Emergency Numbers & Services in Taiwan for Foreigners (2026)

What are the essential emergency phone numbers in Taiwan?

Save these numbers in your phone immediately upon arriving in Taiwan. All emergency services are available 24/7.

Key tips

• 110 and 119 are the most critical numbers — memorize them
• 1990 is your best friend as a foreigner — they can help translate, explain procedures, and connect you with the right services in English and other languages
• From a mobile phone, 112 works universally (even without a SIM card or signal from your carrier) and will connect you to emergency services
• If you don't speak Chinese, stay on the line — larger dispatch centers have access to interpretation services
• When calling 119 for an ambulance, try to give your location as precisely as possible. Using Google Maps to share your coordinates can help.

What should I expect at a hospital emergency room?

Taiwan's healthcare system is world-class, affordable, and accessible — even in emergencies.

How to get to the ER

1. Call 119 for an ambulance — free of charge. Average response time is 5–10 minutes in urban areas.
2. Taxi or Uber to the nearest hospital — sometimes faster than waiting for an ambulance for non-life-threatening situations
3. Walk in to any hospital's emergency department (急診室)

What to bring

• NHI card (健保卡) — If you have National Health Insurance, bring your card. This dramatically reduces costs.
• ARC or passport — For identification
• Cash or credit card — For co-payments
• Medication list — If you take regular medications, bring the names (or photos of the packaging)

ER triage system

Taiwan uses a 5-level triage system. You may wait if your condition is not life-threatening:

Costs

Without NHI: You'll pay the full cost upfront and can apply for reimbursement from your travel or private insurance later. Costs are still far lower than in the US.

Language at hospitals

• Larger hospitals (especially medical centers like NTU Hospital, Taipei Veterans General, Mackay Memorial) usually have some English-speaking staff
• Smaller regional hospitals may have limited English
• Tip: Use Google Translate's conversation mode (real-time translation) or call 1990 and ask them to help translate by phone
• Most doctors in Taiwan have medical training materials in English and can understand basic medical English

Hospitals with English-friendly services in Taipei

• National Taiwan University Hospital (台大醫院)
• Taipei Veterans General Hospital (台北榮總)
• Mackay Memorial Hospital (馬偕醫院)
• Adventist Medical Center (台安醫院)
• Cathay General Hospital (國泰醫院)

How should I prepare for natural disasters?

Taiwan is prone to typhoons (June–October) and earthquakes (year-round). Being prepared is essential.

Typhoon preparation

Typhoons are a regular occurrence in Taiwan, typically 3–5 per year making landfall or passing close enough to affect the island.

Before typhoon season (prepare once)

• Store 3 days of water (3 liters per person per day)
• Stock non-perishable food, flashlight, batteries, portable phone charger
• Know your building's evacuation routes
• Download the Central Weather Administration (CWA) app for real-time alerts
• Check if your area is flood-prone (ask neighbors or landlord)

When a typhoon is approaching

1. Check the CWA website or app for typhoon warnings
2. If a typhoon day (颱風假) is declared, stay home. Schools and offices close.
3. Tape windows in an X-pattern or close storm shutters
4. Fill bathtub with water (in case water supply is disrupted)
5. Charge all devices
6. Stay away from windows during the storm
7. Do NOT go to the beach, mountains, or rivers

After the typhoon

• Watch for flooding, fallen power lines, and debris
• Boil water before drinking until authorities confirm water safety
• Report damage to your landlord or building management

Earthquake preparation and response

Taiwan sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Small earthquakes are frequent; major ones occur periodically (most recently the 2024 Hualien earthquake, magnitude 7.2).

Prepare in advance

• Secure tall furniture to walls with anti-tip brackets (available at hardware stores)
• Keep shoes and a flashlight near your bed
• Identify safe spots in your home (under sturdy desks/tables, next to interior walls)
• Know the location of gas shut-off valves

During an earthquake — DROP, COVER, HOLD ON

1. DROP to your hands and knees
2. COVER your head and neck. Get under a sturdy table if possible.
3. HOLD ON to the table leg until shaking stops
4. If in bed, stay in bed and cover your head with a pillow
5. If outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings, power lines, and trees
6. If driving, pull over safely, away from bridges and overpasses

After the earthquake

• Check for injuries and damage
• Be prepared for aftershocks
• If you smell gas, open windows and leave immediately. Call 119.
• Do not use elevators
• Check the CWA website for tsunami warnings (if earthquake was offshore)

Emergency apps

• Central Weather Administration app (中央氣象署): Typhoon and earthquake alerts
• National Disaster Prevention and Protection app (消防防災e點通): Evacuation routes, shelter locations
• Google Maps: Traffic and road conditions during disasters

What do I do if I lose my passport?

Losing your passport in Taiwan requires prompt action. Here's the step-by-step process:

Immediate steps

1. File a police report — Go to any police station and report the loss. You'll receive a 報案三聯單 (police report document). This is essential for all subsequent steps.

2. Contact your country's representative office (embassy/consulate) — Taiwan doesn't have formal embassies from most countries, but has representative offices:

   • American Institute in Taiwan (AIT): +886-2-2162-2000
   • British Office Taipei: +886-2-8758-2088
   • Canadian Trade Office in Taipei: +886-2-8723-3000
   • Australian Office Taipei: +886-2-8725-4100
   • For other countries, search "[your country] representative office Taiwan"

3. Apply for an emergency/replacement passport at your representative office. Required documents typically include:

   • Police report
   • Passport photos (most convenience stores have photo booths)
   • Any copy of your lost passport (photo on your phone works)
   • Application form
   • Fee (varies by country)

4. If you also lost your ARC: Visit the National Immigration Agency (NIA) with your police report and replacement passport to apply for a replacement ARC. Fee: NT$500.

Timeline

• Emergency travel document: Usually same day or next business day
• Full replacement passport: 1–4 weeks depending on your country
• Replacement ARC: 1–2 weeks

Prevention tips

• Keep a photo of your passport, ARC, and visa on your phone and in cloud storage
• Store a photocopy separately from the original
• Use the hotel safe when traveling domestically
• Consider carrying your ARC daily instead of your passport (your ARC is your legal ID in Taiwan)

What should I do after a traffic accident?

Traffic accidents are unfortunately common in Taiwan, especially involving scooters. Knowing the procedure can protect your rights and safety.

At the scene

1. Check for injuries — Call 119 immediately if anyone is hurt. Do not move injured people unless they're in immediate danger.

2. Call 110 (police) — A police report is essential for insurance claims and legal protection, even for minor accidents. Do not leave the scene before police arrive — leaving is a criminal offense in Taiwan.

3. Document everything:

   • Take photos/video of all vehicles, damage, road conditions, and license plates
   • Note the time, location, and weather conditions
   • Get contact information from witnesses
   • Take photos of the other party's driver's license and vehicle registration

4. Do not admit fault — Be polite but don't say "sorry" or accept blame at the scene. Fault determination is done by the police and traffic court.

5. Exchange information: Name, phone number, ID number, insurance information, license plate number.

After the accident

1. Get a police accident report (交通事故報告書): Available from the police station that handled the case, usually within 1–3 days. Fee: NT$200.

2. Visit a hospital: Even if you feel fine, get checked. Some injuries (whiplash, internal bruising) don't show symptoms immediately. Medical records are crucial for insurance claims.

3. Contact your insurance company: If you have scooter/car insurance, report the accident within the required timeframe (usually 5–7 days).

4. Mediation (調解): For minor accidents, the district office (區公所) offers free mediation services. This is often faster and less stressful than going to court.

5. Legal help: If the accident is serious or fault is disputed:

   • Legal Aid Foundation (法律扶助基金會): Free legal consultation for those who qualify — call 02-412-8518
   • Many lawyers offer a free initial consultation
   • Call 1990 for referrals to English-speaking lawyers

Scooter accident specifics

• Always wear a helmet — it's legally required and affects your insurance claim
• Hit-and-runs carry severe penalties in Taiwan
• If you're hit as a pedestrian, the vehicle driver is generally presumed at fault

What mental health resources are available in English?

Mental health awareness is growing in Taiwan, and several resources are available for English-speaking foreigners.

Crisis resources

English-speaking therapists and counselors

• Taiwan International Health Action (TIHA): Connects foreigners with English-speaking mental health professionals
• Jinji Clinic (晶璽診所): Taipei, offers English-language psychiatry and counseling
• Yonghe Cardinal Tien Hospital: International mental health outpatient services
• Community Services Center (CSC): Non-profit in Taipei providing English counseling, support groups, and crisis intervention — www.communitycenter.org.tw
• Online platforms: BetterHelp and Talkspace work in Taiwan for English-language online therapy

Costs

• NHI-covered psychiatric visit: NT$150–550 co-pay (limited English)
• Private English-speaking therapist: NT$2,000–4,000 per session
• Community Services Center: Sliding scale fees based on ability to pay

Common challenges for foreigners in Taiwan

• Culture shock and isolation, especially outside Taipei
• Language barriers causing frustration and helplessness
• Relationship stress from intercultural differences
• Work-related stress (long hours are common in Taiwan)
• Missing family and friends back home

You don't need to be in crisis to seek help. Many counselors in Taiwan specialize in expat adjustment issues. Reaching out early is better than waiting until things feel overwhelming.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I need medical care but don't have NHI?

You can still receive treatment at any hospital. You'll pay the full cost out of pocket, but Taiwan's medical costs are still very reasonable by international standards. A basic ER visit might cost NT$2,000–5,000 without NHI. If you have international health insurance or travel insurance, keep all receipts and medical documents for reimbursement. For serious illness or injury, hospital social workers can help you navigate payment options.

Is there an emergency app I should download?

Yes, download the National Disaster Prevention and Protection app (消防防災e點通) and the Central Weather Administration app. Also save the offline version of Google Maps for your area — cell towers can go down during earthquakes and typhoons.

How do I report a crime as a foreigner?

Go to any police station or call 110. Bring your ARC or passport. You have the right to a translator — if one isn't available at the station, call 1990 and ask them to help facilitate. For non-emergency issues, you can also visit the Foreign Affairs Police (外事警察) at major police stations in cities with large foreign populations.

What about dental emergencies?

For dental emergencies (severe toothache, broken tooth, abscess), go to a hospital with a dental department rather than a private dental clinic, as hospitals are more likely to handle emergencies outside business hours. NHI covers basic dental care including emergency treatment. Many dental clinics in Taipei have English-speaking staff — search Google Maps for "dental clinic English" in your area.

How do I evacuate during a natural disaster?

Follow instructions from the Central Emergency Operation Center (CEOC), broadcast on TV, radio, and push notifications. Evacuation shelters (避難收容處所) are typically schools and community centers. The disaster prevention app shows shelter locations near you. For foreigners, call 1990 for guidance in your language. If you live in a mountain or coastal area, evacuate early — don't wait for official orders if conditions look dangerous.