Whether you’re traveling in a group or alone, safety must come to mind when you’re going to a foreign country. It doesn’t matter where you are, you should always be cautious of your surroundings.
But according to Taipei Times, the U.S. fashion magazine Lifestyle9 listed Taiwan as the second safest country in the world, only behind Japan.
Using several factors such as crime rate, rate of natural disasters, etc. gathered from the U.S. FBI, Lifestyle9 ranked these countries for safety in 2014.
But is Taipei safe as well? In 2019, the Economist’s Intelligence Unit released a ranking of the top 25 safest cities in the world.
Taipei landed in the 13th spot, behind San Francisco and ahead of Montreal. They used metrics such as digital security, health security, infrastructure and personal safety in determining the safest cities in the world.
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Personal Experience With Safety in Taiwan
I have never had any issues with safety in any city of Taiwan – not even once. Of the many times I’ve walked home in the late/early hours of the night by myself, I have never felt alarmed or sketched out even in the little side streets.
But this doesn’t mean you should be off-guard during your stay in Taiwan. This may sound cliché, but it needs to be said: like with any country you travel to, always be aware of your surroundings and belongings.
In the Lifestyle9 report, they boast that the Taiwanese people are generally more friendly, welcoming, kind-hearted and honest. In the many interactions that I’ve had with the Taiwanese locals, I would agree with those claims.
But of course, keep in mind that there will be “bad” people everywhere you go. I don’t want to generalize for the Taiwanese as a whole, but rather give my opinion based on personal experiences.
Taiwan Food Safety
Obviously Taiwan is a big food country, as shown by the number of restaurants everywhere you go. But is the food in Taiwan actually safe to consume?
In recent years, there have been many food scandals regarding cooking oil, ingredients and tealeaves. Incidents leaked the information that the big Taiwanese cooking oil companies have been using recycled waste oil and animal feed oil.
Really? Recycled waste oil from the sewers? Yes, but in their defense, they used a tedious process of filtering to clean it. Still the idea and thought of it is sickening.
Tealeaves scandals have closed down many teashops and suppliers because some companies decided that the excessive use of fertilizer was necessary.
However, I still believe that the food of Taiwan is safe to consume. I have been eating out every single day and I feel great. These scandals were, in my opinion, blown out of proportion because the Taiwanese people value health and food so
Solo Traveling in Taiwan
I would 100% recommend Taiwan for any solo traveler. Unlike the people of other countries, the Taiwanese don’t really target foreigners for their crimes.
Actually, they’re more inclined to help foreigners. If you asked a local on the street to help you with directions, they will happily oblige and even sometimes take you there themselves.
I have met and talked to many solo female travelers and they all agree that they feel safe walking around alone, even at night. This is one of the few places in the world I would recommend solo women travelers to check out.
What Makes Taipei/Taiwan Dangerous
My main concern about traveling in Taiwan, and especially Taipei, is the traffic. Yes, the chaotic, hazardous traffic. The drivers in the city are aggressive and they don’t usually stop for pedestrians.
This is a country where pedestrians have to dodge cars instead of the other way around. That said, I can see how foreigners from places like the United States can get hurt walking in the city. It’s just a cultural difference that can potential cause some serious injuries.
But as long as you know this and you’re careful, you will be fine. Always be wary of cars and the mopeds that swerve through pedestrians – even at crosswalks. And never assume a vehicle will stop for you.