Q: How to Apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
A:Required Documents:
★ National ID or Resident Certificate: Must bring the original.
★ Photo: Two 2-inch color photos with a plain background, clear facial features, no hat, and taken within the last two years (composite photos are not allowed).
★ Driver’s License: Must bring the original.
★ Copy of Passport: Used to verify English name.
★ Fee: NT$250.
Important Notes:
★ Ensure your driver’s license is valid. If it is about to expire, renew it first.
★ If the address on your driver’s license differs from that on your National ID or Resident Certificate, update it before applying.
★ Pay all outstanding fines before applying.
★ If applying through a proxy, the agent must present your original National ID for verification.
★ Application Location: Motor Vehicle Offices https://www.thb.gov.tw/News_Orgunit.aspx?n=536&sms=12821
Applying for Foreign International Driving License Certification (Reciprocal Countries):
Eligibility: Foreigners who have stayed in Taiwan for more than six months and whose original driver’s license was issued by a country that has a reciprocal agreement with Taiwan can apply for a Taiwan driver’s license by presenting their original license at a motor vehicle office.
Required Documents:
★ National ID or Passport: Taiwanese citizens need a National ID, while foreigners need a passport and a resident certificate (if applicable). The passport must show the entry date.
★ Driver’s License: A valid license issued by a reciprocal country and an international driving permit (both must be within their validity period).
★ Medical Examination & Fitness Test Report: Must be issued by a public hospital, public health center, or clinic authorized by the motor vehicle office.
★ Photo: One 1-inch photo taken within the last two years.
★ Fee: NT$150.
Check the list of reciprocal countries: https://www.thb.gov.tw/News_Download.aspx?n=561&sms=12823.
International Driving Permit Back Cover Instructions in Chinese and English (Image / Source: Directorate General of Highways, Ministry of Transportation)
Q: How to Apply for a Mobile Postpaid Plan in Taiwan?
A:Foreign nationals should note the following requirements when applying for a mobile postpaid plan in Taiwan:
★ Prepare Two IDs: Bring your original passport and Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) (must be valid for more than six months). Ensure that your residence address is recorded on your ARC.
★ Choose a Telecom Provider: Options include Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, and FarEasTone, which offer postpaid plans for foreigners. These plans cannot be applied online and must be handled in person at a telecom store. Note: Foreigners can only apply for postpaid plans at Chunghwa Telecom’s official stores, not at Senao partner stores. Taiwan Mobile and FarEasTone have no such restrictions.
★ Fill Out the Application Form: Provide your passport and ARC for submission.
★ Pay the Required Fees:Depending on the telecom provider’s policy, you may need a Taiwanese guarantor or a security deposit.
(1)Chunghwa Telecom: Requires either a Taiwanese guarantor (with two forms of ID) or a NT$2,900 security deposit.
(2)Taiwan Mobile: No guarantor or security deposit is required.
(3)FarEasTone: Requires a NT$2,400 security deposit.
★ Wait for Approval: Once your application is approved, you can start using your postpaid mobile service.
📌 Check the required documents for foreigners applying for a postpaid mobile number in Taiwan: https://reurl.cc/RL8b4x
Q: How to Rent a Car in Taiwan with a Resident Certificate?
A:When registering for a car rental platform, you typically need:
★ Resident Certificate (ARC) – The required validity period varies by platform. See the attachment below.
★ Credit Card – Used for payment. Check the attachment below for accepted cards.
★ Taiwan Driver’s License – Foreigners staying in Taiwan for more than six months, with a valid driver’s license from a reciprocal country, can apply for a Taiwan license at the motor vehicle office.
List of Reciprocal Countries: https://www.thb.gov.tw/News_Download.aspx?n=561&sms=12823
Car Rental Platform Comparison: https://reurl.cc/xpoE0Z
Q: How to Find a Childcare Center or Babysitter in Taiwan?
A:Refer to the following resources from the Taipei City Government and the Ministry of Health and Welfare:
★ Infant and Childcare Services: https://dosw.gov.taipei/Content_List.aspx?n=E7F1297C3E905941
★ National Childcare Matching Platform: https://ncwisweb.sfaa.gov.tw/home/index
Q: Where Can My Family Get a Health Check in Taiwan?
A:Refer to the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) list of designated hospitals for foreign health checks: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/nU7y97g0GqJbB3kn5B-nPg
Q: How to Enroll My Child in School in Taiwan?
A:The Overseas Talent Children’s Education Resource Platform provides information on schools and special classes for the children of foreign professionals in Taiwan.
★ Consultation Hotline: +886-2-7736-7867
★ Email: k12ea@mail.moe.gov.tw
★ Overseas Talent Children’s Education Resource Platform: https://shs.k12ea.gov.tw/site/epec
Q: How to Find Rental Housing in Taiwan?
A:The Department of Land Administration, Ministry of the Interior provides the following resources:
★ Rental Housing Market Development and Management Act: https://reurl.cc/oVpxdq
★ Standard Rental Agreement: https://www.land.moi.gov.tw/chhtml/news/89?qcclassid=32
★ List of Licensed Rental Housing Agencies: https://reurl.cc/WAyXL9
Rental Information Provided by the Department of Land Administration, Ministry of the Interior (Image / Source: Freepik)
Q: What Documents Are Required for Importing Medications into Taiwan?
A:Taiwan strictly regulates the import of medications and medical devices. You must apply for a permit from the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA). You can submit your application via the TFDA online service platform.
★ TFDA Online Application Platform: https://oap.fda.gov.tw/
If you need to check whether a medication is available in Taiwan, download the Drug Information Helper – Drug Scan APP.
★ Drug Information Helper – Drug Scan APP: https://www.mohw.gov.tw/cp-2633-9746-1.html
