Taiwan 2020 Crime & Safety Report This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) in Taipei. The U.S. maintains unofficial relations with the people of Taiwan through AIT, a private nonprofit corporation, which performs citizen and consular services similar to those at diplomatic posts. OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in Taiwan. For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s Taiwan page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private- sector representatives with an OSAC password. Travel Advisory The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Taiwan at Level 1, indicating travelers should exercise normal precautions. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System. Overall Crime and Safety Situation Crime Threats The U.S. Department of State has assessed Taipei as being a LOW-threat location for crime. There is extensive CCTV coverage throughout Taiwan (30,000 cameras in Taipei, 25,000 in Kaohsiung, and 35,000 in New Taipei City). The network of security cameras at traffic intersections, commercial establishments, and public areas of hotels and residential buildings means that authorities can monitor and/or record most activity occurring outside of the home. The extensive coverage plays a significant role in deterring the majority of criminal activity, and most streets in Taiwan are generally safe. Pickpockets can be a problem in crowded areas, especially at various night markets. Exercise the same common sense precautions as in any large cosmopolitan area, such as maintaining a low profile and remaining aware of surroundings at all times. Review OSAC’s report, All That You Should Leave Behind. Violent crime against foreigners is unusual, and overall violent crime rates in Taiwan are among the lowest in the world. Dial 113 to reach the Taipei Center for the Prevention of Domestic violence and Sexual Assault. Residential thefts occur, particularly in buildings without 24-hour security coverage. Fraud is an issue in Taiwan. Victims are primarily located in mainland China and are contacted telephonically by an individual claiming to represent the police, prosecutor’s office, government agency, bank, insurance company, or other financial institution. Many of these frauds are perpetrated by criminals from Taiwan located in Southeast Asia, North America, Africa, and Europe, making identification, arrest, and prosecution difficult. Victims should immediately report fraud through the fraud hotline at 165. 1 Cybersecurity Issues Free Wi-Fi hot spots and internet cafes are commonly available at airports, hotels, public transportation hubs, and other areas. Many of these networks are not secure and may be vulnerable to cyberattacks. Avoid conducting sensitive conversations and/or financial transactions when using public, unsecured networks. Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices, and Satellite Phones: Critical or Contraband? Transportation-Safety Situation Road Safety and Road Conditions Whether driving, bicycling, or walking, remain especially cautious while in traffic. Traffic in Taiwan moves on the right side of the road. Taiwan has an extensive list of traffic laws or regulations, including mandatory use of seatbelts. Additionally, Taiwan has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI). Anyone who is convicted of this crime can receive heavy finesy or a harsh prison sentence. The blood alcohol content limit for drivers in Taiwan is much lower than the limit in the U.S. The most challenging aspect of driving is the multiple streams of scooters and motorcycles on the roads. Scooter and bicycle accidents are the largest source of accidental U.S. citizen death in Taiwan, as scooters often fail to obey traffic laws or follow generally-accepted driving practices. Motor scooters will pass on both sides of a vehicle. You are legally required to ensure that no motor scooter, bicycle, or other vehicle is approaching from behind before opening the door. Do not turn right on a red traffic signal. Although pedestrians have the right of way in marked crosswalks, drivers often do not yield; therefore, it is incumbent on pedestrians to check for traffic when at crosswalks. Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad. Public Transportation Conditions All forms of public transportation are generally safe. Taxis are metered, and drivers are licensed. All taxi drivers must display their license either on the dashboard or on the rear of the front passenger seat. This license includes a unique identifying number for the taxi driver that is useful should patrons need to retrieve personal items left in taxi cabs or file complaints. Buses and the subways are safe and reliable. Directions are posted in English, and several free smartphone apps list bus and subway routes. A high-speed rail connects Taipei to Kaohsiung, with trains running throughout the day. Review OSAC’s report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights. 2 Aviation/Airport Conditions Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) in Taipei and Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) are Taiwan’s major airports. Taoyuan airport has many direct flights to the U.S. and is a hub for Asia. China Airlines and EVA Air are Taiwan’s two major airlines, both of which have multiple direct flights to the U.S. and other international destinations. Songshan International Airport (TSA) in Taipei offers flights to cities including Shanghai, Osaka, and Tokyo. Other Travel Conditions The roads in eastern Taiwan, particularly coastal roads, are older and prone to flooding and collapse caused by typhoons and earthquakes. Road closures in the mountainous and rural areas are not uncommon during/after typhoons. Terrorism Threat The U.S. Department of State has assessed Taipei as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism. Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence Civil Unrest The U.S. Department of State has assessed Taipei as being a LOW-threat location for or political violence. Taiwan enjoys a vibrant democracy. Protests and demonstrations occur on a regular basis in major cities, particularly during elections. Demonstrations rarely turn violent, although they may become confrontational between opposing groups. Protest organizers must obtain permits from the police. Police often set aside areas for demonstrators, and police presence is clearly visible. Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest Post-specific Concerns Dual Nationality and Compulsory Military Sercice Taiwan has compulsory military service for Taiwan national males between the ages of 18 and 36. This includes dual U.S./Taiwan citizens who enter Taiwan on their U.S. passports. Authorities can arrest and/or fine dual U.S./Taiwan citizen males for failure to complete the compulsory military service. Environmental Hazards During the typhoon season (April through October), Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau issues typhoon warnings on average six times a year (of which three to four normally make landfall) and heavy rainstorm alerts more frequently. Typhoons have caused road closures, major mudslides, and the collapse of buildings/structures. Taiwan periodically experiences significant earthquakes of magnitude 6.0 or greater. A 6.4-magnitude earthquake in 2016 caused 117 deaths and widespread damage. A 7.6-magnitude earthquake in 1999 resulted in the death of more than 2,400 people. 3 Critical Infrastructure Taiwanese infrastructure elicits few concerns aside from occasional power outages in rural areas that may result from earthquakes or typhoons. In Taipei, there is seldom flooding and very rarely any power outages, even during large typhoons and earthquakes. Economic Concerns Growing economic and business ties between China and Taiwan have increased concerns that employees might take corporate trade secrets to China for personal profit. The Trade Secrets law stipulates a maximum penalty of ten years and fines for such activities; however, this amendment does not provide investigators with tools (such as wiretapping) to prevent the theft of trade secrets. Once an employee absconds to China, the individual is beyond the reach of Taiwan’s prosecutorial system. Privacy Concerns Taiwan’s personal information protection act is very protective of the privacy of Taiwan nationals, and is designed to prevent the inappropriate dissemination of personal information by government, law enforcement, or private organizations. Personal Identity Concerns Although rare, there have been instances in the past where foreign men have been severely injured after directly engaging with or making overtures toward Taiwan women accompanied by other men. There are no legal restrictions on same-sex relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Taiwan. Taiwan law prohibits education and employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. In May of 2019, Taiwan was the first place in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. However, LGBTI individuals may still face a lack of tolerance, particularly in areas outside the capital and largest city Taipei. See Section