City, Taiwan
Tainan
Taiwan's oldest city rewards slow solo wandering: temples, old alleys and some of the island's best street food. Summer is brutally hot and public transit is thin, so scooters or bikes help.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$1,320–2,040Comfortable, one person · NT$42,000–65,000Details
- Value for money75/100Better value than 74% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–MarWarmest: Jul, 30°CDetails
- Internet298 MbpsFixed broadband, Taiwan medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTreated, but locals boil or filter it.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$13–38Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashMany street-food stalls, temples and small eateries are cash-only.Details
Where to stay in Tainan
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| West Central District (Zhongxi) | Old temples, alleys, street food; most visitors stay here |
| Anping | Fort, harbor and old street; quieter, near the sea |
| East District near NCKU | Students, cheaper rentals, cafés and long stays |
Apps that work in Tainan
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Works citywide; cheaper than in Taipei |
| 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: Taxis are cheap and metered. Hail on busy streets or use Uber; show addresses in Chinese.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Taiwan.
- Mixed: cards and cash Many street-food stalls, temples and small eateries are cash-only. Cards work in hotels, chains and department 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 Tainan solo?
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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.