15 Reasons You Should Move to Taipei
Someone once told us, “Taiwan is what you would get if Japan and China had a baby, and Japan raised it.” While this sentiment might be overly simplistic and even objectionable, we felt it captured the essence of Taiwan for foreigners who know little about this highly underrated destination. After each living in both Japan and China, we can confidently say that Taiwan offers the best of both worlds. Its deeply-rooted Chinese tradition blends with more modern Japanese influence to create an entirely unique cultural landscape on a subtropical island. There’s nowhere else quite like it.
Taiwan has consistently ranked near the top of the list for best expat destinations in the world (read more about that here). Still, it’s largely under the radar compared to the Asian countries more popular with travellers. We’re sharing some of the things we love most about living in Taipei, with the hope that it gets more of the recognition it deserves — and maybe even convinces you to join us!
1.ย Modest city sizeย
There are plenty of advantages to living elsewhere in Taiwan, but the capital city is the centre of the island’s action. What’s great about Taipei is that it manages to strike a balance between bustling international metropolis and laid-back local town. With a population around 2.7 million, it’s still decently large by North American and European standards, but quite small compared to the behemoth East Asian capitals of Tokyo and Beijing. Taipei has a not-too-big, not-too-small feel — exciting, but not overwhelming. It’s certainly international, but still a bit off the beaten path for travellers.
2. Friendly people
Taiwanese people are, in general, some of the sweetest that we have met in Asia. In fact, the kindness of the locals was so pronounced when we visited Taipei that it became one of the deciding factors in us moving here. Most interactions we have on a daily basis with shopkeepers, taxi drivers, and even total strangers are at least pleasant, and very often leave us with a big smile on our face. We’ve also found it much easier to integrate into the local social scene in Taipei than in other Asian cities we’ve lived, thanks to the relatively high level of English, awareness of Western culture, and the general open-mindedness of the people (more on those later).
3. Excellent public transport
Taipei has a world-class public transportation system that’s extensive and totally affordable. A fast, clean, and very efficient MRT connects most of Taipei and New Taipei City, and an even more extensive network of buses covers the places that they miss. The city also boasts a huge network of YouBikes, a public shared bike system that anyone can access with their transport card after quick registration. These bikes are high quality (made by Taiwanese bicycle manufacturer GIANT), extremely cheap to rent, and convenient to pick up and drop off. Taipei is largely flat, making it an ideal city for biking in. Most single trips on the bus, MRT, or YouBikes cost only NT$15 (US$0.50). If that’s not enough for you, taxis are also affordable, with meters starting at around NT$70 (US$2.00). The conclusion? Taipei is very convenient to get around, to the point that purchasing a car or scooter upon arrival is completely unnecessary.
4. Delicious food and drinks
Taiwanese food has recently enjoyed its moment in the international limelight, with popular Taiwanese restaurants popping up in major world cities like New York and London. You have probably heard of the more famous dishes like xiao long bao (soup dumplings), made famous by the restaurant chain Din Tai Fung, which now has locations in 14 countries, or beef noodle soup, lu rou fan (marinated meat rice), gua bao (Taiwanese hamburgers, sometimes known as baos in Western countries), mango shaved ice, pineapple cakes, and stinky tofu. Even if you haven’t heard of these, you have definitely heard of bubble milk tea, also known as boba, which is a craze that has swept the entire world in the past decade. The truth is that these foods are just the tip of the Taiwanese iceberg — there are so many other delicious foods to try here, and most of them will not break the bank at all. Taiwan is bursting with incredible street food, cafes, night markets, and restaurants, and even the food available at supermarkets and convenience stores are pretty darn good. There are plenty of international cuisines to be found too — especially Chinese, Japanese, and in recent years, Vietnamese food. It’s also seen a huge explosion in its coffee and craft beer markets, underscoring its increasingly international food scene.
5. Beautiful nature
For a relatively small island, Taiwan is brimming with all sorts of stunning natural wonders. There are endless mountains, beaches, waterfalls, gorges, rivers, and miles and miles of coastline, parts of it so beautiful that China actually caused an international incident by including pictures of scenic Taiwanese spots on their most recent passports. Due to this incredible diversity in nature, Taiwan is a wonderland for outdoor activities like hiking, river tracing, rock climbing, surfing, and camping. There are a number of stunning hikes within Taipei itself, and wandering a little further afield offers even more opportunities for adventure.
6. Incredible healthcare
Arguably one of the best parts about life in Taiwan is access to their government-run healthcare system. More than 99% of the Taiwanese population (including foreigners) are covered by NHI — National Health Insurance — which ensures that everyone has access to quality, affordable medical care. This system is efficient and relatively simple to navigate, even for foreigners — so much so, in fact, that an American student’s testimony about his time in a Taiwanese E.R. went viral, being picked up by major news outlets such as the Washington Post. With the NHI, you have access to a huge network of clinics and hospitals to choose from, and copayments for visits that include a prescription for medication tend to cost very little. Our last trip to the doctor’s cost NT$200 (US$6.50), including a prescription for three different kinds of medicine.
7. English-accessible
It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed by the idea of learning Mandarin to survive in Taiwan, but the reality is that you can get by without ever learning a word. Now, this is not to say that we don’t recommend learning Chinese while you are here — it’s just a testament to how English-friendly Taipei is. Plenty of people speak some basic English, and even if they don’t, most people are willing to try and understand your mimes and hand signals. Road signs, MRT signs and stops, and bus stops are also displayed in English too, and plenty of shops have English menus.
8. Mix of cultures
Many different cultures have made their imprints on Taiwan over the centuries, and this historical blend of influence is evident to this day. Aboriginal cultures still thrive in the mountainous interiors of the island, with each tribe retaining its own set of traditions and food. Colonial structures built by the Spanish and Dutch are still preserved in the north and south. The island was controlled by the Qing Dynasty for over 200 years (1683 – 1895), during which time Chinese migrants poured in, bringing with them traditional Chinese customs, architecture, and artefacts (some of which no longer exist to the same degree on the mainland). Taiwan was then occupied by Japan for 50 years (1895 – 1945), which greatly affected its social and economic development — the Japanese influence can still be strongly felt around the island, but especially in Taipei’s Zhongshan District, where streets are filled with Japanese restaurants and bars. Another huge wave of immigration from Mainland China happened when Chiang Kai-Shek and the KMT retreated to Taiwan, which, for better or for worse, had a strong impact on Taiwan, leaving its mark on everything from politics to street names. More recently, migrants from around Asia (and further abroad) have brought slices of their own countries with them. Together, this mix of heritage has created a unique cultural landscape that can’t quite be found anywhere else.
9. Make it as cheap or expensive as you like
Living in Taipei can be as affordable or luxurious as you choose to make it. For those seeking cost-effective options, the city offers a range of budget-friendly accommodations, from shared apartments to affordable studios. Street food stalls and local markets provide delicious and wallet-friendly dining options. Utilizing Taipei’s extensive and efficient public transportation system can also save on commuting expenses. Additionally, taking advantage of free or low-cost activities, such as exploring parks or attending cultural festivals, allows for entertainment without breaking the bank. On the other hand, Taipei caters to those with more extravagant tastes as well. High-end restaurants, luxury shopping districts, and upscale accommodations are readily available. The city offers a diverse spectrum of lifestyle options, ensuring that residents can tailor their experience to fit their budget and preferences.
10. It has everything you need
Taipei really is a modern city and comes equipped with almost everything you would need, with just a few exceptions. You may not find your favourite snack or the exact same brand of conditioner you normally use, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a wide variety of food (both imported and local), cosmetics, clothes, cleaning supplies, and accessories to choose from. There are plenty of import shops that sell products from western countries (no need to stress about packing a suitcase full of peanut butter), and if you’re really desperate for something, you can always have it shipped.
11. Well placed geographically
In addition to having easy access to the whole of Taiwan, Taipei is a good starting point for travelling to many other destinations. Firstly, being in East Asia means that flights to and from Japan, Korea, China, and Hong Kong are fast and relatively inexpensive. Okinawa (the southernmost island chain of Japan) is very close, cheap, and easy to access, making it an extremely popular travel destination. Taiwan also offers relatively cheap flights to South East Asia, especially Vietnam and the Philippines. Taoyuan Airport, Taipei’s international airport, is reasonably well-connected and offers direct flights to plenty of cities in Europe, North America, and Australia.
12. Low key and quirky
When expats are asked what they love most about living in Taipei, one of the most common responses is how comfortable their lives are here. The city still has a flavour of fast-paced Asian lifestyle and it can feel crowded at times, but it’s a comparatively relaxed place to live when you consider the quality and efficiency of day-to-day living. One of the coolest things about Taipei is how chill it is. There are so many cafes to kick back in and quiet alleys to meander through. Taipei is also home to countless niche subcultures that add plenty of diversity to the city — Ximending, the hub of teen shopping and hip living, has quiet lanes bursting with street art, and Taipei has been internationally recognized for its street style. The city is both a comfortable and fascinating place to live.
13. Progressive
Taiwan recently made history by becoming the first Asian country to legalize gay marriage, a move that has been praised all over the world. It’s not uncommon to see gay couples holding hands on the street, which is rare to see in Asia. Taiwan also has a female president, who happens to be the first woman to run an Asian country that is not the child of a political dynasty. Female representation in politics is also significant, and Taiwan has been called a model in terms of empowering women in politics. In a recent report, it was revealed that Taiwan ranked first in Asia in terms of gender equality, and eighth in the world. Most young people are very openminded and society in general is quite accepting of diversity. It’s nice to live in a place that feels like it’s leading the progressive movement in Asia!
14. Safe
Overall, Taiwan is a very safe country to travel and live in, and Taipei is no exception. Violent crime rates are relatively low, kids take public transit by themselves, and the streets generally feel safe no matter the time of night. While there is still a small risk of petty crime (such as your wallet or phone being stolen in a nightclub, bar, or busy area), there is no need for you to be more concerned about this than you would be in your home country. Most women report feeling safe walking, travelling, or taking taxis alone, and reports of harassment are few. Scams do exist, but most involve ATMs and bank fraud instead of directly ripping off tourists. One thing you do need to look out for is a slightly, let’s say relaxed observation of traffic rules — but it’s nowhere near as bad as some other countries in Asia. There’s also minor risk from natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons, but Taipei is well equipped to handle these and the locals have a relaxed attitude about them.
15. Number of people who stay
Perhaps nothing demonstrates Taipei’s appeal better than the retention rate of expats. Of course there are plenty of foreigners that come for short-term work or study stints, resulting in plenty of turnover on a year-to-year basis. But based on personal experience, most expats end up staying in Taipei for longer than they originally planned, finding their lifestyles to be so comfortable and enjoyable, they aren’t ready to leave. It’s not uncommon to hear stories of foreigners who came to Taipei initially planning to stay only a couple years, and are still here 20 years later. We can understand why — we love it here, and we’re sure you would too!
