At Fusion Engineering Group, we believe successful partnerships start with a seamless journey. As you prepare for your first business trip to Taiwan, we know that navigating a new country, with a new culture, language, and transport system, can feel overwhelming.
This is why we created “Taiwan Ready: Fusion’s Practical Guideline for You.” This handbook is designed specifically for our clients, offering you practical advice on everything from escaping the airport to mastering the business card exchange.
We make sure you arrive informed, comfortable, and ready to focus on the opportunities ahead. Let’s make your trip to Taipei not just productive, but genuinely enjoyable.
🛬 Arrival & First Steps: TPE to Taipei
Upon arrival at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), we recommend getting some cash. Taiwan uses the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD) As of 2026, 1 USD = 30 NTD. We advise carrying about NTD 2,000 – 3,000 in cash initially, although major businesses accept cards.
Taxis are readily available (~1 hour, roughly NTD 1,400 to Taipei City center), and ideal for heavy luggage.
Or, you can travel affordably and take the Taoyuan Airport MRT (40 min to Taipei Main Station). Tap to pay using a contactless credit card or mobile payment, just ensure you use the same method for tapping in and tapping out.
That said, from our experience, contactless credit cards don’t work yet at every MRT station. Rollout is still in progress and should be done by June 2026.
Even better than using a credit card, buy and load an EasyCard before leaving the airport: it is very convenient for most country-wide public transport, and you can rely on it working at any MRT station.
In case you’re going to visit a factory or office down south, the High Speed Rail (HSR) network will come in handy. Most of our clients would take HSR to whatever city they need to go, then hail a cab from the HSR station to their destination.
Taiwan is small enough that we rarely take domestic flights, especially when traveling for work.
🏙️ Navigating the City: Taipei’s Public Transit & Mobility
Taipei boasts one of the world’s cleanest and most efficient public transit systems, centered around the fast, reliable Taipei Metro (MRT). The system covers the entire city and is perfectly complemented by affordable taxis.
Remember two key etiquette rules:
- always be mindful of Priority Seating (dark blue seats) for those in need.
- strictly No Eating, Drinking, or Chewing Gum is allowed inside stations or on trains. We know people that got fined the full NTD 7,500 (~ 250 USD). You’re allowed to take food and drinks in, but make sure you don’t consume them.
🤝 Business Etiquette & Cultural Insights: Building Trust and Respect
Business culture in Taiwan is rooted in loyalty, a strong work ethic, and a deep respect for hierarchy (much more than in Western countries).
If you can’t avoid disagreements, take them off-line, in separate 1-on-1 meetings.
When exchanging business cards, present and receive cards with two hands, examine the card, and store it respectfully. A card with a Traditional Chinese side leaves a positive impression: consider getting some if you often travel to Taiwan.
Greetings are typically a slight nod or a gentle handshake.
☀️ Taiwan’s Climate: Seasons and Packing Essentials
Taiwan’s subtropical zone is defined by high humidity year-round, which is the primary factor impacting your professional wardrobe. For Business Attire, prioritize lightweight, formal, and breathable fabrics to stay comfortable. It’s true that you can’t overdress, but a polo and long pants are good enough for most occasions.
For the Hot Season (June–September), expect averages above 28°C (82°F) and be ready for afternoon thunderstorms. During the Cool Season (December–February), while averages are 12°C – 20°C (54°F – 68°F), the wind chill can make it feel significantly colder (5°C – 14°C / 41°F – 57°F); therefore, layers and a warm, windproof jacket are essential. Always pack a compact umbrella, regardless of the forecast.
🍜 Exploring the Local Scene: Food Culture and Dining Tips
Your trip is incomplete without experiencing Taiwan’s gastronomic paradise, starting with a bustling Night Market visit. Must-try items include savory Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵), delicate Xiao Long Bao (小籠包 soup dumplings), and Bubble Tea.
When ordering drinks, remember you can easily customize the sweetness and ice levels (e.g., “5 sugar, 3 ice”). Regarding Dining Etiquette, note that meals are often served in a shared dishes style.
Note that Taiwan does not have a tipping culture (service charge is either included or clearly stated in the menu). You may hear the common social icebreaker: “Have you eaten?” (吃飽了嗎? Chī bǎo le ma?).
Never stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, as this is considered highly taboo.
Our favorite Night Markets:
- Nanjichang Night Market 南機場夜市. More authentic than most, in a part of town that’s not overrun by tourists.
- Le Hua Night Market 樂華夜市. Off the beaten path, good choice if you’re adventurous.
- Ningxia Night Market 寧夏夜市. Jensen Huang went there once and it exploded in popularity.
- Raohe Night Market 饒河街 觀光夜市. Touristy, but somehow foreigners like it.
✨ Traveler Basics: Quick Tips & Digital Essentials
To ensure a comfortable and secure stay, start by checking your documentation: confirm your passport validity and have your travel insurance details easily accessible. Although Taiwan is exceptionally safe, keep all key Emergency Contacts (both local and international) readily available.
Digital Essentials: Must-Have Apps
For navigating, communicating, and securing transport, downloading these apps before you arrive is highly recommended:
- Google Maps: Essential for general navigation, finding locations, checking traffic, and initial public transit routes.
- Uber or Bolt: Available as a reliable alternative to hailing a traditional taxi.
- LINE (iOS, Android): This is the primary communication app used by virtually everyone in Taiwan. Many local contacts use it for messaging, both personal and business
- Bus Tracker Taiwan (iOS, Android): If you’re feeling adventurous.
- Google Translation or an AI tool like ChatGPT: These are essential tools for instant translation of menus, signs, and generating nuanced text for verbal communication.
Payment Methods Available
Navigating payments in Taiwan often requires a mix of methods. For the smoothest experience, follow this hierarchy:
- Credit/Debit Cards: Widely accepted at major hotels, department stores, and high-end restaurants. Contactless payments (via card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay) are common in retail and convenience stores.
- EasyCard: Essential for all MRT, bus, and light rail travel, and serves as a fast payment method at convenience stores.
- NTD Cash: a must for local authenticity. Many traditional street food vendors, night market stalls, and small local eateries only accept cash.
- Chinese payment systems like Alipay or WeChat pay rarely work in Taiwan.
Connectivity & Power
Reliable connectivity is easy to secure—whether you buy a local SIM card or activate an eSIM. These can be found at the airport or you can buy them online beforehand.
Taiwan uses the same Power Plugs and Voltage (110V, Type A/B) as North America and Japan, so travelers from other regions will need an adapter.
Many sockets in Taiwan are Type A, meaning they lack a ground connection. Type B plugs won’t fit it, unless you have an adapter. We know someone that managed to snap off the round ground pin on Type B plugs, allowing them to plug into a Type A socket. We don’t recommend that approach, because it negates the ground pin safety.
If you need an adapter, get it at a store in GuangHua, Taipei’s electronics paradise.
It’s worth noting that Taiwan is the land of Convenience Stores (7-Eleven and FamilyMart). They’re literally everywhere and offer ATMs, food and drinks and other common items.
Mandarin Basics
-
- Please: 請 (Qǐng)
- Thank You: 謝謝 (Xièxiè)
- Excuse Me/ Sorry: 不好意思 (Bù hǎoyìsi)
- Delicious (Food): 好吃 (Hǎochī)
- No Spicy/ No Chili: 不辣 (Bú là)
- I Like It: 喜歡 (Xǐhuān)
- I Don’t Like It: 不喜歡 (Bù xǐhuān)
- I Don’t Understand: 不懂 (Bù dǒng)
📝 Fusion’s Taiwan Ready: Pre-Trip Checklist
Arrival & Transportation
| Item | Details / Why it matters | |
|---|---|---|
| ☐ | Cash on Hand | Carry approximately NTD 2,000 (~$64 USD) for immediate needs (taxis, small vendors). |
| ☐ | Currency Exchange Plan | Know where to exchange NTD: Airport exchange counters, city banks, or local ATMs. |
| ☐ | EasyCard Purchased | Buy/top-up this smartcard at the airport for all public transport and convenience store purchases. Reload at any MRT station or convenience store. |
| ☐ | Contactless Payment Ready | Prepare a contactless credit card or mobile payment service (Apple Pay/Google Pay) for use on the Airport MRT. Must use the same method to tap in and out. |
Business & Culture
| Item | Details / Why it matters | |
|---|---|---|
| ☐ | Business Cards (Plenty) | Essential for every introduction. Ideally, have one side printed in Traditional Chinese. |
| ☐ | Understand “Face” | Remember that saving face is key in all interactions. Avoid direct confrontation. |
| ☐ | Know Tipping Protocol | Tipping is not customary in Taiwan (a service charge is often included). |
Weather & Attire
| Item | Details / Why it matters | |
|---|---|---|
| ☐ | Check Seasonal Weather | Prepare for humidity year-round and 90 F heat during summer; coldness as low as 45 F during winter. |
| ☐ | Pack Layers | Essential for winter, as felt temperatures drop significantly. |
| ☐ | Lightweight Attire | Prioritize lightweight, breathable, and business casual for business wear (especially in summer). |
| ☐ | Compact Umbrella | Taiwan has frequent rainfall. This is a must-have. |
Essential Traveler Toolkit
| Item | Details / Why it matters | |
|---|---|---|
| ☐ | Passport & Visa Check | Ensure your passport has 6+ months validity and confirm any necessary visa requirements. Even with a US or European passport, you’ll need to fill out this form 3 days before your arrival. |
| ☐ | Travel Insurance Documentation | Know your policy number and emergency contact information. |
| ☐ | SIM/eSIM/Wi-Fi Plan Secured | Purchase a pre-paid travel SIM card or activate an eSIM upon arrival (available on Kkday or Klook). |
| ☐ | Key Apps Downloaded | Install Google Maps, Google Translation, LINE, and Uber/ Bolt before arrival. |
| ☐ | Emergency Contacts | Have Fusion’s local contact, your hotel address, and an emergency number from home readily accessible. Write down addresses in Chinese as well, it helps taxi drivers get you to your destination. |
| ☐ | Medication Kit | Bring any necessary prescription medications, clearly labeled, along with basic over-the-counter pain relievers or stomach remedies. |
| ☐ | Power Adapter | Required if you are not traveling from North America or Japan (Taiwan uses 110V, Type A/B plugs) |
| ☐ | Chopstick Etiquette | NEVER stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice. |
| ☐ | Riding Rules | Do NOT eat, drink, or chew gum on the MRT. You can carry food and drinks. |
Enjoy Your Trip to Taiwan
We hope this comprehensive guide has given you the confidence and practical tools needed to approach your trip to Taiwan with ease. At Fusion Engineering Group, we are committed to making your entire experience successful, both in the meeting room and throughout your stay.
Should you have any further questions about logistics, local arrangements, or how to best prepare for our meetings, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Fusion Engineering contact. We look forward to welcoming you to Taipei!