After the past couple of years, where life has been turned upside down, it seems that things might finally be starting to return to a sense of normalcy. Travel is no exception, and it appears that 2023 might be the year that people head back to old favorites to explore, work remotely, and live. One region of the world which is enjoying a resurgence of tourism is Asia, an area that was almost completely shut off during the pandemic.
Travel to Asia is rebounding in a big way after the past couple of years of restrictions, with numbers up for trips to many Asian countries. While classic favorites such as Bali and Thailand are reporting a boom in travelers, it’s more unlikely destinations that are gaining the attention of the digital nomad community. One such place is Taiwan, a small island territory located off the coast of mainland China.
Made In Taiwan
While previously known worldwide for being a massive exporter of almost everything, Taiwan is now stepping into its own as a nation that offers so much more than the “made in Taiwan” sticker on the back of your remote control. Not only are tourists starting to eye Taiwan as a hotspot for Asian travel, but digital nomads as well are being beckoned to this land of beaches, countryside, and cities.
Being an island nation, Taiwan boasts 973 miles of coastline. Many fantastic beaches, from wild to commercialized, can be found, with the north offering black or golden sand, while the south has powdery white sand. Some are even making the jump that Taiwan might be considered the next Bali for those looking to set up shop among the surf and sea, but Taiwan offers much more than laid-back beach towns. From cities to hot springs, the island feels authentically Chinese but just a tad different. Living in and exploring Taiwan allows you to uncover just what makes this island so special.
Old & New
In the modern, clean, and efficient capital city of Taipei, Taiwan showcases its stunning architectural feats, such as the famous Taipei 101 jutting up into the sky. Modern buildings sit next to ancient temples and winding side streets lined with dumpling houses and unassuming watering holes. Taipei might be first class, but the average cost of living here pales in comparison to other Asian mega-cities, such as Seoul or Tokyo. While not as easy on the wallet as some other popular Asian destinations such as Indonesia, Malaysia, or Vietnam. It is, however, more affordable to travel in Taiwan than in Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, or South Korea.
Fun Fact: Many studies list Taiwan as having the fastest internet in the world!
Most ex-pats choose to live in Taipei or the smaller cities of Kaohsiung and Taichung. No matter where you base yourself, the small size and first-class transportation network allow exploring the island with ease. Some of the can’t-miss places in Taiwan include Sun Moon Lake, National Palace Museum, The FenJia Night Market, and Kenting National Park
Expat Friendly
While there are many reasons that digital nomads are looking to Taiwan as the next up-and-coming place to set up shop, with common factors being widely spoken English, a very high degree of safety, and friendliness to foreigners. Home to one of the top 10 most welcoming cities for travelers and known as the happiest country in East Asia, Taiwan truly greets those coming from abroad with open arms and, if you are lucky, a steaming bowl of noodles.
One major reason that Taiwan has been named one of the best destinations for ex-pats is the Taiwan Gold Card. Differing from a digital nomad visa, the gold card offers the chance to stay for up to 3 years. This is a four-in-one scheme providing a work permit, resident visa, alien resident certificate, and re-entry permit. To qualify for the Taiwan Gold Card, the official website is the best place to start. Taiwan is making it easier for foreigners to call this island home, with over 5,000 Gold Cards issued since its start in 2018.
