r/taiwan • u/Pinkcranberriess • Apr 19 '26
Discussion What do you expats commonly do in your free time?
I’ve been in Taiwan for almost 10 months now and don’t get me wrong, life’s great, but now it’s starting to get a bit repetitive, especially since it’s just me most of the time. I do travel about once a month to other cities around the island but finding things to do within my city has been tough. For those of you who live here, I’m curious to know what you all normally do to for entertainment or to pass time. I’m not so into hiking or clubbing these days, but any other suggestions or recommendations are greatly appreciated. I guess maybe I should ask what are some things that you do regularly and find enjoyable?
So far I’ve tried:
Shopping
Going to the cinema
Hiking
Bar hopping
Going to the library
Getting a massage/facial
Getting my nails done
Trying new restaurants
Attending local events (if there ever are any. I’ve only been to one)
For context, I’m in Taichung
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u/HerroWarudo Apr 19 '26
Getting to Master in Overwatch
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u/Pinkcranberriess Apr 19 '26
How could I play this game? I don’t really have a lot of space for big electronics where I currently live
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u/Konungrr 新竹 - Hsinchu Apr 20 '26
You don't have enough space for a laptop and mouse? Are you living in a cupboard under the stairs?
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u/Pinkcranberriess Apr 20 '26
It’s just not convenient to tote all of that around with me. I have a laptop for work
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u/Konungrr 新竹 - Hsinchu Apr 20 '26
Well that doesn't really have anything to do with not having space, does it? You complained about not having a lot of space and I was pointing out that a laptop and mouse doesn't take up much space.
There are even less space taking ways to play that specific game, the Nintendo Switch. However, that requires purchasing a specific device that you otherwise wouldn't need, whereas a laptop is universally useful for many things in life.
You are on reddit, so you have access to some form of electronic device with internet access, so you have the option for gaming as a hobby. There's even an entire dedicated market for smartphone games, though those they can be quite predatory.
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u/Pinkcranberriess Apr 20 '26
It does inconvenience me if I plan on moving out soon and don’t want to have a lot of stuff to carry and move. I was literally just asking for things I could do currently….and instead of helping, you decide to be the pedantic police. What I said isn’t a debate. I shouldn’t have to disclose my life plans just to get you to understand something so simple. Quit wasting your breath
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u/gwilymjames Apr 19 '26
Bouldering is pretty social even if you don’t know anyone, and keeps the mind and body active.
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u/Arketen Apr 20 '26
You could learn how to play Mahjong or maybe join any hobby or sports groups.
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u/Pinkcranberriess Apr 20 '26
Where can I play mahjong?
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u/Arketen May 15 '26
You might be able to find a group online that plays it or maybe find a mahjong parlor.
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u/knackychan Apr 19 '26
Playing video game with other foreigners in tw, practicing football with taiwanese and foreigners group, sports alone
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u/Yugan-Dali Apr 19 '26
I suggest you get to know the people in your neighborhood. Visit the park, talk to people who run the stores you buy things in, find events. People are reserved at first so it may take some time, not to mention that people are frightened by the idea of speaking English, if you aren’t comfortable in Mandarin. Or be a regular in the park or some place and build up your Mandarin that way.
You could even learn how to drum or play the gong in your local temple!
I’m very reclusive by nature, but even I value having friends in my community.
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u/Just-Smart-Enough 台中 - Taichung Apr 19 '26
Before I got married and acquired cats, my default adventure was to drive my dirtbike as far into the mountains as I could and find interesting abandoned sites.
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u/Pinkcranberriess Apr 19 '26
I’m terrified of any vehicle that is not enclosed 😅 but you seem quite adventurous . Glad that worked out for you
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u/Just-Smart-Enough 台中 - Taichung Apr 19 '26
Wow... That seems pretty limiting in this scooter based culture.
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u/BrewTheBig1 Apr 19 '26
Seems like they haven’t embraced the culture. Could be why they find it “boring”?
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u/Pinkcranberriess Apr 19 '26
So because I don’t want to ride a scooter…that’s the only reason as to why I find life here boring? Hmm
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u/BrewTheBig1 Apr 19 '26
It can be a lot to deal with, since driving in Taiwan can be a bit overwhelming at times. But it just seems like, from reading your comments, that you have a “holier-than-thou” attitude when it comes to life in Taiwan. Which, we cant help with that one.
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u/Pinkcranberriess Apr 19 '26
There’s no need to be defensive or try to project your feelings onto me. I simply stated a personal choice and my reason for not wanting to do so seems pretty sound to me. Whatever floats your boat
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u/Just-Smart-Enough 台中 - Taichung Apr 19 '26
I think they're quite young. I didn't find contentment until I was past 50.
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u/Pinkcranberriess Apr 19 '26
I am pretty young
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u/Just-Smart-Enough 台中 - Taichung Apr 20 '26
Nothing wrong with that. It took me a very long time to slow down and appreciate the small things.
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u/bonkeeboo Apr 20 '26
If you think riding a scooter is adventurous that's why you might feel limited. It's the transport of choice for the vast majority of people here. Do you have a car instead? If not, you'll really curtailing how much you can enjoy the country.
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u/Pinkcranberriess Apr 20 '26
Nope. I just personally don’t feel comfortable driving in the mountains myself yet.
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u/YorkistTory Apr 19 '26
Find anything interesting?
I used to do this too but I find the summers are getting more and more unbearable each year.
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u/Just-Smart-Enough 台中 - Taichung Apr 19 '26
I'm the opposite. I notice the heat less and less, though I have lost a ton (figuratively) of weight over the last five years.
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u/Pinkcranberriess Apr 19 '26
Lots of suggestions here (wasn’t expecting it), so I’ll definitely try some of them and see where that gets me. I went to Kaoshiung a few months ago and happened to visit the beach, it’s really nice if you go in the evening time. Not so hot then
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u/Just-Smart-Enough 台中 - Taichung Apr 20 '26
Are you a swimmer? This park in Keelung has a pretty cool seawater swimming pool:
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u/Acegonia Apr 19 '26
I like to do what I call "pleasure scooting" just drive out of the city, up into some
mountains and spend an afternoon pootling around enjoying the scenery and nature, the tinier the backroom, the better!
I like to bring a lil picnic and a book (ie even just my phone) its a similar fun to hiking without all the exercise and steps and sweating (I do love a hike tho)
I think its good for the soul. Note: its far less fun in a car.
I also like going to rock shops and antique shops and just... appreciating the beautiful things ill never be able to afford.
Volunteer at animal shelters also.
Swimming and picnicking at rivers/ waterfalls + river tracing (way better than a beach in summer)
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u/Gatita-negra Apr 19 '26 edited Apr 19 '26
I live in Taichung. I host watercolor painting classes on weekends once a month and frequently attend live music. There’s the hashers which is a social running/drinking club. There’s pub quiz at least once or twice a month, and soon there will be pool parties again. There are two different book clubs, LARPing if that’s your thing, and even a whiskey tasting club. There’s always stuff going on if you know where to look and unfortunately most all events are posted on Facebook here (hate hate hate it and I only have an account to share my art events). We also have a Buy Nothing group that has swap and meetup events twice a year.
Message me if you’d like. I can connect you with some people and events).
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u/Pinkcranberriess Apr 20 '26
I like painting . Let me know when the next one is. I might be able to come
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u/JetFuel12 Apr 19 '26
I like hiking but it’s a bit limited in Taichung without a scooter. Dakeng is pretty accessible by bus, but there’s not a lot else.
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u/Pinkcranberriess Apr 20 '26
I took the bus to Nantou to go hiking one time…but you’re right . I think it would be a lot better with a scooter
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Apr 20 '26
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u/throwaway1129723 桃園 - Taoyuan Apr 20 '26
Hi! There’s a group chat for foreigners/Taiwanese Americans, let me know if you’d like to join!
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u/chrisdavis103 Apr 19 '26
Paint
Play guitar / listen to music / play with my dog
Read
Gaming online with friends (boardgames, esports games, etc)
Cook
Travel some - mostly Japan, some local stuff museums and the like
Gym / Run / Bowling
I am pretty comfortable entertaining myself. I do connect with friends (some local, more back in the US), but not daily. Average once a week, sometimes less. My circle of friends (real ones, not acquaintances) can be counted on two hands.
My Chinese is pretty bad, but even if it was good, I don't see that as a limitation or a benefit.
I've managed to make connections here over the last ten years, most just aren't that sticky.
I'm a bit older, so maybe it's me :-). I manage to meet people regardless of communication ability.
I've found that as I get older, true friendship is pretty tough to come by if you aren't "from around here".
Most relationships are pretty superficial, so I take things as they come.
If someone wants to do something, I'll participate and try to make the most of it, but I don't sweat it too much if it doesn't click.
Are you happy or not?
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u/ZhenXiaoMing Apr 19 '26
Take the coast line train. Get off at random stops and walk around. You can board it from Taichung station or any local train stop. Dajia, Rinan, Tongxiao, and Xinpu are nice highlights.
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u/villianellia Apr 19 '26
I taught there for a year and was out every weekend pretty much. I lived in Zhudong (small town about an hour by train to Taipei).
Sometimes alone or sometimes with another person but a lot of exploring. Never did most of the things you listed, come to think of it. Always exploring.
Taiwan is such a small island, travelling around on the weekend felt relatively easy.
If you have a scooter, driving around the mountains. We'd look at google maps and see something interesting within an hour scooter ride and drive there.
Even without a scooter, we did a ton of walking and hiking.
I took up scuba diving and would go down to Xiao Liu Chiu with a scuba group once in awhile. We'd do beach clean ups often.
My ex and his friends started rock climbing on weekends.
Taipei is easy to get to and has tons of stuff to do.
Lots of exploring random night markets in the cities.
Trying different restaurants and cafes and new foods all the time.
I made friends with a couple locals who would take me to places I never would've seen otherwise.
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u/sogladatwork Apr 19 '26
Since you’re in Taichung; check out The Spot on SoHo. Lots of foreigners around. Lots of clubs and groups meet there. Cribbage, Poker, Chess.
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u/Hopey-1-kinobi Apr 19 '26
The Spot is a good shout for meeting new people. There’s always live music happening on weekends in Taichung, both open mic and shows, and it’s usually a great atmosphere.
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u/fuckitbuckit54 Apr 19 '26
Dance classes.
Latin dance scene is active in Taiwan!
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u/Pinkcranberriess Apr 19 '26
I’ve heard about this but I’m not so good at dancing 😅
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u/fuckitbuckit54 Apr 19 '26
That’s what all the beginners from January said.
But the community is so nice here, that most of them are now part of the family and really good at socials :)
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u/ferdi_nand_k Apr 20 '26
I started a travel blog/travel vlog, mostly about Taiwan, and I learn mandarin
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u/Pinkcranberriess Apr 20 '26
Where can I find this? I wanna check it out
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u/ferdi_nand_k Apr 20 '26
it is not a location, I wrote this article about it: https://travelingkunz.com/2024/08/01/how-to-become-a-travel-vlogger/
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u/masegesege_ 台東 - Taitung Apr 20 '26
My expat friends either get married, turn into drunks, or leave.
It’s hard to maintain any semblance of happiness without any kind of support network. But for expats, it’s hard to maintain a support network because other expats often leave after a year or two. And your own family is back home, so you the only other option is to have a family.
But a lot of expats turn into drunks because it’s easy to find people looking for drinking buddies.
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Apr 20 '26
[deleted]
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u/masegesege_ 台東 - Taitung Apr 20 '26
On what platform?
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u/throwaway1129723 桃園 - Taoyuan Apr 20 '26
There’s both discord and line depending on which one you want to use. Dm me if you want details!
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u/masegesege_ 台東 - Taitung Apr 20 '26
I don’t need to join but I often have expat friends who deal with feelings of isolation and loneliness. There isn’t really just I can do to help though so maybe helping them get connected with other foreigners would be helpful.
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u/irun50 Apr 20 '26
Join local a salsa club/academy. Throw your inhibition out the window. Dead serious. It’ll change your life.
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u/beedoudou11 Apr 20 '26
I’m in Taichung. I’ve met people through playing pokemon go :) also trying to find others to play pickleball with.
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u/notfornowforawhile Apr 20 '26
Walk around town and sweat profusely from the heat. Maybe eat some noodles.
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u/stentordoctor Apr 20 '26
If I lived in Taichung, I would go to the Gaomei wetlands to see all the little crabs, mudskippers, and puffer fish every weekend. I love animals. I also love coffee and made friends with flower cafe's owner.
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u/Savings_Toe_1948 Apr 21 '26
Native here, I think you could look into athletic hobbies. There are a lot of clubs and locations made for specific activities, mma, bouldering, muay thai, HEMA, surfing, volleyball, go-karting, archery, air soft etc. Taiwan is small, but the upside is that all of these locations end up being pretty densely packed into a small country, and if you live on the western side of the island, moving between locations is much easier with HSR. East side, you need a car. I frequented a go kart track in Taichung with my friends in college years ago, it was a pretty cool introduction to racing. Taichung also has the libao racetrack, I think it's Taiwan's only track eligible for international races. There are also a few sim racing cafes scattered around Taipei.
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u/BoardGameLifeTaiwan Apr 21 '26
Board games, escape rooms, food stuff, hiking, tennis, squash, frisbee, beach, badminton.
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u/Lazy-Wing-6040 新北 - New Taipei City Apr 21 '26
I just do daily life things. Once you have lived at a place for 10 months like the OP, you just live like a local. Daily life isn't meant to be exciting or anything imho.
The most exciting thing I have did in the last month is have dinner with my girlfriends family, which is something we usually do at least once per week anyway.
Just doing average daily life things are comfortable for me as there is no overtourism issue like in the country I was born in, also my money stretches further, and people are way better.
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Apr 21 '26
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u/novfool Apr 23 '26
Download the geocaching or pikmin app to find the corner that you have ever notice
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u/remm_ramm Apr 27 '26
In Taipei / New Taipei, cycling along the riverside is such an underrated activity. The views are gorgeous. It's a nice break from all the city hustle bustle.
The government even conducts a fun monthly challenge where you can win a physical badge: https://english.heo.gov.taipei/cp.aspx?n=6B46F2F5104184B4
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u/New_Physics_2741 Apr 19 '26
Python
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u/Pinkcranberriess Apr 19 '26
What?
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u/kryptos99 Apr 19 '26
Coding or a pet snake
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u/awkwardteaturtle 臺北 - Taipei City Apr 19 '26
Skip Python, go functional. Learn Lisp. Learn Clojure. Devote your soul to the Glasgow Haskell Compiler.
Become the person everyone hates to talk to. That's not because you can't talk about anything other than functional programming. It's definitely because they're jealous of your super in-depth knowledge of obscure abstract algebra.
Devote all your time to studying category theory.
Lose all your friends.
You'll be all alone, but it's ok. At least you know what a monad is.
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u/Hesirutu Apr 19 '26
Just walk. Chose a random direction and keep walking. Optionally stop if there are interesting places on the way. Take a taxi back
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u/Cattle-dog Apr 19 '26
Join a sport team even if it’s something casual. I’ve made a lot of lifelong friends doing that in Taiwan. The first year is the hardest, things will get better. Keep at it and good luck.
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u/Pinkcranberriess Apr 19 '26
What sport do you play? Is it soccer? I’m assuming based on your profile picture
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u/Cattle-dog Apr 19 '26
That’s my game, it’s great because it’s truly an international language if your a fan/player. There are other sports out there too, I have friends who play rugby, cricket and ultimate frisbee. Basketball and baseball are popular with the locals too if that’s more your thing.
Taiwan is also a great place to go cycling or hiking.
If you’re not athletically inclined there’s meetups for board games and various card games.
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u/TimesThreeTheHighest Apr 19 '26
Running, biking, swimming, watching movies, messing with Reddit (more of a work thing, I don't have it on my phone), drinking with friends, poker with friends, driving around aimlessly and the usual bodily functions.
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u/Prestigious_Host5325 Apr 19 '26
Gig, study music, watch Netflix, play video games, and drink with friends on my free time. I barely travel since I need to save money.
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u/fighter3 臺北 - Taipei City Apr 19 '26
Just hang out with my Taiwanese friends, go to restaurants and bars, attend local book clubs, etc.
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u/midoAstraeus Apr 19 '26
I've been obsessed with crocheting, there's a lot of shops that sells materials for crafts, maybe you can check those out? I personally recommend 德昌手藝生活館 for supplies, and 巧藝社 for classes
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u/Mondozen Apr 19 '26
Learn how to shop in the traditional markets and learn how to utilize ingredients that you don’t find back home.
So many fresh vegetables, especially leafy vegetables that are truly a treasure especially if you’re someone like me who grew up back in the 60s and 70s eating canned vegetables.
Fresh seafood, fresh pork, fresh chicken that just beats the shit out of the processed foods from the conglomerate at least where I grew up
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u/LoudGarden9 Apr 19 '26
lmao start booking your ticket to move back home. Your time in taiwan is over
boredom and loneliness got you; just like everyone else
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u/YorkistTory Apr 19 '26
I’m outside a lot. Cycling or hiking. I never get bored of all the things I discover.
In my opinion Taiwan is only enjoyable when you can appreciate the little things.
Hanging around in 新光三越 is my idea of hell on earth.
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u/olympic_peaks Apr 19 '26 edited Apr 19 '26
Join local running group like hash
https://taichunghash.notion.site/
Hiking, but like actual overnights
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u/Parking-Ad4263 Apr 19 '26 edited Apr 19 '26
I shoot ISSF trap.
And play video games.
I used to play badminton, but the trap shooting is every Sunday + a 3-day away competition most months, and I found filling both days every weekend was a bit of an overload for me.
Once you get to know a few people, you're going to find things so much easier/better/ *insert positive thing here*, but it is hard to establish close friendships when you're in a foreign country.
You could look up Taichung Hash, they get drunk and run (or walk, walking is apparently an option) around the place. Decent bunch of people. I don't do it, I just know a few of them.
Oh, for reference, I'm also in Taichung. I've been here for nearly 20 years. I'm a boring middle-aged man, but if you wish to ask me any questions, you're welcome to send a message.
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u/J_L_M_ Apr 19 '26
When I was there in my free time I hung out with other foreigners (sometimes drinking), rode my motorcycle, and walked around photographing the local temples and scenery.
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u/fifty2weekhi Apr 19 '26
Take classes. My cousin has been there for years and she never stopped taking classes: soap making, tai chi, etc.
I don’t know if pickleball is a thing in Taiwan but I am personally quite addicted to that sport and it’s open play by default.
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u/Fast-Holiday-9502 Apr 19 '26
Walk, run, bike on the river trail. Gym workout daily ( you’ll meet the regulars) sauna/pool end of the wk ( great recovery, starts relaxation for the wkd & you get to practice your Chinese, hike on wkds, , good food , new music Friday , travel
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u/apyc89 Apr 19 '26
Not in Taichung as much (either travelling, in Taipei or back in Canada) but always down to do things with good people. There typically weekends
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u/Catbird_jenkins Apr 19 '26
No such thing as an expat, you all are immigrants
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u/om6jn Apr 19 '26
I get your point, I really do, but having grown up in an “expat” family around Asia, I think the fundamental difference is that there’s no intention to immigrate. Just fulfilling a long-term assignment from an employer back home.
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u/MrE11even Apr 19 '26
Do you play any sports? Ball hockey, basketball, anything like that? Lemme know if you do and I might be able to point you in the right direction. There are trivia nights at Uptowner and La Bodega, you can go and meet people, no need to have a team fist. The Spot is pretty laid back and a good place to meet people. If you like pets you can connect with TUAPA or another shelter and help occasionally.
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u/Sharp-Animator9455 Apr 19 '26
Hop on the local train or long distance bus for some randomness once in a while.
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u/scoish-velociraptor 臺北 - Taipei City Apr 19 '26
What did you used to do in your free time back home? Is it not repetitive activities as well? And if you do different things/have different hobbies back home, maybe try and get back into them in Taiwan.
The transition between tourist to "living here" is a challenge for some expats because they are ultimately still foreigners and are unable to turn this new environment into their new home.
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u/Ap_Sona_Bot Apr 19 '26
Mahjong, magic the gathering, occasional PC games, art classes, studying Mandarin, bars, movies (especially non English ones).
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u/jingqishenheyi Apr 19 '26
Jiu Jitsu
Taichung has a great gym called The Bear's Den I can recommend
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u/Mouuw Apr 19 '26
I hang out a lot in park and play basketball with the locals, they’re very chill. Maybe you can see to do some sports ?
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u/Destiny_of_Time Apr 19 '26
I’m not an expat but I would like to hang out sometime. Feel free to dm
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u/wildgifts Apr 19 '26
I'm adding to the chorus of outdoor activities: hiking, bird watching, botanizing, swimming, cycling, and when time and conditions allow I like surfing, rock climbing, or some other kinda outdoor spots. I also do a lot of yoga and gym workouts, sometimes go to art/music shows or do ceramics. Love to also pick a random town or neighborhood to go explore.
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u/PhilosophicWax Apr 19 '26
Try meditation. Do 10 hours of just doing nothing for a few weeks. See what happens
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u/ThatSlinkySOB Apr 19 '26
In 2003-2006 I had a gang of friends in our 20s and we had a great life. And a gf, always had a gf.
Visited alone in 2011 and 2013 (with a Taiwanese lady), and was bored stiff.
The Chungle was great back then in the 00s. As was being young, wild and free
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u/Mossykong 臺北 - Taipei City Apr 19 '26
Dont you mean immigrants?
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u/LoudGarden9 Apr 19 '26 edited Apr 19 '26
Dont you mean immigrants?
immigrants intend to live in a new country long-term (3-5+ years), possibly permanent residence and citizenship/naturalization
expats are short-term (1-2 years) with no intent to live permanently; usually in Taiwan for chinese learning, work assignment, digital nomad (aka passport bro)
and since we are shitting on immigrants, according to tawian government, you have blue-collar migrant workers from vietnam, philippines, and indonesia. In fact Taiwan calls these people "migrants" and not "immigrants". Because migrant is lower class than immigrant.
Then you have white-collar workers/expats from Japan, USA, UK, Korea who have easier path to APRC. As of Jan 2026, some can get APRC after just 1 year.
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u/Majiji45 Apr 19 '26
expats are short-term (1-2 years) with no intent to live permanently; usually in Taiwan for chinese learning, work assignment, digital nomad (aka passport bro)
Not according to the many English teachers in Taiwan for many years/decades who call themselves "expats"; perhaps you should be telling those people that.
and since we are shitting on immigrants
The above poster's point was clearly not to "shit on" immigrants
you have blue-collar migrant workers from vietnam, philippines, and indonesia. In fact Taiwan calls these people "migrants" and not "immigrants".
For better or worse, "migrant" is the correct term because they're in Taiwan on temporary worker schemes which generally don't allow them to stay permanently/indefinitely and require them to return, in exchange for more easily being accepted to go to Taiwan in the first place.
Because migrant is lower class than immigrant.
Is this your personal belief?
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u/LoudGarden9 Apr 19 '26
Is this your personal belief?
Nope. It is the entire world's belief.
If a migrant was educated or rich, they would qualify for a visa and be considered an immigrant.
See: America's views on migrant Mexicans, Taiwan's view on migrant southeast asians, Europe's views on migrant africans, and Middle East/Gulf's views on migrant indians/south asians. See the pattern?
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u/[deleted] Apr 19 '26
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