Taiwan
What’s the weather like?
We run our tours September – December & February – May, which allows us to avoid the sweltering summer humidity, as well as typhoons. The average temperature in spring and autumns ranges from 20 to 30 degrees celsius…perfect riding weather!
I’m vegetarian/vegan/allergic to.., will there be things I can eat?
Taiwan is known for being a culinary paradise within Asia. Couple this with the country’s long history of Buddhism, this reputation also stands true for the vegetarian/vegan options available.
Regarding any dietary requirements, let us know and we’ll make sure you stay well-fed and happy for the duration of your trip.
How safe is Taiwan?
Very safe. People are generally extremely friendly towards cyclists and roads are kept in very smooth condition. Taiwan also boasts some of the lowest crime rates in the world.
Is tap water safe to drink in Taiwan?
Water from public water fountains is safe to drink, but we would advise not to drink water straight from the tap without boiling it first.. There are also many 24/7 convenience stores where you can purchase bottled water.
What credit cards are accepted in Taiwan? Are ATMs common?
Most places accept Mastercard and Visa – American Express, JCB and Union Pay are not as commonly accepted. You’ll be able to find ATMs with relative ease and you might want to keep some cash handy with you as small vendors and market stalls will usually only accept cash.
Do people tip in Taiwan?
Tipping is not part of the culture in Taiwan and tips are not expected at most establishments (including taxis).
Is it worth purchasing a local SIM card or portable wi-fi?
All of our accommodation options have WIFI for when you arrive in the evening, however, it can be a little patchy in the mountains and if you think you may want to be able to use your phone when you’re out on the road then we’d recommend buying a SIM card on arrival into Taipei airport. SIMs are generally very cheap (approx £25 for 2 weeks) and it will give you an added layer of cover in case you need it. P.S. We’d really suggest going with a Chunghwa SIM, as they have by far the best coverage in the mountains!
What are the toilets like in Taiwan?
Most public toilets in Taiwan are squat style, although there will usually be at least one stall with a western-style toilet. They tend to be quite clean, but it’s worth carrying toilet paper or tissues with you as this might not be supplied in the stall.
Toilet paper can usually be flushed down the toilet.
Equipment
What kit should I bring?
What do you feel most comfortable in? Bring that. DO remember to pack something for the occasional rainy day – you may end up not needing it, but better safe than sorry. If you find you’re missing anything, you’ll probably be able to get it once you’re here.
Can I take my own bike?
Yes, in fact, most people do! We can support you with rebuilding your bike once you’re in Taiwan. If you require bike boxes, check out our friends Bike Box Online, we promise they’re great!
What type of bikes are available for rental?
Please get in touch to discuss your specific requirements. Taiwan is the number one manufacturer of bicycles globally, so we’re quite confident we’ll be able to help you find the perfect ride for your trip.
What happens if my bike breaks down?
Taiwan is potentially one of the most cycle-friendly countries in the world, with a comprehensive cyclist-support system in place. Police stations double up as rest stops offering bike repairs, and replacement parts can be sourced easily. Of course, this won’t be a concern to you either way, since all of our guides are also expert mechanics!
How easy is it to get bike part replacements?
Very easy. As mentioned previously, Taiwan is the biggest manufacturer of bikes and it is not a struggle to find bicycle parts, nor a decent bicycle mechanic.
Can I buy clothes/bits I may have forgotten to pack?
Yes. If you’ve forgotten anything, you can purchase pretty much any cycling gear you may need. Just be careful of sizing – an ‘M’ in Europe is not the same as an ‘M’ in Taiwan, so always try things on before buying.
Cycling
How fit do I need to be?
Get in touch with us for a bespoke trip tailored to your cycling level. We cater for cyclists of all levels and are mindful about ensuring trips are made up with people of similar ability.
Who will I be touring with?
Depends! If you are part of a cycle club, you can organise a tour with your club. If you prefer to organise a trip with your friends, as a couple, or alone, we can also cater to that. Get in touch to let us know what you’re looking for!
What’s the traffic like?
Traffic in Taiwan is generally pleasant. Even on busy roads in the cities, drivers act courteously towards cyclists and speed limits are generally adhered to (at least much more than in the UK!).
Travel
Do I need a visa?
British passport holders do not require a visa for up to 90 days
(Please note: Taiwan is currently not allowing foreign nationals to enter the country in order to limit the risk of foreign nationals bringing in Corona cases. Taiwan has done extremely well in controlling the outbreak and we believe it is only a matter of time that the country will begin to allow tourists to visit once more. Sign up to our newsletter to be kept up-to-date so you don’t miss out on any news!)
Do I need to get vaccinated before I go?
If you’ve had your standard MMR and Tetanus shots, you should be okay. If you are concerned or immuno-compromised, please seek out government and NHS guidelines here
Do I need to pay a deposit (and how much is it)?
Yes, we require a £500 deposit per person, to be able to reserve your spot on a tour. The remainder is then due 1 month before the start of your tour.
How much in advance should I book my tour? / Do you take last-minute bookings?
We can (and do!) get bookings a year in advance. We know that not everybody will be able to book this far ahead, but we recommend to book at least 3-6 months in advance to ensure that we can confirm your trip. If we are able to do so, we do take bookings last minute (minimum 1 week in advance), however, we can’t offer any guarantees that our guides will be available at such short notice, so it is always best to book ahead if possible!
When should I book my flight?
You should book your flights, once we have confirmed with you that your tour will definitely go ahead. If you are at all unsure whether your trip is confirmed, please just get in touch to ask one of our team.
Do I need travel insurance?
YES! Pedal Taiwan does not take any responsibility for any accidents that you may have on the road. Generally speaking, Taiwan is a very safe country for cycling, but accidents can happen and it is important that you are covered for anything that may happen to you or your bike during your journey.
How do I pay for my trip?
You can pay for your trip through a bank transfer in GBP, or through Transferwise or PayPal. A small surcharge may apply when using these services to cover any transaction costs.
Do you do group discounts?
Yes – please get in touch using the contact form below, citing the number of people in your group.
Can I change my tour dates after booking?
Possibly. We can’t guarantee anything, and it depends on how long there is until the start of your tour, but if you get in touch with one of our friendly team we’ll do our best to accomodate!