Living in 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," said a person living in Taichung.

"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," explained one expat living in Taiwan.

"Before moving to Taiwan, expats should familiarize themselves with the local language, Mandarin Chinese. It is also important to research the cost of living in Taiwan, as well as the availability of housing and transportation. Additionally, expats should be aware of the cultural norms and customs of Taiwan, such as the importance of respecting elders and the practice of gift-giving. Finally, expats should make sure to obtain the necessary visas and permits before moving to Taiwan," remarked one expat in Taiwan.

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Taiwan is to use online resources such as websites and forums. Websites such as 591.com.tw and TaiwanRent.com are great resources for finding apartments and houses for rent. Additionally, there are many online forums dedicated to expats living in Taiwan, such as Expat-Taiwan.com, which can be a great source of information and advice on finding a place to live. Additionally, it is also possible to find a place to live by asking around in the local community, such as at universities, churches, or other places where expats may gather," remarked one expat in Taiwan.

"Expat homes and apartments in Taiwan tend to be modern and comfortable, with a range of amenities to make life easier. Many expats choose to live in high-rise buildings, which often come with a range of facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, and saunas. Expat apartments are usually well-equipped with modern appliances, and often come with a balcony or terrace to enjoy the views. Expats can also find homes in more traditional neighborhoods, with a range of local amenities such as markets, restaurants, and parks," said one expat in Taiwan.

"The cost of housing in Taiwan varies depending on the location and type of accommodation. Generally, the average cost of renting an apartment in Taiwan is around NT$20,000 to NT$30,000 per month, while the average cost of buying a house is around NT$3 million," remarked one expat in 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," said a person living 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," explained one expat living in Taiwan.

"When moving to Taiwan, it is important to pack items that will make the transition easier. Clothing for all seasons is essential, as Taiwan has hot summers and cool winters. Comfortable shoes are also important, as Taiwan is a very walkable country. It is also a good idea to bring a few items from home to make the transition easier, such as photos, books, and other personal items. Additionally, it is important to bring any necessary documents, such as a passport, visa, and other important paperwork. Finally, it is a good idea to bring a few items to help with the language barrier, such as a phrasebook or dictionary," explained one expat.

"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," explained one expat living in Taiwan.

"Foreigners in Taiwan often work in a variety of industries, including teaching English, working in the hospitality industry, working in IT and software development, and working in the finance and banking sector. They may also work in the medical field, as well as in marketing and advertising. Additionally, many foreigners find work in the creative industries, such as graphic design, photography, and video production," said one person in Taiwan.

"Most locals have their own small businesses. You will find a lot of local versions of mom and pop eateries with family members doing the cooking, serving and the cleaning. Many work in offices during the day and do odd jobs at night," remarked one expat in 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," remarked one in 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," explained one expat.

"Expatriates in Taiwan appreciate the friendly and welcoming nature of the local people, as well as the country's rich cultural heritage. They also enjoy the delicious local cuisine, the vibrant night markets, and the beautiful natural scenery. Additionally, expats appreciate the low cost of living and the excellent public transportation system," remarked one in Taiwan.

"Gentle spirited people who are often willing to help me; extremely safe environment (safe from criminals, not traffic!); not a world power so I can watch what the major players--including my home country of the US--are doing, as an observer from far away," explained one expat.

"Expats in Taiwan often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the cultural norms and expectations can be difficult to navigate, as they are often quite different from those of other countries. Furthermore, the Taiwanese concept of 'saving face' can be difficult to understand and adhere to, as it involves avoiding embarrassment or shame in social situations. Finally, the Taiwanese concept of 'guanxi' (connections and relationships) can be difficult for expats to understand and take part in, as it is an integral part of the local culture," said one expat in Taiwan.

"Although language continues to be a great challenge (Chinese is NOTHING like Germanic or Romance languages in any way), far more frustrating are the clueless, selfish, inconsiderate drivers who lack what I consider basic driving sense. After seven years it's still an almost daily source of irritation and frustration," said a person living in Taoyuan.

"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," remarked one 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 a person living in Taiwan.

"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," wrote an expat with kids at 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," commented one expat when asked about in 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," remarked one expat living in Taipei with children attending Taipei American School.