August β September 2026
Taipei, Hualien, Taichung, Tainan & Kaohsiung
Aug 22β27 Β· 5 nights
Night markets, temples, and mountain views
Explore Taipei βAug 27β29 Β· 2 nights
Taroko Gorge and Pacific coastline
Explore Hualien βAug 29β31 Β· 2 nights
Mountain lake serenity and creative culture
Explore Sun Moon Lake & Taichung βAug 31 β Sep 2 Β· 2 nights
Ancient capital and street food paradise
Explore Tainan βSep 2β5 Β· 3 nights
Harbour city with art, nature, and night markets
Explore Kaohsiung βEverything you need to know before the trip β money, weather, transport, and practical essentials.
Taiwan uses the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$ / TWD). ATMs are everywhere β 7-Eleven and FamilyMart ATMs accept international cards. Withdraw in TWD and decline any conversion offers. 1 CAD β 23 TWD.
Credit cards are accepted at hotels, department stores, and chain restaurants. However, night markets, street food vendors, small shops, and local restaurants are cash-only. Carry NT$2,000β3,000 cash daily.
Tipping is NOT customary in Taiwan. Do not tip at restaurants, taxis, or hotels β it can cause confusion. Some upscale restaurants add a 10% service charge automatically.
Taiwan is very affordable. A family of 4 can eat well for NT$1,500β2,000/day. Night market meals are NT$50β150 per person. Budget NT$6,000β8,000/day total including accommodation, food, transport, and activities.
Hot and humid β 28β35Β°C with high humidity (80%+). This is typhoon season. Rain showers are common and can be sudden and heavy. Air conditioning is aggressive indoors β bring a light layer.
Light, breathable, moisture-wicking clothing. Comfortable walking shoes. A compact umbrella and light rain jacket are essential. A light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces (trains, malls, museums).
UV index is very high (9β11). Pack sunscreen SPF 50, sunglasses, and hats. Also pack a rain jacket or poncho β afternoon thunderstorms are common. Do NOT drink tap water β buy bottled or use hotel kettles.
Umbrella, water bottle (buy bottled), portable charger (essential!), hand towel (for sweat), wet wipes, and snacks for kids. A small daypack is ideal for the heat.
Flying Vancouver (YVR) to Taipei (TPE), roughly 11β12 hours direct on EVA Air or China Airlines. Some routes connect via Tokyo or Seoul. Book early for August peak season.
THSR (High Speed Rail) connects Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung in comfort. Taipei to Kaohsiung: ~1.5 hours. TRA trains serve Hualien (east coast). Book THSR at thsrc.com.tw β early bird tickets save 20β35%.
EasyCard is essential β works on MRT, buses, convenience stores, and some taxis. Buy at any MRT station or convenience store (NT$100 deposit). Taipei and Kaohsiung have excellent MRT systems. Other cities rely on buses.
Taxis are metered, safe, and affordable. Uber works in Taipei and Kaohsiung. Base fare is NT$70β85. Most drivers don't speak English β have your destination written in Chinese characters (use Google Maps).
Taiwan's 7-Eleven and FamilyMart are lifesavers β ATMs, train tickets, SIM cards, snacks, hot meals, coffee, phone charging, and even package pickup. Open 24/7, on literally every block.
TRA trains to Hualien sell out fast in summer β book 2 weeks ahead. Din Tai Fung has online reservations. Taroko Gorge permits may be needed for certain trails. THSR early bird tickets go fast.
Night markets open around 5β6pm and run until midnight. They're the heart of Taiwanese food culture. Come hungry, try small portions of many things. Most vendors are cash-only. Shilin, Raohe, Feng Chia, and Liuhe are the big ones.
Taiwan uses Type A/B plugs at 110V β same as North America! Your Canadian plugs work without any adapter. Get an eSIM or pick up a prepaid SIM at the airport. Data coverage is excellent everywhere.
Mandarin Chinese is the primary language. English signage exists in MRT stations and tourist areas, but conversational English is limited outside Taipei. Google Translate with the camera feature is very helpful for menus and signs.
Taiwan is extremely safe β among the safest countries in Asia. Don't drink tap water. Pharmacies (θ₯ε±) are well-stocked. Travel insurance is recommended. Be aware of typhoon warnings in August β check the Central Weather Bureau.
Public restrooms are clean and available in MRT stations, convenience stores, and department stores. Many use squat toilets β Western-style toilets are available but may require seeking them out. Always carry tissues.