Top Tips for First-Time Visitors to Xiaoliuqiu

After living on Xiaoliuqiu for four years and guiding hundreds of travelers through its quirks and charms, I've got the insider scoop on what first-time visitors absolutely need to know. Trust me, these tips could save you time, money, and a whole lot of hassle.

1. CASH IS KING (AND YOUR ONLY OPTION)

Listen up, travellers. No international ATM cards work on the island. I repeat: NO international ATM cards. If you’ve got a domestic Taiwan bank card, great, you can skip to the next section. For everyone else, here’s the drill: Take out ALL the cash you’ll need for your entire stay before you set foot on the island.

The lone exception? If your card is tied to UnionPay (China’s national bank card association), you might get lucky with the Post Office ATM. But that’s it. Seriously. Your last chance to get cash from a regular ATM is at the 7-11 or FamilyMart across the street from the ferry terminal in Donggang. After that, you're on your own!

And don’t count on paying with plastic either. Only a handful of merchants accept credit cards, and I mean a very, very, very small handful.

If you find yourself cash-strapped, here are your options:

Book activities through Klook: You can use your credit card online, and sometimes it’s even cheaper. Check out this page for many of the water activities you can book on Klook (affiliate links)

Try using Line Pay, Apple Pay, or a plastic at the island’s 7-11 or FamilyMart. Don’t hold your breath, though. (*Line Pay can only be tied to Taiwanese debit cards.)

Get creative and try busking. The island could use some live music, and who knows? You might make enough to cover a scooter rental. Just don’t ask me if it’s legal!



Find a friendly local (ask your guesthouse owner) who can help with a credit card cash advance. Expect a service charge, of course, but desperate times…

2. GETTING AROUND THE ISLAND

Is Xiaoliuqiu walkable? Technically, yes. In reality, only sort of. You can walk to many places in under half an hour, depending on where you’re staying. It’s even quite pleasant when the sun isn’t trying to roast you alive. But if you’re planning to do any water activities, you’ll need wheels. Most vendors require you to meet at their shop, then caravan over to the activity site together. And let’s be honest—they aren’t waiting around for the slowest walker.

Don’t have a scooter license? No worries! You can rent an electric scooter or e-bike. If you can ride a regular bike, you’ll get the hang of it in no time.

Oh, and forget about Uber. There might be one driver with an Uber app, but good luck finding him. There are a few private drivers who’ll take you around for NT$200 (single trip), but they’re picky. They won’t pick you up straight from the ocean dripping with sea water, and they stop working after 8 or 9 PM unless you’ve arranged it ahead of time. So, plan accordingly!

3. NO "BEST" AREA TO STAY IN

Xiaoliuqiu is tiny. Really tiny. Everything is close—like, 5-10 minutes by scooter close. So don’t stress too much about location. Want to catch the sunrise? Stay on the east side. Prefer sunsets? Go west. If you’re not planning to rent a scooter or e-bike, staying near the center of town (Baishawan) might be convenient. But if you’ve got your transport sorted, just focus on your budget and the type of accommodation you want. Easy peasy!

4. DON’T TOUCH THE SEA TURTLES!

I know they’re adorable, and it’s tempting, but seriously—don’t touch the sea turtles! You could be fined up to NT$300,000. Unlike the helmet laws (which are more like suggestions), this one is enforced with a vengeance. You don’t want to end up in the news like that poor Taiwanese woman in 2023 or the German teenager in 2019. Save yourself the embarrassment (and the cash) and just admire these beautiful creatures from a respectful distance.

5. JOIN THE 'XIAOLIUQIU FOR FOREIGNERS' FACEBOOK GROUP

Looking for insider tips or have burning questions about your upcoming trip? Join the Xiaoliuqiu For Foreigners' Facebook Group! This group is an English-language resource created specifically to help travelers navigate the island. It’s filled with friendly locals and seasoned non-locals who have visited the island many, many, many times. Feel free to ask questions, search for answers using the magnifying glass at the top, and connect with fellow adventurers. It's like having a local guide right at your fingertips—minus the tour fees!