City, Taiwan
Kaohsiung
Taiwan's southern port city is warmer, cheaper and more relaxed than Taipei, with art piers, night markets and a growing creative scene. Summers are hot, winters smoggy and the sights are spread out.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$1,410–2,130Comfortable, one person · NT$45,000–68,000Details
- Value for money74/100Better value than 73% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goFeb–Mar, Nov–DecWarmest: Jul, 30°CDetails
- Internet298 MbpsFixed broadband, Taiwan medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTreated but locals boil or filter.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$13–38Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashNight markets, small restaurants and some taxis are cash-only.Details
Where to stay in Kaohsiung
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Sanmin and Xinxing | Central stays near Formosa Boulevard station and Liuhe night market |
| Yancheng and Pier-2 | Art piers, cafés, creatives and harbor walks |
| Zuoying | HSR access, Lotus Pond, quieter and cheaper |
| Gushan | Waterfront, ferry to Cijin, good seafood and sunsets |
Apps that work in Kaohsiung
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Widely used and cheap |
| 55688 Taiwan Taxi | Local taxi app |
- 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: Metered taxis are cheap and common. Uber is easier if you don't read Chinese.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Taiwan.
- Mixed: cards and cash Night markets, small restaurants and some taxis are cash-only. Cards work in malls, hotels and chains.
- 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 Kaohsiung solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Kaohsiung 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.