Alimentation

Probably one of the lowest spending items in Taiwan. The food is usually cheap and really varied ! Of course, the cost will depend on your taste, if you come to eat in high-end restaurants, foreign restaurants such as Korean, French, etc. the price will be similar with other countries, between 500 and 1000 NTD (15-30€). Location also have to be taken into account, if you find yourself in an attractive, touristic place, then the price will increase.

In general, if you like local cuisine in simple restaurants or at the night market, then you can eat for 100-200NTD/meal (between 3 and 6€). When my financial situation was difficult, I even managed to survive by eating for only 200NTD/day (6€) -> 6€/day always eating in restaurants ! As a matter of fact, such restaurants are so cheap and omnipresent in Taiwan that few people eat at home. The kitchens in the apartments are therefore not really present, when you find one in a dwelling the price increases quickly.

On the other hand, if it’s really hard for you, you will always have the option rice + pasta, to give an example, a box of instant noodles + 1 drink = 40NTD (1,20€), it’s possible and it’s enough ! However, you have to know the right places, in Taiwan you will find a lot of “convenience stores” like 7-Eleven / Family mart etc. Know that in these shops the prices are much higher than in supermarkets ! My advice for reasonable prices is this : go to the night markets for a quick meal/drink, or go to “Px-mart” to stock up on food (rice, pasta, bread, drinks, etc.).

Searches for specific food products :

• Carrefour

Carrefour exists in Taiwan and allows you to find many products that you may miss once installed for some time. I would mention, for example, cheese, salted butter caramel, some pastries, wine, which are pleasant to get from time to time. On the other hand, know that Carrefour will usually be more expensive than a local store like Px-mart.

• Costco

This is a store where you can buy wholesale, or not, and benefit from prices that may be interesting. Above all, it allows you to get hands on products that are hard to find in supermarkets, even in Carrefour. You should be aware, however, that you have to pay an annual entrance fee to be able to shop there. If someone around you already owns a card then take advantage of it to accompany this person in his/her purchases ! 😜

I’ve introduced you to the ones that come to mind, there may be more but I don’t know them 😅 In general, if you have a specific need, don't hesitate to visit the Facebook group : “French Community in Taiwan.” You will be able to type a keyword search to find out if the topic has already been covered, or alternatively make your request directly on the group page. By the way, if you haven’t already done so, I strongly invite you to join the group now ! You will have valuable information about the current situation in Taiwan + some really useful tips (when members are not haughty, selfish or busy messing up over shit, you know internet... 🤷🏻‍♂️).

To conclude, because after all it's a blog, you will find some small examples of what I have eaten there (with ideas of prices) :

[Coming soon]