Living in Taiwan

"Expats considering retiring in Taiwan should be aware that the cost of living is relatively low compared to other countries, and that the healthcare system is well-developed and accessible. It is important to research the visa requirements for retirement in Taiwan, as well as the tax implications of living and working in the country. Additionally, expats should familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs, as well as the language, to ensure a smooth transition. Finally, expats should consider the availability of leisure activities and social networks in the area they plan to retire in," said one expat who made the move to Taiwan.

"Make friends. Keep yourself busy doing what you intend to do in Taiwan. If English is your first language, you might want to teach. There's good money in teaching kids or adults in language centers called bushibans or in one on ones. Enjoy the difference in culture," explained one expat living in Taichung, Taiwan.

"There are a number of bars (Pubs) in either Taipei, Taichung or Kaosiung where foreigners and Taiwanese young locals hang out. Otherwise, you can try enrolling in a University to study Chinese; there are opportunities to meet others in such an environment," wrote one member in Taichung.

"Expats in Taiwan often join clubs and activities such as language exchange groups, hiking clubs, and sports teams. Expats can also meet people by attending events such as art exhibitions, music concerts, and festivals. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests, as well as attending meetups and networking events," remarked one expat who made the move to Taiwan.

"Anyone trying out living here in Taiwan will certainly be aware of how important making money is to the Taiwanese. They tend to revolve their lives around their work. The society is also Family centered. Relationship is important for a Taiwanese," remarked one expat who made the move to Taichung.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Taiwan is generally quite pleasant. The country is known for its friendly people, delicious food, and vibrant culture. Expats and digital nomads can find plenty of opportunities to explore the country's many attractions, from its stunning natural landscapes to its bustling cities. The cost of living is also relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to live and work abroad. Additionally, Taiwan is a great place to learn Mandarin, as the language is widely spoken and there are plenty of language schools and resources available," explained one expat living in Taiwan.

"Taiwan is generally considered to be a safe country with low levels of crime. However, there have been reports of petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching in some of the larger cities. In addition, there have been some reports of violent crime, such as robberies and assaults, in certain areas. The government has taken steps to address these issues, such as increasing police presence in areas with higher crime rates," wrote one member in Taiwan.

"The Taiwanese are beginning to accept the foreigners as part of their life; they can be very accomodating especially to foreigners," said one expat in Taichung.

"Taiwan is a culturally diverse country, with a population made up of people from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. The majority of the population is Han Chinese, but there are also significant numbers of indigenous Taiwanese, as well as people from other parts of Asia, such as Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. People in Taiwan are generally accepting of differences, and the country has a strong tradition of tolerance and respect for diversity," said one expat who made the move to Taiwan.

"If you are coming from the states, it will be difficult for your child, as most students (although foreign passport holders) are from Taiwan. There are minimal native English speakers. The standards are incredibly high and you have a bunch of exhausted kids who subscride to their parents ideals for teens: ESS (Eat-Sleep-Study. Even high achieving studnts from the US will question their confidence and have trouble acclimating. That said, it is a quality education in a relatively safe environment. There are better options if you desire a whole-student approach," said one parent with children at Taipei American School in Taipei.

"Unfortunately this is the only option (thus the current state of affairs) help your kids through it- and fight your battles on the western stupid kids syndrome," commented one expat when asked about Taipei American School in Taipei.

"Taiwan has a wide range of international and bilingual schools to choose from. One of the best international schools in Taiwan is the Taipei American School (TAS). Founded in 1949, TAS is a non-profit, independent, co-educational day school that offers an American-style education to students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the College Board. TAS also offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art. Another excellent international school in Taiwan is the International School of Beijing (ISB). ISB is a non-profit, independent, co-educational day school that offers an American-style education to students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the College Board. ISB also offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art. For those looking for a bilingual school, the Taipei European School (TES) is a great option. TES is a non-profit, independent, co-educational day school that offers a bilingual education to students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the College Board. TES also offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art," explained one expat in Taiwan with kids at .

"The cost of living in Taiwan is generally considered to be quite affordable. The cost of basic necessities such as food, transportation, and housing are all relatively low compared to other countries. Additionally, the cost of entertainment and leisure activities is also quite reasonable. Overall, Taiwan is a great place to live for those looking for an affordable lifestyle," said one expat who made the move to Taiwan.

"The cost of living in Taiwan is generally considered to be quite affordable. However, the cost of living in the capital city of Taipei is significantly higher than in other parts of the country. The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Taipei is around $1,000 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can cost up to $1,500 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Taiwan can cost around $10 USD per person," said one expat.

"In Taiwan, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as parks, beaches, and sports centers. Parks are a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a variety of activities such as walking, jogging, and picnicking. Beaches are also a popular destination, with many offering swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports. Sports centers are also popular, offering a variety of activities such as basketball, badminton, and tennis. Additionally, Taiwan is home to a number of amusement parks, offering roller coasters, water slides, and other attractions," wrote one expat living in Taiwan.

"Taiwan has a subtropical climate with hot and humid summers and mild winters. The average temperature in the summer is around 28°C (82°F) and in the winter it is around 16°C (61°F). Rainfall is common throughout the year, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in the summer months. The east coast of Taiwan is usually much wetter than the west coast," said one expat living in Taiwan.

"One of the most popular restaurants in Taiwan is Din Tai Fung, a world-renowned chain of dumpling restaurants. Founded in Taipei in 1972, Din Tai Fung has become a global phenomenon, with locations in the United States, Japan, Singapore, and more. The restaurant is known for its delicious xiaolongbao, or soup dumplings, which are made with a thin, delicate wrapper and filled with a flavorful broth. Other popular dishes include pork buns, noodles, and fried rice. https://www.dintaifungusa.com/ Another popular restaurant in Taiwan is Yong Kang Beef Noodle, located in the Yong Kang Street area of Taipei. This restaurant is known for its delicious beef noodle soup, which is made with a rich, flavorful broth and tender beef. The restaurant also serves a variety of other dishes, including pork dumplings, fried rice, and stir-fried vegetables. https://www.yongkangbeefnoodle.com/ Finally, Fu Hang Dou Jiang is a popular breakfast spot in Taipei. This restaurant is known for its delicious soy milk and doujiang, or soy milk pudding. The restaurant also serves a variety of other breakfast dishes, including fried dough sticks, egg pancakes, and savory dumplings. https://www.fuhangdoujiang.com.tw/," remarked one expat living in Taiwan.

"People living in Taiwan typically buy groceries from supermarkets, convenience stores, wet markets, and night markets. Other shopping can be done at department stores, shopping malls, and specialty stores," mentioned an expat living in Taiwan.

"In order to visit Taiwan, foreign nationals must obtain a visa prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and other documents such as proof of financial means and a return ticket. Depending on the purpose of the visit, additional documents may be required. In order to obtain residency in Taiwan, foreign nationals must apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC). The process of applying for an ARC involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and other documents such as proof of financial means, a valid visa, and a health certificate. Depending on the purpose of the residency, additional documents may be required," said an expat in Taiwan.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Taiwan are generally considered to be quite affordable. The government subsidizes a large portion of the cost of healthcare, making it more accessible to the general public. Additionally, the government provides a national health insurance system, which covers most medical expenses. This system is also quite affordable, with premiums being based on income. Overall, healthcare and health insurance in Taiwan are quite affordable and accessible," said an expat in Taiwan.