I started the process to get my visa paperwork together and now I’m looking for a place to stay (my original choice is no longer available, sad to say).
Which websites - besides AirBnB or booking.com - have good listings for decent places (apartments or houses) in English?
I am also trying to find out what a month long rental car might cost me on the island.
For hotels also try agoda.com. Sometimes they have better prices, not always so try multiple sites. Hotel.com is another one. I don’t know about car rentals but if you are in Taipei, MRT is very convenient.
This site says around NT$12,000/month to rent a car.
A serviced apartment might be a good choice at first.
I personally think you are better off going through an agent to rent an apartment once you have decided what area you want to live in. Just ask at local realtors. There are many.
Where do you want to live?
You might consider just not having a car, unless you’re looking to drive a family or something around the island frequently, cars are a hindrance rather than a convenience, at least in Taipei. You’ll spend more time looking for parking, lots of money to pay for parking, than if you took public transportation.
My dream town would be Hualien, but I know that dreams don’t always come true.
Well, I wasn’t planning on staying in Taipei. Quite the opposite. I am eager to move to a small own or the countryside.
There are various websites and Facebook groups.
This site caught my eye because it lists some agents with cards etc. I would go visit them in person.
Here’s a Facebook group.
Many foreigners seem to look on the 591 site.
Here is what I found ex-Hualien city in the areas I think are most desirable.
www.mrhost.com.tw
That’s an expensive site targeted at foreigners.
Where to search for good housing? Not Taiwan.
Short term rentals can be expensive. Long term isn’t too bad in Taiwan, especially if you look outside Taipei.
Thx a lot for those tips!
@ RickRooney - If Taiwan is so bad, why are you there? (honest question)
I never said Taiwan was ‘so bad’. I said the housing was not good, which it isn’t.
I like Taiwan despite its shite housing. You just have to kind of brace yourself to see lots of horrible depressing shit holes if you want to use 591 to find a place. Using 591 is really one of the low points of my existence.
Is there any good alternatives to 591 in Keelung? Though the prices on there are not too bad.
So I assume there are good homes inTaiwan, you just have to find them and be able to afford them?
Yea. And be prepared to see A LOT of grotty dungeons before finding them
Do not rent long term from abroad. As said, choose a hotel or Airbnb for a couple of weeks to a month to have the flexibility to choose where to live.
Also as said, finding a home that suits your needs/wants can be challenging. The English language websites assume you are here on an expat salary -deep pockets- and as a result, charge above average, to say the least. Local pages can be more… eclectic. In any case, a local or old hand foreigner resident is a must as a guide/witness, at least take a witness when signing anything.
That reminds me: do not sign anything or pay whole from abroad.
Car is easy, there are many companies. Just make sure you can use your driver’s license here or exchange it for a local one easily. Make sure you have the proper documentation for insurance.
Yes, definitely. But you need to actually look at 20 or so to find what works for you. And especially in urban areas visit the neighborhood at different times of day to make sure that there is nothing like an active temple or machine shop that creates noise or other nuisances. Very much caveat emptor.
Thx a lot. Good advise!