Island in Pingtung, Taiwan
Xiaoliuqiu
Tiny coral island off Pingtung where you can snorkel with green sea turtles. A day trip from Kaohsiung or a few relaxed nights; crowded at weekends, with basic healthcare and ferries that stop in bad weather.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$1,410–2,200Comfortable, one person · NT$45,000–70,000Details
- Value for money70/100Better value than 69% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: May, 31°CDetails
- Internet298 MbpsFixed broadband, Taiwan medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilIsland water can be brackish or desalinated; drink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$9–25Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundFerry from Donggang to BaishaYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work at some hotels and restaurants; small eateries, stalls and scooter rentals prefer cash.Details
Where to stay in Xiaoliuqiu
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Baisha Harbor and Liuqiu village | Ferry port, shops, guesthouses and food |
| Vase Rock and Beauty Cave area | Sights, snorkelling spots and coastal walks |
Apps that work in Xiaoliuqiu
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: No ride apps. Use rented scooters, tour carts or taxis at Baisha Harbor, and book ferry tickets early on weekends.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Taiwan.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work at some hotels and restaurants; small eateries, stalls and scooter rentals prefer cash. Bring enough from Donggang.
- 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
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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.