Taiwan, an island located in Southeast Asia, is known for its stunning natural landscapes and rich culture. From the bustling capital Taipei with its skyscrapers and tempting eateries to other major cities like Kaohsiung featuring beautiful harbors, and Tainan renowned for its history, Taiwan offers diverse experiences for travelers. Each city has its own charm, from lively night markets to enchanting historical sites.

If you are planning a vacation to Taiwan, it is important to understand the processes for entry and exit, visa requirements, and customs regulations. Understanding these procedures and preparing the necessary documents will ensure that your journey in Taiwan can be enjoyed without many obstacles.

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As an Indonesian citizen (WNI) who wants to visit Taiwan, you must have an Indonesian passport with a validity of at least six months from the date of arrival. Make sure your passport is still valid for a sufficient period of time to avoid problems at the border. In addition, you are required to apply for a visa that is in accordance with the purpose of your visit, whether it is for tourism, business, study, or other purposes.

The visa application process involves filling out a form, providing supporting documents, and paying the visa fee. It should be noted that diplomatic passports and service passports are not valid for travel to Taiwan, so make sure you use a regular passport when applying for a visa.

When leaving Taiwan, make sure you have all the necessary travel documents, including a passport, visa, and travel ticket. Double-check the validity of your passport and visa to avoid problems at the border. Before leaving Taiwan, you must go through customs. Make sure not to bring prohibited items or items exceeding the permitted quantity limit. If you bring valuables or taxable items, be sure to declare them.

To enter Taiwan, Indonesian tourists of course need a visa. Here are some types of visas that you can apply for:

1. Tourist Visa: The most common visa applied for by Indonesian tourists who want to vacation in Taiwan. Tourist visas are usually given with a stay of up to 30 days. Can be applied for online through the Taiwan Visa Application System website or directly to the Taipei Representative Office in Jakarta.

2. Electronic Visa (e-Visa): E-Visa is available for certain tourists, but until now, Indonesian tourists generally still have to apply for a regular visa.

3. Free Visa for Visa Holders from Other Countries: If you have a visa from countries such as the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, or Schengen, you can take advantage of the 14-day visa exemption program. This program allows you to enter Taiwan without a visa provided that the visa from those countries is still valid.

The Visa Application Process is as follows:

Taiwan has strict customs regulations regarding items that can be brought in and out. Some of the regulations are:

1. Declared Items: If you are carrying more than TWD 100,000 in cash (or the equivalent in foreign currency), tobacco products, or alcohol in certain amounts, you must report them to customs officers.

2. Prohibited Items: Taiwan prohibits the entry of narcotics, firearms, counterfeit goods, and some animal products. You are also not allowed to bring in fresh food, such as meat and fruits without special permission.

3. Duty-Free Goods: You can bring in items such as cigarettes (200 sticks), liquor (1 liter), and perfume in reasonable amounts without being subject to import duties. However, these items must be for personal use, not for resale.

Upon arriving in Taiwan, you'll go through immigration and customs procedures, so ensure you have all important documents, including your passport, visa, and completed forms. Before returning to Indonesia, prepare by confirming that your belongings comply with customs regulations and arrive at the airport at least three hours before your departure to avoid any delays. Once you've completed all exit procedures, you'll be ready to leave Taiwan and continue your journey back to Indonesia.

For those of you who are planning to visit this country, understanding the local culture, etiquette, laws, and customs of the Taiwanese people will help you enjoy your trip better and ensure polite and pleasant interactions.

Taiwanese people highly value manners and etiquette. When you visit, there are a few things to keep in mind so that you can interact well.

1. Greetings and Introductions: Taiwanese people usually greet with a slight bow or a light handshake. Saying polite greetings such as "Ni hao" (你好) which means "hello" will make a good impression.

2. Manners in Public Spaces: Taiwanese people tend to value quietness in public places, for example not being too loud, because it will be considered impolite. You will also often see people lining up neatly, for example at bus stops or when entering elevators, so make sure you follow the queue rules.

3. Giving and Receiving Things: When giving or receiving things, especially when dealing with elders, it is best to use both hands as a sign of respect.

4. Eating at the Table: When eating together, never start eating until the oldest person at the table has taken their food first.

Here are some things you need to pay attention to regarding legal regulations while in Taiwan:

1. Traffic Regulations: Pedestrians and motorists must strictly follow traffic regulations. Ignoring traffic lights or jaywalking can result in a fine.

2. Smoking Prohibition: Taiwan has strict rules regarding smoking. Smoking in public places such as stations, terminals, and closed restaurants is against the law and can result in a hefty fine.

3. Littering Fines: Littering is a serious offense in Taiwan. To protect the environment, make sure you dispose of your trash in the appropriate bins or carry your trash with you until you find a place to dispose of it.

4. Technology Usage Rules: Downloading or distributing copyrighted material without permission, such as music or movies, is illegal in Taiwan.

Taiwan has a great deal of religious freedom, with the majority of the population practicing Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. You’ll find many magnificent temples throughout the country that reflect the rich spirituality of the Taiwanese people.

Visiting Temples: When visiting a temple, be sure to dress modestly and not disturb others who are praying. Some temples also have specific rules, such as prohibiting photography in certain areas. Be respectful of these rules.

Holidays: Religious festivals are an important part of Taiwanese life. Festivals like the Lunar New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival are celebrated with great fanfare. If you visit during these times, you’ll experience a strong sense of culture and spirituality.

Taiwan’s official language is Mandarin, but many people in Taiwan also speak local languages ​​like Hokkien and Hakka. While English is not widely spoken, in larger cities like Taipei, you can still find signs in English in public places.

Mandarin: Learning a few basic phrases in Mandarin will be very helpful during your visit. Some phrases like "Xie xie" (謝謝) meaning "thank you" or "Bu yong xie" (不用謝) meaning "you're welcome" can make the interaction smoother.

Non-Verbal Communication: Non-verbal communication like smiling and polite body language is also very important in Taiwan. Taiwanese people tend to value modesty and frown upon overly aggressive behavior.

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Taiwan is one of the increasingly popular tourist destinations among Indonesian tourists. In addition to being known for its natural beauty and rich culture, Taiwan is also known as one of the safest countries to visit. However, as with traveling to any other country, it is important for you to remain careful and prepare everything carefully.

Here are some important aspects regarding safety in Taiwan that you need to know:

1. Low Crime Rate

Taiwan has a relatively low crime rate, especially serious crimes such as robbery or violence. Large cities such as Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taichung are very pedestrian-friendly, even at night. Tourists usually feel safe walking around without having to worry about major crimes. However, remain vigilant.

2. Public Transportation Safety

Public transportation in Taiwan, including buses, MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), and trains, is very safe and orderly. Taiwan's transportation system is known to be clean, efficient, and punctual.

3. Natural Disaster Risk

Taiwan is in an earthquake-prone area, and the country also experiences occasional typhoons during the summer, especially between June and September. If you are visiting during typhoon season, be sure to monitor the weather forecast regularly and follow the instructions of local authorities.

4. Health Safety

Special vaccinations are not usually required to enter Taiwan, but it is advisable to have travel health insurance in case of emergencies. Hospitals in major cities are also equipped with modern facilities and qualified medical staff, although in some rural locations, access to healthcare may be more limited.

Here are some tips for safe travel in Taiwan:

1. Bring Copies of Important Documents

It is a good idea to always carry copies of your passport, visa, plane tickets, and other important documents. Keep the originals in a safe place, such as in a hotel safe. In case something unexpected happens, you still have proof of your identity.

2. Monitor the Weather Forecast

Before leaving and while in Taiwan, always check the weather forecast. You can download a local weather app or use an international weather service to check the latest conditions.

3. Learn Basic Mandarin

While many signs and signs in public places are in English, learning a few basic phrases in Mandarin can be very helpful, especially when communicating with locals in more remote areas. You can learn phrases like "thank you" (謝謝, "xièxiè") or "please" (請, "qǐng") to help you better relate to the locals.

4. Don't Use Illegal Transportation

If you need a taxi, be sure to use an official taxi with a meter, and avoid accepting rides from illegal taxi drivers or private vehicles.

5. Don't Bring Prohibited Items

Make sure you understand Taiwan's customs regulations, especially regarding items that are prohibited from entering the country. Items such as narcotics, firearms, and certain products from endangered animals are strictly prohibited and can result in severe penalties.

Taiwan not only offers beautiful natural scenery and rich culture, but also excellent health infrastructure. As an Indonesian tourist, it is important for you to prepare yourself well so that your trip remains healthy and safe.

Taiwan has an excellent health care system, even recognized as one of the best in Asia. Hospitals and clinics in Taiwan are equipped with modern medical equipment, as well as qualified medical personnel. In big cities such as Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taichung, you will find many hospitals with sophisticated facilities and doctors who can speak English.

For tourists, even though you may not be registered with Taiwan's national health insurance, health services are still accessible. However, the cost of health services can be quite high, especially for emergency care or hospitalization. Therefore, it is highly recommended for you to purchase travel insurance before leaving for Taiwan.

Before leaving for Taiwan, make sure you are in good health. There are no specific vaccinations required to enter Taiwan for Indonesian tourists, but there are still some vaccines that are recommended to protect yourself while on vacation. Here are some recommended vaccines:

In addition to vaccinations, make sure you bring your own medications, especially if you have certain health conditions that require special care. Taiwan does have many pharmacies that sell common medications, but some types of medications may require a local doctor’s prescription.

It is important to know the emergency numbers to call in case of a medical emergency while you are in Taiwan. Here are some important numbers to note:

Health Service Center Contacts

Sungsan District Health Center

Bade Street 4, No. 692, 6th Floor

2767-1757

Xinyi District Health Center

Fude Street No. 86, 11th floor, Xinyi district, Taipei city

2723-4598

Daan District Health Service Center

Xinhai Street, 3rd floor, No.15

2733-5831

Chongsan District Health Service Center

Sungciang Street, 367th floor, No.7

2501-4616

Chongchen District Health Service Center

Guling Street, 24th floor, No.2321-5158

Allied Hospital Contact

Chungsiau District Branch of Allied Hospital of Taipei

Tungte Street, No.87, Nankang District

2786-1288

Renai District Branch of Allied Hospital of Taipei

Renai Street, 4th floor, No.10, Daan District

2709-3600

Heping District Branch of Allied Hospital of Taipei

Chonghua Street, 2nd floor, No.33, Chongchen

2388-9595

Yangming Branch of Taipei Affiliated Hospital

No.105 Yusen Street, Shilin District

2835-3456

Chongsing Branch of Taipei Affiliated Hospital

No.145 Chencho Street, Datung District

2552-3234

Fuyo Branch of Taipei Affiliated Hospital

No.12 Fucho Street, Chongchen District

2391-6470

If you are in an emergency, you can also contact the Hotline for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens and Social and Cultural Information of the Indonesian Economic and Trade Union (IETO) Taipei at +886 901 132 000 or +886 987 587 000.

If you are planning a trip to Taiwan, understanding the climate conditions and potential natural disasters is very important to ensure the safety and comfort of your trip.

Taiwan is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active region, so earthquakes are the most common natural disaster. Earthquakes in Taiwan can range from very mild to larger quakes with the potential for damage. As such, the Taiwanese government has built earthquake-resistant infrastructure, especially in urban areas such as Taipei and Kaohsiung, to reduce the impact of these disasters.

In addition to earthquakes, Taiwan is also frequently hit by typhoons, especially in the summer and early autumn, between July and October. These typhoons bring strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding to some areas. Coastal and mountainous areas are often more affected when typhoons hit.

Landslides can also occur, especially in mountainous areas or after heavy rains caused by typhoons. Travelers planning to hike or do outdoor activities in mountainous areas should be aware of this risk.

Taiwan has a subtropical climate in the north and a tropical one in the south. This means that you can expect significant variations in temperature and weather conditions depending on the season and the area you visit. Generally speaking, Taiwan has four seasons:

1. Winter (December - February): Temperatures can drop as low as 10°C in the north, while the south remains warmer. While there is no snow in major cities, some mountainous areas can experience light snowfall.

2. Spring (March - May): This season offers more comfortable weather with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. This is an ideal time to visit due to the warm weather conditions and minimal rainfall.

3. Summer (June - August): Summer in Taiwan is very hot and humid, with temperatures reaching 35°C. This is also typhoon season, so it is important to always check the weather forecast before heading outdoors.

4. Autumn (September - November): This is the best time to visit Taiwan. Temperatures are cooler and the air tends to be drier, providing ideal conditions for exploring the many tourist destinations.

The Taiwanese government has a very effective and well-organized disaster response system. When disasters such as earthquakes or typhoons occur, the government immediately issues early warnings through various communication channels, such as television, radio, and smartphone apps. If you are in Taiwan, it is important to pay attention to these warnings and follow the instructions given by local authorities.

To deal with earthquakes, many buildings in Taiwan are designed to withstand large earthquakes. In high-rise buildings, there are usually clear evacuation procedures. You will often find evacuation signs and escape routes in many public places. In addition, in large hotels, the management usually has prepared protocols for dealing with emergency situations.

When a typhoon hits, Taiwanese authorities usually issue warnings several days in advance. Flights and public transportation may be suspended if the typhoon is predicted to be very severe. During a typhoon, it is best to avoid being outdoors and take shelter in a safe place. Make sure to bring enough food and clean water, and stay in a safe place until the situation returns to normal.

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