An Expat's Guide to Living in Taichung, Taiwan

Things to Do in Taichung

My favorite aspect of living in Taichung is just how much there is to do here.

If you like art and culture, the world-class National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts has interesting and frequently changing exhibitions. The National Museum of Natural Science is fun and educational for kids and adults, and it's so big that it requires multiple visits to fully take in.

There are plenty of mountains to explore to the east of Taichung for outdoor adventurers. Dakeng is located just outside the city and has 10 scenic hiking trails. And Gaomei Wetlands on the city's west coast is a popular place to watch the sunset. You can also watch crabs, fish, and birds there while you walk barefoot through wet sand.

Taichung is home to one of Taiwan's most famous night markets, Feng Chia Night Market. The streets there are always bustling on the weekends with people strolling and shopping with friends and family. Small food stalls throughout the market sell popular snacks like stinky tofu and fried mushrooms.

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How to Get Around

Most locals and expats travel around the city by scooter or car. While the public transportation system isn't as well-developed in Taichung as it is in Taipei or Kaohsiung, I still find it to be more convenient than many US cities.

Since I work from home, I save money by walking and taking buses, Uber, and the MRT (metro). If you plan to do the same, keep in mind that in many places, there are no sidewalks, and pedestrians have to walk in the street. And although more lines are planned, Taichung's MRT currently has just one line in operation.

To get around the island without a car, high-speed rail is very convenient. There are also plenty of affordable intercity bus options.

Housing & Cost of Living

Taichung's apartments are slightly bigger and more affordable than apartments in Taipei. Available housing ranges from dorm room-sized units at around $5,000 NTD (about $155 USD) per month to well-appointed apartments at $60,000 NTD (about $1,850 USD) and up.

Unfortunately, it's hard to find a decent kitchen in Taichung. Most 1-bedroom units have an efficiency-style kitchen with a dorm-sized refrigerator, a small sink, and a single burner. Units with 2 or 3 bedrooms are more likely to have full kitchens, but most don't have an oven or dishwasher.

Tips for Renting an Apartment in Taichung

Before you arrive in Taichung, search apartment listings online to get an idea of what's available, but don't feel pressured to sign a lease or pay a deposit before you arrive. Book a hotel room first so you can visit apartments in person and get a feel for the city. More on where to book your stay below!

If you don't speak fluent Mandarin, you may run into some difficulties searching for an apartment. It will help to bring along a friend who is fluent in Mandarin or find an English-speaking agent who can assist you. Many landlords refuse to rent to foreigners entirely, so I have learned to ask before heading out to visit an apartment.

Normal move-in costs are the first month's rent, a security deposit equal to 2 months' rent, and the agent's fee of 1/2 month's rent. In addition to the rent, there may be monthly fees for a parking space or management fee.

Cost of Food & Other Items

Whether you prefer to cook at home or eat out, food is very affordable in Taichung. If you're eating local cuisine, you can usually find a full meal for under $100 NTD (about $3 USD). But if you're craving something more familiar, you could spend $300 to 600 NTD per meal.

Most locals buy fresh produce and meat at traditional markets, where you'll typically find the best prices and selection. But grocery store products are affordable as well.

In Taiwan, clothing and electronics tend to be priced either the same or just a bit higher than comparable products in the US. Cars are typically more expensive in Taiwan, particularly luxury cars, which are subject to an additional tax.

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Best Areas to Live in Taichung

One of 22 regions in Taiwan, Taichung City includes not only the city of Taichung, but also mountainous areas. Taichung is a large city with 29 districts and more than 2.8 million residents.

West District is a modern, trendy district with a lot of cultural events and international restaurants, and I've noticed that it's a popular district among expats. Bordering West District on the northeast side, Xitun District also has a significant expat community, in part because it has several universities with Chinese language programs. Beitun District is another popular choice because it's conveniently located, and housing there is relatively new and affordable.

📍I recommend staying at a hotel or vacation rental right when you arrive so you can check out the districts and apartment hunt in-person. While any of the 3 districts listed above are great options, I recommend starting off your stay at West District since it’s centrally located and easy to get around from. Consider a stay at one of these places:

• Budget Stay: Star Hostel: If you’re eager to start meeting people on day 1, staying at a hostel could be a good choice. They offer private and dorm rooms, based on what you’re looking for. 
• Mid-Tier Stay: The Place: Enjoy larger rooms that each offer a desk, breakfast, and a city view.‍
• Luxury Stay: 1LI7E Hotel: Although this hotel offers more affordable rooms, I’m listing it here for the full apartment options, ideal for those moving with a family or who just want some extra space or a private kitchen.

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Convenience Store Culture

When you arrive in Taichung, you may be surprised to find a 7-Eleven or FamilyMart on nearly every block. In Taiwan, convenience stores are a part of everyday life.

You can pay your bills, print documents, and send and receive packages at convenience stores here. They also have a much better selection of snacks and quick meals than most American convenience stores.

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Taichung's Weather

Located in the central part of the island, Taichung has a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The weather is very humid, so I usually run a dehumidifier to prevent mold.

It's typically nice and sunny here, and it doesn't rain as frequently as it does in Taipei. The air quality can vary, however, and some days the skies are quite hazy with pollution, leading many people to wear face masks for protection.

Taichung occasionally gets typhoons, but the city's location protects it from the most severe storms. Typhoons usually approach from the east, crossing over mountains that weaken them before reaching Taichung. Still, it's smart to stay indoors until a typhoon passes, because strong winds can knock over trees and scatter debris.

Earthquakes are also a part of life in Taichung, and they can be quite strong. Taiwan's building codes were changed after a large earthquake caused a lot of damage and deaths in 1999. So in your search for an apartment, keep in mind that buildings constructed after 2000 may be safer in an earthquake.

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Visa Options

There are several visas available to foreigners who want to stay in Taiwan long term. The most advantageous option is the Gold Card, which is available to foreigners who excel in their professional field. With this visa, you can work anywhere, start a business, and do most things that citizens can do.

If you'd like to study Chinese, your university will help you apply for a language learning visa. This visa can be extended for as long as you're studying Chinese. Learn more about how you can study Chinese in Taiwan.

Other options include an employment visa sponsored by your employer and a range of business and entrepreneur visas. While most assume jobs here are only for English teachers, you can get a job in Taiwan without being a teacher.

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Learning the Language

If you plan on living in Taichung, studying Chinese will significantly improve your experience. You'll run into English-speaking locals here and there, but in most cases, foreigners who don't speak Chinese will be dependent on Google Translate to get by.

There are several universities in Taichung that teach Mandarin, including Tunghai University, National Taichung University, and Feng Chia University. University programs usually require 15 hours a week of classroom attendance, and out-of-class study requirements vary.

I have heard from Tunghai students that they had no homework or tests at all. I studied at Feng Chia, where I had daily homework and several tests and presentations each quarter. But every teacher was excellent, and the intense study improved my language skills immensely.

Or, if you'd prefer to learn Chinese online, I recommend:

• Drops: Use the free version of this app for 5-minutes of vocab lessons a day. This is good for improving vocab but little else.
• Mondly: If you want to have a little bit more practice, this app is similar to Duolingo but has less silly prompts and more realistic phrases and sentences.
• Babbel: Babbel is similar to Mondly but also teaches cultural tidbits during the language lesson.
• iTalki: If you're more serious about learning to speak the language, this platform allows you to have 1:1 or group lessons with native teachers.

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Is Living in Taichung for You?

Whether you're looking for a new home abroad or a temporary change of scenery, Taichung has plenty of exciting places to see and locals who are friendly and helpful. And the low cost of living here has given me more freedom to pursue the work I enjoy.

Adapting to a new country isn't without its challenges, but I hope that this article has given you some advice that makes your journey easier. I'm sure that the new people you'll meet and the fantastic experiences you'll have in Taichung will make the challenges worthwhile.