Is Taiwan Safe? A Complete Safety Guide for International Students

Let's start with the good news: Taiwan is one of the safest places on Earth for international students.

The island ranks #24 on the 2025 Global Peace Index — ahead of France, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Street crime is almost nonexistent. You can leave your laptop on a café table to grab more sugar for your bubble tea and it'll be there when you come back. You can walk through any neighborhood in Taipei at 2 AM without a second thought.

But "safe" doesn't mean "zero risks." Taiwan sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which means earthquakes and typhoons are part of life. And like any popular destination for international students, there are a few scams worth knowing about.

Here's the full picture — what's genuinely safe, what requires attention, and how to handle things when they go wrong.

Crime: Almost a Non-Issue

Let's put the crime statistics in perspective:

• Taipei's violent crime rate is roughly 1/10th that of New York City
• Burglary rates are among the lowest in Asia
• Pickpocketing exists but is rare compared to cities like Barcelona or Bangkok
• Sexual assault rates are low, though incidents do occur — the same precautions you'd take anywhere apply (don't walk alone in unlit areas late at night, watch your drink at bars)

What students actually experience: The most common crime affecting international students in Taiwan is bicycle theft. If you buy a bike, get a good lock and register it with your university. The second most common issue is scooter accidents — Taiwan's traffic is chaotic, and scooter injury rates are high. If you ride, wear a helmet (it's the law) and drive defensively.

Late-night safety: Taipei's MRT runs until about midnight (1 AM on weekends). After that, you'll need a taxi or Uber. Taxis are safe, metered, and plentiful. Uber works in Taipei and is similarly priced. Walking at night is fine in most areas — the city is well-lit and there are always people around, even at 3 AM.

Natural Disasters: What You Need to Know

Taiwan's geography is beautiful and dramatic — which also means it's geologically active. Here's what to prepare for:

Earthquakes

Taiwan experiences roughly 18,000 earthquakes per year, though most are too small to feel. Significant earthquakes (magnitude 5+) happen a few times per year.

Preparation:

• Download the 地震速報 (Earthquake Early Warning) app — it gives you seconds of warning before shaking starts
• Know the safe spots in your apartment: under a sturdy desk, away from windows, in a doorframe
• Keep a small emergency kit: flashlight, water, first-aid supplies, phone charger
• Your university will conduct earthquake drills — participate seriously

During an earthquake: Drop under a sturdy table, protect your head and neck, and hold on until the shaking stops. Don't run outside during shaking — falling debris is the main danger. After the quake, check for gas leaks and avoid elevators.

Typhoons

Taiwan gets hit by 3–4 typhoons per year, typically between July and October. These are serious weather events — heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding in low-lying areas.

What happens:

• The government issues typhoon warnings through TV, radio, and phone alerts
• Universities and offices close during severe typhoons
• The MRT and buses may suspend service during peak storm conditions
• Convenience stores stay open (they're basically indestructible)

What to do:

• Stay indoors during the worst of the storm
• Stock up on food and water before the typhoon hits (every Taiwanese person does a pre-typhoon convenience store run — join them)
• Charge your phone and have a flashlight ready
• Avoid riverside areas and low-lying neighborhoods that flood

Landslides and Flooding

In mountainous areas, heavy rain from typhoons can cause landslides. If you're hiking in Alishan, Yangmingshan, or the east coast during typhoon season, check weather conditions and trail status before heading out.

Emergency Numbers

Memorize these:

Emergency	Number
Police	110
Fire/Ambulance	119
Tourist Hotline (English)	0800-028-888
Foreign Affairs Hotline	0800-850-850

Good to know: The 119 ambulance service is free. If you're injured or ill, call 119 and an ambulance will take you to the nearest hospital. English-speaking operators are available on the tourist hotline.

Healthcare: The Best System You'll Ever Use

Taiwan's National Health Insurance (NHI) is consistently ranked among the top healthcare systems in the world. And as an international student, you get access to it.

How it works:

• After holding your ARC for 6 consecutive months, you're automatically enrolled
• Monthly premium: NT,140 (~5 USD)
• Covers: doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital stays, surgery, dental care, mental health services, traditional Chinese medicine, and preventive care
• Co-pay: typically NT50–00 per visit depending on the clinic/hospital

What a doctor visit looks like:

1. Walk into any clinic (診所) — no appointment needed for most clinics
2. Show your NHI card at the front desk
3. See a doctor (wait time: 15–45 minutes at a clinic, longer at a hospital)
4. Get your prescription
5. Pay NT50 at the counter
6. Pick up your medication at the clinic's pharmacy

That's it. No insurance forms, no billing surprises, no "is this covered?" phone calls.

Before you're eligible for NHI (first 6 months): Your university will offer a private insurance plan for international students. This typically costs NT,000–,000 per semester and covers basic medical needs. Alternatively, you can use your home country's international student insurance.

Scams to Watch For

Taiwan is remarkably scam-free compared to other Asian countries. But a few scams do target international students:

1. The "overcharge at a night market" scam Some vendors at touristy night markets may charge foreigners more than locals. The fix: check prices before ordering. If something seems expensive, walk to the next stall. This is more annoying than dangerous.

2. Fake rental listings Scammers post apartments online that don't exist, collect your deposit, and disappear. The fix: never wire money before seeing an apartment in person. Use your university's housing office or reputable platforms like 591.com.tw (the main Taiwanese rental site).

3. "English practice" that's actually something else Occasionally, someone approaches international students offering "English conversation practice" that turns out to be a religious recruitment pitch, a multi-level marketing scheme, or (rarely) something more concerning. The fix: meet new people through university clubs and official language exchange programs, not random approaches on the street.

4. Traffic scams A small number of drivers have been known to stage minor traffic accidents with foreign pedestrians or scooter riders and demand cash settlements on the spot. The fix: if you're in a traffic incident, always call the police (110). Don't pay cash at the scene. Let insurance handle it.

Practical Safety Tips

A few things that will keep you safe and prepared:

1. Register with your embassy. Most embassies have an online registration system for citizens living abroad. This helps them contact you in an emergency.

2. Download essential apps:

   • 地震速報 — earthquake early warning
   • NHI快易通 — your NHI health records and claims
   • Taipei Free — free Wi-Fi hotspots across the city
   • Uber — safe late-night transportation

3. Keep a card in your wallet with emergency info: Your name, blood type, emergency contact, and any allergies — in Chinese if possible. Show it to a paramedic if you're ever unconscious.

4. Learn basic emergency Mandarin:

   • 救命 (jiùmìng) — Help!
   • 請叫救護車 (qǐng jiào jiùhùchē) — Please call an ambulance
   • 我是外國人 (wǒ shì wàiguó rén) — I'm a foreigner
   • 我的護照 (wǒ de hùzhào) — My passport

5. Stay aware during typhoon season (July–October). Monitor weather reports and follow your university's instructions. Typhoons are serious but manageable with preparation.

The Bottom Line

Taiwan is genuinely, remarkably safe. The kind of safe where you stop locking your door because nothing ever gets stolen. The kind of safe where your friends back home will ask if you feel nervous walking alone at night and you'll laugh because the question doesn't compute.

The real risks in Taiwan are natural — earthquakes and typhoons — not human. And even those are well-managed by a government that takes disaster preparedness seriously.

What this means for you: Focus on earthquake preparedness, typhoon awareness, and scooter safety (if you ride). Beyond that, relax. You're in one of the safest countries in Asia.

Have safety questions about studying in Taiwan? Book a free consultation with our team. We can connect you with current students who'll tell you exactly what daily life feels like, and help you prepare for anything from earthquake drills to navigating the healthcare system.

For the full picture on studying in Taiwan — from costs to culture to language — start with our complete guide to studying abroad in Taiwan. And if you want to know what you'll actually spend each month, our cost of living in Taipei guide has the real numbers.