Unlike almost everywhere else in Asia covered in this guide, Taiwan does not offer visa-free entry for Brazilians — you’ll need to apply for a physical consular visa in advance through the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, with a fee of R$300 for single entry or R$600 for multiple entries. It’s a detail that catches many people off guard, especially since neighboring destinations like Japan and South Korea have much simpler processes for the same type of trip.
Once you’ve sorted out that bureaucratic hurdle, Taipei delivers one of the most underrated itineraries in Asia: night markets that stay open late every day of the week, one of the world’s largest collections of Chinese art, and one of the tallest towers on the planet — all within a compact city that’s easy to navigate by metro.
This guide covers the visa, the tickets worth booking in advance, and the airport logistics for those visiting for just a few days.
Visa, TWAC, and Yellow Fever Vaccine: What to Sort Out Before You Fly
In addition to the physical visa, Brazilians must present the International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever (CIVP) upon entry into Taiwan. Since October 2025, travelers are also required to fill out the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) in advance — a digital form with trip details that must be submitted before landing.
It’s worth starting the visa process well ahead of time — unlike a quick e-visa or electronic travel authorization, the physical consular visa requires scheduling an appointment and submitting documents, and processing times can vary. This isn’t the kind of paperwork to leave for the week of your departure.
Worth emphasizing: the yellow fever CIVP is required at entry, not just recommended — travelers without the certificate can face issues at Taiwanese immigration. If you live in a region of Brazil where the vaccine is mandatory, you probably already have the document, but it’s worth double-checking its validity before your trip, since the certificate has an expiration date.
Taipei 101: From World’s Tallest Tower to Today’s Observation Deck
Taipei 101 was the tallest building in the world between 2004 and 2010, until it was surpassed by the Burj Khalifa — today it remains one of the city’s biggest icons, with an observation deck on the 89th floor reached by an elevator that climbs in about 37 seconds. The observatory is open daily from 10am to 9pm, offering 360-degree views over Taipei and the surrounding mountains.
The building is also famous for its tuned mass damper, visible through interior windows — a giant suspended sphere that stabilizes the structure against the strong winds and earthquakes common to the region. It’s worth booking your ticket online in advance to skip the line at the physical ticket booth, especially on weekends and local holidays.
Elephant Mountain: The Free View of Taipei 101
If you want to photograph Taipei 101 from the outside, rather than just seeing the city from its top, hike the Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) trail — a series of stone steps leading to a free viewpoint with a direct view of the tower. The climb takes between 20 and 40 minutes depending on your pace, and the most photographed spot is at the first few viewpoints, without needing to complete the entire trail.
It’s worth going a little before sunset to catch the late-afternoon light and, with luck, the tower’s lights already beginning to stand out against the darkening sky. The trail starts near Xiangshan metro station, on the same line that passes through Xinyi and Taipei 101 itself.
National Palace Museum: One of the World’s Largest Collections of Chinese Art
The National Palace Museum houses part of the Chinese imperial collection, brought to Taiwan during the civil war of the last century — nearly 700,000 pieces in total, of which only a fraction is on display at any given time, on a rotating basis. Regular admission costs NT$350 (about US$11), with the museum open Tuesday through Sunday, from 9am to 5pm.
The museum closes on certain national holidays, so it’s worth checking the calendar before adding it to your itinerary. The most sought-after piece among visitors — the “jade cabbage,” carved from jade — often has its own line inside the museum, even with a general admission ticket already purchased.
Night Markets: Taipei’s Social Life After Dark
Night markets are, without exaggeration, the most repeated activity for anyone visiting Taipei — Shilin, Raohe, and Ningxia are among the most famous, each with its own identity, but all sharing the same format: streets closed to traffic, packed with food stalls, games, and small shops, open late into the night every day of the week.
Go hungry and ready to order small dishes from several different stalls, rather than sitting down for one big meal — that’s how most locals experience these markets. Stinky tofu (fermented tofu with a strong smell and a milder flavor than the name suggests) and bubble tea, invented in Taiwan, are two practically mandatory items.
Temples of Taipei: Longshan and Taiwan’s Religious Blend
Longshan Temple, in the Wanhua district, is the most visited temple in Taipei — a blend of Buddhism, Taoism, and popular Chinese beliefs coexisting under one roof, with constant incense smoke and worshippers making offerings throughout the day. Admission is free, and the temple stays open late into the night, with lighting that dramatically changes the atmosphere between day and evening.
Unlike the more “museum-like” temples found elsewhere in Asia, Longshan remains in active religious use — it’s worth maintaining respect and relative quiet during your visit, especially near the altars where people are praying.
| Neighborhood | Vibe | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xinyi | Modern, commercial, central | Proximity to Taipei 101 and shopping malls | Higher hotel rates |
| Ximending | Youthful, lively, commercial | Nightlife and shopping | Busy all day long |
| Daan | Residential, university area | Those seeking a more local vibe | Fewer direct tourist attractions |
| Wanhua | Historic, traditional | Temples and old markets | Narrower, busier streets |
Getting from Taoyuan Airport and Getting Around the City
Taoyuan Airport is connected to Taipei by the Airport MRT, with the express train taking 35 to 39 minutes to reach Taipei Main Station, depending on your terminal of origin, for NT$160. There’s also the commuter train that stops at every station — slower, but equally comfortable and with free onboard Wi-Fi.
Within the city, Taipei’s metro is considered one of the most efficient in Asia, and the EasyCard (equivalent to the contactless transit cards of other cities) works on the metro, buses, and even at convenience stores for small purchases. It’s worth buying one as soon as you arrive at the airport. The same card also works in other cities in Taiwan, should your itinerary include a day trip outside the capital.
Best Time to Visit Taipei
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to early December) deliver the most comfortable weather, with temperatures between 20°C and 25°C and a lower chance of heavy rain. Spring also brings cherry blossom season to specific spots in the city and the greater metropolitan area.
It’s worth keeping an eye on typhoon season, which peaks between August and September—it won’t ruin your trip, but it can cause flight delays or outdoor activity cancellations on specific days. Fall also coincides with major traditional holidays like the Moon Festival, when the city gets livelier (and more crowded).
It’s also worth noting that Taiwan is considered one of the safest places to travel in Asia—violent crime is rare even in busy areas at night, and it’s common to see locals leaving bicycles unlocked outside shops. The biggest practical concern is really the scooter traffic, which is dense and doesn’t always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks as attentively as you’d hope.
Where to eat: beyond the night markets
Taipei is known for having Michelin-starred restaurants at prices far lower than in other capitals—including xiao long bao (soup dumpling) houses considered world-class, with lines forming from opening time. It’s worth making a reservation or arriving well before peak hours to avoid long waits at the most famous spots.
Off the tourist trail, convenience stores like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart in Taiwan practically function as a real meal option, with tea eggs, hot buns, and a wide drink selection—a practical, budget-friendly stop between attractions.
On language: Mandarin is the official language, and English is far less prevalent than in Tokyo or Seoul outside of hotels and central tourist spots—it’s worth having translation apps installed and saved offline, especially for ordering food at night markets and chatting with taxi drivers.
Another time-saver: many shops and restaurants in Taipei accept QR code or contactless card payments, but it’s worth carrying some cash in NT$ for night markets and temples, where not every stall has a card machine.
Before you go
- Visa: required for Brazilians—apply well in advance through the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, R$300 to R$600 depending on the type.
- Other documents: International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever and the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) filled out before boarding.
- Best time to visit: March to May and September to December for mild weather; watch out for typhoon season in August–September.
- How long to stay: 3 to 4 days covers the essentials, including at least one night market.
- Getting from the airport: Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station, 35–39 min, NT$160.
- Book in advance: Taipei 101 tickets to skip the box office line.
Quick questions
Do Brazilians really need a physical visa for Taiwan? Yes—unlike much of Asia, there’s no visa waiver or simplified e-visa for Brazilians.
Is it worth visiting more than one night market? Yes, each has its own character—Shilin is the most touristy, Raohe is more compact, and Ningxia focuses on traditional food.
Is Taipei expensive to visit? Not really—accommodation and transport are cheaper than in Tokyo or Seoul, and street food keeps your food budget in check.
Taipei rewards those who show up ready to eat a lot
Between the Taipei 101 views, the National Palace Museum’s collection, and night markets that never seem to close, Taipei delivers a complete experience at a far lower cost than other Asian destinations in this guide. The visa paperwork is the only real hurdle—once that’s sorted, the city turns out to be surprisingly easy to navigate.
Sort out your visa and TWAC well in advance, pick at least two different night markets to compare, and leave one morning free for a leisurely visit to Longshan Temple—that’s where Taipei shows its oldest layer, before the skyscrapers.