What you will find in this area
This area covers tickets and access modes, the Luma registration flow, cost of living in Taitung, transportation, the Hualien tour, speaker and Side Event partnerships, and visa + contact info.
TDF 2026
Complete Guide
A unified guide to festival participation, member tools, partner stay booking, and visa support documents.
Event
Member
Event Guide
First, figure out how to join the festival
If this is your first time at TDF, start with tickets, registration, accommodation, transportation, and speaker info.
Tickets & Access
Ticket tiers, single events, and order confirmation
Understand the tiers and which events they unlock before worrying about logging in to view your order.
What ticket tiers are available?
TDF 2026 has four tiers: Follower (free — subscribe + follow on IG for purple events), Explorer ($30 — blue + purple events), Contributor ($300 — green + blue + purple events), Backer ($600 — all events + Hualien 3-day tour). Weekly Backer tickets are also available for single-week attendance.
Can I buy a single event without a festival pass?
Yes. White (Side Event) activities can be registered and paid for individually without a festival pass. Other colored events may also offer single-event payment options.
How do I confirm my order after purchasing?
A confirmation email is sent automatically after purchase. If you did not receive it, sign in with your email via the top-right of the site to view your orders in the member home. Still missing? Contact registration@taiwandigitalfest.com or DM us on Instagram.
Can I get a refund?
Tickets are non-refundable by default, but you can transfer a paid ticket to a friend yourself before the cutoff date.
Registration
Using your ticket to reserve individual events
At TDF, buying a ticket and reserving a seat are separate steps: get access first, then reserve each event on Luma (our event reservation platform).
Get access first
Purchase a festival pass, or hold an identity/role that the event accepts.
Reserve on Luma
Luma is the event reservation platform we use. Go to each event's Luma page and submit a reservation; staff will verify your ticket tier and registration order.
Wait for approval
Once approved you will see your status on Luma and receive a confirmation email. On the day of the event, check in with your Luma reservation.
When will I get my registration confirmation?
The system automatically matches the ticket tier you selected on Luma against your TDF member status; mismatches are declined. Make sure you sign in to the member home and confirm your status before submitting a reservation on Luma.
What happens if I don't show up?
No-shows will have their spot released to waitlisted attendees on-site. Repeat no-shows will be moved to waitlist status for their next event (normal reservation restored after that).
Are events limited in capacity?
Yes. To ensure quality, events have limited capacity. Approvals are based on ticket tier and registration order.
Accommodation & Cost
Where to stay and what a month in Taitung costs
You book your own stay. Know the cost range and neighborhood trade-offs before you choose.
How much does it cost to live in Taitung for a month?
Hotels: 25,000–40,000 TWD/month. Guesthouses/Airbnb: 15,000–30,000 TWD/month. Meals: breakfast 60–150, lunch 90–180, dinner 90–240 TWD. Overall about 25,000–40,000 TWD/month including accommodation and meals, depending on lifestyle.
Does the organizer arrange accommodation?
Accommodation is not centrally arranged — participants book their own. The website provides recommended lodging options in Taitung. If you need help booking, reach out to us on the WhatsApp community group. We have reserved accommodation for attendees who need booking assistance.
Is there a TDF partner accommodation?
We have local partner venues at around $25–30 USD per night. See the partner stay page on our website for details.
| Type | Monthly (TWD) | Monthly (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel (bed) | 12,000–18,000 | ~400–600 |
| Airbnb room | 15,000–30,000 | ~500–1,000 |
| Budget hotel | 25,000–40,000 | ~830–1,330 |
| Full apartment | 12,000–20,000 | ~400–660 |
Where to find housing
Airbnb: search "Taitung City" and filter for monthly stays (long-stay discounts common). 591.com.tw: Taiwan's largest rental platform (mostly Chinese). Facebook Groups: search for Taitung rental groups. TDF WhatsApp Group: ask other participants about shared housing.
Recommended areas
Taitung City Center (near the bus terminal / Tiehua Village): best amenities, close to most venues. Dulan: coastal vibe, great for surfing and slow living, 30 min to the city center. Chishang / Guanshan: rice paddy scenery, ideal for Week 2 events.
Recommendations by attendance duration
Full month attendees: stay in Taitung City for best convenience. Single week: Week 1 — South Link (Jinlun); Week 2 — East Rift Valley (Chishang, Guanshan); Week 3 — Coast (Dulan); Week 4 — City Center.
| Meal | Cost (TWD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | 40–80 | Breakfast shops, soy milk shops |
| Lunch | 80–150 | Bento, noodle shops, buffets |
| Dinner | 100–250 | Street food, restaurants |
| Coffee | 60–150 | Per cup at cafes |
| Self-catering | 150–250/day | PX Mart groceries |
Local flavors
Taitung specialties include Chishang rice, sugar apples, red oolong tea, roselle, and indigenous cuisine. Night markets and local eateries offer the best value.
| Item | Budget (TWD) | Comfort (TWD) | Budget (USD) | Comfort (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 12,000 | 30,000 | 400 | 1,000 |
| Food | 6,000 | 12,000 | 200 | 400 |
| Transport (scooter) | 5,400 | 9,000 | 180 | 300 |
| Internet (SIM) | 900 | 900 | 30 | 30 |
| Activities | 3,000 | 10,000 | 100 | 330 |
| Misc. | 2,000 | 5,000 | 65 | 165 |
| Total | ~29,300 | ~66,900 | ~975 | ~2,225 |
Coworking spaces
Tai Dang Creative Base (Taitung City, 250 TWD/day, has projector), Roots Coworking (Chishang, 560 TWD/3-day pass, yoga mats, rooftop), Heliu Living Lab (Dulan, 3-story space for coworking and socializing), Yeshi Coffee (Taitung City, minimum one drink order). During TDF, "Digital Nomad Friendly" certified shops will be promoted — speed-tested venues ideal for remote work.
Weather & clothing
May in Taitung averages 25–32°C (77–90°F) with occasional afternoon thundershowers and strong UV. Pack: light breathable clothing, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, light rain gear, swimwear, mosquito repellent.
Transportation
Getting to Taitung and getting around
Venues are spread across Taitung. Plan your journey in, then pick a daily transport mode.
How do I get between event venues?
You need to make your own way to each venue. You can take the train (TRA), intercity bus, rent a car, rent a scooter, or use YouBike. We also recommend using the WhatsApp group for Car Share (carpooling).
How is transportation arranged for the Hualien tour?
Meeting point: Hualien Train Station at 10:00 AM. Getting to Hualien (about 90 min by train) is not included. During the tour, a 30-seat bus is provided for all three days.
| Taipei → Taitung | Duration | Cost (TWD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train (Puyuma/Taroko) | 3.5–4.5 hrs | ~935 | Best option, book 28 days ahead |
| Train (Chu-Kuang) | 5–5.5 hrs | ~603 | More available seats |
| Flight (Songshan→Taitung) | 50 min | ~3,500 | ~6 flights daily |
| Kaohsiung → Taitung | Duration | Cost (TWD) |
|---|---|---|
| Train (Tze-Chiang) | 2–2.5 hrs | ~486 |
| Drive (South Link Highway) | ~3 hrs | Gas |
Scooter rental (recommended)
Rental shops near the train station. 125cc: 200–500 TWD/day, monthly: ~180–300 TWD/day. International visitors need an International Driving Permit (IDP) plus home license. Traffic enforcement is strict — always wear a helmet.
YouBike
YouBike stations are available around Taitung City, great for short trips. Use an EasyCard or iPASS to rent. First 30 minutes: 5 TWD.
Taxi
Use LINE Taxi or 55688 app for convenient ride-hailing.
Bus system
Puyuma Bus Route 101: city loop, ~1 hour, 25 TWD per section. Taiwan Tourist Shuttle — East Coast: Taitung → Xiaoyeliu → Jialulan → Sanxiantai. Taiwan Tourist Shuttle — East Rift Valley: Taitung → Chulu Ranch → Luye Terrace.
Carpooling
During TDF, use the WhatsApp group's Car Share feature to coordinate rides with other participants.
| App | Use |
|---|---|
| Google Maps | Navigation, bus routes |
| TRA e-Booking | Train tickets |
| Uber / LINE TAXI | Ride-hailing |
| LINE | Taiwan's most popular messaging app |
| 7-ELEVEN / FamilyMart App | Loyalty points, mobile payments |
Hualien Tour
The Hualien 3-day, 2-night tour
A three-day Hualien trip available as an add-on to every ticket tier.
How much is the Hualien tour and what's included?
$200 USD. Includes: 3-day bus transport in Hualien, 5/29 lunch + dinner + accommodation, 5/30 all meals + accommodation, 5/31 breakfast + lunch. Not included: transport to Hualien, personal souvenirs.
What's the room type for the Hualien stay?
One private en-suite room per person at Muzhan Hualien Hotel.
Can non-Backers join the Hualien tour?
Yes, but registration only opens in the final week before the tour starts.
Speakers & Partners
Becoming a speaker or co-organizer
If you want to share a talk at TDF or host a Side Event, here are the application flow and partnership model.
How do I apply to be a speaker?
Fill out the Call for Speaker form: https://forms.gle/pVc6oTEi1XZ1pAR49. The team will assign you to an appropriate week based on your topic. You can note preferred dates in the notes.
What do speakers receive?
Approved speakers receive a complimentary ticket code for the corresponding tier. No speaker fees are paid.
What information do speakers need to provide?
1. Available dates and times 2. Talk title 3. High-resolution headshot (for promotion) 4. Organization and title 5. English bio (under 50 words) 6. English talk summary (under 200 words)
How do I apply to host a Side Event?
Fill out the Call for Side Event form: https://forms.gle/EofTp9Qso27jEeeY7, and email fest@dna.org.tw to let us know.
What's the Side Event partnership model?
The organizer participates as a co-organizer. You can use partner venues (free) or find your own (up to NT$3,000 subsidy after approval). Event pages must use the Luma system. For paid events, the organizer handles payment collection with a 10% service fee.
Visa & Contact
Visa, medical, contact, and volunteering
What to sort out before you arrive, and how to reach the team on the ground.
I need a visa to enter Taiwan. Can the organizer help?
The organizer cannot process visa applications. Please check the Republic of China (Taiwan) Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for your country's visa requirements.
Can you provide a participation certificate or invitation letter?
Yes. After completing your purchase, go to the visa support document page in the member home to download the PDF yourself.
How do I become a TDF volunteer?
Fill out the volunteer application form: https://forms.gle/SPCggMHifbE3oqkk7. The organizer holds an online volunteer orientation with group interviews by role.
Visa information
Taiwan launched its Digital Nomad Visa in 2025, allowing remote workers to stay up to 6 months. Most countries (US, Japan, EU, UK, Australia, NZ, Korea, etc.) enjoy 90-day visa-free entry. For details, visit the Nomad Taiwan site: https://nomading.tw.
Medical & insurance
Taitung has Mackay Memorial Hospital, Christian Hospital, and St. Mary's Hospital. International visitors should purchase travel and medical insurance before departure. Without National Health Insurance, clinic visits cost about 500–1,500 TWD.
Contact
Email: fest@dna.org.tw. Instagram: @taiwandigitalfest. WhatsApp Community: managed by Community Manager Maria.
Internet & connectivity
Get a prepaid SIM at the airport arrivals hall. Chunghwa Telecom is recommended for Taitung — best coverage in mountain and coastal areas. 30-day unlimited data: ~899–1,000 TWD. eSIM available via KKday or Klook. Most cafes and coworking spaces offer free Wi-Fi.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 110V / 60Hz (same as US & Japan) |
| Outlets | Type A/B (US-style flat prongs) |
| Currency | TWD, 1 USD ≈ 30 TWD |
| Payment | Cash preferred; cards accepted at convenience stores and larger restaurants |
| Tap water | Not drinkable — buy bottled water |
| Timezone | UTC+8 |
Member Guide
More than just an order lookup — a full member toolkit
As a TDF member you can sign in, see your member card, share a public or private profile, collect other attendees, manage your events and orders, transfer tickets to friends, adjust email preferences, and upgrade your ticket tier.
What you will find in this area
This section walks through who counts as a member, how to sign in and view your member card, how to edit your profile and public page, how collections work, your events and orders, ticket transfers, email preferences, ticket upgrades, and parts of the experience we are still polishing.
What Counts as a Member
Who is a TDF member
If you have ever interacted with TDF — bought a ticket, subscribed to our newsletter, or received one of our event emails — your email is already a member. Sign in to your member home and you will see all the member features.
Who automatically becomes a member
You do not need to buy a ticket. If you have subscribed to our newsletter, or received any of our event emails, your email automatically becomes a member with access to your member card and related features.
What if the system does not recognize you
You can still sign in with your email, but some features (member number, public profile, collections) will look empty. If you are sure you have purchased a ticket or subscribed and your data is still missing, please email fest@dna.org.tw and we will help you sort it out.
Login & Identity Card
Sign in with an email code, then see your member card
Enter your email and we will send you a 6-digit verification code; type it in to sign in. You can request a fresh code if needed, and you will stay signed in for 7 days. Once signed in, the member home shows your member card, registered events, order history, collection alerts, and personal settings in one place.
Everything in one place
After signing in, you see your member number, tier, profile card, registered events, orders, transfer history, collection alerts, stay summary, and email preferences all on a single page.
How your member tier is decided
Your tier is set automatically based on the tickets you have purchased: free member (follower), single-week ticket holder, regular ticket holder, or top-tier ticket holder — each with its own valid period. If you have not bought a ticket yet, you start as a free member.
Profile Card & Public Page
Your member card can be public or stay private
Your card can show a display name, avatar, location, short bio, interest tags, and social links — and you can switch between public visibility and private mode at any time.
What you can fill in
You can edit your display name, avatar, location, bio, interest tags, and social links yourself. Avatars accept JPEG, PNG, or WebP, up to 2MB.
Public card and member directory
Once you make your card public, you get your own member page link and appear in the public member directory, where other attendees can find you.
Sharing privately
Even when your card stays private, you can still pull up a QR code on your member card on-site to share it ad hoc. To protect your privacy the QR code refreshes every 5 minutes.
Collections
Collect other members, and see who has collected you
Met someone interesting at an event? Add them to your collection so you can find them again later.
How to collect
Once signed in, you can collect anyone directly from their public member page. If their card is private, ask them to show you their on-site QR code first.
Where to review them
The Collections tab in your member home shows everyone you have collected, who has collected you, any new collection notifications, and lets you remove anyone from your list.
Events & Orders
Your member home doubles as your participation history
See every event you have signed up for and every ticket you have bought, all in one place.
My events
Your member home automatically syncs from Luma (our event reservation platform): upcoming and past events, whether you are approved or on the waitlist, whether you checked in on-site, and whether any past no-show has been cleared.
Order center
Every ticket you have bought is listed here. If you previously added an upgrade, the system displays it grouped with the original order. Open any order to see the amount, discount, tax, payment method, contact details, and transfer history.
Transfers
Cannot use your ticket? Transfer it to a friend
If you cannot make it after all, you can transfer your paid ticket to a friend yourself, no support ticket needed. If you previously added an upgrade, that moves with the ticket so they never get split apart.
Start the transfer in your member home
Only paid orders that are still inside the transfer window will show a Transfer button; once the cutoff has passed it is no longer available.
Upgrades go with the ticket
If you previously paid for an upgrade, the original ticket and the upgrade move to your friend together — they will not be separated.
Track the result
Your member home lists every order you have transferred out. Once the transfer goes through, both you and the recipient receive a notification email and both sides get a clean record.
Email Preferences
Three kinds of notifications, each with its own switch
Do not want every email? Toggle each category on or off, or unsubscribe from all of them in one click.
- Newsletter: regular content updates
- Event notifications: registration, reminders, schedule changes
- Nomad Award emails: voting and award-related news
Upgrade
Want to upgrade your ticket? We calculate the difference and charge it
On the upgrade page, the system automatically finds your highest existing ticket, calculates the price difference between your current tier and the new one, and takes you to a payment page to top up the difference.
Upgrading to a single-week ticket needs our help
You can self-upgrade between regular ticket tiers online. If you want to upgrade to a single-week ticket (Weekly Backer), we currently handle it manually — please email fest@dna.org.tw.
Partner Stay
Book our partner accommodation directly on the website
The partner stay page shows weekly availability and room details for Norden Ruder, and lets you book and manage everything online.
What you can see without signing in
Anyone can browse room types, weekly prices, remaining availability, and the stay rules.
Booking requires sign-in
To actually submit a booking, you need to sign in as a member first. If you are not signed in, the site will prompt you to log in before continuing.
How Booking Works
Book with a card guarantee or with an invite code
Pick the week(s) you want to stay and fill in the guest details. Bookings are single-occupancy only for now — double occupancy is not yet supported.
Check weekly availability and room details
The stay page shows the dates, price, real room details, and remaining rooms for each week.
Pick your weeks after signing in
Once signed in, use the booking panel to select the week(s) you want and enter the guest name and phone number. Each booking is single-occupancy.
Use a card guarantee or an invite code
Regular bookings require a credit card to hold the reservation (you will not be charged immediately). If you have a valid invite code, you can enter it instead and skip the card guarantee.
After Booking
After booking, you can change weeks, join a waitlist, or transfer
Once booked, you can manage everything from your member home.
Your stay summary in the member home
After signing in, you will see your current stay status, with shortcuts to "Book stay", "Manage my stay", or "Accept a transfer" depending on what you have.
What you can do
After booking you can change which week you stay, transfer your stay to a friend, or join the waitlist when a week is fully booked — we will notify you if a room frees up.
Rules & Notes
Partner stay has its own charge and transfer rules
A few things to keep in mind before you book.
- If you book a stay but neither show up nor cancel in advance, you may be charged for the full week.
- Waitlist offers and incoming transfers have a response deadline — if you do not respond in time, the slot is automatically released to someone else.
- Remaining room counts update as waitlists, transfers, and routine cleanup run.
- If you run into any problems, please email fest@dna.org.tw and we will help you sort it out.
Visa Support Documents
Members can download a visa support letter from their member home
Need a document to support your visa application? Members can fill in their visa details and download an official PDF support letter directly from the member home.
Save your details first
Enter your passport English name, nationality, date of birth, passport number, issuing country, passport expiry date, planned arrival and departure dates, your address in Taiwan, and the overseas mission you plan to apply at — then save the form.
Download the PDF
Based on your member profile and the tickets you have purchased, we will automatically generate an official PDF for you to download.
What this document is
It is a visa support letter — it can support your application, but it is not a guarantee that a visa will be issued. The decision still belongs to the consulate or representative office.
Other things to know
To prevent misuse, you cannot re-download the document repeatedly in a short period. The content reflects the details and ticket history you currently have on file.
Notes
Current Limitations & Notes
Some profile fields need our help
Your public member page can display your languages and timezone, but there is no self-service editor for them yet. If you would like to update them, please email fest@dna.org.tw and we will help.
Upgrading to a single-week ticket needs our help
You can self-upgrade between regular ticket tiers online. If you want to upgrade to a single-week ticket (Weekly Backer), please email fest@dna.org.tw — we currently process these manually.
Nomad Award is open to everyone
You do not need to log in as a member to take part in Nomad Award — anyone with an email subscription can vote. So it is not part of the members-only feature set.
Stay management screens are still being polished
Booking, waitlists, and transfers for partner stays all work, but a few of the management screens are still being polished. If you hit any issues, please email fest@dna.org.tw.
A visa support letter is not a visa
The document can support your visa application but does not guarantee that an official visa will be issued.
Contact
Can't find what you need? Ask us directly
Join the WhatsApp community to chat with the team and other participants in real time. Email is a slower fallback.
Join the WhatsApp community
Both the organizers and participants hang out here