Need cash when I land, best place in Taiwan? Airport or places in the city?
I always grab a small amount at the airport - enough for train and metro fare. Once I’m in Taipei, I head to a Land Bank or Fubon Bank ATM, and use my Wise debit card to withdrawal TWD. You get a far better rate compared to airport conversion counters, and ATMs are everywhere. So yes: buffer at the airport, main withdrawal in city.
Used the Taichung Airport kiosk for just TWD 1,500 and found the rate was okay, but ATM withdrawals in the city at Cathay United Bank were noticeably better. No hidden fees plus you're using the mid-market rate. My rule: get enough cash to catch public transport, then use a city bank ATM for the rest.
I arrived at Kaohsiung International, grabbed TWD 2,000 from the airport counter for transport. Two hours later, I visited a Mega International Bank ATM in the city and got roughly 1-2% better exchange. Using your debit card is smoother and cheaper than exchanging larger sums at the airport, so limit airport conversions to small cash needs.
Changed a small amount at Taoyuan Airport exchange - just enough for the MRT and a meal. The rate was worse than what I got at Bank of Taiwan ATM in Taipei Main Station. If you only need a buffer, exchange a bit at the airport; then withdraw TWD from a bank ATM in town for better value.