Health & Safety

Health facilities in Taiwan are adequate for routine and emergency medical treatment.  Physicians are well trained and many have studied in the United States and speak English.  State-of-the-art medical equipment is available at many clinics and hospitals.  Hospitals’ nursing services provide medication dispensing and wound care but generally not the daily patient maintenance functions found in U.S. hospitals.  Taiwan regulations require ambulances to have emergency equipment and supplies and to be staffed by trained medical personnel (dial 119).

Taiwan is a modern democracy with vibrant public participation.  Political demonstrations are common, especially around election time.  Since Taiwan democratized in the early 1990s, there have been few cases of political violence.  But even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational.  You should avoid protests if possible and exercise caution in the vicinity of any political demonstrations.  The American Citizens Services Unit of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) will post notices regarding demonstrations in Taiwan on the AIT website whenever it receives reliable information about them.  In most cases, AIT will not send out an Emergency or Security Message when it has information on a planned demonstration. 

 

Although the overall violent-crime rate in Taiwan is low, you should avoid high crime areas, namely areas where massage parlors, barbershops, and nightclubs operate as covers for prostitution, and are often run by criminals.  These illicit establishments generally do not advertise, and casual passersby cannot view their interiors.  Several U.S. citizens have been assaulted in these establishments and in the areas near bar and nightclub districts.  In contrast to these illegal operations, ordinary barbershops and other legitimate businesses prominently advertise their services, and you can see the interiors through storefront windows.  Taiwan’s public buses and subway are generally considered safe, but passengers—particularly women--in taxis should exercise caution when traveling alone late at night.  In several parts of Taiwan, incidents of purse snatching by thieves on motorcycles have been reported.  You should keep a photocopy of your passport, other identification, and credit cards in a safe place.