TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan was ranked as the least expensive place for Americans to visit this year by the personal finance firm NerdWallet. 

In its list of “16 Cheap Places to Travel in 2025,” Taiwan came in first place, followed by Indonesia, India, South Africa, and the Philippines. The company based its rankings on costs such as lodging and transportation, currency exchange rates, and visa and entry fees. 

The firm said it chose Taiwan because US tourists do not need a visa, meals can be purchased for less than NT$329 (US$10), and transportation is inexpensive. For example, it said a bus ride in Taipei costs less than 50 US cents, while subway tickets start at 60 US cents. 

“With cheap breakfast stalls and bustling night markets, Taiwan is a food lover’s paradise,” said NerdWallet. However, beyond Taiwan's famous bubble tea and pineapple cake, there is more to explore. 

The company pointed out that in Taipei, Taiwan's most populous city, visitors will find Taipei 101, national parks, and hot springs. The firm described Taiwan's mass transit as easy to navigate, and Taiwan's rail network enables visitors to quickly travel across the country.  

Those on the US West Coast have the most airline options, with direct services provided by Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, as well as the three main Taiwanese carriers, EVA Air, China Airlines, and Starlux. In addition, EVA Air and China Airlines offer direct flights to Taipei from other US cities such as New York John F. Kennedy and Chicago O'Hare.