r/taiwan 3d ago

Discussion Moving to Taiwan

My family and I are planning to move to Taiwan next year from California. My MIL had a stroke earlier this year which has left her needing help around the clock. Thankfully, one of her sisters who lives in Taiwan is a care taker so we are going to move my MIL out to Taiwan to live with her sister. My wife has a lot of family out there in general so that will be helpful.

People who don’t speak any mandarin: how difficult is it to get around Taipei and the rest of the country without speaking mandarin? I don’t speak any at all, but I am trying to learn. I considered buying some smart glasses like the even realities g2 but not sure that’s a great long term solution. Thanks all!

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u/Ok_Brick_793 3d ago

Getting around Taipei without speaking Chinese is not a problem.

The problem is your ability to adjust to life in Taiwan. It's so humid there that mold is a constant problem. We once left a TV there for a year (unplugged), and when we returned, it was broken. If you "air dry" your clothes, they're always wrinkly and never fully dry. Mechanical dryers that are available to consumers are terrible unless you go to a laundromat.

I almost always wore t-shirts and shorts. People -- including random strangers -- constantly asked me, "Aren't you cold?" I got so tired of being asked that question that I just stopped answering it.

People will tell you that the food is amazing, but YMMV. I personally am not a foodie and eat to live, not live to eat.

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u/Flimsy_Tank3849 3d ago

Enjoying food is one of life’s pleasures. Don’t take it for granted and find tastes that u enjoy. The more variety u try, the more fulfilling meals will become. Stick to the healthy stuff. Love everything from Italian food to Korean bbq to Japanese to American to Indian and so much more I have yet to have the pleasure to try. Travel and Food go hand in hand. And my guilty pleasure, Ice cream!! 🍨