GENERAL INFORMATION
TRAVEL IDEAS
- Taiwan Stopover, 3 days
- Taroko Gorge, 1 day
- Kaohsiung Stopover, 3 days
- Kenting National Park, 2 days
- Classic Taiwan, 5 days
- Sun Moon Lake, 3 days
STAYS OF DISTINCTION
- Grand Hotel Taipei
Taiwan
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
PASSPORTS
Each visitor is required to hold a valid passport for entering Taiwan. Visas are required for Canadian or US passport holders only for stays of more than 14 days duration.
VACCINATIONS
Proof of vaccination is not required unless you come from an infected area.
CUSTOMS
Personal effects, one bottle of liquor and 200 cigarettes, enter duty free. No more than NT$40,000 may be brought into the country, with undisclosed amounts above this being confiscated. Stereos, TVs and VCRs must also be declared.
CURRENCY
The Republic of China's unit of currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$). Foreign currency is exchanged, and must be presented in order to exchange unused NT dollars before departure.
DEPARTURE TAX
NT$ 300 for adults. (Approx. CAD$10; US$7)
LANGUAGE
The official language is Mandarin, which is also the national language, though other dialects, such as Taiwanese and Japanese, are spoken as well. English is understood at most places where tourists frequently visit. Taxi drivers do not speak English.
HEALTH & WATER
Taiwan is rated as one of the best in medical facilities. American physicians are available at missionary hospitals. Tap water is potable, nevertheless, hotels and restaurants serve only cold, boiled or bottled water for drinks.
CLIMATE & WEATHER
Crossing the Tropic of Cancer, Taiwan is subtropical in climate. In the north, the warm summer season lasts from May to October. January, February, and December are chilly, but never colder than 40 F. Southern Taiwan is warmer and less humid. Typhoons, although prevalent during July to September in the Pacific, usually miss Taiwan.
TELEPHONES
Overseas telegram and radiophone services are available to most parts of the world, and so are air and surface mails. It takes average 5-7 days for an airmail from the USA or Europe to reach Taiwan, and vice versa.
ELECTRICITY
Electrical power in Taiwan is the same as in the U.S. - AC, 110 volts and 60 cycles.
TRAVELLERS CHEQUES & CREDIT CARDS
Money exchange facilities are available at the Air Terminal, banks, all first class hotels and restaurants. Most of the tourist hotels, souvenir shops, restaurants and high class shops are member establishments of American Express Cards, Diner's Club Credit Cards, MasterCard and VISA.
TIPPING
NT$50 per piece of luggage is standard, while hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge to meals and room rates. All other tipping is optional.
