Taiwan Car Rental: Must Know Facts About Renting a Car in Taiwan as a Foreigner

Taiwan is a beautiful island nation with stunning natural scenery, bustling cities, and a rich cultural heritage. One of the best ways to explore Taiwan is by renting a car, as it allows you to travel at your own pace and see all the sights on your own schedule. But how can you rent a car in Taiwan as a foreigner? Let’s check it out.

Why You Should Prefer Car Rental in Taiwan?

You can travel to remote areas and hidden gems that are not accessible by public transportation like Alishan and Taroko Gorge. Additionally, car rental allows you to avoid crowded tourist buses and long waits for trains, making your trip more efficient and enjoyable.

Driving in Taiwan is easy. The roads are high-quality, driving standards are generally good and fuel is cheap.

Car rental in Taiwan is also affordable, especially when compared to other developed countries.

Car Rental Process in Taiwan

Make sure you have a valid driver's license from your home country. If your license is not in Chinese or English, you may need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before arriving in Taiwan.

The minimum age to rent a car in Taiwan is 21.

Language can be a barrier in Taiwan so it might be a good idea to complete your car rental process before through an international car rental aggregator like Carla

Make sure to book your rental car well in advance for the best price and to ensure availability. If you are not sure if it's better to rent a car from the airport or downtown check our BLOG

Requirements for Renting a Car in Taiwan

1) Your physical drivers license (copy of your license won't be accepted)

2) International driver's permit

3) Passport

4) Visa or entry stamp OR Alien Resident Certificate (ARC)

5) A card issued in driver's name

Key Facts About Driving in Taiwan

• Most cars in Taiwan are automatic.

• Driving is on the right side of the road.

• Do not drink and drive in Taiwan. Laws are very strict about this.

• You can find a PDF of road signs in Taiwan HERE to get familiar with them.

• Honking is a way to express anger in Taiwan. When you’re driving with your rental car in Taiwan, try not to honk frequently.

Car Parking in Taiwan

Most tourist attractions have parking places. If you are staying in a hotel, it is very likely to have free parking there as well. There are two types of parking spaces in Taiwan, first one is free of charge on the side of the road with a white line; and another parking space is you have to pay for.

Conclusion

With a little research you can have a smooth car rental experience in Taiwan. Make sure to complete your reservation early, check country-specific rules and drop off your car according to the rules. Check our blog on Understanding Rental Car Return Policies