Is Kaohsiung safe?
Very safe with normal care. Scooter traffic and summer typhoons are bigger concerns than crime.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 5/5, very safe.
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2025-11-24.
- Emergency numbers: Police 110 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 119 · Tourist police 0800-011-765.
Safety in Kaohsiung at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Crime | Occasional bag theft from scooters and unattended items in bikes; violent crime against visitors is rare. |
| At night | Night markets and the waterfront stay lively. The MRT runs until about midnight; Uber and taxis cover the rest. |
| Solo women | Comfortable for solo women, including at night in central areas. Harassment is rare. |
| Other risks | Typhoons Jul–Oct; Strong summer heat; Earthquakes |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Taxis near the HSR station quoting fixed fares
Take care
- Scooters running red lights and riding on pavements
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Undeclared pork and other meat products bring heavy fines (NT$200,000 for pork) or refused entry.
- E-cigarettes are banned, including use; fines apply.
- Drug penalties are severe, including death for trafficking.
How Kaohsiung compares in Taiwan
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Taipei | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Tainan | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Kaohsiung | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Taichung | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Hualien | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Jiufen | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Sun Moon Lake | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Alishan | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Taitung | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Hsinchu | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Penghu | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Xiaoliuqiu | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Kenting | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
Quick answers
Is Kaohsiung safe for solo female travelers?
Comfortable for solo women, including at night in central areas. Harassment is rare.
Is Kaohsiung safe at night?
Night markets and the waterfront stay lively. The MRT runs until about midnight; Uber and taxis cover the rest.
What is the crime rate in Kaohsiung?
Occasional bag theft from scooters and unattended items in bikes; violent crime against visitors is rare.
What number do I call in an emergency in Kaohsiung?
Police 110 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 119 · Tourist police 0800-011-765.
More about Kaohsiung
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Kaohsiung Rapid Transit
- Kaohsiung Tourism
- Taiwan High Speed Rail
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.