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Things You Need to Know
for travel to Taiwan
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IMPORTANT
Every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this booklet. However, things
change so fast in Taiwan, and in the way that we have to respond to these changing conditions, that
inaccuracies in the information in this booklet may occur. For that reason, all statements are intended as a
guideline only and no litigation may be based upon inaccuracies contained in this booklet. The contents of this
booklet do not constitute part of, or in anyway amend, the booking conditions or publicised tour inclusions of
DISCOVER ASIA.
Thank you for using DISCOVER ASIA in the planning of your tour to Taiwan. You will find plenty more
information to assist in planning your tour on our website www.discoverasia.com.au
• For information about cities and sights in Taiwan – see ‘Glossary of Cities’
• For our Booking Conditions – see ‘Booking Conditions’ under Taiwan
• For our Booking Form – see ‘Booking Form’ on our Home Page
• For assistance in designing an Independent Tour – see ‘Independent Tour Request’
PRE-TOUR INFORMATION
ALTERATION TO ITINERARY:
Occasionally, tours cannot be operated exactly as per the published itinerary. This can be due to temporary
airport closures, flight schedule changes or other operational requirements encountered by our supplier. Such
changes may be advised to us at extremely short notice, and often not at all. Whenever possible you will be
advised of these changes prior to your departure. Sometimes our supplier advises us of itinerary changes with
the qualification that, the itinerary may have further changes at a later date, or, is expected to revert back to the
original. Alteration to your itinerary, and to the standard of your accommodation can occur, though less
frequently than in years past. Generally, by the end of your tour, you will have seen all that you had hoped to see
in Taiwan. These potential changes are totally beyond the control of tour operators within Australia. The best we
can do is to provide you with the very best possible guides to minimise the inconvenience to you if changes to
your itinerary should occur. In such rare circumstances, you may not be advised of these changes prior to your
departure and your final itinerary may be advised to you upon arrival in Taiwan. It is the policy of our supplier
that no refunds will be made for alteration to or omissions in published itineraries. This may occasionally appear
harsh or unfair, but, it is a precondition of travel to Taiwan and booking with our supplier. Please rest assured
that, when itinerary changes are required, the utmost attention is paid by this company to ensure that they incur
the least possible inconvenience to our passengers. Please refer to our Booking Conditions enclosed with your
invoice for definition of the term 'supplier'.
CASH/TRAVELLERS CHEQUES/CREDIT CARDS:
The standard unit of currency in Taiwan is the NEW TAIWAN DOLLAR (NT$). For the current exchange rate,
check our website. It is very difficult to buy and sell Taiwan currency outside Taiwan. One of the first things you
should do on arriving in Taiwan is exchange some foreign currency into local currency. There is a "Bank of
Taiwan" exchange desk near the greeting area at Chiang Kai-shek International Airport. Most major hotels also
have an exchange counter where transactions may be done, but normally at a lower rate. If not using the hotel
service, visitors to Taiwan can only exchange money at the Bank of Taiwan, and generally, only the main office
will accept currency other than American dollars. The Bank of Taiwan often has long queues and is generally
closed during lunch hours. On leaving Taiwan, local currency can only be changed back into foreign currency
when proof of previous transactions can be shown. It is therefore important to get and keep a receipt for all
currency exchanges you do while in Taiwan. The Bank of Taiwan counter in the check-in area of Chiang Kai-
shek Airport usually only has American dollars and Japanese Yen readily available, occasionally Hong Kong
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Dollars. It is very rare for Australian Dollars to be available. We recommend that you carry your travel funds in
Australian or US dollar travellers cheques. These are readily accepted at all major hotels. VISA, DINERS CLUB,
AMERICAN EXPRESS, MASTERCARD can be used at major hotels to obtain cash, or for payment of services.
Many large department stores also accept credit cards, but it is easier and more convenient to pay in cash. Do
not depend on your credit card as your major source of funds while in Taiwan. ATMs are readily available in
major towns, but some only handle 'domestic' cards.
CLIMATE:
Taiwan is classified as a sub-tropical island, but large variations in climate do occur. Summers, from mid/late
May to October, are hot and very humid. This is also the wet season, and heavy, long downpours can be
expected. In many cases, these can last several days. It is said up to 82% of all annual rain falls in this period.
Central Taiwan is generally slightly drier than the north during the summer months, and the south is warmer, with
lower humidity. The mountain regions running down the centre of the island are very attractive during summer
due to the cooler temperatures, but heavy afternoon thunderstorms can be expected almost daily. The East
Coast receives the major force of winds and rains from typhoons (August-October). There are very few direct
hits, but the winds and rains can result in transport to the east coast being cancelled and mud slides can close
most roads through the mountains. Winter, December to March, is the most popular toruist season and is cool,
with occasional cold spells. The central and southern regions are warmer than the north, but mists and showers
can make it feel cold. It is very cold in the mountains during winter, with several areas receiving snow falls.
CLOTHING:
Due to the variations in weather, a raincoat or even better, an umbrella is highly recommended. The Chinese in
Taiwan enjoy shopping for clothes, so all styles are acceptable. Business meetings should be conducted in
formal business attire as expected in Australia. Casual clothes, such as jeans, casual pants, skirts etc. are
acceptable in the same situations as they are accepted in Australia. Beach dress is accepted only while at the
beach. A wind proof jacket is suggested if travelling during the winter months, as the wind can be extremely
bitter (even in the south), and snow in the higher mountain areas is a common occurrence. Light weight clothes,
especially those of the cool cotton variety are generally more practical during the summer months, when
humidity is at it's highest. Though hot outside, many offices and department stores have their air conditioning on
high during the summer, thus making one feel cold on entering.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Almost all major hotels have a Post counter which opens several hours a day. Mail from Taiwan to Australia
generally takes 6-8 days. Hotels can arrange international calls to anywhere in the world, from your own room.
Only a few hotels have a direct dialling system, in most other cases the operator for International calls will be
required. Most major hotels also have a fax system that may be used by guests. The cost for such services is
similar to normal international rates, and charges are generally expected to paid for by guests at the time of
making the call or on checking-out of the hotel. Taiwan has two daily English newspapers, and several
hotels/book shops also receive editions of western current affair magazines and some newspapers. There are
also two English radio stations in Taiwan, one on the AM band servicing Taipei only, and one on the FM band
servicing Taipei and the major cities on the west coast. Both offer community announcements and up to date
news. Taiwan has dozens of TV stations but you can expect your hotel to only have BBC or CNN in English.
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CUSTOMS REGULATIONS:
You are allowed to import into Taiwan 200 cigarettes or a similar amount of tobacco, and one 750ml bottle of
liquor. All other items of value (video camera, gold jewellery etc.) should be listed on a declaration form upon
entering the country and shown to be still in your possession on departing. Meat, vegetables, fruits and toy
copies of weapons may not be imported into Taiwan. Articles that may not be taken out of the country include
unauthorised reprints or copies of books, music, videotapes, genuine Chinese antiques, ancient coins or
paintings and gold/silver or foreign currency in excess of what was declared on your arrival. If you plan to buy
such items and export them out of Taiwan, the relevant authorities permission will be required.
EARLY MORNING CALLS:
Whilst most hotels will arrange early morning calls for you, it is advisable to carry your own personal alarm clock
and depend upon it!
ELECTRICITY:
The standard throughout Taiwan is 110 volts/AC60 cycles. Generally, most hotels use two pin plugs, either the
small round variety or two parallel flat pin type. We suggest you take an adapter to cover both these types, and if
neither will fit in your hotel, ask if the hotel has the required adapter. Most hotels have a 240 volt 'shaver' plug in
the bathroom. 110 volt should not damage 240 volt items but irons will run cooler etc.
EMERGENCY:
Discover Asia Emergency Phone Number - MON-FRI (9am-5.30pm): Sydney (02) 4963 7566. Your tour guide
will assist you should you have an emergency whilst on tour.
HEALTH:
Should you be taken ill, you can expect a high standard of medical treatment. Both Western & Chinese
treatments are available, with several major hospitals throughout the island having imported Western doctors,
and many of the other doctors have been trained in western countries. There are many pharmacies selling
Chinese medicines, but it is recommended that a qualified doctor is consulted first, as the staff at these
pharmacies are usually not trained in medicine. You should carry any prescription drugs that you are taking
already, as well as a copy of the prescription. It is generally a good idea to have a duplicate supply of all
essential drugs and to carry these separate to your main supply and on your person, just in case your bags get
lost or damaged. Medical/Travel Insurance is essential to cover you for the entire period of your tour. Medical
and dental treatment can be quite expensive in Taiwan, and very dear in Hong Kong, especially if hospitalisation
is required. Do not drink any tap water other than the pre-boiled water which is often supplied in your hotel room.
This does not infer that the water is dirty, just that the natural enzymes in the water are very different to those
that your body is used to at home and may cause some temporary upset. Many of the major hotels, especially in
Taipei, have a high quality water purification filter system in use, making tap water safer for drinking. If in doubt,
ask at the hotel. Bottled water is readily available in local shops, hotels and many restaurants.
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VACCINATIONS:
At the moment (and for the past several years) no vaccinations are compulsory for travel to Taiwan. The
exception, as in most countries, is if you have been in a Cholera infected country 14 days prior to your arrival in
Taiwan. However, most authorities recommend Typhoid for any international travel nowadays. Taiwan does
occasionally have outbreaks of tropical diseases, such as Dengue Fever, though these are generally confined to
small town areas in the south during the height of summer. It is always best to consult your doctor or the
Travellers Medical & Vaccination Centre in your state to see if any additional health precautions are deemed
necessary.
LAUNDRY:
Just about all hotels, certainly all the major hotels, provide a laundry service. Some of the smaller hotels may
have the laundry done by an outside shop, and may take 24 hours to be returned. Major hotels will take good
care of your finest silks and woollens, the smaller hotels may not.
MEALS/DRINK:
Chinese food in Taiwan is very different to that which is served in Australia & New Zealand restaurants. It is not
all thick and rich sauces, nor is it always heavily spiced. Taiwan offers the whole range of Chinese cuisine, from
the well known Cantonese cuisine most commonly seen in Australia, to Mongolian BBQ's and the unique local
Taiwanese cuisine. There are also many Western style restaurants to be found, as well as Mexican, Indian and
other international cuisines. Major international fast food outlets are a common sight in Taipei, and starting to
appear in other cities. Vegetarian restaurants of various standards can also be found, ranging from major
restaurants to Buddhist run cafeterias. Kosher and low salt diets are extremely hard to find in Taiwan. Request
any special meal requirements you have at the hotel, and if they can do it, they will certainly try. While everyone
is encouraged to use chopsticks, knives and forks are available at most restaurants. Some people prefer to carry
their own personal chopsticks with them to use at mealtime. In nearly every case this is hardly necessary, but, if
it eases your conscience, it may be worth your while. THE QUALITY, FRESHNESS & VARIETY OF CHINESE
FOOD IS EXCELLENT. Most major hotels have bars. Outside of hotels, especially in Taipei and Kaohsiung,
there are many bars, discos and karaoke establishments to be found. These cater for a whole different range of
people, from establishments used by the Western business population, high priced exclusive clubs, to places
catering for students. It is not common to see bands playing in bars as we have at home, but ballroom dancing is
very popular and often a major ballroom may have an orchestra or band playing. The same range of drinks
found at home can also be found in Taiwan. There are also many local varieties of soft drinks and fruit juice
available that can be tried. The variety of imported liquor is not large, and can be rather expensive - plus, as is
the Asian way, some bars may only sell bottles of spirits! Fosters beer is making an appearance in some places,
and European beers like Carlsberg, Heineken and Guinness are common, along with a some American beers.
The local Taiwan Beer is the most commonly found, and it is quite acceptable. Liquors found at home are also
served in most bars, and local Chinese wines are definitely not the same as Western styles. The national drink of
Taiwan is tea. There are many world class teas to be found in Taiwan, and just as many tea houses serving the
full range. The Chinese in Taiwan see tea drinking as an art, the same way as we take time to enjoy a good
wine. Generally, most western visitors take to the "green" teas like Jasmine tea very quickly, other types of tea
may require more time. Chinese tea is not served with milk or sugar, and it is considered impolite to ask for this.
The tea we are more commonly used to is readily available in supermarkets, though generally in tea bags only.
Many hotels will also serve it in their restaurant/coffee shop if asked. Coffee, hot chocolate drinks, and sport
drinks can also be found in most supermarkets, along with sugars and powdered or fresh milk. Biscuits can be
freely bought throughout Taiwan. There is a full range to choose from, Western biscuits to the local varieties,
which in many cases taste very sweet. Bread and buns are also common. Chinese buns/cakes are filled with
various fillings, from the very sweet red bean to dry pork. It can be hard to know what each one contains from
the appearance, but it is worth a try as there are some excellent snacks to be enjoyed. Fruits are readily
available when in season, though we do suggest that you peel all fruit before eating. 711 convenience stores
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abound in Taiwan - there are 3500 throughout the country, they sell snack foods, sandwiches, sweets, soft
drinks, cigarettes and beer. You can always find a 711 store and they stay open late.
PHOTOGRAPHY:
It is illegal to take photos or video footage of airports, harbours, bridges in Taipei, and anywhere else where they
have sentries on duty. At temples you may take photographs as long as it doesn't disturb the worshippers. Many
museums and memorials will not permit cameras to be taken inside.
SAFETY:
Taiwan is remarkably safe for visitors. Normal precautions should be followed, and many hotels have a safe for
guests to deposit valuables. It is, of course, unwise to walk the streets with bundles of money hanging out of
your pocket, and a money belt to be worn underneath your shirt is suggested. Pickpockets Discover Asia –
Australia’s most complete travel company to Asia and bag snatchers are slowly becoming more prevalent, but
they rarely target the Western visitor who has taken a few basic precautions. Any loss or theft should be
immediately reported to the local Police station, and if it occurred in your hotel, to the hotel management. The
main concern any visitor has to Taiwan, especially Taipei, is their safety amongst the seemingly chaotic traffic.
As in any city, if you grow up there and have always driven there, you quickly become aware of the road rules
and conditions. It is not advised for a visitor in Taiwan to hire a car (an international Drivers Licence is required,
as is the passing of a medical examination by a local hospital) as the way of driving back home will lead to
accidents, that will be seen as your fault. It can be unsettling experiencing your first taxi ride in Taiwan, but these
drivers know what they’re doing. Some say the best thing to do is to sit back and close your eyes until you arrive,
others say to look for elderly drivers who, by their age, have obviously some talent for surviving on the road.
Some districts of Taipei have an excellent bus service, as long as you can work out which bus you require, and a
way to get on. Buses do not run to any particular timetable, and can be scarce during non peak hours. English is
generally not written on many of the buses, or bus stops, nor is it spoken by bus drivers, and only a few taxi
drivers can speak a few sentences in English. It is advised that you carry a hotel card, letter head or something
with your hotel name and address in Chinese on to show taxi drivers. It is also suggested that when visiting
places of interest, you ask a hotel staff member to write the name of place you wish to go in Chinese so you can
show the driver. Only some major intersections and main roads will have the name in English, all others will be
Chinese. A NOTE: In Taiwan, the chewing of beetle nut is very popular amongst drivers of buses and taxis. The
result of this chewing is that the red juices contained in the fruit require regular expulsion from the mouth. So
don't be worried, the driver is not bleeding or sick, and he will happily go on chewing until he gets you to your
destination.
TIME ZONES:
Taiwan is 2 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time, and on the same time as Perth. With daylight
saving in Australia, this becomes 3 hours.
TIPPING/GIFTS:
Tipping is not expected in Taiwan at this stage. Generally, if you eat in a major hotel or restaurant, there may be
a 10-15% service charge, but no tip is expected. As with anywhere in the world, if you regard the service as
excellent and in need of showing appreciation, then give the tip you feel is warranted. Gift giving is a more widely
accepted way of showing gratitude. The Chinese etiquette of gift giving is very complex, and the Chinese do
make allowances for the visitors lack of understanding on the subject. Generally, a gift or favour is given on the
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understanding that it will be returned in due course. As a result, the Chinese will always seem very reluctant to
accept any gift you wish to give them. To accept a gift too quickly is to show greediness, and, to continually
refuse is to insult the other person. Basically, if someone gives you a compliment, find a way to return the
compliment, if they invite you to a meal, praise the food and choice of dishes- and remember, it will be your turn
to be host next, perhaps if they visit your country. (Business entertaining is rarely done at home, but almost
always over a meal - often elaborate - in a restaurant.)
TRANSPORT:
Travel between cities in Taiwan is easy due to the excellent transport system.
TRAIN: There is one major train station in Taipei, from where trains down the west coast, or over to the east
coast can be caught. Train tickets can often be bought a few days in advance, but tickets for weekends and
holidays are often sold out before the ticket windows even open. There are a variety of trains, from express to all
stops, depending on where you want to go and how much you wish to pay. Trains in Taiwan are very clean and
comfortable, with most trains having aeroplane styled chairs. Whilst the above ground MTR is open to the entire
city area of Taipei and many outlying suburbs/towns, the underground/subway is still under construction in
Taipei, but is not expected to be finished for several years. A ‘Bullet Train’ runs from Taipei to Kaohsiung.
BUS: Taiwan is serviced by an extensive bus network, with buses from Taipei covering almost every town on the
island. The Government run bus companies are the safest and most convenient to use. Tickets can be bought 2-
3 days in advance (again, holidays are sold out very quickly) and the services run to a regular timetable. The
buses are very comfortable, with a bathroom at the back of the bus (for longer distances) and also often have a
stewardess on board. Due to there only being one freeway running down the west coast, delays at toll stations
can be expected on weekends and on holidays. It is often better to use the train system at these times. There
are also many European designed Coaches running between cities. Technically, these are illegal, though you
will see them everywhere. These "wild chicken buses" have on board videos (no western movies, nor individual
headsets) and the drivers are more interested in making up lost time than arriving safely.
PLANES: Taiwan has an extensive domestic air network, though, when considering the time required to go to
the airport, check in, wait for departure, arrive, claim luggage and get out of the airports, it generally is little faster
than using the bus or train service. Visitors to Taiwan are required to carry their passport with them when flying
domestically, and show it on request.
SHOPPING/PRICES:
If travelling on to, or from Hong Kong, it will be hard to find the same sort of bargains in Taiwan. But it will also be
difficult in Hong Kong to find the quality that some products in Taiwan offer, this is especially true of Chinese
Handicrafts. Unlike the reputation Hong Kong once had, Taiwan does not offer bargains at rock bottom prices,
and even good bargains in Hong Kong require a lot of comparison these days. Bargains can be found, but one
needs to be selective, and most importantly, compare prices. The days of cheap, but satisfactory, counterfeit
goods are over. You will no doubt see some false "designer" labelled clothes in night markets, but they are not
seriously expected to fool anyone. The days of cheap, but high quality music tapes and CDs in Taiwan are over,
and the illegal printing of best seller books and copying of movies onto video has almost been completely
stamped out. The Chinese in Taiwan love to shop, even if it is only window shopping, they will spend whole
weekends looking for the right gift, the right article of clothing or even the best shop selling a traditional snack. A
shopper will find a full range of options available to them; there are huge department stores selling the most
recent fashions, direct from the fashion houses of Europe, the latest in electronic advances from local producers
and Japan/Korea, boutiques offer specialised clothing and hand made jewellery from India & Morocco, and gold
shops where one buys a length of gold chain, not just a pre-made bracelet or necklace, and where the local
population feel that if it isn't 24K, then it's just not real gold. The Chinese in Taiwan regard quality as more
important than price, and a product of high quality, will have a price to match. Department stores have fixed
prices, and some staff may speak some English. You are assured of the quality, the staff are extremely honest,
and try to be very helpful. Boutique and market staff generally do not speak much, if any English, and bargaining
is permitted, though keep in mind, prices are not inflated when a tourist walks in the door. Taipei has some of the
highest rent prices in the world, as a result, a shop in a great location will have slightly higher prices, it really
does pay to have a good look around first to find the average price. The good news for shoppers is that in most
cases, prices are listed in Roman Numerals, and even if they are not, everybody can read and write them, so
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when it comes to bargaining, use pen & paper. Almost every month, at the end of festivals, even with a change
in weather, many shops will be having a discounted sale and due to the popularity of shopping it won't be hard to
see which shop it is. Keep in mind, in Taiwan, clothes that are extra large are often the equivalent of a medium
size back home. No visit to Taiwan, especially Taipei, is complete without a visit to a night market. They offer
more than just a huge variety of goods, more importantly, they offer fun, local colour, exotic snacks, excitement,
and the pleasure of finding something out of the ordinary that will make a perfect souvenir or gift. Almost every
district has it's own night market, some opening only on weekends. The major night markets are located in the
Hsimingting district of west Taipei, surrounding the Lungshan Temple and Snake Alley, the Chinese Handicraft
market near Taipei New Park, the northern suburbs of Shilin and Tienmu, at Dinghao in eastern Taipei where all
the newest department stores can also be found, the university district of Kungkuan in south Taipei, and the
famous traditional Chinese Medicine street, Tihua Street. Take a walk on any night, and you will probably run
into at least one night market.
TOUR ESCORT:
All of our guides are Taiwanese, who are well trained and enthusiastic. We feel that you will benefit from their
intimate knowledge of their country, the past and present and future hopes. They will assist you with any matters
pertaining to the wellbeing of your tour and ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible. Local guides
will meet you from the train, bus or plane and escort you during your sightseeing. They are also responsible for
ensuring you are safely put on the next leg of your journey (ie, they should wait for you to go through to the
boarding room for flights and make sure there have been no cancellations), ensure that you are clear about this
responsibility and insist on it.
WHAT TO TAKE:
This is by no means exhaustive or final, since travelling items are personal, but we recommend you consider the
following.
- Small torch
- 'Wet Ones'
- Toilet paper
- Fan (buy over there)
- Sun hat
- Sun lotion
- Snack food for long journeys and in your hotel between meals (biscuits, coffee, milk sachets, vegemite, tea
bags etc)
- A couple of spare passport photos
- A small medical kit containing a broadly effective antibiotic, antiseptic, panadol, bandage, Imodium or Lomotil,
Gastrolyte,
Calamine, insect repellent, plasters.
- Umbrella or light rain-jacket during wet season (note you can purchase these in Vietnam).
- Money Belt
- Padlock for bags
- Camera and spare batteries
- Toiletry items
- Travelling alarm clock
- Ear plugs
and of course, your documents, air tickets, passport, visa
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