FAQs - Cycling/Biking Taiwan

Before your biking trip to Taiwan, it is important to answer all questions. We´ve compiled a great list of questions and answers relating to Taiwan Cycling Tours.
If you have any additional doubts do not hesitate to Email Us.

TRAVEL

  • What is included/not included in the price?

    The package price includes all foods during the days of the tour according to the itinerary. It includes stays at hotels/hostels each night of the tour. The use of the company's bikes, safety equipment. Expert guiding during the days of the trip and constant online support.

    Not included in the package are international or national flights, buses or other transportation to and from the starting point of the tour. Tolls, tips, and snacks. Souvenirs and additional personal expenses.

    Since we always try to customize our packages for every client as best we can, these lists are for reference only, you should read your invoice very well once booking to see what´s included in your particular tour.

  • What type of accommodation do you offer?

    During the tour, you will be staying in shared rooms (2-4 people) at different hotels and hostels of the average range alongside the route that is being cycled. If you would like a particular itinerary before booking the trip please contact us. If you would like to book single rooms, family rooms or stays at different hotels close to the route of the tour please let us know and we'll do our best to accommodate you.

  • What should I expect regarding weather?

    The weather in Taiwan varies quite a lot during the year and it can go from temperate to moderately cold. You should try to plan ahead and possibly bring additional jackets or raincoats if needed.

  • Do I need visa to travel to Taiwan?

    Citizens of over 20 countries can enter Taiwan without a visa if they apply for a visa exemption, while those from another 24 countries can get an E-visa before the trip and it gets stamped upon arrival at Taiwan. Others do have to request a formal visa at an embassy or consulate before arrival. Follow this link so you can verify on which group you are.

  • How big will the group be?

    We like to keep things small and personal, allowing our clients to have the best experience possible. Groups of 8-10 are the usual, with a max of 13 people on special occasions (accommodating families, couples, etc). This allows for our guides to give clients personalized attention and manage the groups better. This will also allow group members to become familiar with each other much faster.

  • How many guides per group?

    It depends on the group size. We like to keep a ratio of 1 guide per 5 people.

  • Are the guides locals or foreigners? Do they speak my language?

    Our guides come from varied backgrounds. Some are native Taiwanese guides with years of experience and deep knowledge of the country. Others are passionate foreigners who loved the experience of biking the Taiwanese countryside and decided to stay here and share their joy with others. In any case guides should be able to communicate in English and Chinese. If you would like a guide that can speak any other language, please let us know and we´ll check if anyone in our team can do so.

  • Is there any discount if I book more than one tour at a time?

    We can indeed offer a discount for you and other members of your group if you book 4 places or more at the same time. We are also working on a loyalty rewards system for those who come to ride with us for a second time and onwards, be sure to ask a representative before booking your tour.

  • Are children allowed on the tour?

    YES! if you want to join as a family with children be sure to let us know and we'll do our best to accommodate you in a family suite or at least rooms next to each other. Be aware though, that the guides will not be making any special stops or detours, the children should be fit and able to ride with the whole group for the same amount of time and through the same routes as adults. In general we recommend that children below the age of 10 are not brought to the trip.

  • How should I pack my bags?

    As it was previously mentioned, the weather in the Taiwanese coast can vary quite a lot throughout the year, so specific pieces of clothing to accommodate the weather will vary as well. However, you can pack the following basic items to get yourself started. Toothbrush + paste, Deodorant, Shampoo and soap, spare toilet paper is a good idea!, Feminine sanitary products, Earbuds, Flashlight or a headlamp (rechargeable is better), Camera, Cell phone or Tablet, waterproof watch (with GPS if possible), chargers and adapters (Taiwan has the same electrical standard as the US and Canada: 110V, 60Hz AC. Electrical sockets have two vertical slots) Waterproof or Ziplock bags to store gadgets. Be sure to bring several changes of your cycling clothes, sun glasses, mp3/ipad/music player, raincoats, comfortable footwear (you will be using your feet to their limit), several changes of underwear (for daily change and in case it rains), snacks (we will provide some snacks but you are welcome to bring your own), an allowance of around $25 per day for additional purchases.

  • Is there a deadline to book a tour? Is it payable in full or installments?

    We need for the whole package to be fully paid at least 60 days before the first day of the tour. You can pay in installments or in full so long as the deadline is respected.

  • What is the currency of Taiwan?

    Taiwan´s currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD) and it is the only currency widely accepted. The exchange rate at this time is 31 NTD for 1 USD. You can consult the current exchange rate and in your own currency here.

  • Will they accept my money?

    Some hotels may take your US dollars and even accept exchanging them for NTD but it is never a guarantee. Consider exchanging US dollars or your local currency before arriving at Taiwan. You can exchange your money for NTD at hotels and banks but if you can arrive at the country with some local currency you´ll have a big advantage.

  • What credit cards are accepted in Taiwan?

    The most commonly accepted payment methods in Taiwan include Apple Pay, Android Pay, Samsung Pay, Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express and Unionpay. Keep in mind that only big stores may be ready to accept your credit cards, smaller shops will only take cash.

  • What is the time zone of Taiwan?

    Taiwan is ruled by the Taipei Standard Time. Which is a (GMT+8) time zone. Plan your trip accordingly to minimize jet lag. Maybe read a guide on how to prepare and prevent jet lag.

  • Will there be ATMs on the Twain Cycling Tour´s route?

    Our routes pass through many different urban centers and there will definitely be some access to ATMs, however there is no guarantee these ATMs will accept your credit card so it's always better to bring cash along for the road so you don't get yourself in a pickle.

HEALTH

  • Is the food safe to eat in Taiwan?

    All meals provided by us during the tour will be safe to eat and we will even do our best to accommodate different dietary needs. In the case of restaurants, most of them will be safe though you could check first if they have any reviews online and of course use observation to help (i.e. see if chicken is well cooked, if fish smells fresh, if the meat has a good color). When it comes to street foods, try at your own risk. Half the fun of visiting a new country is enjoying different cuisines, but if you´re not used to eating out and enjoying street food; during Taiwan Cycling Tour may not be the best time to try. Remember, If you get any stomach distress you will spend the whole next day riding a bike through long, empty roads. We wouldn't want you to have to ride the van all day while you get better and miss out on what the tour has to offer. Consider eating with us and perhaps doing some light snacking and trying new restaurants and street food at the end of the tour.

  • What happens in case of injury while on the tour?

    If the injury is light the person will have a chance to ride the support van for the day and until we get to the closest health center where they can get more specialized help. If the injury is grave then it may be necessary to call for air evac or an ambulance depending on the location. Other tour members can choose to continue on the road or suspend the activities. Any evacuation, transportation, hospitalization or treatment will be charged to the participant (we recommend getting a comprehensive travel insurance policy beforehand) and in the case any participant decides to suspend their tour no reimbursement will be given by Taiwan Cycling Tours.

  • Should I get travel insurance before going on a biking tour of Taiwan?

    YES! we wholeheartedly recommend getting comprehensive travel insurance. Try to get a policy that covers airline delays and cancellations, tour cancellations, full medical coverage, evacuation and perhaps air evacuation (we will be riding up the mountains and through national parks with difficult ground access). Cycling is an intense activity and we will be going around different routes with difficult or unfamiliar terrain. Our guides will do their best to guide you in the best possible way and everyone in the tour is responsible for preventing injuries, obeying the laws of the road and using their common sense, but there is a possibility of injuries; the more protection you have the better.

  • Are you able to accommodate different dietary needs?

    If you have any dietary restrictions (allergies, vegetarian, vegan, pescataria) please let us know at least a month in advance so we can try our best to accommodate them. If possible you will be notified and the tour will continue as expected. If we can ́t accommodate them, you will need to choose whether to bring your own or pull out of the tour.

  • Is it safe to be cycling on the road for such a long time?

    The routes followed by our guides and groups have been tested and cycled many times in the past without any major incident, still it remains the group's responsibility to ride in a conscientious manner and be aware of obstacles as well as respecting the rules of the road to avoid any accidents.

  • Do I need any vaccinations?

    The CDC and the WHO recommend a couple of routine vaccinations. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. Also recommend getting the Hepatitis A vaccination.

  • How fit should I be to join a biking trip in Taiwan

    Biking the Taiwanese coasts is a demanding activity, there will be a lot of riding uphill which is challenging on the legs and then controlled descents which require balance and control. These tours are long and definitely not recommended for beginners. Remember that you will also be sitting in a narrow seat for hours at a time and in order to keep a good schedule for the whole group, bathroom breaks will be kept to a minimum. If you suffer from any heart condition, herniated disks, inflamed meniscus in your knees or any other chronic illness you should reconsider booking one of our tours for your own health. If you decide to book one of our tours and are not an avid or regular biker we recommend that you start practicing at least 2 months in advance. Get your own bike and equipment and start following a rigorous training regime (See a sample here). This should help you get accustomed to the sitting, pedaling and high energy expenditure of the activity.

EQUIPMENT

  • Is it possible to use my own bike?

    Absolutely, but be aware of a couple of caveats. You won't get a discount if you choose to use your own bike instead of a tour-provided one. You can bring your own seat and even custom pedals if you wish and we´ll do our best to customize the bike you will be using.

  • Will Taiwan Cycling Tours provide apparel?

    You will be provided helmets and in some cases even knee and elbow protection. Other than that you should bring your own set of cycling suits or at least loose and comfortable clothing, preferably cotton or some other breathable fabric. Check our travel logistics section for more info on what to pack but be aware that Taiwan´s weather is quite rainy, so bring some ponchos or raincoats if you can.

THINGS TO DO

  • Should I tip the tour guide?

    Out tour guides are paid well and will be happy to conduct the tour without expecting additional monetary compensation. That being said if you think your guide did a good job and want to show your appreciation then you are welcome to do so. 2-4% of the tour price is an excellent tip, but any amount will be good. In fact you can tip them with a gift or souvenir instead of money, we´re sure they will appreciate it as well.

  • Will there be time to do side activities during the tour?

    Even though the days of the tour will be packed with a lot of riding (around 60 miles per day) going up and down the planned routes, there will be some days when you will be able to take some time at the end of the day to relax, do some shopping for souvenirs or join additional activities. However, we do not have a catalogue of said activities and it will all depend on each particular trip and how smoothly it is going.

  • How is the nightlife in Taiwan?

    Depending on the city, the day of the week and even the time of the year Taiwan can offer different activities during the night time. During the tour, you may have the chance to join festivals and concerts, bars, discos and outside gatherings. It all depends on what you would like to do and how lucky we are to find it.

CANCELLATIONS AND POLICIES

  • How do you handle cancellations before the date of the Taiwan cycling tour

    For detailed information on cancelations and possible refunds read our conditions, restrictions and policies; including our cancellation policy.

  • What if the tour is canceled midway due to extreme weather or unforeseen circumstances?

    In the event of a forceful cancellation in the middle of the tour due to weather or any other circumstance that would make the tour unsafe we can issue a partial refund depending on certain factors. Please read our policies, conditions, and terms for more info.