Taiwan is officially known as the Republic of China. The majority of countries in the world, including the People's Republic of China (mainland China), do not recognize Taiwan as an independent nation.

• Population: 23.8 million
• Capital: Taipei
• Demographics: Ethnically, 98% are Han Chinese, and 2% Taiwanese Aborigines, descendents of Austronesian people who ruled Taiwan until the 17th century. There are 26 officially recognized religions in Taiwan, including Buddhism (35%), Taoism (33%), Christianity, and others.
• Type of government: Semi-presidential constitutional republic
• Currency: New Taiwan dollar (NT$)
• Common foods: beef noodle soup, xiaolong, oyster dishes, stinky tofu, bubble tea, and more.

Mandarin Chinese is the official language of Taiwan, including the Taiwanese Mandarin dialect spoken by about 70% of Taiwan's population. English is commonly spoken as a second language.

Taiwan still uses traditional Chinese characters as the main form of written communication in all settings, whereas every other country where Chinese is the main language spoken uses exclusively simplified characters for most everyday written settings.

As a University of Illinois student, you have access to library resources (such as Rosetta Stone and Libguides). You may also want to consider free sources to learn basic phrases, or to refresh your language skills prior to departure.

It is each students responsibility to independently verify the visa information below and ensure they apply and secure the appropriate documentation to travel and stay in their host country for the duration of their program.

All students studying in Taiwan will require a visa to enter the country. Exchange students will need to acquire a Taiwanese visa for full-time foreign study. For more information about visa requirements for Taiwan, visit the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office's website.

To read more on passport and visa terminology see the Passports & Visas page of this website.

Phones

• There are a few main cell data providers in Taiwan, including Chunghwa, Taiwan Mobile, and FarEastone. All of these providers allow for the purchase of local SIM cards that offer prepaid data plans for long-term stays in Taiwan. You can purchase a SIM card at the airport upon arrival (they may be more expensive here) or at a branch store.
• Taiwanese SIM cards cost around $10USD, and data plans valid for one month, two months, or more, can be purchased for various prices starting at $4, depending on the amount of data you expect to use. Read more about SIM cards in Taiwan.
• Make sure you have the Duo Mobile app set up on your phone. If you get a new SIM card, use the passcode options instead of PUSH, or go to UI Verify website to enter your new phone information.
• Make sure you have the Duo Mobile app set up on your phone. If you get a new SIM card, use the passcode options instead of PUSH, or go to UI Verify website to enter your new phone information.

Internet

• Taiwan was one of the first countries in the world to offer free public WiFi almost anywhere.
• Visitors can open an iTaiwan network account to access public WiFi hotspots nearly everywhere you go.

Electricity

• Taiwan uses standard US/Canadian electric plugs, so there is no need to purchase additional plug adapters to use devices brought from the U.S.
• While an adapter makes your device fit into the local outlet, a converter converts the voltage. The voltage will not be the same as in the U.S. For that reason, it is recommended that you do NOT bring appliances such as hair dryers or hair straighteners with you unless you also purchase a voltage converter.

Banking Tips

• Credit and debit cards will be accepted in larger shopping malls and retail chains, but the country is still mostly reliant on cash.
• This means you will need to exchange USD for local currency either before departing for Taiwan, or upon arrival in-country. It is always a good idea to have some amount of local currency available in cash for daily purchases and in case of emergencies.
• Some of the major banks operating in Taiwan include Central Bank of China, Bank of Taiwan, Mega International Commercial Bank, Industrial Bank of Taiwan, and more. All of these banks have ATMs available to extract local currency using your debit card.
• Be sure to consult your local US bank before travelling to Taiwan, in regards to international transaction fees, ATM fees, exchange rates, and to let your bank know of your travels so that your accounts do not get blocked.

Geography

• Placed in between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Australia maintains its record as the oldest, flattest and driest inhabited continent on the face of the Earth.
• The country is home to vast biodiversity and is infamous for its copious amount of poisonous or dangerous animals and insects.
• The center of the country remains a hot desert climate, and so the majority of the population lives on the coast where the temperatures are less extreme and more moderate.

Climate

The Chinese climate highly varies from region to region.

• Taiwan is generally characterized by a subtropical climate, with long and hot summers from April to September, and short and mild winters.
• Snow usually only falls in the highland mountainous areas.
• Winter monsoons from October to March cause a rainy season in the north of Taiwan.
• Average temperatures in the summer for the whole country center around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Packing

• It is recommended to pack clothes in layers, and prepare for milder weather and rain.
• Windbreakers, rain jackets, umbrellas, and a mix of long and short sleeves are a good idea.
• Heavier jackets may be necessary in the mountain areas, especially in the winter.
• For more packing considerations, view the Packing List (PDF).

Traveling Locally

The main forms of transportation include trains, buses, taxis, and underground train services in Taipei.

Trains are the most convenient way to travel within the country, between major cities and towns.

• The Taiwan Railway Administration offers regular train schedules daily, with varying prices depending on ticket tier.
• Taiwan's high-speed rail (THSR) runs along the country's west coast and connects Taipei in the north with Zuoying in the south.
• Mass rapid transport (MRT) metro services are also available in Taipei and Kaohsiung from 6am to midnight daily, and are the most convenient way to explore these cities in particular. An EasyCard is available for purchase if you are planning on using the metro often.

Bus is the cheapest way to travel within larger cities, with some bus services running 24/7.

• Sometimes in smaller cities, buses are the only form of public transport available, but fares are as low as 50 cents USD.

Airports

• Major airports include Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei, Kaohsiung International Airport, Songshan Airport in Taipei, Taichung International Airport, and more.
• Common airlines include Sichuan Airlines, Eva Air, Air China, China Airlines, Hainan Airlines, and more.

Each student faces different barriers and unique challenges based on their identity. For example, how you identify in the United States may not be how you choose to identify abroad because of the local social culture. We encourage all students to reflect on the different aspects of their identity and consider how they may play a role in their study abroad experience. To help with this thought process: visit the State Department website and look into the Identity & Inclusion resources available on this website.

International Safety and Security provides important wellness tips, along with using your insurance and the emergency phone number. Be sure to become familiar with this website and the resources available to you. Review the U.S. Embassy page and the Department of State website for additional safety resources.

Enroll yourself in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U.S. Department of State. Registration in STEP will allow you to get alerts on the latest safety and security information. In addition, the information you provide enables the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.