I’ve lived in Taiwan for over five years; first as a student, and later as a professional. During that time, I’ve experienced almost everything this island has to offer: its culture, its food, its chaos, and its calm. I love Taiwan, but I want to be honest: Taiwan is not universally perfect, and it is definitely not for everyone. Many people struggle not because Taiwan is “bad,” but because it clashes with their expectations, lifestyle, or personality.
After years of meeting expats who struggled and observing what worked for those who thrived, I felt it was time to share my perspective. Consider this a friendly reality check for anyone thinking about moving here.
The Fantasy vs. The Reality of Taiwan
It’s easy to fall in love with the fantasy of Taiwan. Warm weather year-round, endless night markets, friendly people, and a relatively low-stress lifestyle ; it all sounds perfect, especially if you come from a place like Belgium, where winters can feel endless, rainy, and gray, and the cost of living is painfully high.
And yes, Taiwan has many things that make daily life comfortable. The weather, even in summer, is something I genuinely enjoy. Yes, 35°C with high humidity can feel intense, but I don’t mind it at all. A pair of shorts and a tank top, and I feel completely alive, something I never experienced back home. Even rainy days are easier to tolerate than the gray drizzle I grew up with.
Living in Taipei makes life remarkably convenient. The MRT is clean, reliable, and simple to navigate. The bike-share system works seamlessly, and convenience stores are everywhere. You can literally get almost anything you need within five minutes of walking.
Food is another advantage. Taiwanese cuisine may not always excite a European palate, I often find it bland, but the variety and affordability make up for it. Eating out is normal here, not a luxury. There is something for everyone, so even if most dishes aren’t my favorite, I can always find something I like. Compared to Belgium, where eating out is expensive and options are limited, this is a huge relief.
Taiwan is also incredibly safe. Walking around alone at night or taking public transport doesn’t make me anxious, which is a huge change from my experience back home. Its location in the heart of East Asia also makes travel easy, and I’ve loved taking short trips to Japan, Korea, China, or Southeast Asia over the years.
Finally, the culture and language drew me here in the first place. Living in a Chinese-speaking environment has been endlessly rewarding. Temples, calligraphy, architecture, and everyday traditions make life richer and more fascinating.
Profiles of People Who Often Struggle
Even with all its positives, Taiwan isn’t for everyone. Over the years, I’ve noticed patterns in the types of people who struggle to thrive here.
Those Expecting Easy Integration
Integration isn’t always easy. Taiwanese people are genuinely friendly and helpful, but friendliness doesn’t always translate into deep friendship. Unlike Thailand, Singapore, Japan, or Hong Kong, Taiwan doesn’t have a large international community, which can make finding like-minded friends difficult.
Being part of the LGBT community adds another layer to this. Taiwanese men are often curious about foreigners, and that curiosity sometimes comes with romantic or sexual assumptions. Personally, this has been a double-edged sword. On one hand, it makes meeting people easier than in Europe, but platonic friendships can get complicated. Once someone realizes I’m not interested romantically, the dynamic often shifts, and sometimes that friendship just disappears.
Those Wanting Western-Style Career Progression
Salaries in Taiwan are relatively low, hierarchies are rigid, and promotions aren’t always merit-based. If you’re used to a Western career ladder, it can feel limiting. Taiwanese work culture emphasizes conformity and rule-following, which can be frustrating.
That said, Taiwan rewards entrepreneurial efforts. I’ve found opportunities to build projects and provide services that wouldn’t have been possible back home. People are willing consumers if you have real value to offer, and that has allowed me to explore initiatives I never imagined.
Those Unwilling to Learn Chinese Beyond Basics
If you don’t commit to learning Chinese, life is harder than it needs to be. English works in some contexts, but bureaucracy, healthcare, shopping, and social life all become smoother with a solid grasp of the language. I’ve run into misunderstandings or frustrations when I relied solely on English, and it’s made me appreciate how much easier daily life is when you can navigate the local language with confidence.
Those Looking for Constant Novelty
Taiwan is charming, but it’s not as flashy or international as some neighboring countries. Outdoor cafés and terraces are rare because locals avoid the sun and heat, so spaces for socializing outdoors are limited. Nightlife exists but isn’t on the scale of Bangkok, Tokyo, or Seoul. If you thrive on constant novelty or stimulation, Taiwan can feel a little contained.
Common Misunderstandings About Friendliness
A lot of people assume that friendliness automatically equals friendship. From my experience, that isn’t the case. Taiwanese people are polite, helpful, and genuinely curious, but deep social bonds take time and shared understanding. Even when people are interested, cultural differences and lifestyle gaps can make forming lasting connections tricky.
Personally, I’ve had to adjust my expectations. Friendliness is not the same as social intimacy here, and understanding that early can save a lot of frustration.
Why Saying “Taiwan Isn’t For You” Can Be Honest
Taiwan is amazing, but it isn’t for everyone. Being honest about this can save people years of frustration. Loving the idea of Taiwan is not enough, the island has to fit your expectations, your lifestyle, and your personality.
For me, Taiwan has been incredibly rewarding, but it’s taken patience, curiosity, and adaptability. I’ve learned to navigate social quirks, cultural differences, and small frustrations. Those who thrive here don’t just love Taiwan; they understand it, embrace it, and know themselves well enough to fit in.
Taiwan is a place of contrasts: incredible convenience, warmth, and safety, alongside cultural gaps, structural limitations, and personal frustrations. For those willing to navigate both sides, it can be one of the most rewarding places in the world to live. But honesty and self-awareness are key — Taiwan can be amazing, but only if it truly fits you.
Bubble Tea Island 