It has been said that Taiwan is similar to a computer generated Chinese watercolour painting. Even though such a description might seem a little bit of gibberish - it does have an element of truth to it as Taiwan has adopted most of its culture from the 'big motherland'. Also Taiwan has undergone rapid development (not least in the field of technology where the country has established itself as a leading power), which has created a very strong and rich diversity in the country. It is this contrast between progressiveness and old values that makes the country so fascinating.
Find your travel arrangement to Taiwan here
Region and City Guides
Region:
City:
Facts
Local name
The Chinese Republic
Capital
Taipei
Size
36,000 km2
Principal Languages
Taiwanese and Mandarin-Chinese (the latter being the official language, but it is not spoken by the majority)
Principal Religion
Buddhism (also Taoism, Christianity, and Islam are relatively widespread religions in Taiwan).
Inhabitants
21,7 million
Government
Democratic Republic (since 1949)
Geography
Mountains cover two thirds of the country, and many of these mountains are extremely high and covered in snow all year round. But Taiwan also has beautiful lakes in the eastern part of the country, and a rugged, moonlike landscape in the north close to Taipei. The south-western part of the country is very fertile, and the area is used mainly for agriculture.
Travel preparation
Best time to visit
It is very warm in Taiwan during the months of July and August - especially in the southern part of the country. It is at this time of the year that the Chinese people (as the Taiwanese often call themselves) do their summer travelling which means that prices go up. You should also be aware of the Chinese New Year which draws an enormous number of people (check the Holiday-paragraph for further details). The months of October and November - when the temperature is moderate and the prices are low - are usually a good time in which to visit Taiwan.
Literature
Lonely Planet Taiwan
Culture Shock! Taiwan
Culture Shock! Taiwan
Local conditions
Weight and Measures
In most of Taiwan the metric system is used. However in rural areas and at the different vegetable markets in the cities the old Taiwanese system of catty and tael is used. A catty is 0.6 kg and the same as 16 taels.
Photography
Taiwan has often been called the photographer's paradise, which indicates that there are good opportunities for expanding your collection of holiday pictures. When taking pictures of the locals, it is best if you ask first. Most locals will readily agree.
Drinking water
The government recommends that you do not drink the tap water, but it is not downright dangerous to do so. It is possible to buy bottled water in most places.
Electricity
In Taiwan, like in the US, the 110V system is used. In the more populated areas, it is also possible to come across the European 220V system. The air-conditioning uses 220V in Taiwan
Behaviour
Show ordinary decency and respect for the local culture, especially in temples and monasteries
Business Hours
The banks are open between 09:00 a.m. and 03:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and between 09:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Saturday. The stores have their businesses hours somewhere between 09:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. (the bigger warehouses usually start business at 11:00 a.m.). Many small shops and restaurants are open for business even after 10:00 p.m. Most offices and public buildings are closed due to the Chinese siesta that takes place between 12:00 p.m. and 01:30 p.m
Food and drink
If you can cook, grill or peel it, it is usually edible. This is a good rule of thumb to go by if you want to avoid stomach trouble. Another tip is to eat at restaurants that are full of local people. This is almost always a sign that the place uses decent primary produce so the quality of the food is high. Taiwanese delicacies are quite similar to those of Chinese cuisine - but fish is a partcular Taiwanese speciality. You should, however, take care with the different kinds of shellfish.
Disabled travellers
The biggest problem for the disabled is the extreme traffic. In the cities there are a number of pedestrian crossings in the form of either subways or small bridges. Taiwan has done a lot concerning parking for the disabled, and many museums now have facilities to help their disabled visitors.
Holidays
Taiwan has an large number of different holidays. Here are the days when the banks and stores are closed:- 1st January (sometimes also 2nd January), Chinese New Year: 3 days in February or March, 29th March, 5th April, the Dragon Boat Festival: Sometime in June, 23rd September, 27th September, 10th October, 25th October, 31st October, 12th November, 25th December.
Accommodation / Hotel
In the last couple of years Taiwan has experienced a rise in prices on accommodation such as hotels, hostels, and youth hostels. However, it is always possible to find a decent place to stay. If you are planning on a budget vacation, it might be a good idea to travel with a friend since you normally won't be charged extra for a double room.
Book your Hotel in Taiwan here
Book your Hotel in Taiwan here
Camping
There are camping sites all over the country.
There are approximately 400 tourist hotels in the entire country - all rated by between one and five stars. Apart from Japan, Taiwan is the most expensive country in Asia.
Hostels
There are quite a few hostels and youth hostels scattered over the island of Taiwan, and it is not necessary to book a room in advance.
Local transport
The transportation systems that connect the different parts of Taiwan are quite extensive. Public transport is by and large efficient, perhaps with the exception of the bigger cities where the dense traffic makes all transport virtually impossible. Travelling through Taiwan is also an excellent way to meet with the locals - who welcome every opportunity to practice their English or Chinese!
Planes
It is not really necessary to travel by plane if you don't want to leave the island due to the fact that the distances in Taiwan are rather short. If you plan to travel by plane anyway, it is best to know that the local travel agencies often are a lot cheaper than buying your ticket directly from the airlines. Warning: It is strictly forbidden to use cell-phones whilst aboard the planes. Any violations of this regulation are punished with a considerable fine, and maybe even imprisonment!
Bus
Transportation by bus is efficient and very comfortable, but the traffic in the cities may cause serious delays. One should note that it is important to hold on to the ticket, as it is demanded that it be shown to the bus driver when the bus reaches its destination. If you are not able to produce a ticket at this point, chances are that you will have to pay for the ride again!
Trains
The railway system is not up to European standards, but you will find good dining facilities on the trains - and free tea is served during the journey!
Taxi
Long distance taxi drivers have a somewhat bad reputation and usually they are quite eager to get customers. It is a good idea to agree on a fixed price with the driver before you set out.
car rental
It is possible to rent a car in the bigger cities
