What's the Current Safety Situation in Taiwan? Tips for Women Traveling Alone at Night and a Guide to Dangerous Areas
What is the current state of public safety in Taiwan?
A.
Taiwan's public safety is excellent by global standards, and Japanese travelers can enjoy their stay with peace of mind. Pickpockets in crowded places like night markets, and at night,WanhuaJust be careful on the side streets off Lin Sen North Road!
What's the current situation with public safety in Taiwan? Let me start with the conclusion.
To put it simply, Taiwan's public safety, even by global standards,Very good...so Japanese travelers can enjoy sightseeing with peace of mind.
In this column, we’ve compiled information on the current state of public safety in Taiwan, including dangerous areas to avoid at night or when traveling alone as a woman, tips for staying safe, and emergency contact information. We hope you’ll find this helpful as you prepare for your trip!
◆For those planning to travel alone as a woman or go out at night
◆For those who want to know which areas in Taipei to be cautious of at night
◆For those who want to check in advance how to deal with problems such as pickpocketing and taxi issues
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If you're not sure, go with this!
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The Current State of Public Safety in Taiwan
Can Japanese travelers enjoy their trip with peace of mind?
Taiwan is a popular travel destination that’s easy to get to from Japan and has a good safety record. However, if you let your guard down and act as you would in Japan,Pickpocketing and bag snatchingSince this can happen, it’s important to know the basic precautions!
Includes a Japanese-speaking guide and transportation☆
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs Risk Levels and Safety Rankings
The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Overseas Safety website does not list Taiwan as a high-risk area.
No specific areas requiring particular caution have been designated, so it can be said that the destination is very safe for travel.
According to the 2026 city safety rankings based on data from the international safety statistics website "Numbeo,"Taipei Ranks Third in the WorldIt is inside.
One of the distinctive features of Taiwan’s streets is that they’re bustling with people even at night, and it’s common to see women walking alone.
The most common problems Japanese people face are pickpocketing and bag snatching.
Even in Taiwan, where public safety is generally good, pickpocketing and bag snatching are the most common crimes affecting Japanese travelers.
Especially in crowded places like night markets and train stations, thieves will take advantage of the moment when you’re distracted by eating on the go or taking photos.
Choose a bag with a zipper, andHold it in front of your bodyThat's the basic principle.
Leaving your smartphone or bag on a table to save a seat at a restaurant is considered impolite in Japan, so please avoid doing so!
You can minimize potential losses by storing your passport and larger amounts of cash in the hotel safe and dividing the money you carry with you into smaller amounts.
Dangerous Areas and Places to Avoid at Night in Taipei
Taipei is generally safe, but at night...The atmosphere changesThere are also certain areas. Here, we’ll highlight some areas—among those frequently visited by travelers—where you should be cautious at night.
Ryuzan-ji Temple is also a safe place to visit during the day☆
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Wanhua (around Longshan Temple)
The Wanhua district, home to Longshan Temple—said to be Taipei’s oldest temple—is a popular tourist destination where the traditional streetscape remains intact.
On the other hand, it is also an area that has long been known as a “neighborhood where one needs to be cautious about public safety.”
During the day, it's bustling with worshippers and tourists, so you can enjoy sightseeing with peace of mind.
At night, people gather near the park around Ryuzan-ji Temple, so the side streets become less crowded,A Bright Main StreetLet's try to walk there.
We recommend planning your visit so you can finish by evening!
◆Hours: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
◆Admission: Free
◆Directions: Just a short walk from Exit 1 of Longshan Temple Station on the MRT Bannan Line
Huaxi Street Night Market
The Huaxi Street Night Market is a rare, covered night market located right next to Longshan Temple.
While it has a charming, authentic local feel, there have been reports of pickpockets targeting visitors during peak hours or while they’re eating on the go at the night markets in the Wanhua area.
Keep valuables to a minimumAlso, be sure to hold your bag securely in front of you.
When heading back from the night market to the station, it’s safer to choose a street with plenty of foot traffic.
◆Hours: 4:00 PM to around midnight (may vary by location)
◆Directions: About a 5-minute walk from Exit 1 of Longshan Temple Station on the MRT Bannan Line
Lin Sen North Road
Lin Sen North Road is a nightlife district in Taipei's Zhongshan area.
There are many signs in Japanese, and the area is home to many restaurants catering to Japanese customers, but at night, it becomes an area dominated by bars and restaurants that serve alcohol.
Even if a tout approaches you,I won't go along with thatThat's the golden rule.
Don't go into places where you don't know the prices, and avoid walking alone late at night!
Crowds at places like Shilin Night Market and Ximending
Taipei's largest night market, Shilin Night Market, and Ximending, which is bustling with young people, are not dangerous areas.
However, since it’s so crowded, you need to be careful of pickpockets and bag snatchers.
You can prevent theft with a few simple precautions, like carrying your backpack in front of you and not leaving your smartphone in your pocket.
While enjoying the crowds, I took my luggage out of my bag and...Don't take your eyes off itLet's do it!
◆Directions: About a 6-minute walk from Jiantan Station on the MRT Tamsui-Xinyi Line
◆Directions: Right next to the MRT “Ximen Station”
Things to Keep in Mind When Traveling Alone as a Woman or Going Out at Night
Taiwan is a popular travel destination for women traveling alone. To enjoy going out at night, it’s reassuring to know how to choose your route, what modes of transportation to use, and how to respond if someone approaches you.
You can enjoy Jiufen at night with peace of mind☆
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When walking at night, choose well-lit main streets.
Downtown Taipei is bustling with people late into the night, and most of the streets are well-lit.
Even so, avoid taking dark alleys just to take a shortcut.
The hotel isClose to the station...If you choose a place that faces a main street, you'll feel safer walking home at night.
If you check the route in advance using a map app, you can avoid getting lost and wandering around aimlessly.
There are many 24-hour convenience stores on the streets of Taiwan, and it’s reassuring to know there’s a place you can run to if you feel uneasy.
Taxis can be booked through ride-hailing apps or by calling
Taiwan's yellow taxis are convenient, but there are also reviews mentioning detours and fare disputes.
If you're a woman traveling alone at night, rather than hailing a taxi on the street,Ride-hailing appWe recommend using it.
With services like “Taiwan Grand Taxi (55688)” or Uber, you’ll see an estimated fare before you get in, so you can feel at ease.
If you can't use the app, ask a hotel or restaurant to call a taxi for you!
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Beware of touts, solicitors, and rip-offs
In busy downtown areas, be wary of touts who approach you in Japanese or call out phrases like “Try a sample!” or “Here’s a piece of candy!”
Even if someone seems friendly, there are cases where they’ll take you to an expensive restaurant.
Let's follow these two rules: Don't go with strangers, and don't enter stores that don't have a price list.
Clearly, “Not needed (Bu Yao)If you say, “No,” they usually won’t keep pestering you.
At bars and other venues, keep an eye on your drink at all times, and avoid drinking alcohol offered to you by strangers.
Public Safety and Precautions in Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung
Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung—all outside of Taipei—are also cities with good public safety, just like Taipei. The precautions to take are largely the same as in Taipei; as long as you’re mindful of pickpockets at night markets and how you walk on the streets at night, you can enjoy your visit with peace of mind.
Let's take a trip outside of Taipei☆
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The night markets in Tainan and Kaohsiung are also bustling, so be sure to keep an eye on your belongings, just as you would in Taipei.
Since travel in regional cities is primarily by motorcycle or car,Traffic AccidentYou also need to be careful about this.
There are a lot of motorcycles in Taiwan, and many cars and motorcycles turn at intersections, so please be sure to look both ways even when crossing at a crosswalk.
If you're traveling through the suburbs at night, why not try a tour that includes transportation?
Emergency Contacts and Preparations
No matter how careful you are, problems or health issues can still arise. To avoid panicking in an emergency, be sure to have emergency contact information and insurance ready.
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Emergency Numbers (Police: 110, Ambulance: 119, Foreigner Hotline: 1990)
The emergency numbers in Taiwan are the same as in Japan: 110 for the police and 119 for the fire department and ambulance service.
119 can also provide assistance in English.
If you need help with any issues, the “1990” hotline for foreign nationals, operated by Taiwan’s Immigration Agency, is a useful resource.
Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,Also supports JapaneseI am, actually.
The previous number (0800-024-111) is no longer in service, so be careful not to use outdated information!
The Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association and Overseas Travel Insurance
There is no Japanese embassy in Taiwan; instead, the Taipei Office of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association handles matters such as lost passports.
The phone number for the Taipei office is (02) 2713-8000. Please check the official website for the latest information.
Also, to prepare for injuries, illness, or theft while traveling,Travel InsuranceBe sure to sign up for it.
Even if you plan to use the insurance included with your credit card, it’s a good idea to check the coverage details and terms before you leave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Public Safety in Taiwan
First, file a report at your local police station and obtain a certificate of loss or theft. Then, go to the Taipei Office of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association (or the Kaohsiung Office if you’re in southern Taiwan) to complete the reissuance procedures. Having a copy of your passport and a digital photo on hand will help the process go more smoothly.
Taiwan's night markets are bustling with locals and tourists until late at night, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere. However, since pickpocketing is common in crowded areas, be sure to carry your bag in front of you. For your return trip, it's safest to walk along well-lit main streets and use the MRT or a ride-hailing app to get home.
Like Japan, Taiwan experiences frequent earthquakes, and typhoons often approach from summer through fall. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you leave, and if you experience strong tremors or a typhoon during your trip, follow the instructions provided by your hotel or the news. Please also be careful of traffic accidents on roads with heavy motorcycle traffic.
summary
Taiwan has a high level of public safety by global standards, making it a destination where Japanese travelers can enjoy their trip with peace of mind.
However, be careful of pickpockets at night markets and in crowded areas, as well as in neighborhoods like Wanhua and Linsen North Road, where the atmosphere changes at night.
When traveling at night, use a ride-hailing app, and it’s a good idea to write down emergency numbers and the 1990 hotline for peace of mind.
If this is your first time in Taiwan,With a Japanese-speaking guideWhy not give this tour a try?
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