Are you considering moving to Taiwan? With its vibrant culture, delicious food, and friendly people, it’s no wonder that many people are attracted to the idea of making this beautiful country their new home. Whether you’re moving for work, study, or just for the adventure of it, Taiwan has a lot to offer.
Facts You Should Know Before Moving to Taiwan
To avoid stressing about the unknown, worrying about making a mistake, and offending locals, you should learn a bit about the country before the move. Here are the top facts about Taiwan:
- Taiwan is located in East Asia.
- Taipei City is the capital of the country.
- It has a population of approximately 23 million people, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world.
- The official languages of Taiwan are Mandarin Chinese and Taiwanese Hokkien.
- It is home to many temples and religious sites.
- Taiwan is a major producer of computer hardware and electronics.
- The country is a popular destination for digital nomads and expats, with a growing number of co-working spaces and English-language resources.
- Taiwan has a strong education system, with a high literacy rate and many world-renowned universities, such as National Taiwan University and National Tsing Hua University.
There Are Many Reasons Why One Might Consider Moving to Taiwan
When moving internationally, you should go over all of your reasons for the relocation. Surely, if you are considering Taiwan to be your next home, you’ll be happy to know that it can fit all of your needs and desires. Here are some of the most popular reasons why people decide that living abroad in Taiwan is a good decision:
- Job opportunities – Taiwan is home to a thriving tech industry and a growing startup scene, making it an attractive destination for those looking to pursue a career in technology or entrepreneurship.
- Education – It is known for its high-quality education system, making it a great destination for students looking to study abroad.
- Culture – Taiwan is a melting pot of Chinese, Japanese, and Taiwanese cultures, offering a unique blend of tradition and modernity. The country is known for its vibrant festivals, delicious food, and friendly people.
- Cost of living – Taiwan’s cost of living is relatively low compared to other developed countries, making it an affordable destination for expats.
- Natural beauty – the country is home to beautiful mountains, hot springs, and scenic beaches, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Quality of life – it is a known location for its clean and safe environment, excellent healthcare system, and good work-life balance.
These are some of the reasons why one might consider moving to Taiwan. Each person may have their own reasons and priorities, so it’s important to do your own research and consider if it’s the right place for you.
Moving to Taiwan Will Be Easy if You Have a Good Plan
There really is not a short and quick guide to show you how to move to another country. However, there are a few things you should do if you want to avoid moving mistakes that can cause a lot of unnecessary relocation stress. When moving abroad start the process with a detailed plan.
That plan should include finding and hiring an international moving company, a detailed plan for decluttering and packing, as well as all the steps of getting a Taiwan visa. To avoid forgetting something you should print a checklist and follow your tasks step by step.
Research the Visa Process and Requirements for Moving to Taiwan
No matter where you are relocating to, that process usually comes with a stack of documents needed to travel abroad. That’s why when researching the visa process and requirements for moving to Taiwan, you should keep a few things in mind.
You should determine the type of visa you need in advance. Taiwan offers a variety of visa options for expats, including work visas, student visas, and resident visas. The type of visa you will need will depend on the reason for your move and your planned length of stay.
When you figure out what kind of visa you need, start gathering the necessary documents. Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, you may need to provide documents such as a passport, birth certificate, diploma, and proof of employment or income. Also, don’t forget to check how the application process goes. Some visa applications can be completed online, while others will require an in-person interview at a Taiwanese embassy or consulate.
Understand the processing time: Visa processing times can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the embassy or consulate where you are applying.
Find a Home Before the Move
One of the best relocation tips a person can get is – find a house before you actually move overseas. This can also be applied to all of those relocating to Taiwan. It is important to do this because it eliminates the stress and uncertainty of trying to find a place to live after you’ve already moved.
It allows you to budget accordingly. Knowing the cost of your housing in advance can help you budget for other expenses associated with your move, such as transportation and living expenses. Also, it helps you to familiarize yourself with the area. By researching different neighborhoods and areas, you can get a sense of which areas best suit your needs and preferences.
On top of that, it allows you to arrange for services like internet and utilities to be set up before you move in. Many housing rentals in Taiwan do not come with internet or utility services, so it’s important to have these arranged in advance.
Hire an Overseas Moving Company to Assist You
International movers have experience and expertise in handling the logistics of moving to a foreign country, such as proper packing and handling of household goods for international shipment. They can also help with arranging for necessary services such as storage, insurance, and transportation to your destination. Additionally, they can provide guidance and support throughout the process, making the transition to living in Taiwan smoother and less stressful.
For example, My International Movers are a one-stop shop for all of your relocation needs. They can provide you with top-notch international moving services, as well as packing assistance. And if you want to bring your car to Taiwan they offer auto shipping service. All you have to do is call and book your move, and the problems such as, packing clothes or thinking about handling heavy items will be forgotten.
Research Healthcare System of Taiwan
It is important to plan for healthcare and insurance before moving overseas, as the country’s healthcare system may be different from what you are used to. Start by researching the healthcare system. Taiwan has a National Health Insurance (NHI) system that covers most residents. You can also research private health insurance options if you want to have private insurance.
Get To Know the Culture Before Moving Overseas
To avoid culture shock when you relocate, it would be wise to start learning about Taiwan, long before you actually move. When you hire an overseas shipping company to handle your stuff, you’ll have enough free time to learn about the country. Start by researching online but for more personal info, you should reach out to expat communities.
Learn the Language and Customs Before the Move
Learning the language and customs can greatly enhance your experience and make the transition to living in a new country much smoother. For starters knowing the language will make it easier for you to communicate with locals and navigate daily interactions such as shopping, banking, and using public transportation.
You should try to break the language barrier long before the move. However, you will also continue learning the language abroad, especially since many are spoken in Taiwan. The most spoken language is Taiwanese Mandarin, however, you can also hear Hokkien and Hakka.
The next thing you should think about is understanding the customs and cultural norms of Taiwan because they can help you navigate social interactions and avoid any cultural faux pas. Learning the language and customs can also help you to appreciate and enjoy the culture of Taiwan more fully, and to make the most of your time there.
Here are some tips for learning a new language that will make the whole process easier.
Understand the Work Culture and You’ll Fit In
Understanding the work culture is an important aspect of adapting to living and working in the country. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Respect for hierarchy – Taiwan has a traditional Confucian culture, which values respect for hierarchy and seniority. This can be seen in the way that people address each other in the workplace, with older or more senior employees being addressed with formal titles and respect.
- Emphasis on teamwork – The work culture places a strong emphasis on teamwork and collaboration. Employees are expected to work well with their colleagues and to support each other in achieving the goals of the organization.
- Work-life balance – the government has been implementing policies to promote work-life balance.
- Business etiquette – Business cards are exchanged during initial meetings, and it is considered polite to take time to read and study the card before putting it away. Also, punctuality is valued, and being late to meetings can be seen as disrespectful.
By understanding the work culture in Taiwan, you will be better prepared to navigate the workplace and build successful relationships with colleagues.
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Read MoreAdjusting to Life in Taiwan Might Take Some Time But It Will Be Worth the Trouble
No matter if you are relocating to a big city in Taiwan or a small town, the adjustment period will depend on your adaptability and the preparation process. However, no matter how much time it takes, the benefits of moving to this beautiful country will be more than worth the trouble.
Food Lovers Will Have Such a Great Time in Taiwan
Taiwan is known for its delicious and diverse food culture. It is famous for its street food, which ranges from traditional snacks such as stinky tofu and fried chicken to more modern options such as bubble tea. Street food can be found all around the country, and it is a great way to try a variety of different dishes.
Also, Taiwan’s night markets are a popular destination for foodies, and they offer an array of street food options. Here you can find traditional Taiwanese dishes, such as oyster omelets, beef noodle soup, and fried glutinous rice cakes.
Since Taiwan is an island nation, seafood is a staple in the local cuisine, with a variety of fish, shellfish, and crustaceans. Some of the most popular seafood dishes include stir-fried squid, grilled fish and shrimp, and oyster omelet. Furthermore, the country has a strong Buddhist influence, and as a result, there are many vegetarian options available. Most restaurants and street vendors offer vegetarian options or you can find Buddhist vegetarian restaurants.
Check out the local guide for street food in Taipei.
When It Comes to Nightlife There Is Something for Everyone
Taiwan has a vibrant nightlife scene that offers something for everyone. Let’s start with bars and clubs. Taiwan’s cities, particularly Taipei, have a wide variety of bars and clubs that cater to different music tastes and crowds. You can find everything from techno clubs to jazz bars and karaoke bars.
Just remember – Taiwan’s legal drinking age is 18 and the legal age to enter clubs and bars is also 18, but some places may have a higher age limit.
Also, Taiwan is big on live music. It is home to a thriving live music scene, with many venues hosting local and international bands and musicians. On top of that, the country hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Taipei Lantern Festival and the Taiwan International Balloon Festival, which offer a great opportunity to experience the local culture and nightlife.
Overall, Taiwan’s nightlife scene offers a variety of options for those looking to experience the local culture and have a good time. Whether you’re into live music, clubbing, or street food, you’re sure to find something that appeals to you.
Relocating to Taiwan Can Make All of Your Dreams Come True
In conclusion, moving to Taiwan can be a great opportunity for those looking to experience a unique and vibrant culture. There are many things to consider before making the move, such as finding a place to live, obtaining a work permit, and learning the language and customs. It’s also important to plan for healthcare and insurance.
Overall, Taiwan is a safe and welcoming country with a lot to offer. With proper planning and preparation, the transition to life abroad can be a smooth and enjoyable experience.