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Taiwan

Getting Started & Practical Information

When to Visit

There are a few seasons in Taiwan, the short and cool winter, the wet and rainy typhoon, and the long, hot, and tropical summer. Winters run from about November to February, but winter in this context is not like much of the northern hemisphere as temperatures only drop to about the 70s°F (21-26°C) during the days, but nights can fall to the 50s°F (10-15°C) and if it rains can feel very cold. Taipei and the north is generally cloudy during the winter, as the south is generally sunny and clear. Beginning in about March, the country becomes hot and tropical as temperatures rise to the 90s°F (30°C) if not hotter. These temperatures continue to be hot until about November, but this season also brings in the rains, humidity, and beginning in about June and lasting until as late as November, typhoons are also possible. During this time a few typhoons are common and in the inland mountains, rain is common.

A final point to consider before planning your travel is local holidays. Holidays can make travel either more attractive, such as for large festivals, or less attractive due to tourist site closings and more expensive transportation options, so make sure you look into this before booking your trip. Here is a list of Taiwans' Holiday Schedule.

Weather

Although weather can be generalized based upon years past, for more up to date weather patterns and predicted future weather patterns, visit weather websites like weather.com; many local news sources also have information for international weather forecasts.

Tours & Cruises

If you're looking for a pre-arranged trip, that involves little effort on your part, then you should consider going on an organized tour or cruise. Organized tours and cruises vary from all expenses included to only daily tours and perhaps hotels included in the price, but all the options below will help you arrange all the details so you don't have to worry about finding the best deal or right hotel.

Celebrity Cruises: High end cruise line catered to adults who enjoy the luxury treatment celebrities enjoy.

Oceania Cruises: Oceania boasts "intimate and luxurious ships" with an emphasis on service and luxury.

Princess Cruise Lines: Cruises for all ages and families.

Road Scholar: For older adults, Road Scholar offers tours with an educational emphasis; formerly known as Elder Hostel.

Royal Caribbean: Cruises for all ages and families.

Guidebooks

If you are just traveling on business and have little free time or are already familiar with Taiwan, you may not need anything more than SafariTheGlobe.com's Mini Guide to Taiwan! However, if you need more detailed and up to date information, there are a couple guidebooks available for travel in Taiwan.

Lonely Planet: Great maps and updated often with comprehensive housing information, restaurants, & transportation options. Backpackers and adventurers love these guidebooks.

National Geographic Traveler: Almost more of an information book about Germany, than a guidebook; offers great pictures, maps, history, and culture. Popular with armchair travelers and history buffs on organized tours.

Visas

Many foreign nationals need a visa to enter Taiwan, however the requirements for citizens of different nationalities varies. To learn more about who need visas, what type of visa is needed, what requirements are needed to obtain a visa, and visa costs, please visit the Official Website of Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your nearest Taiwanese Embassy.

Health & Insurance

Every part of the world has different health concerns and diseases, including Taiwan. Before traveling, consult with a physician to learn more about your destination and what steps you can take to prevent illness. At the time of writing, Taiwan didn't have any health immunizations that are required prior to arrival, although a number of immunizations are strongly recommended.

Many health insurance providers don't cover health care that is provided outside your home country. Before going abroad check with your health insurance to see if they cover international care. If not, consider purchasing an international medical insurance option, preferably from a company that specializes in international medical insurance.

Transportation

Unless you're on an organized tour or working with a travel agent, you will have to arrange some transportation. The below links can greatly help you start your planning, first by finding a flight to Taiwan, then with domestic airlines and car rental agencies. If you don't know where to begin, try the "Flight & Rental Car Search Sites" to learn competitor's prices during your trip.

Largest International Airlines: Air France, American Airlines; British Airways; Cathay Pacific; China Southern Airlines; Delta; Emirates; KLM; LAN; Lufthansa; Qantas; Singapore Airlines; United Airlines.

Largest Taiwanese Airline: China Airlines

Flight & Rental Car Search Sites: Expedia.com; Farecast.com; Kayak.com; Orbitz.com; & Travelocity.com.

Housing

Housing options are numerous in most tourist destinations, but every individual seeks out something different when it comes to housing. The below links should help you get started, with low- to high-end hotels, hostels, and camping options.

Popular International Hotel Conglomerates: Accor Group (various price ranges); Choice Hotels (low- to mid-price range); Hilton (various price ranges); Hyatt (high-end to resorts); InterContinental Group (mid- to high-price range); Marriott Family (various price ranges); Starwood Hotels (high-end); Wyndham Hotels (low- to mid-price range).

Hotel Search Sites: Expedia.com; Kayak.com; Orbitz.com; & Travelocity.com.

Hostels: Although there are many hostel websites, some of the most popular and reputable include hostels.com, hostelworld.com, & hostelbookers.com.

Camping: Camping is still a foreign concept in Taiwan. Although there are movements to change this, currently there are few organized and official options.

Opening Hours, Expenses, & Tipping

Taiwan is on the same time schedule as much of northern Europe. Shops and tourist attractions tend to open at about 8:00-9:00 am and close at about 5:00 pm, but inconsistencies are everywhere. Most places close an hour or two for lunch, while shops and attractions may open late, close early, or shut down mid-afternoon. Most places close on weekends, which are Saturdays and Sundays in Taiwan, although most restaurants and some public institutions are open seven days a week.

Restaurant hours vary; most Taiwanese eat three meals a day, although if they are busy they may only have two larger meals; this is especially common in the rural areas during busy farming seasons. In tourist locations restaurants tend to be open all day or are on the Northern European or North American eating time schedule (lunch at about 11:30 am-2:00 pm and dinner anywhere from 6:00-9:00 pm).

Taiwan is relatively inexpensive on European standards. Hostels and even decent hotels can easily be found for about 450 Taiwanese new dollars ($15) a night per person (make sure they have air conditioning included during the summer), while business and western hotels, particularly in Taipei can be well over 5,000 new dollars ($175). Food can range greatly from street food for about 50 new dollars ($2) to local restaurants for about 150 new dollars ($5). While western restaurants begin at about 400 new dollars ($13). Local transportation costs are also fairly reasonable if you take buses and the subway.

Generally there is no tipping in Taiwan, however there are a couple exceptions. Taxi drivers and restaurants catered to locals don't expect a tip. Western hotels expect a tip for the bell hops, about 50 new dollars ($2) a bag is generous. Western restaurants also expect a tip; sometimes a 10% service charge will be added to the bill, but if not, tip up to 10%.

Crime & Safety

Taiwan is a relatively safe place to visit, however has its share of crime. Taipei, tourist locations, and public transportation have their share of petty theft so keep your passport and wallet protected at all times. Violent crime is rare, especially against foreigners, but is increasing.

There are also numerous scams, particularly among fake travel agencies and black market money exchangers so be careful before putting yourself in these situations.

This page was last updated: December, 2011