Travelling to Taiwan? Need Vaccinations?
Taiwan, for all its size and internationally high industrial profile, remains a largely undiscovered and rather misunderstood country. Ask anyone about Taiwan and they think “Taipei”, the busy capital and most recognized city, but how many know of the port city of Kaohsiung, or the century-old temples of Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city? We do strongly recommend a visit to our Travel Health Clinic at least 2-3 weeks before your departure for Taiwan, so that we can update your vaccinations and advise you on any medications you might require.
Introducing Taiwan
You’ll find some of Asia’s most precious and exotic art in Taipei’s Royal Palace Museum, which is so vast that its enormous collections must be rotated regularly in order to exhibit all the priceless treasures of China, brought to Taiwan (then Formosa) when Chiang-Kai-Shek left China for the Island in 1948. The museum stands, an imposing presence, on a hill overlooking Taipei.
Hustle and Bustle
Taipei literally hums with activity. Bicycles everywhere. Hotels galore. Tourists and restaurants for all tastes. However, in recent years, Taipei seems to have struck a balance between function and form, and there are now lovely parks, places to relax, libraries, and open areas.
Tours and Trips
From Taipei, do yourself a favour and take a tour to the East Coast to revel in the natural beauty of Taroko Gorge with its valleys and cooling waterfalls. Taiwan has many lovely beaches, nature walks, and hot springs, the best of which is on the West Coast at Chaojih. For a relaxing beach day and excellent water sports, you’ll want to include Chihli Beach… a gorgeous 1 km-long white sand beach on the Northwest coast.
What Vaccinations do I need for Travel to Taiwan?
Make sure that you are up-to-date with your routine vaccinations before heading off. The following vaccinations are recommended for most travellers to Taiwan.
Diphtheria Vaccine (Given as the combined DTP Vaccine)
Tetanus Vaccine (Given as the combined DTP Vaccine)
Polio Vaccine (Given as the combined DTP Vaccine)
Hepatitis A Vaccination
In addition, depending upon your itinerary, where you are travelling, length of travel and your occupational and lifestyle risks, you may also require vaccinations for the following:
Typhoid Vaccination
Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination
Hepatitis B Vaccination
Have a look at our pricing table for information about the cost of the travel vaccinations required for Taiwan. If you are travelling around in the region, have a look at the vaccination requirements for the other countries that you intend to visit as recommendations differ from country to country.
Food and Drink in Taiwan
The choices of foods & restaurants are almost endless in Taipei, and you will find an almost dizzying assortment of Teppanyaki-type grill restaurants, fish and seafood, and new cuisine. Tempting and on the whole very good, but use care when choosing. It is said now that Taiwan is in hot competition with Singapore for the best in street eateries, so be ready to experiment, but be sure that the food you eat is cooked in front of you, and check that the utensils are freshly washed. Avoid eating any fruit or vegetables from a street vendor that cannot be peeled.
Drinking Water in Taiwan
Drink only bottled water, no matter where you are, and use bottled water also for brushing your teeth. Avoid ice cubes unless you know that they are made from purified water.