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Living in Taiwan

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Jan 07, 2024

Summary: People describe life in Taiwan as vibrant, exciting, and full of opportunity. Expats love the friendly people, the delicious food, the low cost of living, and the easy access to nature. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,500 to $2,000 USD per month, depending on lifestyle. The population of Taiwan is approximately 23.7 million people, and the largest cities are Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung, Tainan, and Keelung. The cons of living in Taiwan include the language barrier, the high cost of housing in the major cities, the lack of public transportation in some areas, and the pollution.

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

What do I need to know about living in Taiwan?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Taiwan, they said:

"Expats considering retiring in Taiwan should be aware that the cost of living is relatively low compared to other countries, and that the healthcare system is well-developed and accessible. It is important to research the visa requirements for retirement in Taiwan, as well as the tax implications of living and working in the country. Additionally, expats should familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs, as well as the language, to ensure a smooth transition. Finally, expats should consider the availability of leisure activities and social networks in the area they plan to retire in," said one expat in Taiwan.

"Make friends. Keep yourself busy doing what you intend to do in Taiwan. If English is your first language, you might want to teach. There's good money in teaching kids or adults in language centers called bushibans or in one on ones. Enjoy the difference in culture," said one expat who made the move to Taichung.

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Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
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About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

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Traveling Mailbox lets you view your postal mail online anywhere and it's is affordable, simple, and flexible.
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Traveling Mailbox lets you view your postal mail online anywhere and it's is affordable, simple, and flexible.
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