Hualien Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Hualien.
Healthcare System
Hualien has a well-developed healthcare system as part of Taiwan's National Health Insurance program. The city is home to several modern hospitals and clinics, with the most prominent being Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, a world-class medical center. Medical facilities meet international standards, though English-speaking staff may be limited outside major hospitals.
Hospitals
Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital (Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital) is the primary facility for serious medical needs, offering 24-hour emergency services and English-speaking staff. Mennonite Christian Hospital and Hualien Armed Forces General Hospital are also reputable options. Most hotels can assist in arranging medical appointments or emergency transport.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are widely available throughout Hualien city, marked with green crosses. Many common medications available over-the-counter in Western countries may require prescriptions in Taiwan. Pharmacists often have limited English, so bringing medication names written in Chinese or showing pictures helps. Major chains include Watsons and Cosmed.
Insurance
Travel insurance is not required but strongly recommended. Taiwan's National Health Insurance does not cover foreign tourists, and while medical costs are reasonable, emergency evacuation or serious treatment can be expensive. Ensure coverage includes outdoor activities if hiking in Taroko.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring sufficient prescription medications with original packaging and prescriptions, as specific brands may not be available
- Download the Taiwan V-Watch app for COVID-19 health monitoring if required
- Keep your hotel's address in Chinese characters for showing taxi drivers if medical assistance is needed
- Tzu Chi Hospital has an International Medical Services Center specifically for foreign patients
- Many doctors in Taiwan trained abroad and speak English, but bring a translation app for pharmacies and smaller clinics
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Hualien experiences frequent seismic activity due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Minor tremors occur regularly, and significant earthquakes (magnitude 6+) happen periodically. A major 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck in 2018, causing building collapses and fatalities.
Typhoon season runs from June to October, with peak activity in August and September. These storms bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, flooding, and landslides. Transportation can be severely disrupted, with roads closed and trains/flights canceled.
Taroko Gorge and surrounding mountains present natural hazards including rockfalls, steep cliffs, slippery trails, and sudden weather changes. Several tourists are injured or killed annually, often from falling rocks or losing footing on trails.
Petty crime is rare in Hualien compared to major international cities. Occasional pickpocketing or bag snatching may occur in crowded tourist areas, night markets, or on public transportation, but incidents are infrequent.
Taiwan has a high density of scooters and motorcycles, and traffic patterns may be unfamiliar to foreign visitors. Accidents involving rental scooters and bicycles are common. Drivers may not always yield to pedestrians.
The Pacific coast near Hualien has strong currents, rip tides, and unpredictable waves. Beaches often lack lifeguards, and drownings occur annually. Some beaches have rocky shores with sharp coral.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Some taxi drivers at the train station or airport may refuse to use the meter or quote inflated flat rates for trips to tourist destinations like Taroko. They may claim the meter is broken or that a flat rate is standard.
Unlicensed tour operators, particularly around the train station, may offer cheap day trips to Taroko but provide poor service, rushed itineraries, or add hidden costs for entrance fees or meals. Some tours may be canceled last minute.
Some tour buses include stops at jade or gemstone shops where tourists face high-pressure sales tactics for overpriced items. Guides may receive commissions and pressure tourists to make purchases.
Some budget accommodations may show attractive photos online but provide rooms in poor condition, or claim the advertised room is unavailable and offer an inferior alternative at the same price.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Earthquake Preparedness
- Upon arrival, locate emergency exits and safe spots (under sturdy tables, door frames) in your accommodation
- Keep shoes, flashlight, and important documents within reach of your bed
- Download the Taiwan earthquake early warning app 'KNY台灣天氣.地震速報' for alerts
- If a strong earthquake occurs, stay calm and follow 'Drop, Cover, Hold On' procedures
- After shaking stops, evacuate building if safe to do so and move to open areas away from structures
- If near the coast after a major earthquake, immediately move to high ground due to tsunami risk
Hiking and Outdoor Safety
- Obtain required permits in advance for restricted Taroko trails through the National Park website
- Check weather forecasts and trail conditions before departure; avoid hiking during or after rain
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip; trails can be slippery and steep
- Use provided helmets in rockfall zones, particularly in Taroko Gorge
- Carry sufficient water (at least 2 liters), snacks, first aid kit, and charged mobile phone
- Start hikes early to avoid afternoon heat and allow time to return before dark
- Inform your hotel or friends of your hiking plans and expected return time
- Stay on marked trails and respect closure signs; they're posted for safety reasons
Transportation Safety
- Use official taxis with meters or ride-hailing apps; avoid unlicensed drivers at stations
- If renting a scooter, ensure you have an International Driving Permit and proper insurance
- Always wear helmets when riding scooters or bicycles (required by law)
- Be extremely cautious on the Suhua Highway (Highway 9); consider taking the train instead
- Watch for scooters when crossing streets; they often don't stop for pedestrians
- Avoid driving on mountain roads at night, especially if unfamiliar with the routes
- Use Taiwan's excellent public bus system for reaching Taroko and other attractions
General Safety
- Keep copies of your passport, visa, and important documents separate from originals
- Register with your embassy's traveler program before arrival
- Learn basic Mandarin phrases or download a translation app; English is limited outside hotels
- Carry your hotel's business card in Chinese for showing taxi drivers
- Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone
- Stay informed about local news and weather through English-language sources like Taiwan News or Taipei Times
- Respect local customs and religious sites, particularly when visiting indigenous communities
Health Precautions
- Drink tap water only after boiling; bottled water is widely available and inexpensive
- Use insect repellent, especially in rural and forested areas, to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses
- Wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizer, particularly before eating
- Food safety is generally excellent; street food and night market food are typically safe
- Bring any prescription medications in original packaging with prescriptions
- Be cautious of sun exposure; UV levels are high, especially at higher elevations
- If you have allergies, carry an allergy card in Chinese explaining your dietary restrictions
Beach and Water Safety
- Never swim alone or at unguarded beaches
- Check for warning flags and local conditions before entering the water
- Wear water shoes to protect feet from sharp rocks and coral at Qixingtan Beach
- Be aware of strong undertows and rip currents along the Pacific coast
- Don't turn your back on the ocean; waves can be unpredictable and powerful
- Avoid water activities during or after typhoon warnings
- Keep valuables secured when at the beach; while theft is rare, don't leave items unattended
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Hualien and Taiwan generally are very safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. Violent crime against women is extremely rare, and harassment is uncommon compared to many international destinations. Women can walk alone, use public transportation, and explore independently with confidence. However, standard precautions should still be observed, particularly at night and in isolated areas.
- Solo hiking in remote areas is not recommended for anyone; consider joining group tours or hiking popular trails during busy hours
- Use reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps rather than accepting rides from strangers
- Accommodation is generally very safe; hostels, guesthouses, and hotels maintain good security
- Dress modestly when visiting temples or indigenous communities, though Hualien is casual overall
- Night markets and downtown areas are well-lit and safe, though stay aware of surroundings as anywhere
- Trust your instincts; Taiwanese people are generally respectful and helpful toward foreign women
- Learn basic Mandarin phrases for 'no' (不要, bù yào) and 'help' (救命, jiù mìng)
- Keep your phone charged and consider purchasing a local SIM card for reliable communication
- Join group tours for activities like river rafting or remote hiking for both safety and social connection
- Female-only accommodations are available in some hostels if preferred
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Taiwan is the most LGBTQ+-friendly destination in Asia, having legalized same-sex marriage in 2019. Anti-discrimination laws protect LGBTQ+ individuals, and same-sex couples enjoy legal recognition and rights equal to heterosexual couples.
- Hualien is safe for LGBTQ+ travelers, though it's less visibly LGBTQ+-friendly than Taipei due to its smaller size and traditional character
- Major hotels and tourist accommodations are professional and welcoming to same-sex couples
- Public displays of affection are generally modest in Taiwanese culture for all couples; excessive PDA may attract attention
- The LGBTQ+ scene in Hualien is limited; Taipei (3 hours away by train) has vibrant gay bars, clubs, and events
- Taiwan's annual Pride parade in Taipei (October) is the largest in Asia if you're visiting during that time
- When booking accommodations, most establishments won't question same-sex couples sharing a room
- Older generations and rural communities may be less familiar with LGBTQ+ issues but are generally polite and non-confrontational
- Taiwan's LGBTQ+ community is active online; check local resources for events or community connections
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for Hualien despite Taiwan's excellent healthcare system and low crime rates. Foreign visitors must pay out-of-pocket for medical care, and while costs are lower than Western countries, serious injuries or emergency evacuation can be expensive. Hualien's natural hazards—earthquakes, typhoons, and outdoor activity risks—make comprehensive coverage particularly important. Insurance also protects against trip disruptions from natural disasters, which can cancel flights, close attractions, and strand travelers.