Islands, Taiwan
Penghu
Windswept island chain in the Taiwan Strait, with beaches, basalt cliffs, a sea bridge and summer fireworks. Magong is the base; flights and ferries get cancelled in winter wind and typhoons, and care is basic.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$1,510–2,350Comfortable, one person · NT$48,000–75,000Details
- Value for money66/100Better value than 65% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, SepWarmest: Jul, 28°CDetails
- Internet298 MbpsFixed broadband, Taiwan medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilIsland supply is partly desalinated and can taste brackish; most visitors buy bottled water or use filtered refills.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$9–25Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundScooter or e-scooter rentalYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work at hotels, chains and bigger restaurants; night markets, small eateries and scooter rentals often want cash.Details
Where to stay in Penghu
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Magong | Main town: hotels, restaurants, airport, old street |
| Xiyu and Baisha | Beaches, bridge and quieter stays north of Magong |
| Qimei and Wang'an | Outer islands; day trips or guesthouses |
Apps that work in Penghu
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- 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: Apps are unreliable on the islands. Use taxis, island tour cars or hotel pickups; book the day before for outer islands.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Taiwan.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work at hotels, chains and bigger restaurants; night markets, small eateries and scooter rentals often want cash. EasyCard works in 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 Penghu solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Penghu 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.