Quick Facts
Geography and Climate
Taiwan is an island approximately 394 kilometres long and 144 kilometres wide, situated roughly 160 kilometres off the southeastern coast of China. The island spans two climate zones: the north sits in a subtropical zone whilst the south enjoys a tropical climate. This means you’ll experience varying weather depending on where you travel. Central Taiwan is dominated by mountain ranges, with peaks exceeding 3,000 metres, whilst the western plains host most of the population and urban centres.
Population and Languages
Taiwan has a population of approximately 23.1 million people. The vast majority speak Mandarin Chinese as the primary language, which appears on all official signage and government communications. However, Taiwan’s linguistic landscape is richer than this suggests: more than 80% of the population can also speak Taiwanese, particularly older generations and those in southern regions. About 6% can speak Hakka, and indigenous communities maintain their own distinct languages (there are 15 languages except dialects)1. English proficiency varies considerably: you’ll find it more commonly spoken in Taipei and tourist areas, but less so in smaller towns and rural regions. The written language uses Traditional Chinese characters, which differ from the Simplified characters used in China.
Currency and Financial Practicalities
The official currency is the New Taiwan Dollar, abbreviated as NTD, TWD or NT$. As of October 2025, the exchange rate hovers around 30-31 TWD to 1 USD, though this fluctuates. ATMs are widespread in cities and accept international cards, making cash withdrawal straightforward. However, Taiwan remains more cash-oriented than many Western countries, particularly for smaller transactions. Credit cards are accepted at hotels, department stores, and chain restaurants, but night markets, local eateries, and traditional shops often prefer cash. Consider carrying a mix of both and withdrawing cash at convenience stores like 7-Eleven or FamilyMart, which house reliable ATMs with English interfaces.