Is Xiaoliuqiu safe?
Very safe from crime. Sea conditions, snorkelling rules, scooters and typhoons are the real risks; the island is small and far from hospitals.
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 Xiaoliuqiu at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Crime | Almost none. Occasional theft from unattended bags or scooters; violent crime against visitors is very rare. |
| At night | Quiet and safe; most shops and cafés close by 9 pm. Carry a torch on unlit coastal roads. |
| Solo women | Very comfortable. Join guided snorkelling and take usual care on empty beaches at night. |
| Other risks | Currents and waves while snorkelling; Typhoons Jul–Oct stopping ferries; Scooter crashes on sandy roads |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Rare; some snorkelling tour sellers quote tourist prices
- Scooter rentals charging for pre-existing damage; photograph first
Take care
- Snorkelling outside guided areas: currents, boats and rules require a guide
- Touching or chasing turtles: fines apply, and it harms them
- Scooters on narrow, sandy roads with heavy weekend traffic
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 Xiaoliuqiu 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 Xiaoliuqiu safe for solo female travelers?
Very comfortable. Join guided snorkelling and take usual care on empty beaches at night.
Is Xiaoliuqiu safe at night?
Quiet and safe; most shops and cafés close by 9 pm. Carry a torch on unlit coastal roads.
What is the crime rate in Xiaoliuqiu?
Almost none. Occasional theft from unattended bags or scooters; violent crime against visitors is very rare.
What number do I call in an emergency in Xiaoliuqiu?
Police 110 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 119 · Tourist police 0800-011-765.
More about Xiaoliuqiu
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area (Xiaoliuqiu)
- Taiwan Tourism Administration
- Taiwan Arrival Card
- 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.