City, Taiwan
Hsinchu
Taiwan's tech city around TSMC and the science park: clean, safe, windy and full of engineers. Cheap, with good food and old-town sights; less touristy than Taipei, with limited nightlife and an hour from the capital.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$1,570–2,510Comfortable, one person · NT$50,000–80,000Details
- Value for money61/100Better value than 60% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr, Oct–DecWarmest: Jul, 32°CDetails
- Internet298 MbpsFixed broadband, Taiwan medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTreated, but locals boil or filter it; refill at free fountains in stations and public buildings.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$9–28Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in malls, chains and hotels; night markets, small eateries and temples are cash-only.Details
Where to stay in Hsinchu
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| East District (City God Temple area) | Night market, old town, food, central transit |
| Science Park area (Guangfu Road) | Engineers, newer apartments and malls |
| Zhubei | Quiet commuter city with the high-speed rail station |
Apps that work in Hsinchu
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Cars available; fewer than in Taipei |
| 55688 Taiwan Taxi | Local taxi app; English interface |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: LINE
- EasyCard or iPASS: MRT, buses, YouBike and convenience stores
- YouBike: Public bike share in most cities
- T Express: High-speed rail tickets
- Taxis: Taxis are metered and cheap; app coverage is fine in the center. Ask your accommodation to call if you have no local SIM.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Taiwan.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in malls, chains and hotels; night markets, small eateries and temples are cash-only. EasyCard pays at convenience stores.
- Currency: Dollar (TWD). US$1 ≈ NT$31.86 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Post office, bank and convenience-store ATMs take most foreign cards; some add a small local fee.
- Tipping: Not expected; restaurants and hotels often add a 10% service charge.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay with foreign cards work on contactless readers; EasyCard or iPASS for transit and convenience stores.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Submit the free online Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) within 3 days before arrival.
- Visa-exempt visitors need a passport valid at least 6 months and a return or onward ticket.
Emergency numbers
Police 110 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 119 · Tourist police 0800-011-765
Plugs
Type A, B · 110 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Carrier counters at Taoyuan and Kaohsiung airports sell unlimited-data tourist SIMs, about NT$300–1,000 for 3–30 days; passport plus a second ID. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Taiwan
Going to Hsinchu solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Hsinchu meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.