A Guide to Taipei: What You Must Know before Living Here

Welcome to Taipei, the capital and most populous city of Taiwan. From historic temples to cutting-edge skyscrapers, Taipei is a unique blend of east and west, of past and future. Before making the move to Taipei, it's essential to understand various aspects of living in the city. 

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into everything you must know before moving to this bustling city. We hope to provide you with valuable insights and practical advice for living in Taipei.  

Cost of Living

Because Taipei is Taiwan's biggest city, some people assume it is not affordable to live here. While certain parts of the city can be expensive, the overall cost of living in Taipei is lower compared to most major Western cities. English teachers, in particular, can enjoy a comfortable middle-class lifestyle. BigByte is dedicated to providing competitive wages, ensuring that teachers can live comfortably in Taipei. 

According to Numbeo “A single person's estimated monthly costs are NT$26,775.9 without rent.” And here is a chart showing average monthly rent prices. If affordability is a priority, you can find rooms in shared apartments for as little as NT$8-9000 per month. If a central location is a priority, you can still find reasonably priced apartments in or near Da’an district. 

It is advisable to have at least $2500 USD saved, in addition to your initial trip expenses, to settle down smoothly. When renting an apartment, be prepared to put down a deposit equivalent to two months' rent, along with the first month's payment.

Housing

Apartments in Taipei are generally smaller in size. While the building exteriors sometimes look old or dirty, the interiors can be significantly nicer. 

When choosing a place to live, consider the popular districts near BigByte branches. Da'an is known for its abundance of excellent restaurants and is home to our headquarters and Xinnan branch, conveniently located next to Da'an Forest Park. Shilin, on the other hand, boasts the famous Shilin Night Market and contains our Shilin branch. Wenshan offers proximity to our Jing-Xing branch, as well as attractions like the Taipei Zoo and Maokong Gondola. Zhongzheng, home to Taipei Main Station, is ideal for convenient transportation and culinary delights. Datong, situated along the Tamsui River, provides easy access to the Taipei Riverside Bike Trail and the city center. Zhongshan, located between Da'an and Shilin, offers cultural attractions such as Taipei Fine Arts Museum, Xingtian Temple, and the iconic Miramar Ferris Wheel.

When living in Taipei, understanding waste management practices is crucial. Some apartment buildings provide designated areas for trash storage. It is important to separate trash and recycling accordingly, and in some areas, further sorting may be required. 

However, many apartment buildings do not have trash areas, so you may need to make use of Taiwan’s trash trucks. Trash trucks have specific stops at scheduled times and are famously accompanied by the tune of Beethoven's "Für Elise." If you are unable to dispose of your trash personally, you can hire someone to assist you. When selecting an apartment, you should inquire about the waste management procedures from your landlord.

Climate

Taipei experiences a subtropical climate characterized by heat, humidity, and occasional rainfall. Indoor heating is not common due to the generally warm weather, but it is advisable to have a heater for the colder months of winter. The high humidity can be managed with dehumidifiers. 

Since most apartments lack dryers, it is essential to plan for drying clothes in the winter or rain. You may need to buy a dehumidifier or locate the nearest laundromat. 

Additionally, Taipei's hot and humid climate makes it prone to mosquitoes and other pests. You may want to invest in mosquito repellent and a mosquito racket, as well as maintain a clean living environment so as not to attract cockroaches or ants.

Rainfall is abundant in Taipei, with an annual average of 80-100 inches. Carrying an umbrella and rain gear is recommended, and during typhoon season, it is best to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Take notice of typhoon warnings from your local government. There will always be a maritime alert (when the typhoon's nearby in the ocean) before a land alert (when it reaches land). If it’s suggested to stay home for safety reasons, please check with your employer before doing so.

A cloudy day at Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

Food Culture

Taipei is a food lover's paradise, renowned for its night markets. From the bustling Shilin Night Market to the vibrant Raohe Night Market, Taipei offers a wide array of culinary delights. 

Cooking at home is not as common as in some Western countries. In fact, most studio apartments don’t have kitchens at all. Shared apartments often have small kitchens with two burners on the stove, a fridge and freezer, some cabinet and drawer space, and a drying rack. Most apartments do not have ovens, dishwashers or garbage disposals. However, you can buy toasters and toaster ovens.

On the other hand, eating out is affordable and convenient. If you eat out at local restaurants, you can get a decent meal for around NT$100, which is about 3.25 USD. Don't miss out on trying iconic Taiwanese dishes such as beef noodle soup, stinky tofu, and bubble milk tea.

Plus, if you're ever feeling lazy, you can rely on convenient food delivery services like Uber Eats and Food Panda. Imagine bubble tea and beef noodles delivered right to your door, and you won't have to move a muscle.

Delicious night market food.

Bubble tea was invented in Taiwan. 

Transportation & Convenience

Taipei boasts one of the most convenient and efficient transportation systems in Taiwan. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, consisting of five main lines, covers a significant portion of the city. With short wait times and extensive coverage, the MRT is the preferred mode of transportation for many residents. Buses and taxis are also readily available. 

Additionally, Taipei offers a bike-sharing program called Ubike, allowing residents to travel the city efficiently and affordably. Every 30 minutes only costs NT$10 (under 35 cents) within the first 4 hours of rental.

You can buy a monthly pass called the Tpass for NT$1200, which grants the user access to Northern Taiwan (incl. Taipei, New Taipei City, Keelung and Taoyuan) on the train, tram, MRT, public bus, intercity buses and Youbike(shared bike) systems. You can easily buy one at convenience stores (7-11, Family Mart, OK, Hi-Life), which you’ll see on nearly every block. 

If you enjoy riding like the wind, you have the option of a shared motorbike via Goshare, iRent and WeMo Scooter. After acquiring a Taiwan or international driver’s license, just enter your valid Alien Resident Certificate number and passport number, and you can travel the city with ease.

For those planning to travel beyond Taipei, Taiwan's high-speed rail system and well-connected train network make it easy to access other parts of the country. Additionally, the airport express takes you directly to the airport. From there, you’re only a few hours away from cities like Tokyo, Seoul, or Manila. 

Language and Communication

While Mandarin Chinese is the official language of Taipei, English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas and among the younger generation. Taipei is considered an English-friendly city, with bilingual signs, menus, and transportation announcements being quite common. 

However, studying Mandarin will greatly enhance your experience and help you navigate daily interactions more smoothly. Some consider taking Chinese courses at National Taiwan Normal University Mandarin Training Center. Language exchange groups and Chinese language lessons are available for those interested in improving their language skills. Platforms such as Meetup organize tandem events in cafes for multilingual language exchange events.

Safety

According to RankingRoyals, Taipei is the fourth safest city in the world, offering a secure environment for residents and visitors alike. With very low crime rates, walking around Taipei, even at night, is generally considered safe. However, it is always advisable to take basic precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

Taipei’s safe environment is a great place to raise a family.

Exploring Taipei's Attractions

Taipei offers a plethora of attractions and activities to suit all interests. Nature lovers can explore Yangmingshan National Park, hike Elephant Mountain for breathtaking city views, or visit Maokong for its tea plantations and stunning vistas. 

Historical and cultural enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the history and spirituality of Longshan Temple and Baoan Temple or explore the National Palace Museum to witness the treasures of Chinese art and culture. Don't forget to visit iconic landmarks like Taipei 101 and Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. 

A Panorama view of Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Square ｜ Source: Wikipedia

Additionally, Taipei hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, showcasing the city's vibrant culture and traditions.

Longshan Temple

Living in Taipei is an enriching experience filled with endless opportunities to explore and grow. We hope you are now better prepared to live in the vibrant capital of Taiwan. Taipei is a place where people come thinking they’ll stay for a few days, then end up staying for life.