Car Rental in Taichung - Driving Guide & Best Rates

Renting a car in Taichung can be worthwhile for specific travel plans, though it's not essential for everyone. Taiwan drives on the right side of the road, which is familiar for most Western tourists. Car rental makes most sense if you're planning day trips to central Taiwan's countryside, visiting Sun Moon Lake, mountain areas, or exploring multiple destinations at your own pace. The road quality is generally good, and highways are well-maintained. However, skip the car rental if you're staying primarily in Taichung city center, where traffic congestion can be challenging and parking is limited and expensive. The city has decent public transport including buses and bike-sharing systems that work well for urban exploration. Driving in Taichung requires attention to local traffic patterns – scooters are everywhere and traffic can feel chaotic to newcomers. Lane discipline differs from Western standards, and navigation signs may not always be in English outside major routes. Consider your itinerary carefully: countryside exploration and multi-destination trips favor car rental, while city-focused visits are better served by public transport and occasional taxis. Check current rental rates and requirements through booking platforms, as international driving permits are typically required.

International Driving Permit (IDP)

An IDP is typically required for foreign visitors to drive legally in Taiwan. Obtain this from your home country's automobile association before traveling to Taichung.

Minimum Age

Rental agencies generally require drivers to be at least 21-25 years old, though specific age requirements vary by company. Check with your chosen rental provider for their policy.

Valid Home Country License

You must present a valid driver's license from your home country along with your IDP. The license should be current and not expired.

Credit Card for Deposit

A credit card in the driver's name is typically required for the security deposit. Debit cards are often not accepted for this purpose.

Insurance Coverage

Basic insurance is usually included, but comprehensive coverage is recommended for peace of mind. Verify what's included and consider additional coverage options when booking.

Passport

Your passport is generally required as identification when renting a vehicle. Ensure it's valid for the duration of your stay in Taichung.

Taichung Airport and major city locations offer both international chains and local rental agencies - international agencies typically provide English support and newer vehicles, while local agencies may offer competitive rates but require checking insurance coverage carefully.

Before driving off, verify the vehicle condition with photos, confirm GPS/navigation is set to English if needed, and ensure you understand Taiwan's right-hand traffic rules and that your International Driving Permit is accepted.

Download offline maps or use Google Maps in English for navigation in Taichung - many rental cars include GPS, but confirm the language settings and consider using your phone as backup since some areas may have limited English signage.

Fuel stations are widely available in Taichung city, but fill up before returning to the airport area - parking can be challenging in downtown areas, so look for paid parking lots rather than street parking, and keep change for parking meters.

Plan to return your car with a full tank as required by most agencies, allow extra time for the return inspection process, and keep all toll receipts if you used highways, as some rental companies handle toll charges separately.

Taichung experiences heavy traffic congestion during morning (7:30-9:00 AM) and evening (5:00-7:00 PM) rush hours, particularly on major routes like Taiwan Boulevard - plan extra travel time during these periods.

Scooters and motorcycles are extremely prevalent and often weave between lanes or appear in blind spots - always check mirrors carefully and expect two-wheeled vehicles to be everywhere, including at intersections.

Traffic enforcement cameras are common throughout the city, particularly monitoring speed limits, red light violations, and illegal turns - follow all traffic signals strictly as fines are issued automatically.

Sudden weather changes, especially during typhoon season (June-October) and afternoon thunderstorms, can create hazardous wet road conditions - reduce speed significantly when roads are wet as drainage can be poor in some areas.