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Sola

Taiwan for women travelling alone

36,193 km² island, 268 mountain peaks above 3,000m

Cities read
2
Currency
TWD
Getting around
High-speed rail north to south, 90 minutes end to end
Feel
Night markets, hot springs, mountain trails, temple networks, rail system

01 / 03

The read

Taiwan is the country where beef noodle soup alone at midnight and a bullet train south by morning are both completely ordinary.

What holds up

  • The THSR (Taiwan High Speed Rail, the island's bullet train) connects Taipei to Tainan in under two hours, runs punctually, and carries full English signage and announcements throughout, moving between cities is genuinely straightforward.
  • Taipei's MRT (Mass Rapid Transit, the city metro) has English on every sign, announcement, and ticket machine, and one EasyCard, a rechargeable contactless card picked up at any station or convenience store, works across the MRT, buses, and YouBike rentals across the whole island.
  • Solo dining is completely ordinary here: night markets, tea houses, and local noodle shops are built around counter seating and single portions, so eating alone draws no attention whatsoever.

What to weigh

  • Most Western nationalities (US, EU, Australia, Canada) enter visa-free for 90 days. Nationals of India, Vietnam, Cambodia and several other countries need an eVisa through Taiwan's Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA.gov.tw) before arrival. Since October 2025, all visitors must complete a digital arrival card (TWAC) online within three days before landing, it is quick but easy to overlook.
  • Outside Taipei, English drops off noticeably: bus drivers rarely speak it, and taxis may not either. For Tainan in particular, having your destination written in Mandarin or a translation app open before you hail a ride saves real friction. The THSR station in Tainan also sits outside the city centre and requires a connecting bus or taxi to reach most accommodation.

Taiwan is one of the most underrated solo travel destinations in Asia. Friendly locals, street food on every block, efficient public transport and very low crime make it easy. The main circuit runs Taipei, Jiufen, Hualien (Taroko Gorge), Tainan, and Kaohsiung, with Sun Moon Lake and Taichung as popular additions. Night markets are the social centre of every city. Bubble tea is available on literally every block. The hot spring culture is excellent, and the hiking trails through mountain gorges and along coastlines rival anything in the region.

Entry

Most Western nationalities (US, EU, Australia, Canada, etc.) can enter visa-free for 90 days (citizens of most nations without visa agreements can stay 30 days). An eVisa is available for select nationalities (India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Cambodia, etc.) through Taiwan's Bureau of Consular Affairs. Check BOCA.gov.tw for your specific country. Passport must be valid for duration of stay.

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Cities

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What to eat

  1. 01

    Beef Noodle Soup

    Rich braised beef broth with hand-pulled noodles, tendons, and pickled mustard greens

    Night markets and dedicated beef noodle shops

  2. 02

    Xiao Long Bao

    Soup dumplings, thin-skinned parcels with hot broth inside

    Din Tai Fung and night market stalls

  3. 03

    Bubble Tea

    Taiwan invented it, chewy tapioca pearls in milky tea, endless flavour combinations

    Tea shops on every corner, 50 Lan and Tiger Sugar are local favourites