General Information
Language
Mandarin is the official language. English is spoken quite extensively.
Weather
Taipei enjoys warm weather all year round and is extremely suitable for traveling, as the annual average temperature is a comfortable 22°C (72°F), with low temperatures generally ranging from 12°C-17°C (54°F-63°F). For more weather information, please visit Central Weather Bureau.
Time Zone
Taiwan is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+0800). There is no daylight saving time in Taiwan. You may check the standard time in Taiwan at National Time and Frequency Standard Laboratory.
Currency and Exchange rates
The New Taiwan Dollar (NT$) is the currency used today in Taiwan. Like most countries, they come in the forms of bills and coins. Foreign currency exchanges are easy to access. Exchange service is available at the airport, banks, hotels and large department stores. For up to date exchange rates, travelers please visit the currency website: http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/.
Credit cards
Most credit cards are widely accepted throughout the island. ATM machines are wide spread.
Tipping & Tax
Tipping is not customary in most places, but is welcomed if guests wish to show their appreciation for satisfactory service. A 10% service charge and a 5% value-added tax may be included in room rates or meals. Most taxes are already included in prices of products or services.
Electrical supply
The local power supply is AC 110 Volt / 60 Hz with type A outlets, the same as the USA and Japan. The outlets also accept the same flat two-parallel pin plug as is used in the USA and Japan. Even though most hotels provide outlets for 220 volt appliances, travelers with electrical appliances that run on a different current from 110 volts will need to bring a converter.
 Taiwan socket |
 Taiwan plug |
Telephone & Internet
Public telephones are easy to find in Taipei. Internet service is available in most hotels (charges may apply) and there are many Wi-Fi hotspots including coffee shops, fast food restaurants and metro rail shopping areas.
Transportation
TaxiThe starting fee is NT$70 with NT$5 added every 250 meter and an additional NT$20 for rides after 11pm.
BusIn Taipei, buses are the most convenient means of transportation. There are a number of different routes that can be studied online as well as the bus station. They come roughly every 10-15 minutes and the adult ticket fare is NT$15. No change is available on the bus, so please prepare the exact amount of coins ahead of time. To check bus schedule, please click here.
MRTThe Mass Rapid Transit, or more commonly known as the MRT, provides travelers around the cities of Taipei an easy means of metro transportation. Passengers can enjoy a nice air conditioned ride to the Gondola, Zoo, and other parts of Taipei filled with eatery, museums, and shops. One way ticket price ranges from NT$20 to NT$65 while a NT$180 one day pass will allow passengers unlimited travel among all MRT lines throughout the day. Auto ticketing slots are located in the stations for passengers to purchase tickets or recharge their multi-transit pass. Smoking, drinking, eating and gum chewing are strictly prohibited, keeping our metro railway stations clean and safe. Detailed MRT maps can be found at each station as well as online.
