Is Taipei safe?
One of Asia's safest big cities. Violent crime against visitors is very rare; traffic, typhoons and earthquakes are the real concerns.
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 Taipei at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Crime | Minor theft such as unattended phones and bikes; occasional bar-bill disputes. Violent crime against tourists is rare. |
| At night | Streets, MRT stations and night markets stay busy and well lit late. The MRT stops about midnight; use Uber or a licensed yellow taxi after. |
| Solo women | Very comfortable for solo women, day and night. Late-night harassment is uncommon; women-only MRT carriages are not used, but staff are helpful. |
| Other risks | Typhoons Jul–Oct; Frequent earthquakes; follow phone alerts; Heat and humidity in summer |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Overcharging by unmetered taxis outside the airport and tourist sites
- Hostess bars in Zhongshan inflating drink bills for solo men
- Fake charity or survey collectors near MRT exits
Take care
- Scooters on pavements and at crossings; they often run lights
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 Taipei 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 Taipei safe for solo female travelers?
Very comfortable for solo women, day and night. Late-night harassment is uncommon; women-only MRT carriages are not used, but staff are helpful.
Is Taipei safe at night?
Streets, MRT stations and night markets stay busy and well lit late. The MRT stops about midnight; use Uber or a licensed yellow taxi after.
What is the crime rate in Taipei?
Minor theft such as unattended phones and bikes; occasional bar-bill disputes. Violent crime against tourists is rare.
What number do I call in an emergency in Taipei?
Police 110 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 119 · Tourist police 0800-011-765.
More about Taipei
Going to Taipei solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Taipei Metro
- Taoyuan International Airport
- Taiwan Tourism Administration
- National Taiwan University Hospital
- 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.