Taipei 5D4N Family Trip

✈️ Before You Fly – Checklist (IMPORTANT)

✅ Passport validity 6+ months
✅ Fill in Taiwan Arrival Card (ONLINE)
✅ Screenshot hotel address & itinerary
✅ Prepare cash + ATM card
❌ No visa needed (Malaysia passport)

📝 Taiwan Arrival Card – Sample Answers

Purpose of Visit: Tourism
Address in Taiwan: No. 5, Emei Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City
Length of Stay: 5 days
Flight Number: (enter your actual flight)
Occupation: Office worker / Student

📸 Arrival Card – Step-by-Step Guide

Open official Taiwan Arrival Card website
Select English
Enter passport details
Enter flight & hotel information
Submit → Screenshot confirmation

Tip: No need to print. Show on phone if asked.

🧳 Packing List – December (7kg Hand Carry + 20kg Check-in)

Weather: 12–18°C, cool mornings & nights, occasional rain. Layering is key.

Printable: Scroll down for ✔️ tick-box checklist.

🖨️ Printable Packing Checklist (Per Person)

☐ Light jacket / windbreaker
☐ 3–4 tops (T-shirt / long sleeve)
☐ 1–2 warmer tops / light thermal
☐ 2–3 long pants
☐ Sleepwear
☐ 5–6 underwear
☐ 5–6 socks
☐ Comfortable walking shoes
☐ Scarf / beanie (optional)
☐ Umbrella / rain jacket

👦🧒 Kids Packing List (12 & 16 Years)

☐ Hoodie or warm long sleeve
☐ Extra socks (kids feel cold faster)
☐ Small backpack (daily use)
☐ Power bank / cable
☐ Entertainment (earphones, games)

Tip: Kids clothes can repeat. Ximending has cheap options if needed.

🧳 Packing List – December (7kg Hand Carry + 20kg Check-in)

Weather: 12–18°C, cool mornings & nights, occasional rain. Layering is key.

👕 Clothes (Per Person – 5 Days)

3–4× T-shirt / long sleeve (light)
1–2× warmer long sleeve / light thermal
2–3× long pants (jeans / chinos / travel pants)
1× light jacket / windbreaker (MUST)
5–6× underwear
5–6× socks (important in cold weather)
1× sleepwear

👟 Shoes & Accessories

1× comfortable walking shoes
1× scarf (optional but useful at night)
1× beanie / cap (optional)
1× compact umbrella or rain jacket

🎒 How to Pack (Weight Control)

Hand Carry 7kg: jacket (wear it), 1 spare top, documents, power bank, meds, charger
Check-in 20kg: all clothes & shoes
Leave 5–7kg empty space for shopping

❌ Do NOT Bring

Thick winter coat / parka (too bulky)
Too many shoes
Short pants (cold & impractical)

🗑️ Trash Rules in Taiwan (VERY IMPORTANT)

❌ Very few public trash bins on the streets – this is normal.
✅ Carry your trash in your bag until you find a proper bin.
🏪 7‑Eleven / FamilyMart: You may throw trash if you bought food there.
🚇 MRT stations: Some bins inside paid area only.
🍽️ Night markets / food stalls: Use stall bins or follow staff instruction.
🚫 No eating or drinking on MRT (fine possible).

♻️ Recycling Culture

🟦 Bottles & cans
🟨 Paper
⬛ General waste
If unsure → use general waste (tourists are fine).

👦🧒 Kids Rule

"Taiwan is clean because people keep trash in their bag until they see a shop bin."

🎒 Pro Tip (Family)

Carry 1–2 small plastic bags daily
Bring wet tissues / hand wipes

🌟 What You’ll Discover Each Day

Day 1 – Arrival & Ximending: First taste of Taiwan efficiency, night market culture, safe walkable streets.
Day 2 – Taipei 101 & Xinyi: Modern Taiwan, skyscrapers, shopping culture, world‑class MRT system.
Day 3 – Culture & Art: History at CKS Memorial, creative youth scene at Huashan.
Day 4 – Shifen & Jiufen: Old railway towns, lantern wishes, mountain village charm.
Day 5 – Departure: How smooth and family‑friendly Taiwan travel really is.

👦🧒 Kids Transport Rules (Easy to Remember)

🚇 See GREEN label? → Use MRT PASS 🎫
💳 See ORANGE label? → Use EasyCard
✈️ Airport train? → EasyCard only
🚌 Bus / Jiufen? → EasyCard or CASH
🔔 Every ride: TAP IN ➜ TAP OUT

Parent tip: Let kids check the color label before tapping.

📝 Kids Reflection – What Did You Like Most Today?

Tick the boxes or discuss together before sleep.

☐ ⭐ Best moment today
☐ 🍜 Best food / snack
☐ 📸 Best photo moment
☐ 😴 I was tired today
☐ 💡 One new thing I learned about Taiwan

🎯 Memory Highlight (Write 1 sentence):

Parent tip: 5 minutes is enough. This helps kids remember the trip longer.

💳 EasyCard Balance Tracker (Starting with 600 TWD per person)

This table shows estimated remaining balance PER PERSON based on your actual plan.

Day	Used Today	Balance Left
Start (Arrival)	—	600 TWD
Day 1 – Airport + Ximen	≈ 200 TWD	≈ 400 TWD
Day 2 – MRT Pass Day	0 TWD	≈ 400 TWD
Day 3 – MRT Pass Day	0 TWD	≈ 400 TWD
Day 4 – Shifen & Jiufen	≈ 150–200 TWD	≈ 200–250 TWD
Day 5 – Airport MRT	≈ 160 TWD	OK – NO TOP-UP NEEDED ✅

Rule: With 600 TWD start, no mid-trip top-up is needed. Balance is sufficient for Airport MRT.

💰 Daily Cash Allocation

Bring out: 3,000 TWD (family)

Use for food, night market & small purchases.

DAY 1 – Arrival & Ximending USE EASYCARD TODAY

Airport Map Hotel Map Route: Airport → Ximen

10:55 Arrive TPE → Immigration → Get Pocket WiFi 📶 POCKET WIFI → Buy EasyCard USE EASYCARD

EasyCard balance needed today: 200 TWD per person (Airport MRT + 1 local ride)

11:45 Airport MRT → Taipei Main Station CHECK BALANCE

Airport MRT ~50 min

12:40 MRT Blue Line → Ximen (1 stop)

14:00 Hotel check-in → Rest

16:30–21:00 Ximending walk & night market 💵 CASH

HARI 1 – Ketibaan & Ximending

10:55 Tiba di TPE → Imigresen → Beli EasyCard

11:45 Airport MRT ke Taipei Main Station

14:00 Check-in hotel & rehat

Petang–Malam Jalan Ximending & night market

💰 Daily Cash Allocation

Bring out: 2,000 TWD (family)

Mainly food & snacks. Transport via MRT Pass.

🎫 DAY 2 REMINDER: TAP HERE → USE MRT PASS TODAY

DAY 2 – Taipei 101 & Xinyi USE MRT PASS TODAY USE 3-DAY PASSPASS DAY 1 / 3

EasyCard needed today: 0 TWD (use MRT Pass only)

Taipei 101 Map Route: Ximen → Taipei 101

🎫09:30 MRT Blue Line — TAP IN when entering & TAP OUT when exiting Blue Line → Taipei 101 — TAP IN when entering & TAP OUT when exiting Blue Line → Taipei 101

10:00–13:00 Mall, photos, observation (optional) 💳 CARD

13:00 Lunch Din Tai Fung 💳 CARD

HARI 2 – Taipei 101

Naik MRT Blue Line dari Ximen ke Taipei 101

💰 Daily Cash Allocation

Bring out: 2,000 TWD (family)

Food, cafes, small shopping.

DAY 3 – Culture & Art USE MRT PASS TODAY USE 3-DAY PASSPASS DAY 2 / 3

EasyCard needed today: 0 TWD (use MRT Pass only)

CKS Memorial Huashan 1914

🎫09:00 MRT Green Line — TAP IN when entering & TAP OUT when exiting Green Line → CKS Memorial — TAP IN when entering & TAP OUT when exiting Green Line → CKS Memorial

12:00 MRT Blue Line → Zhongxiao Xinsheng

12:30–15:30 Huashan Creative Park 💵 CASH

HARI 3 – Seni & Budaya

Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial & Huashan Creative Park

💰 Daily Cash Allocation

Bring out: 5,000 TWD (family)

Train tickets, Jiufen food & souvenirs.

DAY 4 – Shifen & Jiufen USE EASYCARD TODAY USE EASYCARD / CASH

EasyCard needed today: 150–200 TWD per person (TRA + Pingxi Line + bus)

Shifen Jiufen Full Route Map

08:15 MRT → Taipei Main Station

08:45 TRA Local Train → Ruifang

09:45 Pingxi Line → Shifen 💵 CASH

14:00 Bus 788 / 965 / 1062 → Jiufen 💵 CASH

HARI 4 – Shifen & Jiufen

Train ke Ruifang → Shifen, kemudian bas ke Jiufen

💰 Daily Cash Allocation

Bring out: 1,500 TWD (family)

Last meal & airport snacks only.

💳 EasyCard Balance Warning

If balance is below 160 TWD, top-up before going to airport.

Airport MRT will NOT open if balance is insufficient.

DAY 5 – Departure USE EASYCARD TODAY USE EASYCARD

EasyCard needed today: 160 TWD per person (Airport MRT)

Route: Ximen → Airport

14:30 Hotel check-out

15:30 Airport MRT → TPE

19:15 Flight departure

♻️ EasyCard Refund Reminder

Refund card + remaining balance at MRT service counter
Small handling fee (~20 TWD)
Optional: keep card for future Taiwan trip

HARI 5 – Pulang

Check-out → MRT → Airport MRT → Flight

🔔 Tap Reminder (Very Important)

Always TAP IN at entry gate
Always TAP OUT at exit gate
If gate beeps or shows red → go to service counter

PLAN B / PLAN C

❓ What if you forgot to tap out?

Go to MRT service counter at exit gate
Say: "I forgot to tap out"
Staff will reset card (no fine for tourists)

❓ What if card shows error / negative balance?

Top-up EasyCard at machine or counter
If using 3-Day Pass, ask staff to reset

PLAN B / PLAN C

▶ Plan B (Rain)

▶ Plan C (Kids tired)

📶 Pocket WiFi – Quick Reference (Read at Airport)

No pre-booking needed – walk-in is OK
Get it after immigration & baggage claim
Go to Chunghwa Telecom (best) or FarEasTone
Say: "Pocket WiFi, 5 days, unlimited data"
Payment: Credit/Debit Card preferred
Time needed: 5–10 minutes

💰 Pocket WiFi Price Comparison (HONEST)

Klook (advance booking): ~USD 15–18 for 5 days (≈ 480–570 TWD)
Your actual deal: USD 15.75 for 5 days (≈ 500 TWD) ✅
Airport counter (walk‑in): ~150–200 TWD/day → 5 days ≈ 750–1,000 TWD

Verdict: For this trip, Klook is clearly cheaper (save ~250–500 TWD).

🧠 Klook vs Airport – Which Should YOU Choose?

Choose KLOOK if:

You already found a cheap deal (like yours)
You want price locked & peace of mind
Traveling with family (no time to compare at counter)

Choose AIRPORT COUNTER if:

No good promo online
Landing very late / worried about pickup hours
Want to ask questions face‑to‑face

📍 Pickup & Usage Tips

Pickup after immigration at Terminal 1
Test WiFi speed before leaving counter
Ask for charging cable
Carry power bank every day
Return at airport before check‑in (same booth)

📶 Pocket WiFi – Quick Reference (Read at Airport)

No pre-booking needed – walk-in is OK
Get it after immigration & baggage claim
Go to Chunghwa Telecom (best) or FarEasTone
Say: "Pocket WiFi, 5 days, unlimited data"
Payment: Credit/Debit Card preferred
Time needed: 5–10 minutes

📶 Internet Plan (Family – Always Connected)

✅ BEST OPTION (Recommended)

1× Portable WiFi (Pocket WiFi)
Share to all 4 phones at once
Unlimited data / stable speed in Taipei
No SIM swapping for kids

💡 Backup Option

1 parent phone with roaming ON (emergency only)

📍 Where to Get Internet

At Taoyuan Airport: Chunghwa Telecom / FarEasTone counters
What to say: "Pocket WiFi for 5 days, unlimited data"
Cost: ~150–200 TWD / day
Total (5 days): ~750–1,000 TWD

🔋 Daily Internet Routine

Morning: Fully charge Pocket WiFi
Carry power bank at all times
Assign 1 adult to keep the device

🏧 ATM Withdrawal Emergency Plan

Where: 7-Eleven ATM, FamilyMart ATM, or bank ATM (Taipei Main Station, Ximen)
When: Only if cash drops below 3,000 TWD
How much: Withdraw 3,000–5,000 TWD once (avoid many fees)
Card: Use international ATM card (RM account)

🧹 Last-Day Cash Sweep Plan

Morning Day 5: Count remaining cash
If > 2,000 TWD → use for airport food & gifts
If < 1,000 TWD → keep as souvenir or exchange later
Avoid large top-up on EasyCard on last day

👦🧒 Kids Pocket Money Plan

Amount: 2,000 TWD per child
Duration: 5 days → ~400 TWD/day
Allowed use: snacks, drinks, small toys, souvenirs
Not allowed: transport tickets, big shopping items

Parent tip: Give 1,000 TWD first, keep another 1,000 TWD as backup.

🛍️ Shopping Limit (To Avoid Overspending)

Souvenirs & snacks: Max 4,000 TWD
Clothes / shoes: Max 5,000 TWD
Emergency buffer: Keep 3,000–4,000 TWD untouched

Rule: If item > 2,000 TWD → think twice or use ATM card.

💰 RECOMMENDED EASY CARD TOP-UP AMOUNT

Card price: ~100 TWD (≈ RM11–12, similar to Klook)
Initial top-up: 300 TWD per person (Day 1 at airport)
Covers Airport MRT + Day 1 rides
Total expected usage (5 days): 450–500 TWD
Top-up extra 100–200 TWD only if balance runs low

✅ WHY 3-DAY PASS IS BETTER (For This Trip)

Day 2 & Day 3 are heavy MRT days (many rides)
Price difference vs 2-Day Pass is small (~50–80 TWD)
No need to think about fares → stress-free for family
Kids can tap freely without worrying about balance
Already breaks even by Day 2

🧮 Mini Transport Cost Calculator (Per Person)

If using EasyCard only:

Day 2 MRT: ~150–180 TWD
Day 3 MRT: ~150–180 TWD
Other MRT (Day 1 & 5): ~60–80 TWD
Total: ~360–440 TWD (excluding airport)

If using 3-Day MRT Pass:

3-Day Pass: ~350–400 TWD
Other transport via EasyCard: ~100–150 TWD
Total: ~500–550 TWD (including airport & extras)

Result: Slightly higher cost but much lower stress.

🟢 BUY THIS

1× EasyCard (per person)
1× 3-Day MRT Pass (use Day 2 & Day 3)

🔴 DON'T BUY THIS

5-Day MRT Pass (wasteful)
Only EasyCard for entire trip (more thinking & stress)
Buying MRT Pass on Day 1 at airport

🎫 How to Buy 3‑Day MRT Pass (Step‑by‑Step)

🇹🇼 Chinese Phrase Card (Show Staff)

我要買三日捷運無限搭乘票

(Wǒ yào mǎi sān rì jié yùn wú xiàn dā chéng piào)

👉 “I want to buy a 3‑day unlimited MRT pass”

Tip: Just show this sentence on your phone. No need to speak Chinese.

Go to any MRT station (recommended: Ximen Station or Taipei Main Station).
Look for the MRT Service Counter (not ticket machine).
Say clearly: “3‑Day Unlimited MRT Pass, please.”
Pay by cash or card.
Staff gives you the pass → start using immediately.

Best time: Morning of Day 2 before sightseeing.

📸 Visual Guide (What You Will See)

image_group{"query":["Ximen MRT service counter","Taipei MRT ticket service counter","Taipei MRT 3 day pass","Taipei MRT station ticket office"],"num_per_query":1}

If you see a counter with staff like above, you are at the correct place.

🧾 MRT Pass Refund – Step‑by‑Step

Go to any MRT Service Counter (Taipei Main Station / Ximen).
Give the staff your MRT Pass.
Say: “Refund, please” or show card.
Staff will check remaining validity.
Refund processed (if applicable).

Notes:

Unused or partially unused passes may have limited refund.
Refund rules depend on activation status.
If already used, no refund is expected – plan to fully use Day 2 & 3.

Where to Buy Transport Passes (Airport)

EasyCard: Taoyuan Airport MRT counter (after immigration)
3-Day MRT Pass: Any Taipei MRT station service counter (buy on Day 2 morning at Ximen Station)

Cost Comparison (Per Person)

Pay-per-ride (EasyCard only): ~700–800 TWD
3-Day MRT Pass + EasyCard: ~500–550 TWD
Estimated Savings: ~200–250 TWD per person

🏁 End of Trip Summary (Family Wrap‑Up)

Use this page on the last night or flight home.

⭐ Family favourite place: ____________________
🍜 Best food of the trip: ____________________
📍 Most memorable day: Day ____
👦🧒 Kids’ favourite moment: ____________________
💡 One thing we learned about Taiwan: ____________________

📝 Final Family Note:

Tip: Take a photo of this page – perfect memory keeper.