Tainan Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Tainan.
Healthcare System
Tainan benefits from Taiwan's world-class National Health Insurance system, with modern medical facilities, highly trained healthcare professionals, and advanced medical technology. Most doctors and nurses in major hospitals have good English proficiency, and the cost of medical care is significantly lower than in Western countries.
Hospitals
National Cheng Kung University Hospital (NCKUH) is the premier medical facility with excellent emergency services and English-speaking staff. Chi Mei Medical Center and Sin Lau Hospital are also high-quality options. Most major hospitals have international patient services departments specifically for foreign visitors.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (藥局, yàojú) are abundant throughout Tainan. Watson's and Cosmed chains are found in shopping areas and carry international brands. Many common medications available by prescription elsewhere can be purchased over-the-counter. Pharmacists often speak some English in tourist areas.
Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended but not required. While medical costs are low by international standards, insurance provides peace of mind for serious emergencies, repatriation, and trip cancellations. Ensure your policy covers activities you plan to undertake.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a copy of prescriptions with generic drug names, as brand names may differ in Taiwan
- Major hospitals accept credit cards, but smaller clinics may require cash payment
- Download the Taiwan V-Watch app for health monitoring if required during your visit
- Keep the business card of your hotel with you in case you need to show medical staff your address
- Dental care is excellent and affordable if you need emergency treatment
- Traditional Chinese medicine clinics are common; consult your doctor before trying treatments
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Tainan has heavy scooter traffic, and traffic rules may not be strictly followed. Scooters often mount sidewalks, and pedestrians need to stay alert. Road crossing can be challenging as vehicles don't always yield to pedestrians.
While rare compared to other cities, opportunistic theft can occur in crowded tourist areas, night markets, and on public transportation. Pickpocketing and bag snatching are the most common forms.
Tainan has a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers (May-September) where temperatures regularly exceed 32°C (90°F) with high humidity. Heat exhaustion and dehydration are real risks, especially for visitors not acclimated to the climate.
While food hygiene standards are generally high, eating at street stalls or trying unfamiliar foods can occasionally cause stomach upset. Tap water is treated but not always recommended for drinking.
Many tourists rent scooters to explore Tainan, but unfamiliarity with local driving habits, road conditions, and the vehicles themselves leads to accidents. International driving permits are required but not always checked.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Some taxi drivers near tourist areas or the train station may claim the meter is broken or quote inflated flat rates to destinations. They may also take unnecessarily long routes to increase the fare.
At some temples, individuals may approach tourists offering to explain rituals or provide incense, then aggressively request large donations or payment for the 'service' that wasn't requested.
Friendly locals approach tourists offering to practice English or show them around, then lead them to shops selling overpriced tea, pearls, or gemstones where they receive commission. High-pressure sales tactics are used.
Some smaller guesthouses or hostels show photos of renovated rooms online but provide older, poorly maintained rooms upon arrival, or claim the booked room is unavailable and offer a downgrade.
Individuals in parking areas pose as attendants, collect parking fees, and disappear. You may then receive a fine for not paying legitimate parking fees.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Keep a copy of your passport and important documents in a separate location from originals
- Register with your embassy if staying for an extended period
- Learn basic Mandarin phrases or have a translation app downloaded for offline use
- Keep your hotel's business card with you to show taxi drivers
- Save emergency numbers in your phone with English labels
- Be aware that English proficiency varies; younger people generally speak more English
- Public areas are well-lit and monitored, but stay alert in quieter neighborhoods at night
Transportation Safety
- Use official taxis (yellow with company names) or ride-hailing apps rather than unmarked vehicles
- Taiwan Railways (TRA) and buses are safe and reliable for getting around
- If renting a scooter, verify insurance coverage and take photos of existing damage
- Wear helmets on scooters - it's required by law and enforced
- Be extremely cautious when crossing streets; wait for green lights and use crosswalks
- Download the Taiwan Bus+ app for real-time public transportation information
- Avoid riding bicycles or scooters during heavy rain as roads become slippery
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks or convenience stores rather than standalone machines
- Carry only the cash you need; most places accept cash only, so plan accordingly
- Credit cards are accepted at larger establishments, hotels, and department stores
- Keep valuables in hotel safes when not needed
- Be discreet when handling money in public areas
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Keep emergency cash separate from your main wallet
Health and Hygiene
- Carry hand sanitizer as not all restrooms have soap
- Bring any prescription medications in original packaging with doctor's note
- Mosquitoes can carry dengue fever; use repellent especially in evening and near water
- Restrooms in temples, night markets, and public areas vary in cleanliness; carry tissues
- Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) have clean restrooms and are everywhere
- Air pollution can be an issue; check AQI levels if you have respiratory sensitivities
- Stay hydrated but avoid tap water; bottled water is inexpensive and widely available
Cultural Awareness
- Remove shoes when entering temples, some restaurants, and traditional accommodations
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; cover shoulders and knees
- Don't touch people's heads or point feet at Buddha statues - considered disrespectful
- Tipping is not expected or required in Taiwan
- Smoking is prohibited in most public spaces including restaurants and public transport
- Be respectful when photographing temples and religious ceremonies; ask permission for people
- Taiwanese people are generally reserved; loud behavior may be seen as rude
Communication
- Free WiFi is available at many cafes, convenience stores, and public areas
- Consider getting a local SIM card at the airport or Chunghwa Telecom stores for data
- Download offline maps and translation apps before arrival
- Have addresses written in Chinese characters for taxi drivers and asking directions
- Tourist information centers at major sites have English-speaking staff
- Many restaurants have picture menus or display food models
- Emergency services can connect you with interpreters if needed
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Tainan is very safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. Taiwan has low rates of harassment and violence against women, and the culture is generally respectful. Women can walk alone at night in most areas without significant concern, use public transportation safely, and explore independently. That said, standard precautions should still be taken, and cultural awareness enhances the experience.
- Solo female travelers report feeling very safe in Tainan; trust your instincts but don't be overly worried
- Dress modestly when visiting temples and rural areas; shorts and tank tops are fine in urban areas
- Women-only hotel floors and capsule hotels are available if you prefer additional privacy
- Public transportation is safe at all hours, though taxis are affordable for late-night travel
- Street harassment is rare; if it occurs, it's usually limited to stares rather than verbal or physical harassment
- Taiwanese women often carry umbrellas for sun protection; doing the same helps you blend in
- Convenience stores are safe havens if you ever feel uncomfortable; staff are helpful
- Female hygiene products are readily available at convenience stores and pharmacies
- Consider staying in guesthouses or hostels in tourist areas where you can meet other travelers
- Join group tours or activities if you want company; many solo travelers do this in Tainan
- Locals are generally helpful; don't hesitate to ask for directions or assistance
- Download the Taiwan Police app which has a safety alert function
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Taiwan was the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage (2019), and LGBTQ+ rights are well-protected by law. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is illegal, and the legal framework is progressive and inclusive.
- Taiwan's progressive laws mean LGBTQ+ travelers face few legal or safety concerns
- Same-sex couples can book hotel rooms without issues at virtually all accommodations
- Public hand-holding is generally accepted, though extensive PDA may attract attention
- Tainan's LGBTQ+ nightlife is limited; most venues are in Taipei or Kaohsiung
- The annual Taiwan Pride in Taipei (October) is worth visiting if timing works
- Use international LGBTQ+ travel apps to connect with local community if desired
- Locals are unlikely to ask intrusive questions about relationships or sexual orientation
- Temple culture is welcoming; some temples even have LGBTQ+-friendly ceremonies
- Medical professionals are non-judgmental and professional regardless of orientation
- Rural areas may be less familiar with LGBTQ+ visibility but remain safe
- Trans travelers should carry identification; gender marker changes are legally recognized
- English-language LGBTQ+ resources are available through Taiwan's tourism bureau
Travel Insurance
While Taiwan offers excellent and affordable healthcare, travel insurance is strongly recommended for visitors to Tainan. Insurance provides coverage for unexpected medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency evacuation. Though serious incidents are rare, the peace of mind and financial protection are valuable. Medical costs in Taiwan are low compared to Western countries, but serious emergencies, hospitalization, or medical evacuation can still be expensive. Insurance is particularly important if you plan activities like scooter riding, water sports, or visiting during typhoon season.