🇹🇼 Stay Healthy in Taiwan: Your Doctor-Backed Travel Health Guide
by: Dr. Paul Chang, General Practitioner, Regis Medical
Travel smart in Taiwan with vaccine advice, essential tests, and health tips from Regis Medical Singapore GP Doctors.
Why Singaporeans Love Taiwan
From the night markets of Taipei to the misty peaks of Alishan, Taiwan is a top pick for Singaporean travellers seeking nature, food, and culture — all in one safe, affordable destination.
According to Taiwan’s Tourism Bureau, over 400,000 Singaporeans visited Taiwan in 2023. With its blend of bustling cities and scenic trails, Taiwan remains a convenient getaway that feels like home — but with hot springs, mountains, and bubble tea.
Whether you're exploring neon-lit cities or tranquil countryside onsens, Japan blends tradition and innovation in a way few countries do.
Best time to go: October–March (cool weather), April–May (spring flowers and cherry blossoms)
Popular cities: Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Hualien
Popular for: Street food, hiking, hot springs, cultural exploration, café hopping. Whether you're strolling down Jiufen’s old streets or hiking Taroko Gorge, Taiwan offers an easy mix of wellness, gastronomy, and scenery.
Singaporeans also enjoy visa-free travel in Taiwan for up to 30 days. Taiwan offers modern infrastructure, and one of Asia’s most friendly and safe environments for tourists.
Vaccines to Consider Before Going to Taiwan
Recommended Vaccines for Taiwan:
- Influenza – Especially during Taiwan’s flu season (November to March), when travel involves crowded trains or cool mountain weather.
- Hepatitis A – Advised if you're planning to indulge in night market food or small roadside eateries.
- Hep B
- Typhoid – Considered if you’ll be in rural areas or eating from more remote stalls.
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) – Ensure you're up to date, as outbreaks have occurred in the region.
Pre-Travel Health Screening & Advice
Who should screen?
- Elderly
- People with chronic medical conditions
- Immunocompromised individuals
Suggested tests:
- Hepatitis A/B immunity check
- General health review if staying long-term or doing outdoor activities
Pack These: Emergency Medications & Health Kit
For Taiwan’s weather and travel environment:
- Flu medicine or lozenges
- Plaster
- Eye drops and moisturiser lotion (dry air)
- Anti-diarrhoea meds (e.g. loperamide or charcoal pills)
- Blurred vision
- Motion sickness tablets (for winding mountain roads or boat trips to outer islands)
- UTI medication
- Antihistamines (for allergies especially during cherry blossom season)
- Sunscreen and mosquito repellent – for summer travel and forest parks
While You’re There: Protecting Your Health
Tap water in Taiwan is not generally drunk directly – boil or drink bottled
Night market food is a must, but try to go for freshly made, popular stalls
Masks are widely used during flu season — a good idea for crowded trains
Cold weather tips: Layer up, stay hydrated with warm water, and moisturise regularly
Hot spring safety: limit soak time to 15–20 minutes, especially if you have heart issues
After You Return: Post-Travel Watchlist
Be alert for:
- Fever, fatigue, or stomach upset within 7–10 days of return
- If symptoms occur, consult a GP — particularly if you had street food often or you visited rural areas.
At Regis Medical, we offer rapid tests for flu, and gastrointestinal infections at our clinic.
Travel Health Checklist
✅ Vaccines completed
✅ Meds packed
✅ Travel insurance arranged
✅ Emergency contact card in bag
✅ Nearest hospital of your destination bookmarked
Planning a trip to Taiwan?
Visit Regis Medical for a Pre-Travel Vaccines and Health Consult — personalised for your destination, itinerary, and health needs.
