Taiwan Digital Nomad Arrival Checklist (2026)

Your Complete Timeline: From Planning to Landing

Taiwan is one of the easiest countries in Asia for digital nomads to set up — but doing things in the right order still matters. This checklist walks you through the full timeline from pre-departure to your first week on the ground.

2–3 Months Before

• [ ] Choose your visa path: DN Visa or Gold Card (see comparison below)
• [ ] Gather income documents: Tax returns, employment contracts, bank statements proving income threshold
• [ ] Arrange health insurance: Required for DN Visa applications
• [ ] Book flights: Avoid Lunar New Year (late Jan/early Feb) and Typhoon peak (July–Sept). Best arrival: October–November
• [ ] Book first accommodation: 1–2 week short-term rental in Taipei via Airbnb or Booking.com — don't commit long-term until you've walked the neighborhoods

🏅 Deep dive: Taiwan Gold Card vs Digital Nomad Visa — A Factual Comparison →

1 Month Before

• [ ] Apply for your visa: DN Visa via TECO (Taipei Economic and Cultural Office) in your country; Gold Card via online portal
• [ ] Research cities: Taipei (hub, 90% of nomads), Taichung (cheaper, best weather), Kaohsiung (affordable, seafood, chill), Tainan (cultural, cheapest)
• [ ] Join communities: Facebook groups (Digital Nomads Taiwan, Taipei Expats), Reddit r/taiwan, Meetup events
• [ ] Download essential apps: LINE (messaging — everyone uses it), Google Maps, Google Translate, Uber (works in Taiwan)

2 Weeks Before

• [ ] Arrange SIM/eSIM: Pre-purchase eSIM (Klook, KKday) or plan to buy at Taoyuan Airport from Chunghwa Telecom counter
• [ ] Budget for first week: NT$10,000–15,000 ($330–500) cash for immediate expenses
• [ ] Prepare documents folder: Passport (6+ months validity), visa approval, insurance documents, accommodation confirmation, 2 passport photos
• [ ] Inform your bank: Notify home bank of Taiwan travel to prevent card blocks
• [ ] Research coworking: Book a day pass at a Taipei coworking space (Kafnu, Impact Hub, CLBC) for your first work day

1 Week Before

• [ ] Pack essentials: Laptop, chargers, power bank, universal adapter (Taiwan uses Type A/B, same as US — EU/UK/AU need adapter)
• [ ] Download offline maps: Google Maps offline for Taipei and your target city
• [ ] Check weather forecast: Pack rain jacket if arriving in rainy season (March–May, typhoon season July–Oct)
• [ ] Final accommodation check: Confirm address, WiFi details, check-in instructions, nearest MRT station

Day of Travel

• [ ] Passport + visa documents: Printed and digital copies
• [ ] Insurance proof: Both digital and printed
• [ ] Accommodation address: Written in Chinese characters (for taxi if needed)
• [ ] Cash: NT$3,000–5,000 ($100–165) for airport arrival or plan to use ATM at airport
• [ ] Power adapter: Type A/B (US-style). If from EU/UK/AU, bring adapter

Day 1: At the Airport (Taoyuan)

• [ ] Immigration: Have passport, visa, and accommodation address ready
• [ ] Buy SIM card: Chunghwa Telecom counter in arrivals hall — 30-day unlimited 4G (NT$1,000–1,600) or activate pre-purchased eSIM
• [ ] Buy EasyCard: At airport MRT station or convenience store — NT$500 package (NT$100 card + NT$400 credit). Your transit, convenience store, and bike-sharing card
• [ ] Get to Taipei: Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station (~45 min, NT$160) or pre-booked shuttle
• [ ] First stop: Nearest 7-Eleven or FamilyMart for water, snacks, and phone top-up if needed

First Week: The Critical Setup

Day 1–2: Settle In

• [ ] Test WiFi speed at accommodation (need 25+ Mbps for video calls)
• [ ] Locate nearest MRT station, convenience store, and pharmacy
• [ ] Visit a night market for dinner

🌙 Deep dive: Taiwan Night Market Guide for Digital Nomads →

Day 2–3: Digital Setup

• [ ] Download LINE (Taiwan's universal messaging app — you need this)
• [ ] Set up Google Pay or Apple Pay (accepted at most stores)
• [ ] Download Uber (works well in Taiwan for rides)
• [ ] Test your coworking space — WiFi speed, power outlets, commute time

Day 3–5: Admin

• [ ] Open bank account if staying long-term (bring passport + ARC or residence visa; Cathay United or E.SUN are foreigner-friendly)
• [ ] Register at local household registration office (戶政事務所) if required for your visa type
• [ ] Arrange NHI enrollment if eligible (check your visa type requirements)

Day 5–7: Explore & Connect

• [ ] Walk your neighborhood thoroughly — find your regular breakfast shop (早餐店), laundromat, pharmacy
• [ ] Attend a meetup or coworking community event
• [ ] Start apartment hunting if planning to stay (591.com.tw is Taiwan's main rental platform — browse in Chinese with Google Translate)
• [ ] Download Pleco (best Chinese dictionary app) for daily vocabulary

Back to the full guide: Taiwan: The Ultimate Digital Nomad Guide (2026) →