[Taiwan Travel Survey] Approximately 1 in 4 Experienced 'Unexpected Confusion' – Even for 'Pro-Japanese and Nearby' Destinations, Caution is Key; 'Communication' and 'Local Understanding' are Crucial

In recent years, Taiwan has become one of the most popular and accessible overseas travel destinations for Japanese. Its appeal lies in its excellent accessibility, being only about 3-4 hours away from Japan, coupled with a pro-Japanese culture, diverse gourmet food, and unique street food culture centered around night markets. Consequently, it is increasingly chosen as a first overseas travel destination.

However, many who have actually visited the destination have reported experiencing 'unexpected confusion' and 'points they wished they had known beforehand.'

Therefore, WiFi Travel, a company specializing in WiFi rental services, in collaboration with Plast Co., Ltd., conducted an 'Attitudinal Survey on Taiwan Travelers' targeting 350 men and women aged 20-59 nationwide who have traveled to Taiwan within the past 10 years.

This survey aims to reveal the real situation of Taiwan travel, from pre-trip anxieties to local troubles, communication methods, and even cultural differences.

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Survey Overview

Survey Name: Attitudinal Survey on Taiwan Travelers

Survey Method: Internet questionnaire

Survey Period: April 3, 2026 – April 10, 2026

Target Audience: 350 men and women aged 20-59 nationwide who answered 'traveled to Taiwan within the past 10 years' in a preliminary questionnaire.

Valid Responses: 350

Questions

Question 1: How anxious were you about your stay in Taiwan before your trip? Question 2: Did you experience any unexpected difficulties or confusion during your stay in Taiwan? Question 3: Please describe the difficulties or confusion you experienced during your stay in Taiwan. Question 4: What main communication methods did you use during your trip to Taiwan? Question 5: Looking back on your trip to Taiwan, what do you wish you had prepared beforehand? Question 6: During your trip to Taiwan, what impressed you regarding 'personal space' or 'differences in values'?

*Figures are rounded to two decimal places, so totals may not always add up to 100%. *For multiple-choice questions, totals may exceed 100%.

Approximately 30% felt anxious before traveling to Taiwan, reflecting a sense of security in 'easy-to-visit overseas destinations'

First, when asked about pre-trip anxiety about Taiwan, 11.4% responded 'very anxious' and 23.1% 'somewhat anxious,' totaling about 30% who felt anxious. In contrast, 'not anxious' accounted for 65.4%, a majority.

[Anxiety before traveling to Taiwan]

・Very anxious: 11.4% ・Somewhat anxious: 23.1% ・Not anxious: 65.4%

This result suggests that Taiwan is perceived as having lower psychological hurdles compared to other overseas travel destinations, recognized as an 'easy country for first-time overseas travelers.'

This is thought to be largely influenced by its geographical proximity to Japan and the image of being 'pro-Japanese and safe.'

Approximately 1 in 4 experienced 'unexpected confusion' – overlooked points even in 'nearby and safe' destinations

On the other hand, when asked if they experienced unexpected difficulties or confusion during their stay in Taiwan, 25.7% responded 'yes,' revealing that approximately 1 in 4 experienced unforeseen troubles or discrepancies.

[Difficulties/Confusion during stay in Taiwan]

・Yes: 25.7% ・No: 74.3%

The majority, 74.3%, responded 'no,' and compared to previous surveys of other countries like South Korea and the United States, Taiwan appears to be a 'destination where troubles are less likely to be felt.'

This can be attributed to its geographical and cultural proximity to Japan. Taiwan has a short flight time and minimal time difference, reducing physical burden. Furthermore, it shares many similarities in food culture and lifestyle, making it a relatively easy environment for first-time overseas travelers to adapt to. Additionally, the pro-Japanese national character and high level of maturity as a tourist destination are also thought to be factors that reduce anxiety and troubles during travel.

However, it is also important to note that approximately 1 in 4 people experienced confusion. This is not a negligible number, and it is possible that the aspect of 'preparation being easily put off because it's a safe country' also played a role.

'Communication' and 'Cash Culture' became barriers, blind spots even in 'familiar overseas destinations'

Specifically, the most common difficulties reported were 'unstable communication environment (WiFi/internet)' and 'many establishments (night markets, street stalls) that only accepted cash.'