5 Reasons Taiwan is the Best Expat Destination in the World

Taiwan has to be one of the most underrated destinations on earth. Often considered “the hidden gem of Asia,” it humbly offers visitors and expatriates the whole package: unbelievable sights and food, extremely welcoming locals, and diverse experiences. Yet somehow it continues to fly under the radar for most travellers.

Thankfully, Taiwan is starting to get the recognition it deserves. The InterNations Expat Insider Survey publishes a yearly ranking of the best expat destinations in the world based on responses from over 14,000 participants in 191 countries. In 2016, Taiwan claimed the#1 spot thanks to its top 10 ranking in every index measured, ranging from work/life balance to ease of settling in.

Although the rankings change every year and it’s currently sitting in 2nd place, Taiwan is still the champion in our hearts. Check out our top 5 reasons it’s the best destination in the world for expats:

1. High Quality of Life

Taiwan has a low cost of living compared to most Western countries. Factor in the high salaries enjoyed by expats and you get a great standard of living with the opportunity to save money.

Foreigners in Taiwan typically rate their job satisfaction and job security highly. They also report excellent work/life balance thanks to their solid personal finances.

The infrastructure is highly developed and crime levels are low, making it a very safe place to live. With access to an incredible and cheap healthcare system and most comforts from their home countries, expats can expect to live easily while enjoying the excitement of a foreign environment.

2. Incredible Sights

Taiwan is gorgeous. The tropical island is covered in sweeping landscapes: forested mountains, deep gorges, and rolling plains that stretch as far as the eye can see. It has miles of sparkling coastline dotted with beaches and hot springs.

The national parks offer winding hiking trails with beautiful scenery. Quaint seaside towns are perfect for watching the sunset. There is even a budding surf scene in multiple coastal hot spots!

The rich culture offers both modern and traditional sights. Stunning temples are scattered across mountainous peaks and in the centre of bustling cities. Palm trees line the roads between high-rise buildings and public parks. The art scene is booming in sprawling markets, boutique shops, creative squares, and graffiti-lined alleys.

There’s no shortage of things to see, and it’s all at your fingertips!

3. World-Class Public Transit 

Taiwan utilizes world-class transport systems that rival well-known powerhouses like Switzerland and Japan.

Railway lines circle the entire island in a vast network that connects even the most remote areas. You’re never more than a day-trip away from your favourite destination.

The metro and bus systems are modern, clean, and efficient. They’re also extremely convenient to use – even the bus stations have screens with real-time updates on arrivals. The developed bike-share systems are simple and available. All of these modes of transport can be accessed using the same transit card that is easy to reload at any station or convenience store.

Best of all, the public transit is much more affordable than in North America and Europe. You can expect to pay between 50 cents and a dollar ($US) for a single ride across Taipei. There’s no use spending money on taxis when you have access to this highly effective transport network.

4. Delicious Food

Taiwanese food is mouth-watering. The whole-in-the-wall establishments that might look questionable back home actually serve some of the tastiest dishes, steaming hot and full of flavour.

Night markets are popular in Taiwan for a reason: they’re vibrant sources of local and international delicacies, home to a huge assortment of sweet and savoury bites prepared in carts after dark. Grills, fryers, and blow torches light up the streets when the sun goes down and stay burning until late. Go hungry; there are far too many options to try every appealing dish before your stomach bursts. The smells wafting from these crowded streets should be enough to convince anyone to pay a visit.

Craving food from your home country? There are plenty of options for just about every type of cuisine. International chefs prepare authentic meals from all over the globe in hip bars and restaurants found in Taiwan’s major cities. And in recent years, coffee and craft beer cultures have exploded, with trendy cafes and bars popping up all over the island.

Taiwan’s plethora of delicious food options should be more than enough to satisfy any palate.

5. Wonderful People

Taiwanese people are some of the nicest in the world. They’re extremely welcoming, friendly, and helpful towards foreigners. Whereas in many countries the locals will put on a smile to rip you off, in Taiwan the kindness is genuine. It’s easy and natural to make friends.

Perhaps due to a more laid-back island mindset, Taiwanese society is relatively tolerant and open-minded compared to most other Asian destinations. It’s progressive on issues of diversity, with a female president and significant aboriginal representation in parliament. It’s also leading the charge on LGBT rights and could become the first place in Asia to legalize gay marriage.

One of the best parts of being an expat is the close-knit support networks formed within the foreign community, and Taiwan is no exception. You can easily make expat friends with a range of hobbies and interests, who will be more than happy to explore the island with you.

How could you not feel at home here?