Taiwan is a place that should be explored not just with public transportation (as convenient as it is). If you only take public transportation everywhere you go, you are missing out on a huge part of Taiwan. You could take taxis everywhere to see these sights, like a rich Chinese person, or you can take the cheaper option and rent a vehicle. Many of the scenic and rural sights of Taiwan can’t be experienced except by hiring your own vehicle.
Renting a Vehicle in Taiwan:
Taiwan is the scooter capitol of the world. Driving a scooter is dangerous, but scooters are fun. They are also pretty easy to learn how to operate; if you can already drive a car and/or ride a bike, picking up riding a moped shouldn’t be that hard. There’s not much better of way to experience Taiwan than cruising down the streets like everyone else with the wind blowing in your face.
However, if you are looking to get around the island faster, are travelling with multiple people, have lots of luggage, or you are afraid that scooters are dangerous, I would suggest renting a car.
Car Rental Fast Facts:
Where?
Car rental places can be found next to most airports and in all major cities. But don’t expect them right next to every small train station.
Pricing?
Cheap would be $1000-1500 a day, average would be $2000+ a day, and expensive would be $3,000+ a day. Discounts are often given for multiple day rentals and for weekdays.
Do I need a local license?
No. However, you should get an international driver’s permit. If you don’t have an international driver’s permit there is no guarantee that you can rent a car. Check with the rental agency beforehand and make necessary preparations.
How do I get a local Taiwanese licence?
Check out our guide on getting a driver’s licence in Taiwan here.
Does Taiwan have Uber?
Yes but its just as expensive as a Taxi. Uber was banned and fined multiple times because their business model was deemed illegal. Uber drivers were required to have a professional driver’s licence. Now they work with local rental car companies to keep the app going in Taiwan.
What side of the road does Taiwan drive on?
The Right side.
How much is the price of gas?
As of March, 2018 it is around 27 NT per liter for 95 octane gas.
Anything else I should be aware of when driving in Taiwan?
Yes!
- Driving on National Highways will incur a fee of about 1.5 NT per kilometer, so don’t be surprised when the rental company throws this extra fee at you.
- Turning right on a red light is against the law.
- When turning right, check your blind spot and the space behind your car for scooters. There are scooters everywhere. To make a safe right turn, make sure to signal early, turn slowly, and check your mirrors and blind spots.
- Check for speed cameras and red light cameras. These are the only effective way of traffic enforcement in Taiwan, and they are everywhere! But, most GPS systems in Taiwan will tell you where they are, and will warn you when you approach them.
- Getting in an accident can be messy and involve a long litigation process. If it’s just a minor accident, consider paying cash to the other person and avoid calling the police if at all possible. However, always consult with your rental company on their accident policies.
- There are a few lanes in Taipei City that are just for buses. Don’t drive on them.
- Some lanes are only meant for scooters or motorcycles.
- Avoid small alleys if at all possible. You can get stuck and might have to end up backing out.
- If you come to a blind corner, there should be a round mirror at the intersection to let you see if there is any oncoming traffic from the right or left.
Do you have any recommendations?
Yes! We have rented before with Car 880 超省錢租車. They are so far the cheapest car rental company we have found. Their rates start at 880 NT on weekdays: http://www.car880.com.tw/. We are not getting paid by advertising for them by the way. Also be aware they are not English capable. Knowing a little Chinese could save you some money.
Summation of Rental Car Companies in Taiwan:
(please note this is not a complete list. Other discounts and offers can be found on each company’s website)
Car 880 超省錢租車
website: http://www.car880.com.tw/
- English Capable – No
- Relatively Cheap – Yes
- Cheapest Car is 1380 on a weekday, 1780 on weekends, but is 980/1500 if you join as a member, and can be as low as 499 NT on the first day if rent over three days.
- Locations – Only in New Taipei (airport pickup possible)
Good Cars
website: https://www.goodcars.com.tw/
- English Capable – No
- Relatively Cheap – Yes
- Cheapest Car is 990 NT on Weekdays and 1490 NT on holidays and weekends, but can be as cheap as 880 NT over multiple days.
- Locations – New Taipei City and Taoyuan (airport pickup possible)
Avis Taiwan 安維斯租車
website: https://www.avis-taiwan.com/us/
- English Capable – Yes
- Relatively Cheap – No
- Cheapest Car is 2300 NT per day.
- Locations – Multiple locations in all major cities, including the east coast.
HLC 和運租車
website: https://www.easyrent.com.tw/English/
- English Capable – Yes
- Relatively Cheap – No
- Cheapest Car is 2400 NT per day.
- Locations – Multiple locations in all major cities, including the east coast. Most locations of any car rental company in Taiwan.
Jinfeng Car Rental 進豐租車
website: http://www.1car-rent.com.tw/service.php
- English Capable – No
- Relatively Cheap – Yes
- Cheapest Car is 1360 NT per day on a weekday and 1530 NT per day on weekends.
- Locations – One location in Taipei
Budget
website: https://www.budget.com/en/locations/tb
- English Capable – Yes
- Relatively Cheap – No
- Cheapest Car is 2500 NT per day
- Locations – 4 locations in Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, and Kaohsiung.
CarPlus 格上租車
website: https://www.car-plus.com.tw/EN/ugC_AboutUs.asp
- English Capable – Yes
- Relatively Cheap – No
- Cheapest Car is 2500 NT per day
Locations – multiple locations in all major cities including the east coast
Editor: [email protected]
Thanks to Foreigners in Taiwan for content sharing.
想知道更多優惠好康 加入ReadyGo [email protected]
更多精選住宿美食 追蹤ReadyGo FB
第一手旅遊資訊 追蹤ReadyGo IG
