute metro ride from Kaohsiung International Airport to the metropolitan area costs NT$35. Buses are pricier and take a bit longer.

Acquire an EasyCard

The user-friendly EasyCard is a contactless smartcard primarily used for public transport fares and retail purchases. It has an initial cost of NT$100, plus a top-up amount of your choice. While it doesn’t reduce the fare per trip, you can enjoy minor discounts of under NT$10 when transferring between metro and bus or between metro and Youbike, the bike-sharing service.

Think about downloading transport apps

Consider installing transport apps to compare routes and fares in advance. Useful options include the government’s bilingual train, high-speed rail, and metro apps. Bus apps are beneficial as well, although Google Maps performs well in Taiwan too.

Fill your itinerary with free attractions

You’ll find an abundance of free attractions no matter how long you visit. All 15,000 temples in Taiwan, ranging from nature shrines to UNESCO-recognized sites, are free to enter.

Although most prominent museums require an entrance fee, notable exceptions include the Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Taiwan Literature, and Human Rights Museum which do not charge.

Both art centers and art villages offer free entry, as do nature reserves and salt flats. A quick NT$30 ferry ride from Kaohsiung leads you to Cijin Island, where you can enjoy history, stunning beaches, and breathtaking sunsets.

Plan your public transport routes wisely

Depending on the city, a mix of bus, metro, public biking, and walking will likely be the most economical and effective way to navigate. For instance, combining walking with a public bike ride is a great way to explore Tainan's metropolitan area.

Buses are more economical and reach more destinations than the MRT, making them a budget traveler’s best ally in smaller cities without a metro system. In Taipei and Kaohsiung, bus fares operate on a zone-based pricing system, charging NT$15 and NT$12 per zone, respectively.

While slightly pricier than buses, with fares ranging from NT$20 to NT$65 per ride, the metro offers relief from the heat and traffic congestion. Public bike-sharing services like Youbike or T-bike are great options for shorter trips and sightseeing, with average rates around NT$10 per hour.

Let your kids ride on your lap on the trains

Children under six years old (or 115cm/3ft 9in tall) can travel on the MRT for free. The same applies to high-speed rail and intercity trains, as long as you hold them on your lap. If your child requires a seat, you can purchase a child’s ticket at half price for those aged six to 12 years (or 115cm to 150cm/3ft 9in to 4ft 9in).

Engage in hiking, biking, and soaking in hot springs

Taiwan boasts hundreds of hiking trails, ranging from urban park paths to routes through ancient forests. Most trails are free and easily accessible via public transport, but note that certain high-altitude areas do require a permit for entry.

If you plan to visit Taroko National Park, consider getting a day pass (NT$250) for hopping on and off buses to explore various trails and natural attractions. Cycling is also a popular activity, with numerous bike lanes and routes available at no cost.

Taiwan ranks among Asia’s premier hot-spring destinations. You can mix hiking with a dip in a picturesque wild spring. Yangmingshan features free public pools that have relaxed many tired hikers, while the Beitou hot-spring resort area offers the most affordable entry at Beitou Public Hot Spring for NT$40.

Opt for the slow train if you have the time

Taiwan operates two rail systems – HSR (high-speed rail) and TRA (Taiwan Railway Administration) – both of which are safe, clean, and on time. TRA offers three types of trains, each varying in speed, fare, and frequency. The fastest trains are less frequent and come with pricier tickets that tend to sell out quickly.

Generally, HSR is about twice as fast and twice as expensive as TRA. For instance, a trip from Taipei to Kaohsiung on HSR costs NT$1490 and takes just two hours, while the same journey on the second-fastest TRA train costs NT$845 and takes five hours.

Grab your caffeine fix from convenience stores or local coffee chains

The most affordable coffee options are available at convenience stores. Don’t underestimate them; two major chains, FamilyMart and 711, offer freshly brewed specialty coffees. Local cafes like Cama Café and Louisa Coffee also serve excellent coffee (along with delicious matcha lattes and affogatos) for much less than Starbucks.

Dine at the markets

Taiwan is filled with inexpensive eats that don’t skimp on variety, so you can enjoy a range of flavors without overspending. In Taipei, bento restaurants and noodle shops can satisfy your hunger for as little as NT$80; prices are even lower in Kaohsiung and Tainan.

For a truly unique experience, check out a night market. Every city features at least a few. The wide selection of budget-friendly food at these street markets, from fried mackerel to refreshing fruit smoothies, allows you to indulge without worrying about costs.

Stalls within produce markets, open for breakfast and lunch, offer excellent options for a quick bite. Plus, you can grab some fresh fruits on your way out. Tainan’s Yongle Market is a true grazer’s paradise.

Utilize water dispensers

Don’t forget to bring your water bottle. Water dispensers are nearly as common as convenience stores, found in all metro and train stations, museums, temples, libraries, information centers, hostels, and hotels. If you need hot water for tea or coffee, all accommodations come equipped with a kettle.

Choose a trustworthy hostel or hotel

Accommodation prices in Taiwan can be relatively high compared to food and transport costs. The most affordable options, aside from the occasional Catholic hostel or temple guest room, are dormitory-style hostels, which typically range from NT$500 to NT$800 per night for six to ten-bunk rooms, and may be slightly cheaper during the week.

For those seeking privacy, private rooms in hostels are available for NT$1,600-2,200 per night. Some older two-star hotels might charge around 20% less, making them a more budget-friendly choice if cost is your primary concern.

If price isn’t your only factor, do additional research, as quality can vary widely. Some hostels offer great value, while others fall short. The same goes for hotels; cheaper options generally provide larger rooms but may have worn-out furnishings.

Purchase beer at convenience stores

Convenience stores are everywhere in Taiwan, making it easy to grab a beer for enjoyment in the park, by the riverside at sunset, or even inside the store, as many feature tables and seating.

They also offer ready-to-eat meals (which they can reheat for free), sandwiches, tea eggs, roasted sweet potatoes, rice balls, cup noodles (with complimentary hot water), fruits, and ice cream. This is a much cheaper option than going to a pub, and the quality is decent.

Experience local traditions at a festival

Throughout the year, there’s always a festival or a deity’s birthday celebration just around the corner. Events like the Mazu Pilgrimage, the Burning of the Wang Yeh Boats, and the Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival are unforgettable experiences that you'd likely pay to see, yet they are completely free to attend.

Daily Expenses

• Hostel dormitory: NT$500–800

• Basic double room: NT$1200–2200

• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb options): NT$1100-4800

• MRT fare: NT$40

• Coffee: NT$60

• Noodles with a side dish: NT$80–180

• Dinner for two: NT$500-1000

• Beer/pint at a bar: NT$200