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Taiwan's high-speed rail links the west coast cities, but the mountains, lakes and coasts in between are far easier by car: Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, the north coast and Kenting. Every car on Wanakio comes fully insured with zero excess, with nothing extra to buy at the desk.
Car hire destinations in Taiwan
From, total for 7 days
| Destination | From | Excess |
|---|---|---|
| Taipei | €527 | Zero excess |
| Taichung | €527 | Zero excess |
| Chiayi | €529 | Zero excess |
| Tainan | €527 | Zero excess |
| Kaohsiung | €527 | Zero excess |
Fully insured with everything included. Updated 12 November 2026.
Driving in Taiwan
- Traffic drives on the right. Almost all hire cars are automatics.
- Bring an International Driving Permit and your passport as well as your own licence. The permit is valid for your first 30 days in Taiwan; for a longer stay it has to be registered at a motor vehicles office.
- Freeway tolls are electronic. There are no toll booths: gantries record the distance you drive, the first 20 km each day are free, and the tolls are settled when you return the car.
- Speed limits are 50 km/h in towns unless signs say otherwise, usually 100 km/h on the national freeways and 110 km/h on most of Freeway 3. The alcohol limit is 0.03%, and checks are frequent.
- Watch for scooters. They wait in boxes in front of the cars at traffic lights and pass on both sides. Look over your shoulder before every right turn; turning right on red is not allowed unless a sign says so.
- Mountain roads are narrow and winding. The roads to Alishan, Cingjing and Hehuanshan climb above 2,000 metres; allow more time than the navigation suggests and fill up before you start the climb.
When to go
October to December and March to April are the best months for a road trip: dry, clear and not too hot. May and June bring the plum rains, and from July to September typhoons can close mountain roads for a few days. Winter is cool and often grey in the north, but mostly dry and sunny in the south, around Tainan, Kaohsiung and Kenting. Around Lunar New Year the roads are busy and cars book out early.
Frequently asked questions
Which driving licence do I need to hire a car in Taiwan?
Your own licence, an International Driving Permit and your passport. The permit is valid for your first 30 days in Taiwan. Arrange it before you travel; the desk cannot hand over the car without it.
How do I pay freeway tolls in Taiwan?
You do not pay on the road. Taiwan's freeways have no toll booths: gantries record each car, the first 20 km a day are free, and the rental company settles the tolls when you return the car.
Can I drive to Taroko Gorge?
Taroko National Park lies on the east coast, and it is still recovering from the earthquake of April 2024. As of November 2026, the road through the gorge opens only at set times and the best-known trails are expected to stay closed for several years. Check the Taroko National Park website before you plan a trip.
Is it worth hiring a car in Taiwan?
For travel between the big west coast cities, the high-speed rail is quicker. A car is worth it for everything in between and beyond: Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, the mountain roads of the centre, the north coast and Kenting, where buses are slow and infrequent.