Activities, Food, and Cash Essentials

Planning a trip to Xiaoliuqiu? To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, it's crucial to budget your daily expenses effectively for foreign visitors. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Xiaoliuqiu activities, food, restaurants, bars costs. Read on to discover how much cash you need to enjoy the best Xiaoliuqiu food, exciting activities, top restaurants, vibrant bars, and more!

Why Budgeting is Essential for Your Xiaoliuqiu Adventure

When traveling to Xiaoliuqiu, budgeting is non-negotiable. Unlike many other destinations, the island's ATM machines do not accept international credit cards. This limitation stems from the fact that only two local banks operate on the island, and they lack the infrastructure to support international transactions.

To avoid any financial hiccups, it’s essential to plan and estimate your daily expenses before boarding the ferry to Xiaoliuqiu. The last ATMs before you step onto the ferry that accepts foreign cards are located inside the FamilyMart and 7-11 across the street from the ferry terminal, but we strongly recommend withdrawing sufficient cash well beforehand as many visitors have forgotten to withdraw cash in a rush to get on the next ferry. 

Daily Expense Breakdown for Xiaoliuqiu

Understanding the daily budget for Xiaoliuqiu helps you manage your finances and enjoy your trip without stress. Here’s a detailed breakdown of typical daily expenses in Taiwanese Dollars (TWD):

Maximizing Your Budget: Food Choices on Xiaoliuqiu

Your daily budget is significantly influenced by your food choices or dietary restrictions. Here’s how different dining options can impact your expenses:

• All-You-Can-Eat BBQ:

Budget Range: 400 - 1,000 TWD

Details: The cost varies depending on the quality and inclusiveness of drinks. Opting for an all-you-can-eat BBQ can provide great value, especially if you enjoy pairing it with unlimited beer. If you want to live it up, we highly recommend Cheers BBQ with high-end meat selection, indoor seating and unlimited beer, but it will run you just under NT$1,000 per person.

• Local Foods:

Budget Range: Lower end of the estimates

Details: Sticking to local delicacies ensures you stay within a modest budget while experiencing authentic Xiaoliuqiu food. Our favorites are TsaiMama, Simple Eats, Yang’s Sichuan Noodles and Fisherfolk's Kitchen

• Western or Japanese/Sushi Cuisine:

Budget Range: Higher end or above estimates

Details: Dining at Western or sushi restaurants will push your budget towards the higher end, offering diverse culinary experiences at a premium. If you want some budget sashimi,  we recommend this sashimi truck near Family Mart. And if you fancy a burger you can’t go wrong with Island Burger, started by a classically trained French chef, so the beef patties are juicy. Sashimi truck or burger will set you back about NT$300-400 per person.

For more information on our preferred restaurants, check out our blog Where Locals Eat on Xiaoliuqiu. Additionally, check out our blog about the up and coming F&B area, Sunset Row. 

Enjoying Xiaoliuqiu Bars Without Breaking the Bank

For those who love to unwind with a drink, Xiaoliuqiu bars offer various options to suit your budget:

• Convenience Stores (e.g., Club 7-11 or FamilyMart After Dark):

Budget-Friendly: These stores provide affordable beverages, perfect for those looking to save money while still enjoying a drink.

Our Favorite Spot: Dubbed the Champs De Elysses of Xiaoliuqiu by us, FamilyMart is a great place for people-watching while sipping on affordable beers or mixing your own drinks like Jaxlouisax of Instagram fame.

• Local Bars:

Beer: Generally the cheapest option, ranging from 100 - 200 TWD at most bars. 

Mixed Drinks: Typically priced between 300 - 400 TWD, regardless of the bar’s prestige or ambiance. Whether you choose a bar with professional bartenders or one with a cozy atmosphere, prices remain relatively consistent. 

For more information on the bar scene, check out our blog here.

Personal Expenses

When it comes to personal expenses on Xiaoliuqiu, you're in luck! The Zheng Yi General Store—affectionately known as the Target of the island—offers a wide variety of items that you can purchase using an international credit card. Whether you need snacks, drinks, liquor, beer, toiletries, chargers, or stationery, Zheng Yi General Store has everything you need conveniently under one roof.

Essential Tips for Managing Your Xiaoliuqiu Cash

Withdraw Cash in Advance:  Ensure you have enough Xiaoliuqiu cash before you step on the ferry. 

Use Online Platforms for Accommodation:  Book your stay through sites like Agoda, Booking.com, or Airbnb using your credit card. You can find our recommended accommodations here. 

Book Activities Online:  Save money by reserving activities through Klook.com, where you can often find discounts. For instance, a snorkeling tour usually costs 400 TWD but is available for around 360 TWD on Klook. All the activities listed below can be booked on Klook. 

Outdoor Xiaoliuqiu Activities and Their Costs

Engage in a variety of Xiaoliuqiu activities to make the most of your trip. Here’s a detailed list with estimated costs:

Final Tips for a Stress-Free Xiaoliuqiu Trip

• Book Early: Secure your accommodations and activities in advance to get the best deals.
• Stay Flexible: Allocate a portion of your budget for spontaneous adventures or upgrades.
• Join Local Communities: Connect with other travelers through the Facebook Group Xiaoliuqiu for Foreigners to get the latest information. It’s also a last resort to reach out to some locals who may want to exchange some TWD for foreign currencies.
  

By following this guide, you'll be well-prepared to manage your Xiaoliuqiu cash and fully enjoy the island's rich offerings of activities, food, restaurants, and bars. Happy travels!