Taipei Car Rental: Best Deals and Attractions

Taipei Car Rental Guide: Explore Taipei in 2 Days

Travelers, are you ready for an exciting self-driving tour in Taipei? Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, is filled with bustling streets, rich history, and diverse cuisine. Whether you want to shop at the malls in Xinyi District, experience the old charm of Dadaocheng, or taste the variety of snacks at Shilin Night Market, renting a car is your best option!

Why Choose to Rent a Car in Taipei?

Ultimate Freedom!

Driving allows you to explore every corner of Taipei at your own pace without worrying about missing the last bus or metro.

Save Time and Effort!

Driving directly to various attractions saves a lot of time and energy compared to transferring between public transportation.

Flexible Itinerary!

Start whenever you want, stay as long as you like, without having to follow a tour schedule.

Taipei Car Rental Guide

1. Diverse Vehicle Choices

Taipei car rental companies offer a variety of vehicle types to meet your needs, whether it's an economy car, SUV, business car, motorcycle, or truck.

• Economy Car : Ideal for solo travelers or small families, affordable with low fuel consumption.
• SUV : Perfect for groups or those with luggage, spacious with great visibility.
• Business Car: Suitable for business people or high-end clients, comfortable and luxurious, fully equipped.
• Motorcycle : Great for navigating city streets, flexible and convenient with easy parking.
• Truck : Ideal for moving or carrying goods, strong load capacity and highly practical.

2. Comprehensive Rental Services

Taipei car rental companies not only offer vehicle rentals but also provide full customer support.

• Reservation: You can reserve vehicles by phone or online.
• Pickup: You can pick up the vehicle at the rental company's location with valid ID and driver's license.
• Return: You can return the vehicle to the designated rental company location.
• Insurance : Rental companies offer various insurance plans, allowing you to choose the right coverage for your needs.
• Navigation: Rental companies can provide navigation equipment rental services to help you easily find your destination.

More Car Rental FAQs

3. Affordable Rental Prices

Taipei car rental companies frequently offer various promotional activities, such as long-term rental discounts, member discounts, and holiday specials.

• Long-term Rental Discounts: The longer the rental period, the lower the daily rate.
• Member Discounts: Become a member of the rental company to enjoy exclusive member prices and points redemption offers.
• Holiday Specials: During holidays, rental companies usually launch special promotions to attract more customers.

Must-Visit Attractions in Taipei

Taipei 101

Taipei 101 is an iconic landmark in Taipei and was once the tallest building in the world. From the observation deck of Taipei 101, you can overlook the magnificent scenery of the entire city.

National Palace Museum

The National Palace Museum houses a vast collection of Chinese historical artifacts and artworks, making it one of the four major museums in the world. Here, you can admire precious relics and exquisite artworks from various dynasties.

Shilin Night Market

Shilin Night Market is one of the most famous night markets in Taipei, offering a wide variety of street food, snacks, and shopping options.

Elephant Mountain

Elephant Mountain is a popular hiking spot in Taipei with well-maintained trails suitable for visitors of all ages. From the top of Elephant Mountain, you can overlook the Taipei cityscape, making it an ideal spot for sunset viewing.

Car Rental Information

Required Documents for Car Rental

When renting a car, you need to provide the following documents:

• For local residents: National ID card and driver's license. (Cash rentals available)
• For foreign nationals: Valid IDP (International Driving Permit), passport, AE/VISA/MASTER/JCB credit card or UnionPay card, visa or residence permit (valid for more than 6 months) or entry-exit proof.
• For residents of Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau: Valid Hong Kong driver's license or IDP, Mainland passport, AE/VISA/MASTER/JCB credit card or UnionPay card, Taiwan entry permit.
• For Japanese citizens: Japanese driver's license and its translation, AE/VISA/MASTER/JCB credit card, entry-exit proof.

Security Deposit

• For foreign nationals: TWD 10,000 credit card authorization. The deposit will be refunded after the vehicle is returned successfully, which takes about 28-45 working days.
• For local residents: TWD 1,000 credit card authorization. The deposit will be refunded after the vehicle is returned successfully, which takes about 28-45 working days.

Authorized Credit Cards

Only VISA and Mastercard (excluding debit cards) are accepted.

Mileage Limit for Passenger Cars

The daily mileage limit for passenger cars is 400 kilometers, and the hourly rental limit is 40 kilometers per hour. An additional charge of TWD 2 per kilometer will apply for any excess mileage.

Usage Duration

One day is defined as 24 hours. An overtime fee of 10% of the daily rate will be charged for each additional hour.

Car Rental Insurance

• Vehicle Damage Insurance:
  In the event of vehicle damage, the renter is responsible for the repair costs up to a maximum of TWD 50,000, except in cases of drunk driving, unknown vehicle damage, breach of contract, and other non-compensable actions.
  Note: For upgraded insurance, please contact the branch representative.
  (Excludes business loss and 20% depreciation)
  (If the vehicle is a total loss, the renter is responsible for 25% of the vehicle's current value and 20 days of business loss)
  (Applicable only to accidents involving collisions with other vehicles)
• Theft Insurance:
  In the event of vehicle theft, the renter is responsible for 10% of the vehicle's current value as a deductible.
• Passenger Insurance:
  Maximum compensation of TWD 1,000,000 per person within the allowed number of passengers.
• Compulsory Insurance:
  Maximum compensation of TWD 2,000,000 per traffic accident victim.
• Driver Injury Insurance:
  Maximum compensation of TWD 1,000,000.
• Third-Party Liability Insurance:
  Voluntary third-party accident liability insurance (requires TWD 10,000 deductible for insurance compensation)
  Maximum coverage of TWD 1,000,000 per person for injury or death
  Maximum coverage of TWD 2,000,000 per accident for injury or death
  Maximum coverage of TWD 500,000 per accident for property damage.

*Detailed coverage is based on the policy of each vehicle. The above insurance types do not include motorcycles and trucks (Revised on 2020.3.1).

Car Pickup Process

When picking up the car, you need to bring the aforementioned documents to the car rental company's branch.

• Complete the rental process: Present your ID, driver's license, and credit card, and fill out the rental contract.
• Pay the rental fee and deposit: Pay the rental fee and deposit by credit card.
• Inspect the car: Check the condition of the vehicle. If there is any damage, inform the rental company immediately.
• Pick up the car: Receive the car keys and related documents.

Car Pickup Notes

• Review the contract: Confirm the terms to protect your rights.
• Fuel: Return the car with a full tank of fuel/electric charge. If the car is picked up with a full tank/charge, please return it the same way. If not returned with a full tank/charge, a fuel charge and service fee will be applied.
• Take photos of the car exterior: Verify the condition of the vehicle. If there is any damage, take photos as well.

Online Booking and Rental Calculation

You can make an online reservation and calculate the rental fee through the car rental company's website.

• Choose a car model: Select the appropriate car model based on your needs.
• Choose the rental period: Enter your rental dates and times.
• Check the price: The system will automatically calculate the rental fee and deposit.
• Book online: If you decide to rent a car, you can book and pay the deposit online.

Car Return Notes

• Late fee calculation: 24 hours constitutes one day. The late fee is 10% of the daily rental fee per hour.
• ETC: Taiwan highways use the ETC electronic toll collection system. Fees will be settled when the car is returned.
• Mileage fee: The daily mileage limit for passenger cars is 400 kilometers. The hourly rental mileage limit is 40 kilometers per hour. For excess mileage, an additional fee of TWD 2 per kilometer will be charged.

General Road Traffic Regulations

Left-hand Driving

Taiwan follows left-hand driving. If you are from Japan or Hong Kong, make sure to get familiar with the steering wheel and driving direction again.

Right of Way

Speed Limits

The speed limit on highways is 80 to 110 KM/H, and on expressways, it is 60 to 90 KM/H. Follow the speed limit signs. If there are no speed limit signs on regular roads, the default limits are 50 KM/H for general roads, 40 KM/H for slow lanes, and 30 KM/H for urban alleys.

Speeding Fines

According to the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act,

• General roads: Exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 km/h or driving below the minimum speed will result in a fine of NTD 1,200 to 2,400 and 1 demerit point.
• Expressways: Exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 km/h or driving below the minimum speed will result in a fine of NTD 3,000 to 6,000 and 2 demerit points.
• Severe speeding: Exceeding the speed limit by more than 40 km/h will result in a fine of NTD 6,000 to 36,000, immediate driving ban, and 3 demerit points.

Drunk Driving Fines

• A breath alcohol concentration of 0.15 mg/L or blood alcohol concentration of 0.03% is considered drunk driving and will result in a fine of NTD 30,000 to 120,000.
• A breath alcohol concentration of 0.25 mg/L or blood alcohol concentration of 0.05% violates criminal law and will result in a fine of over NTD 300,000 and up to 3 years of imprisonment.

Mobile Phone Usage Ban

Using a mobile phone, computer, or other device to make calls, data communication, etc., while driving will result in a fine of NTD 3,000.
Note that you cannot use your phone while waiting at a red light either!

Lane Markings

Yellow lane lines: Used to separate traffic directions.

• Broken lines: You can cross to the opposite lane when it does not affect the traffic.
• Double solid yellow lines: No crossing or U-turns allowed.
• Solid and broken lines together: No overtaking, crossing, or U-turns on the solid line side, allowed on the broken line side.

White lane lines: Used to separate same-direction lanes and identify safe driving distances.

• Broken lines: Lane changes or crossing is allowed.
• Double solid white lines: No lane changes or crossing allowed.
• Solid and broken lines together: No lane changes on the solid line side, allowed on the broken line side.

Street Parking Rules

• Red line: No parking at any time. Parking is also prohibited within 10 meters of intersections and bus stops, and within 5 meters of fire truck entrances.
• Yellow line: Temporary parking (no more than 3 minutes) is allowed during the day, and parking is allowed at night (usually from 8 PM to 7 AM). Yellow lines are often accompanied by signs.
• White line: 10 cm white line means no parking. 15 cm white line allows parking. If the roadside has a 10 cm white line, parking will occupy the slow lane and is considered a violation.

Horn Regulations

Horn usage is regulated as "single beep, no more than 3 consecutive times," and each beep should not exceed 0.5 seconds. Violating horn usage or exceeding the volume limit will result in a fine of NTD 300 to 600.

Speed Cameras

Taiwan's average speed cameras calculate the "average speed over a section" unlike traditional fixed-point speed cameras. You need to maintain the speed limit within the section to avoid fines.

Highway Traffic Regulations

ETC

Most highways are toll roads. It is recommended to choose vehicles equipped with the electronic toll collection system eTag for convenient toll payment. Fees will be settled when returning the vehicle.

Speeding Fines

• Expressways: Exceeding the speed limit by over 10 km/h or driving below the minimum speed limit will result in a fine of NT$3,000 to NT$6,000 and 2 penalty points.
• Severe Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit by over 40 km/h will result in a fine of NT$6,000 to NT$36,000 and immediate suspension of driving, with 3 penalty points recorded.

Overtaking Lane Regulations

The far left lane is the overtaking lane, primarily used for passing vehicles at the highest speed limit. After overtaking, return to the original lane. Do not occupy the overtaking lane for an extended period to avoid traffic congestion.

Shoulder Regulations

The far right lane is the shoulder. During traffic jams, it may be opened to relieve traffic flow at certain times and under certain conditions. A green circle marking indicates the shoulder is open, while a red cross indicates it is closed. When drivers see the sign "No lane change ahead shoulder driving prohibited," they should return to the main lane unless exiting at the next interchange, to avoid penalties. Violating the shoulder regulations results in a fine of NT$4,000 to NT$6,000.

High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Regulations

Some highway sections implement high occupancy vehicle (HOV) control during peak periods, requiring at least 3 people in the vehicle, including the driver and children, to use the lane.

Traffic Signals

Traffic Lights

In addition to the basic red, yellow, and green lights, there are sometimes arrow signals.
Pay attention to situations where the red light is accompanied by a left/right arrow, allowing only left or right turns.
In other scenarios with a green light, you can go straight or turn left/right.

Flashing Red and Yellow Lights: Indicating Main and Secondary Roads

Flashing Red Light: Indicates a secondary road. You must stop at the intersection and yield to traffic from both sides before proceeding.
Flashing Yellow Light: Indicates a main road. You have the right of way but should be cautious of oncoming traffic.

Common Road Signs

Common Violations

• Right Turn on Red: Right turns are not allowed on a red light unless there is a right turn arrow.
• Speeding: As mentioned previously, speeding violations result in fines and penalty points.
• No Left Turn: No left turns or U-turns are allowed as a U-turn involves two left turns.
• No U-Turn: Left turns are allowed, but U-turns are not, as making a left turn once is not equivalent to a U-turn.

Recommended Navigation System

Google Map

Rental Car FAQs

Q: Where to pay for parking tickets?

You can pay at convenience stores such as 7-11, OK Mart, FamilyMart, and Hi-Life.

Q: What to do in case of an accident?

• Call 110 to report to the police: Preserve the scene or take photos, and do not settle privately.
• Notify the rental car company: Contact their representative or customer service.
• Submit the required claim documents.
• Complete the accident handling process.

Q: How to pay fines?

You can pay at convenience stores such as 7-11, OK Mart, FamilyMart, and Hi-Life. The rental car company will contact you later and charge your credit card remotely.

Q: How to use gas stations?

Taiwan's fuel options include 92, 95, and 98 unleaded gasoline and diesel. Make sure to confirm before you start.

Q: Steps for self-service refueling

• Turn off the engine, engage the parking brake for cars, and set the center stand for motorcycles.
• Choose your payment method.
• Confirm the receipt option.
• After touching the static discharge zone with both hands, open the fuel cap, then follow the machine instructions to lift the nozzle and refuel.
• Refuel to the desired amount or until the nozzle automatically stops, then return the nozzle to the machine.
• After closing the fuel cap, retrieve your credit card, receipt, and invoice from the machine.

Conclusion

Taipei not only offers convenient transportation and abundant resources but also has excellent car rental services with affordable prices and high-quality service. Renting a car allows you to explore this vibrant city more freely and enjoy every moment of your journey.

We hope this article helps you better understand car rental options and travel information in Taipei, making your trip smoother and more enjoyable!

FAQs

Q: Where can I find GoodCar's Taipei locations?

A: For Taipei locations, you can check here , and for New Taipei locations, you can check here .

Q: What should I pay attention to when renting a car in Taipei?

A: When renting a car in Taipei, please pay attention to the following:

• Prepare valid documents: You need to provide valid identification and a driver's license when renting a car.
• Book in advance: Especially during peak seasons or holidays, it is recommended to book your vehicle in advance to avoid delays in your trip.
• Check the vehicle carefully: When picking up the car, carefully inspect the condition of the vehicle. If there is any damage, inform the rental company immediately.
• Understand the rental terms: Before signing the rental agreement, read the terms carefully to understand the rights and obligations of both parties.