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How to Book a Trip to Taiwan

How to · Travel

How to Book a Trip to Taiwan

See the night markets and ride mountain trains for about $2,900, split across 18 interest-free months.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $2,900 before anything else
Across the 0% window $161.11/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $2,900 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Late autumn is the sweet spot for Taiwan. The summer typhoons are done, the thick humidity clears out, and you can walk through Taipei night markets eating pepper buns without melting. Pair that with a ride on the old mountain trains through the misty cypress forests of Alishan, and it is easily one of the best trips in Asia.

A typical two-week run costs around $2,900 for flights, transit, food, and stays. If you do not want to empty your savings account at once, you can spread that cost across a year and a half without paying interest.

Keep in mind that 18 months is a hard deadline, not free money. If you still carry a balance when the 0% intro period ends, you get hit with regular interest on whatever is left. Set autopay to $161.11 every month from the start so you do not have to think about it.

The steps

  1. 01

    Aim for late autumn flights

    Target late October through early December. Typhoon season is over, and temperatures hover in the low 70s. Track flights into Taipei from major hubs to catch fare drops before booking.

  2. 02

    Map your mountain train routes

    Taiwan has fast trains on the coast, but the Alishan Forest Railway is the main draw inland. These narrow-gauge trains climb into the cloud forest and sell out early. Book your train seats online as soon as your travel window opens.

  3. 03

    Finance it with the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card

    The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. Charging the $2,900 trip and paying $161.11 a month clears the balance right on time before the standard rate begins.

  4. 04

    Pick stays near transit lines

    In Taipei, stay near an MRT stop in neighborhoods like Zhongshan or Da'an so you can bounce between night markets easily. In the central mountains, book local guesthouses near the rail stations rather than big resorts.

  5. 05

    Stash cash for street food

    You can use a card for transit passes and hotels, but night markets run strictly on cash. Pull local currency from convenience store ATMs when you land. A small amount covers several rounds of soup dumplings, scallion pancakes, and shaved ice.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Why is late autumn the best time to visit Taiwan?

Summer brings heavy rain, typhoons, and oppressive heat. Late autumn gives you dry days, comfortable walking temperatures in the cities, and clear views up in the mountain ranges.

Can I use credit cards at Taiwan night markets?

No, night markets and small food stalls almost exclusively run on cash. Keep cash on hand for street vendors and use your card for flights, trains, and hotels.

How early should I book the Alishan train?

Tickets open about two weeks before departure and disappear quickly, especially for the early morning sunrise trains. Mark the release date on your calendar so you can grab a seat the day they drop.

What happens if I miss a monthly payment during the intro window?

Missing a due date can trigger late fees and damage your credit score, and it puts your promotional terms at risk. Set up automatic monthly payments to cover the $161.11 so you stay on schedule.