Safety and Health in Taiwan

Taiwan is considered one of the safest countries in Asia for tourists, and that’s part of why it’s so easy to travel here. Violent crime is rare, pickpocketing is uncommon, and you can wander a night market after midnight without thinking twice.

The real risk: roads

The thing that genuinely needs your attention is scooter traffic. Cities have millions of scooters, and they’re fast and dense. Look both ways, cross at crossings, and be careful stepping off a kerb. If you’re thinking of renting a scooter, do it only if you have experience.

Health and water

Healthcare in Taiwan is high quality, and hospitals in the big cities are excellent. Pharmacies (marked with a cross) are everywhere. Tap water is drinkable after boiling, but the convenient move is simply to buy bottled water: it’s cheap and available in every convenience store.

Earthquakes and typhoons

Taiwan sits on an active fault line, and minor earthquakes aren’t rare. The buildings are made to withstand them. If you feel a strong tremor: move away from windows, get under a sturdy table, and wait. The 2024 earthquake mainly hit the Hualien and Taroko area, where some trails are still closed.

For typhoon season and how to handle it, see when to go.

Travel insurance

Healthcare in Taiwan is good but not free for tourists. Cover yourself with travel insurance that includes hospitalisation, evacuation, and cancellation, especially if you plan mountain trails or riding a scooter. It’s the cheap expense that pays off most.

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