About Taiwan

Language

Mandarin is the official language in the Republic of China, though other dialects are also spoken. The most commonly used foreign language is English. Taxi drivers, however, generally only speak Mandarin or Taiwanese.

Climate

Taiwan's climate is subtropical with average annual temperatures of 19℃ (66℉) in the north and 21℃ (69℉) in the south. Autumn from September through November, is usually cool with an average temperature from 20℃ to 24℃ (68℉ to 75℉). November is one of the best times to visit Taiwan. The weather report of Taiwan can be found at the website of Central Weather Bureau: http://www.cwb.gov.tw

Time Zone

Local Time is UTC/GMT + 8:00

Transportation

Taiwan has a fully integrated transportation network of high-speed railways, railways, harbors and shipping lanes, civil aviation, freeways and highways, and rapid transits. Most people live in the western portion of Taiwan where the greatest concentration of roads, railway and High-Speed Railway (HSR) systems are located and well-developed. Taiwan currently has two international airports: Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport in the north and Kaohsiung International Airport in the south. As the biggest two cities in Taiwan, Taipei and Kaohsiung both have clean, reliable and safe Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) systems.

Tipping

Tipping is not generally expected in Taiwan. When applicable, tips are included in the bill as a service charge.

Currency

The legal tender is the New Taiwan dollar (NTD), which is linked to the US dollar at a rate of about 30 NTD to 1 USD. Taiwan banknotes are issued by Central Bank of the Republic of China.

Credit Card

nternational credit cards such as VISA and MasterCard are acceptable at hotels, and some restaurants. Automated teller machines (ATMs) can be found almost everywhere.

You can exchange your currency for New Taiwan dollars at authorized money exchangers. At Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and Taiwan Kaohsiung International Airport currency exchange counters are conveniently open from early morning to late at night. The exchange rate fluctuates daily depending on the money market.

Electricity and Power Plug

Electricity in Taiwan is 110 volts 60 hertz

Power plug with 2 flat parallel pins, or blades, is used in Taiwan

Helpful Phone Number

English Speaking Police	+886-2-2555-4275 +886-2-2556-6007
Emergencies/Fire Department	119
Police	110
English Speaking Directory Assistance	106
English Speaking Telephone Operator	+886-2-2311-6796
nternational Operator Assistance	100
Taxi Service	+886-6-275-9999 +886-6-274-2866