Travel

Manila to Taipei via Eva Air + Taiwan Visa-Free Travel for Filipinos

November 16, 2017 Ruth Dela Cruz

Philippine Passport holders can visit Taiwan without a visa for up to 14 days. Filipino tourists are included in Taiwan’s visa-exempt program until 31 July 2023.

Flying to Taipei was a quick decision and sort of an escape when we found out that my friend was denied of Korean Visa. I was broken-hearted even if I got a multiple entry visa. My friend #D offered to go with me in Korea, but part of me was feeling disappointed and turned off.

Read how I got my Korean Multiple-Entry Visa

I actually wanted to re-appeal the decision of the Korean Visa Denial. Somehow, I was thinking of a miracle and consuls would turn into angels and grant him a visa. Partly, I wanted to surrender my visa (I don’t need it!!! *drama). But it seemed that @rodelflordeliz has already given up on it.

So I said, maybe we can dismiss Korea and just fly to Taipei. The reply was:

“Hahahaa. Are you serious?”

I was dead serious. I didn’t feel like visiting Korea (and my mom won’t let me go alone). I have a multiple visa entry anyway, I can go anytime.

So we checked SkyScanner for the cheapest flight. We found PAL at Php 6,000 + but the following day, the cheapeast that we saw was via Eva Air at Php 7,500 + for roundtrip ticket Manila to Taipei. Ticket prices were going up after they announced long holiday because of the ASEAN Summit.

Our flight was at 3:40 AM. It was raining, traffic and busy going to NAIA Terminal 1 (every car was heading to the Arrivals Area).

Taiwan Visa-Free Entry for Filipinos Manila to Taipei via Eva Air

We checked in on time. We got 30 kilos baggage allowance each, but Travel Tax was not yet included in our plane tickets. I was bummed that we were not seated together (I was just feeling clingy 😁). We failed to select seats before the flight and it appeared that everyone had already chosen their seats.

Anyway, we got the time to hang out at the NAIA 1 Lounge. If you are a Unionbank Platinum Credit Card Holder, you can have access to this lounge – have coffee, drinks, food, and watch world news. 🌐

Manila to Taipei via Eva Air

Manila to Taipei Flight is only 2.5 hours.

There’s an in-flight entertainment (well, mostly documentaries – not enough flight time for a movie) and they served us dinner quickly.

It was a really short flight that I was ready to dooze off when the plane landed.

I was welcomed by the Hello Kitty Plane Hehe

It was around 5:50 AM when we arrived

Taipei Visa-Free Entry for Filipinos

There was a long line in the Immigration when we arrived but it was a breeze to get through immigration. The usual questions were: how many days I am staying, when is my flight back and where am I staying. There is no need to print authentication note online, whatsoever.

I noticed that immigration officers really check the authenticity of passports 👍

Airport OOTD

Dress: Zara

Jacket: Zara Men

Slip-Ons: Forever 21

Backpack: Rootote

Luggage: American Tourister

Exchanging Dollars/Peso to Taiwan Currency

After we claimed our luggage, we exchanged USD to Taiwan Dollars. I usually bring USD when traveling and initial budget is at USD 200. I oftentimes just charge to credit card too because I think it saves me a few cents vs exchanging different currencies. You can also buy Taiwan Dollars using Philippine Peso.

Buying Local SIM Card and Getting Connected to the Internet in Taiwan

I totally missed buying a local SIM card at the airport because we were looking for our ground transportation. I thought I could just buy SIM card in the local 7-Eleven store (like in the Philippines). 😁 Anyway, I survived with no local SIM card or internet or roaming. Thank you to hotel internet

Taipei MRT and buses offer free Wifi connection. I survived with that, but I would still suggest you get a local SIM (roaming is pretty expensive). Google Maps is a true friend.