So you've landed in Taiwan? Now what?

What can you expect when disembarking? Where are the bathrooms in the airport? What paperwork should you have ready to present at immigration/customs? How do I find a taxi? Does Taiwan use Uber? Grab? Bolt? Does my phone even work here??? Your heart pounds as the airplane empties. You feel completely unprepared. You've never been to Taiwan before!!! Don't worry, we've got you covered. Follow the instructions below in our step-by-step arrival guide and you'll be at your accomodation in no time at all.

Taiwan Arrival: From Tarmac to Taxi—Your First Hours on the Island

The plane has landed, the seatbelt sign is off, and you’re about to take your first steps into Taiwan. This moment can be super exciting but a little nerve-wracking too, especially when you're figuring out a new international airport.

Here’s a laid-back guide to help you with everything you need to know about getting off the plane at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) and making your way to your first temporary home. We’ll talk about immigration, customs, getting connected, and the best ways to catch a ride.

1. Disembarking and Navigating the Airport

Taiwan’s main international hub, TPE (Taoyuan International Airport), is pretty easy to navigate with signs in both Mandarin and English. You’ll arrive at either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.

What to Expect When You Get Off the Plane

1. Follow the Signs: Once you step off the plane, just follow the signs that say “Arrivals” or “Immigration” (入國證照查驗). It might involve a bit of walking and possibly a quick ride on an automated people mover (Skytrain), but it’s straightforward.

2. Airport Amenities: Need to freshen up or tend to a fussy baby? Restrooms (洗手間) are everywhere along the arrival path, usually right before the big checkpoints, and they're clean and well-kept.

What Paperwork Should You Have Ready?

Before you hit the immigration hall, make sure you have these documents handy and not buried in your checked luggage!

• Passport: It should be valid for at least six months beyond your entry date.

• Arrival Card (TWAC): Since October 2025, the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) is a must for most foreign nationals without an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC). You need to fill it out online within three days of arrival—no paper form needed. The immigration officer will scan your passport, and your info will pop up automatically. Get this done before you fly!

• Physical Visa/Entry Permit: If you’re coming in on a pre-approved Resident Visa (like for work or study), a Gold Card, or any formal visa, have the paperwork ready.

• Flight Stub (Optional but Handy): Hang on to your boarding pass stub until you leave the airport, just in case.

2. Immigration, Luggage, and Customs

The Immigration Line (National Immigration Agency)

• Foreigner Line: Look for the line marked for "Foreign Passports" or "Non-ROC Nationals." This is usually the longest, so be patient.

• ARC/Resident Line: If you already have an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) from a previous stay, check for the "Resident" or "e-Gate" lanes—they're usually much faster.

• The Procedure: Show your passport and any required visa/permit. The officer might take your photo, fingerprints (if needed), and stamp your passport. Be polite, keep it simple, and have the address of where you’re staying ready if they ask.

Baggage Claim and Customs

1. Baggage Claim: Head downstairs (or to the right level) to the baggage area. You’ll see screens showing your flight number and the corresponding belt. Watch out for customs dogs sniffing for banned items (like meat—seriously, don’t bring any!).

2. Customs (Green or Red Channel):

   • Green Channel (Nothing to Declare): If you’re not bringing in anything that exceeds duty-free limits or restricted items, just walk through the Green Channel.

   • Red Channel (Goods to Declare): If you’ve got dutiable goods, controlled items, or cash over the limits (NT$100,000, US$20,000, etc.), you have to use the Red Channel to declare it. Not declaring can get you in trouble.

3. Getting Connected: Your Phone and the Internet

Does My Phone Even Work Here???

Yes! Most modern smartphones work great with Taiwan’s awesome 4G and 5G networks. But to dodge expensive roaming fees, you’ll want a local connection.

• Local SIM Card: The best spot to grab a prepaid SIM (Tourist Card) is right in the Arrivals Hall after customs. Look for kiosks from the main carriers: Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, and FarEasTone. They have competitive unlimited data plans, and the staff can help you register the card. Bring your passport and a secondary ID (like a driver’s license) for registration.

• eSIM: If your phone supports eSIM, think about getting a data-only plan online before you leave home. This way, you can activate it right when you land and keep your home SIM active for banking or authentication texts.

• Wi-Fi: There’s free airport Wi-Fi, which is usually enough to send a quick "I landed" message and call an Uber.

4. Ground Transportation: Taxis, Rideshares, and MRT

After you grab your luggage and get your phone sorted, it’s time to head out. You’ve got some solid options:

Taxis

• Where to Find Them: Follow the signs for the Taxi Queue (計程車). You’ll find them just outside the Arrivals Hall (Terminal 1 East Gate 12, Terminal 2 East Gate 26).

• Safety and Cost: Airport taxis are safe, regulated, and available around the clock. A ride to downtown Taipei usually takes 45–60 minutes and costs between NT$1,000 and NT$1,400, depending on traffic. Be prepared to pay in cash or credit, based on the taxi. Make sure you have your destination address written in Mandarin to show the driver.

Rideshare Apps (Uber, Grab, Bolt)

• Does Taiwan Use Uber? Yes, Uber is popular and available for airport pickups at TPE. Just request a ride through the app (using the airport Wi-Fi or your new SIM). Follow the app’s directions to the designated pickup spot outside the Arrivals Lobby, usually marked by numbered columns (like Column 15 or 24).

• Grab/Bolt: No, they’re not active in Taiwan. The local competitor to Uber is usually Taiwan Taxi (55688), which has its own user-friendly app, but Uber is generally the easiest choice for newcomers.

Airport MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)

• Fastest Option: This is often the cheapest and quickest way to get to Taipei Main Station (A1) if you’re not lugging around too much baggage.

• Details: The Airport MRT stations are at B1 of both terminals. The Express Purple Line takes about 35 minutes to Taipei and costs NT$160. This is a great option if your final stop is near the main train station.

Welcome to Taiwan—you’ve made it through the arrival process!