Taichung Ching Chuang Kang Airport Car Rentals: Best Rates & Zero Hidden Fees

You need BOTH your US driver's license AND an International Driving Permit (IDP). Your US license alone is not valid in Taiwan—the IDP acts as an official translation. Get your IDP before departure from any AAA office in the US (about $20, valid for 1 year). Without both documents, rental companies will refuse to hand over the vehicle and you could face fines of NT$6,000–NT$12,000 if stopped by police.

Yes, most Taiwan rental companies charge a young driver fee for drivers under 25. Expect to pay an extra NT$200–NT$350 per day on top of the base rate. Some companies like Chrysler/Jeep rentals or luxury vehicles require drivers to be at least 25, so book wisely. Budget accordingly—this surcharge can add NT$1,400–NT$2,450 to a 7-day rental.

Taiwan uses electronic toll collection (ETC) with no cash toll booths on highways. You have two options: rent an OBU device (NT$10–NT$30/day) which automatically charges your credit card, or use the "Pay by Plate" lane and receive a bill later. For a week of driving, OBU rental costs around NT$70–NT$210—negligible for convenience. Without ETC, you'll waste time registering online to pay within 7 days or face a NT$300 surcharge.

Three critical differences: (1) Scooters rule the road—expect them weaving between cars, especially in Taichung's urban areas; (2) No right turn on red is strictly enforced here, unlike most US states; (3) Yellow lights are short—brake early. Speed limits are 110 km/h on highways (~68 mph), 50 km/h on urban roads. Cameras are everywhere, and taillight violations on scooters frequently trigger fines for nearby cars. Stay alert in rain—roads become slick and visibility drops fast.

Your credit card's collision damage waiver (CDW) often DOES cover rentals in Taiwan, but with a US$500–US$1,000 deductible and exclusions for common damages. Taiwan's mandatory third-party liability insurance is barebones. We recommend purchasing the rental company's full coverage package (NT$150–NT$300/day) which waives the deductible and covers glass, tires, and theft. This is especially worth it given Taiwan's narrow roads and abundant scooters.

Parking is genuinely challenging in downtown Taichung. Street parking costs NT$20–NT$40 per hour in metered zones, payable via EasyCard or the "Parking Pay" app. Red and white striped zones mean no parking—tow trucks are aggressive, and retrieval costs NT$1,000–NT$3,000 plus fines. Your safest bet for sightseeing is Taichung Railway Station or major malls where parking is free for 1–2 hours. Always note posted time restrictions.