Digital Nomad Life 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," explained one expat living in Taichung, Taiwan.

"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," said one person 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," said 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 foreigner living 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," said one person 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 foreigner living in Taichung, 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," said one expat in Taoyuan.

"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 member in Taiwan.

"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," remarked one foreigner who made the move to 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," explained one person living in Taoyuan, Taiwan.

"If you plan to stay in Taiwan for an extended period of time, you will need to apply for a residence visa. Depending on the purpose of your stay, you may need to apply for a Resident Visa, a Work Permit, or a Student Visa. You will also need to provide supporting documents such as a valid passport, proof of financial resources, and a health certificate," said one expat in Taiwan.

"It is important to be mindful of cultural differences when visiting Taiwan. It is considered rude to point with your index finger, so it is best to use an open hand when gesturing. It is also important to be respectful of religious sites and to dress modestly when visiting temples. It is also important to take off your shoes when entering someone's home. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local customs when it comes to dining etiquette, such as waiting to be invited to eat and not starting to eat until the host has begun. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local customs when it comes to gift-giving, such as not giving sharp objects or white flowers as gifts," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Taiwan.

"My first Chinese New Year I was invited to dinner at my local friend's house. I had been eating and drinking at a large table with the host's family and friends, when my friend suggested I go to a smaller, vegetarian table to meet one of his cousins who had been living in Australia. At that table the guests invited me to share in their vegetarian dishes. I took food from the communal bowls as is the custom in Chinese society. However, it wasn't until the next day that my friend informed me that I had used the same chopsticks as I had used at the non-vegetarian table, which I hadn't even considered. Although the guests were concerned enough to tell my friend about it, they didn't want me to lose face. I was pretty embarrassed nonetheless," explained one person living in Taoyuan, Taiwan.

"Taiwan offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services, including preventive care, primary care, and specialized care. The public healthcare system in Taiwan is of high quality and is accessible to both citizens and foreign residents. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and provides free or low-cost medical services to citizens and foreign residents. Expats in Taiwan can use the public healthcare system by registering with the local health bureau and obtaining a National Health Insurance card. This card allows them to access the same services as citizens, including free or discounted medical services, prescription drugs, and hospitalization," commented a person living in Taiwan.

"Expats and digital nomads in Taiwan often appreciate the low cost of living, the friendly locals, and the delicious food. They also enjoy the vibrant nightlife, the easy access to public transportation, and the abundance of cultural attractions. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the language barrier and the lack of English-speaking locals to be a challenge. Additionally, the humid climate and the occasional typhoons can be a deterrent for some," commented a person living in Taiwan.

"Kaohsiung is an easy city to live in and I love that you can go to the beach or mountains in the same day," explained one digital nomad living in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.