Taiwan

Before committing: verify your entry category, plan for earthquake and typhoon disruption, and keep private crypto meetings within a verified professional process.

Emergency: police 110, ambulance and fire 119. Anti fraud assistance 165. Save the address in Traditional Chinese and the exact building entrance. [S37]

What changes the plan here

Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung visits may involve different transport and accommodation arrangements; assess the property and journey rather than assigning a city a “whale safety” score. Take particular care around road crossings and scooters. Official travel advice highlights vehicles weaving through traffic and the need for care at crossings. [S38]

For coastal, mountain or eastern Taiwan travel, check official weather and hazard information and have a local plan if roads or rail are interrupted. Consider whether a remote villa still works if one person needs urgent medical care.

Review official crisis preparedness information, save alerts and know where to shelter or evacuate for the specific hazard. Follow instructions for drills and real incidents. Do not turn speculation about cross strait developments into a fixed prediction or an improvised departure plan. [S52]

Entry and identity need individual checking

Mainland residents, Hong Kong or Macao residents and foreign passport holders can have different application categories. Taiwan's immigration service provides distinct routes for mainland residents, including some residing abroad. A published application page does not establish that you are currently eligible or that your departure documentation is sufficient. Confirm the entire route with the relevant authorities before booking non-refundable travel. [S40]

Crypto and counterparty checks

Taiwan has an AML registration framework for virtual asset service providers. Verify current requirements, the provider's exact status and whether it can serve you; do not equate AML registration with a government guarantee or comprehensive investment approval. [S39]

Avoid cash deliveries, private USDT swaps and introductions that depend on secrecy or third party accounts. A Mandarin speaking friend or local fixer may still be mistaken about legality or the counterparty. Keep ordinary travel spending independent of a pending crypto transaction.

Do before arrival: resolve entry eligibility, save emergency contacts, verify the accommodation's emergency procedure and identify a transport and communications fallback.

At home or on a longer stay: keep accessible shoes, lighting, medication and necessary documents within the household's disaster plan. Store recovery components so one local disaster cannot destroy all of them, using a reviewed custody arrangement.