Planning your first trip to Taipei but not sure where to start?

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with family, Taipei is one of the easiest cities in Asia to explore. It has an efficient public transportation system, friendly locals, delicious food, and plenty of attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

This guide is based on my own solo trip to Taipei, where I explored popular attractions like Taipei 101, Longshan Temple, Wulai, Jiufen, Shifen, Maokong Gondola, and more. I’ll also share practical travel tips, transportation advice, and everything I wish I had known before visiting.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to prepare for your trip and where to find more detailed itineraries, hotel reviews, and attraction guides here on Mommy Helena Travels.

Quick Travel Overview

Destination: Taipei, Taiwan

Language: Mandarin Chinese

Currency: New Taiwan Dollar (NT$ / TWD)

Time Zone: GMT+8

Visa for Filipinos: Visa-free for up to 14 days (extended until July 31, 2027, as of writing)

Best for: First-time visitors, solo travelers, couples, families, food lovers, and DIY travelers

Table of Contents

• Before You Travel
• Visa Requirements
• Best Time to Visit Taipei
• Currency
• Language
• Internet & eSIM
• Power Plug
• Budget Guide
• Pre-Travel Checklist
• Arrival Guide
• Transportation Guide
• EasyCard Guide
• Where to Stay
• Best Things to Do
• Free Attractions
• Food to Try
• Where to Shop
• Taiwan Travel Tips
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Travel Resources

My Personal Taiwan Recommendations

Planning your Taiwan trip?

I’ve created a curated collection of the hotels, tours, attractions, and experiences that I’ve personally booked and experienced during my trips.

Open the Klook app, search “Helena”, and look for Picks by Mommy Helena to browse my Taiwan recommendations.

There, you’ll find:

✅ Taipei 101 Observatory

✅ Yehliu, Jiufen & Shifen Day Tour

✅ Taichung Day Tour

✅ Maokong Gondola

✅ Airport MRT

✅ EasyCard

…and more travel experiences I’ve personally tried.

Don’t forget to check my Klook shop for the latest promo codes before booking.

👉 Mommy Helena’s Klook Kreator Shop

✈️ Book Before You Fly

Planning your Taipei trip? Here are the essentials I recommend booking before your flight. These are the same services I personally used or recommend to make your trip smoother.

🏨 Hotels

Find hotels in Taipei through Agoda and save up to 10% OFF on eligible bookings with my code HELENAGODA.

👉 Browse hotels here:

📶 eSIM, SIM Card & Pocket Wi-Fi

Stay connected as soon as you land.

Available on:

• 👉 Klook 

🚆 Airport MRT Ticket

Skip the ticket queue by booking your Airport MRT ticket in advance, or simply purchase one at the station when you arrive.

Available on:

• 👉 Klook 

💳 EasyCard

I highly recommend getting an EasyCard for your trip. You can book one in advance through Klook and collect it at the airport, or purchase one from MRT stations or participating 7-Eleven stores after you arrive.

👉 Book your EasyCard here

🎟️ Tours & Attractions

You can also pre-book attractions and day tours such as:

• Taipei 101 Observatory
• Maokong Gondola
• Yehliu, Jiufen & Shifen Tour
• Taichung Day Tour
• Taipei Sightseeing Bus

Browse all recommended experiences:

👉 Klook Kreator Shop

👉 GetYourGuide Storefront

Taipei 101

I booked my Taipei 101 Observatory ticket online before my trip.

You can also find it inside my Klook Kreator Shop under Picks by Mommy Helena.

Taichung Tour

This was one of my favorite day trips from Taipei.

It’s also included in my curated Taiwan recommendations inside my Klook Kreator Shop.

🎥 Watch My First Solo Trip to Taipei

Want to see what Taipei is really like?

Watch my first solo trip to Taiwan on YouTube, where I share my arrival experience, the places I visited, and travel tips throughout my journey.

▶️ Watch here: My First International Solo Trip | Taiwan Day 1

Before You Travel

Taipei is one of my favorite destinations for first-time travelers because it’s clean, safe, easy to navigate, and has an excellent public transportation system. During my solo trip, I found it easy to get around using the MRT and day tours for destinations outside the city.

One of the things I appreciated most was how convenient everything was—from airport transportation to finding restaurants and convenience stores. Whether you’re planning a short getaway or a week-long adventure, a little preparation goes a long way.

Visa Requirements

If you’re a Philippine passport holder, you’ll be happy to know that Taiwan currently offers visa-free entry for up to 14 days.

As of writing, the visa-free program has been extended until July 31, 2027.

Before your trip, always check the latest travel requirements to ensure there have been no changes to entry policies.

Best Time to Visit Taipei

Taipei is a year-round destination, but each season offers a different experience.

Spring (March to May)
Comfortable weather, blooming flowers, and ideal sightseeing conditions.

Summer (June to September)
Expect hot and humid weather with occasional typhoons. Carry an umbrella and stay updated on weather forecasts.

Autumn (October to November)
Cooler temperatures and clear skies make this one of the best times to visit.

Winter (December to February)
Cool weather that’s perfect for walking around the city. Pack a light jacket, especially for evenings.

Currency

The official currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$ or TWD).

Although many establishments accept credit cards and digital payments, it’s still a good idea to carry cash for night markets and small local shops.

I also recommend withdrawing cash from an ATM instead of exchanging large amounts at the airport, as you may get a better exchange rate depending on your bank.

Language

The official language is Mandarin Chinese.

You’ll find English signs in MRT stations, airports, and many tourist attractions, making it relatively easy for first-time visitors to get around.

Learning a few basic Mandarin phrases can also make interactions with locals more enjoyable.

Internet & Staying Connected

Having internet access made navigating Taipei much easier during my trip. I relied on Google Maps, translation apps, and online bookings throughout my stay.

If your phone supports it, I highly recommend using an eSIM so you’ll be connected as soon as you land. If your device isn’t eSIM-compatible, you can purchase a local SIM card or rent a Pocket Wi-Fi instead.

👉 Book your Taiwan eSIM, SIM card, or Pocket Wi-Fi here:
Check rates on Klook

Travel Tip: I recommend setting up your eSIM before your flight so it’s ready to activate when you arrive in Taiwan.

EasyCard Guide

One of the first things you should get when visiting Taipei is an EasyCard. It’s a rechargeable smart card that makes getting around Taiwan much easier.

You can use your EasyCard to pay for:

• MRT (Taipei Metro)
• Public buses
• Selected TRA train routes
• Convenience stores like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart
• Some attractions and shops

There are two ways to get an EasyCard:

Option 1 (Recommended): Book your EasyCard online before your trip through Klook and collect it upon arrival.

👉 Book your EasyCard here

Option 2: Purchase one when you arrive at MRT stations, train stations, or participating convenience stores such as 7-Eleven.

Travel Tip: I highly recommend getting an EasyCard on your first day. It saves time, eliminates the need to buy single-journey tickets, and makes commuting around Taipei much more convenient.

Airport MRT (Airport Express)

The Taoyuan Airport MRT is the fastest and most convenient way to travel between Taoyuan International Airport and Taipei Main Station.

You have several options:

• Book your Airport MRT ticket online before your trip.
• Purchase a ticket at the airport station.
• Use your EasyCard to pay your fare directly.

👉 Book your Airport MRT ticket here:

From Taipei Main Station, simply transfer to the MRT and head to Ximen Station (Exit 6) if you’re staying near Ximending.

Airport MRT

Want to book this before your trip?

You’ll find my recommended Airport MRT ticket inside my Klook Kreator Shop. Open the Klook app and search “Helena” to browse my Taiwan travel picks.

Money Exchange

I personally recommend withdrawing cash from an ATM instead of exchanging large amounts of money at the airport.

During my trip, I withdrew cash from Bank of Taiwan ATMs using my debit card and found the exchange rate to be better than many money changers.

Cards commonly used by Filipino travelers include:

• GCash Card
• GoTyme Bank
• Maya Card (if supported)
• MariBank Debit Card
• Other international Visa or Mastercard debit cards

Important: When the ATM asks whether you’d like to use currency conversion, choose “No Conversion” or “Decline Conversion.” This allows your home bank to process the exchange, which often results in a better exchange rate.

You’ll find Bank of Taiwan ATMs at:

• Taoyuan International Airport
• Taipei Main Station
• Many MRT stations
• Shopping malls
• Other convenient locations around Taiwan

Travel Tip: Always check with your bank about overseas ATM withdrawal fees before your trip.

Power Plug

Taiwan uses:

• Type A
• Type B

Voltage: 110V / 60Hz

Travelers from the Philippines can generally use their chargers without a plug adapter, but always check that your electronics support 110V.

What’s Coming Next

In the next post, we’ll cover everything you need before flying to Taiwan, including:

• Passport requirements
• Taiwan Arrival Card
• Philippine eTravel
• Travel insurance
• Airport arrival process
• Immigration tips
• Airport MRT
• EasyCard
• How to get from Taoyuan Airport to Ximending

👉 Read next: Taiwan Arrival Guide: What to Do Before and After Landing at Taoyuan Airport

Related Articles (Coming Soon)

• FREE 8D7N Taipei Itinerary + Budget
• Taiwan Arrival Guide
• Taipei Transportation Guide
• Tomorrow Hotel Review
• Best Things to Do in Taipei
• Taipei Food Guide
• Taipei Shopping Guide
• Taiwan Budget Guide
• The Ultimate Ximending Travel Guide

Final Thoughts

Taipei is one of those cities that feels welcoming from the moment you arrive. Whether you’re exploring vibrant night markets, riding the MRT across the city, or taking day trips to places like Jiufen, Shifen, and Wulai, it’s a destination that’s easy to enjoy—even if it’s your first time traveling solo.

I hope this guide helps you plan your Taiwan adventure with confidence. As you continue planning, be sure to check out my upcoming Taiwan guides where I’ll share my personal itinerary, hotel reviews, transportation tips, and budget breakdown based on my own travel experience.

Happy travels!

✈️ Travel Resources

Before booking your trip, don’t forget to check my exclusive travel deals to help you save on hotels, activities, and tours.

🏨 Hotels
Book your hotel through Agoda and use my code HELENAGODA to save up to 10% OFF on eligible bookings.

🎟️ Activities & Tours

• Agoda Activities: LENAGODA
• Klook: MOMMYHELENAKLOOK
• GetYourGuide: WICKEDHELENA5

📱eSIM

• Nomad eSIM: use code HELENA
• Klook eSIM

Promo codes and offers may change. Always check the latest terms and availability before booking.

Ending Quote

“Every great adventure begins with good planning. I hope this guide inspires you to experience the beauty, culture, and warmth of Taipei—one unforgettable journey at a time.”

Disclosure: Mommy Helena Travels participates in affiliate programs, including Agoda, Klook, and GetYourGuide. This means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through qualifying links. This never affects the price you pay, and it helps support the creation of free travel guides like this one. Thank you for your support!

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Mommy Helena

Hi, I’m Helena! 👋
I’m the creator of Mommy Helena, a travel blog where I share detailed itineraries, hotel reviews, food discoveries, and travel tips based on my personal experiences across Asia.
As a solo traveler from the Philippines, I love exploring destinations like Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, and beyond. My goal is to help fellow travelers plan smarter, save time, and make the most of every trip.
✈️ Follow my adventures and discover practical travel guides, budget tips, and honest recommendations from my journeys.

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