Useful Travel Information

About Taiwan

Taiwan is a gorgeous place, surrounded by water and green hills across the entire island. The friendly locals add to its charm, making it a lively and welcoming destination. It's a blend of tradition and modernity, where ancient temples and busy night markets exist. Taiwan is a place of natural beauty, cultural richness and freedom.

With its unique fusion of cultures, breathtaking scenery, diverse cuisine, exciting city life and well developed hospitality industry, Taiwan is an ideal destination for many types of travelers. Citizens of more than 60 countries and territories are eligible for visa-exempt entry for a period of 30 or 90 days- Taiwan cordially awaits you!

GENERAL INFORMATION

Weather & Temperature

Taiwan has a tropical maritime climate with hot summers and mild winters. The average temperature ranges from 20-30°C (68-86°F) in summer and 10-20°C (50-68°F) in winter. There is a high level of humidity throughout the year.

Timezone

Taipei is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)

Electric Wattage

Taiwan uses an electric current of 110 volts at 60 cycles, appliances from Europe, Australia or South-East Asia will need an adaptor or transformer.

Currency

The official currency in Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$). Foreign currencies can be exchanged at government-designated banks and hotels. Major credit cards such as American Express, Master Card, and Visa are well accepted convenient. Moreover, traveler's checks may be cashed at foreign-exchange banks, some tourist-oriented businesses, and most international tourist hotels.

Tipping

Tipping is not customary in Taiwan. However, some hotels and restaurants automatically add a 10% service fee to the bill.

Tax Refund

Eligible Applicants:
Foreign travelers who enter the R.O.C. with the following documents and stay for no more than 183 days from the date of Arrival:

  1. Passport of a country other than the R.O.C.
  2. R.O.C. passport without personal ID No. recorded
  3. Travel documents.
  4. Exit & Entry permit.
  5. Temporary entry permit

Requirements for VAT Refund: Foreign travelers, with the entry document, who make purchases of at least NT$2,000 on the same day from the same designated stores with the "Taiwan Tax Refund"- label are eligible to request the "Application Form for VAT Refund." To claim the refund, they must apply at the port of their departure from the R.O.C. within 90 days following the date of purchase, and they must take the purchased goods out of the country with them.

Medical

Ranked as one of the best universal health care systems in the world, Taiwan prides itself as having over 99% of its population coverage to both residents and nationals. Satisfaction rates have an approval rating of over 80% and there are many English-speaking doctors available for any health concerns.

Transportation

There are two main airports in Northern Taiwan, Taoyuan International Airport in Taoyuan city and Taipei Songshan Airport in Taipei city. These two airports are one of the important hubs in Pacific Region. In order to be more effectively protecting our environment, we would like to invite you to be part of the eco-friendly traveler group and book your trips with airlines which take part in Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) or other similar projects.

Taipei Mass Rapid Transit System (MRT)

The Taipei MRT currently has six lines in operation. Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines in all MRT stations. A "Single-journey Ticket" costs between NT$20 to NT$65 depending on the distance. NT$180 "Taipei one day Pass" purchased at any service booth MRT stations where gives you to take all the MRT lines and buses with unlimited entry. The MRT runs from 6 am to 12 midnight seven days a week. Smoking, eating, drinking, or chewing gum are prohibited on all MRT stations and on all trains

  • Travel Pass Discounted Ticket (One-Day, Multi-day Pass, and more)
  • Joint Tickets (Taipei Metro & Taoyuan Airport MRT and more)

Taxi

Taipei has a huge fleet of taxi. Taxi fare charges are NT$70 for the first 1.25km and NT$5 for every 200 meters. An additional NT$5 is charged for every two minutes of waiting, and a 20% surcharge is added to fares between 11 pm and 6 am. All fares appear on the meter, except for a NT$10 charge for cabs dispatched by phone and each piece of luggage placed in the taxi trunk. Tips are not required

Sharing Bike

The Taipei Bike Sharing System is abbreviated as YouBike. It uses an unmanned automated management system to provide "A Leases and B Returns" 24- hour bike rental service in the hope that the citizens will choose bikes as their short-distance transit vehicles. You may rent a Youbike either as a Member or a one-time rental user. Single Rental users can use kiosks at each station to rent a bike and use credit cards to pay. The rate is NT$ 10 per 30 minutes within the first 4 hours, NT$ 20 per 30 minutes between 4 to 8 hours, and NT$ 40 per 30 minutes exceeding 8 hours.

Other Information​