- Destinations
- Asia
- Taiwan
Taiwan
Situated off the coast of mainland China, the mountainous island
of Taiwan teems with people in massive urban developments, but at
the same time hides some picture-perfect breathtaking vistas behind
the scenes. Jet into the airport at the capital, Taipei, and the
island below greets you with majestic peaks, rolling hills and
plains, basins and inlets, tropical beaches and green forests.
At the foot of the mountains cluster the crowded industrial
cities and towns. Modern, high-rise buildings play backdrop to
numerous traditional folk festivals, and ancient temples sit
alongside glass-fronted boutiques in the bustling streets. Old and
new live in harmony in Taiwan, and visitors will be enthralled as
much by the bustling metropolis of Taipei as with the array of
natural attractions throughout this relatively small island.
In the six national parks there are thousands of species of
wildlife, 20 percent of which are rare or endangered species,
including the Mikado pheasant, the Hsuehshan grass lizard and the
Formosan rock monkey. Unique experiences include taking a ride on
the Alishan train, one of only three mountain railways in the
world, and hiking up northeast Asia's highest mountain, Jade
Mountain, and taking in the spectacular sunsets above a sea of
clouds. With its volcanic origins, tropical climate and Polynesian
flavour Taiwan has often deservedly been dubbed the 'Hawaii of
Asia'.
Taiwan has long had an uneasy relationship with its larger
neighbour, China. In 1684 the island became the refuge for the
remnants of the deposed Ming Dynasty and when Mao's Communists
forces took control of China in 1949 the nationalist leaders, and
over one million supporters, fled to Taiwan. Economically the
island quickly became an Asian success story but its independence
from China was never recognised by many governments - primarily due
to the Republic's greater political and military firepower. Many
Taiwanese would like an eventual reuniting with Mainland China, but
not on the terms suggested by their communist cousins and major
trading partner. In the meantime China continues sabre rattling
with regular military exercises off the coast of Taiwan.
Information & Facts
Business
Taiwan has traded heavily with the West for many years and
business formalities have melded over time. However it is important
to observe and respect the cultural heritage to which many firmly
cling. Punctuality is expected in all meetings. Shaking hands, for
men and women is common nowadays, but a bow goes a long way as a
sign of respect. Often the Taiwanese are referred to by their
family name only. Formal dress for both men and women is strictly
observed in Taiwan. Gifts are commonplace and often include
cultural trinkets, food and business paraphernalia. It is important
to show respect to the senior ranking members in meetings. Business
cards are a very important part of identification and should be
printed in both English and Taiwanese. Business is never rushed and
it is essential to be sociable. Business hours are generally 8.30am
to 5.30pm Monday to Friday.
Climate
Taiwan is sub-tropical but the climate varies from hot and humid
in the south tempering to cooler in the north and inland
mountainous region. All over the country sudden rain showers
frequently occur, making rainwear an essential part of a visitor's
luggage. The driest time of year is autumn (September and October),
which is followed by a short generally damp and chilly winter with
snow on the island's mountain peaks. Summer temperatures can reach
90ºF (35ºC) at the coast. Summer is also typhoon season.
Communications
Taiwan's international access dialling code is +886 and the
outgoing code is 002 followed by the relevant country code (e.g.
00244 for the UK). City/area codes are in use, e.g. 2 for Taipei.
Six network operators provide mobile telephone services in various
regions using either GSM 900 or 1800 networks. Internet cafes can
be found in Taiwan's cities and towns, and most hotels in Taipei
have Internet access in their guestrooms.
Customs
The concept of 'saving face' is very important in Taiwanese
culture, and tourists should try to avoid embarrassing locals.
Self-control is another key aspect to Taiwanese culture, and losing
your temper or creating a public spectacle is highly frowned upon.
Relationships in Taiwan are built around mutual benefit, and the
exchange of small gifts is common. Taiwanese customs include a
number of superstitions, including prohibitions of writing a
person's name in red, pointing at cemeteries or graves, whistling
at night, or giving a gift of shoes, umbrellas, clocks or knives.
Remove your shoes before entering a person's home. Physical contact
with strangers is considered impolite.
Duty Free
Travellers aged over 20 may enter Taiwan without paying customs
duty on 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 454g tobacco, 1 bottle of
alcohol (maximum 1 litre), and a reasonable amount of perfume.
Travellers are also permitted to bring personal goods valued up to
NT$20, 000 duty free (or NT$10, 000 for those under 20 years). Guns,
narcotics, fresh meat and fruit are prohibited.
Electricity
Electrical current is 110 volts AC, 60Hz. Two-pin flat
blade plugs and one with a third grounding pin is
used.
Health
Taiwan health regulations require that travellers arriving from
infected areas carry vaccination certificates for yellow fever.
Travellers are advised to have up-to-date jabs for hepatitis A and
typhoid, and it is advisable for most long-term travellers to be
inoculated against Japanese encephalitis. Due to recent outbreaks
of dengue fever, insect repellents and other measures to prevent
mosquito bites are recommended for those travelling to the southern
part of the island. Visitors should only drink bottled water and
should be wary of potential food poisoning. Taiwan's medical
facilities are first-class, but health insurance is recommended for
travellers.
Language
Mandarin is the official language of Taiwan, but
Taiwanese is often spoken and English is generally
understood.
Money
Taiwan's currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD), which is
divided into 100 cents. Foreign currencies and travellers cheques
(American Express, Citibank or Thomas Cook) can be exchanged at
government-designated banks and hotels. Receipts are given when
currency is exchanged, and must be presented in order to exchange
unused NT dollars before departure. Major credit cards such as
American Express, Master Card, Visa, and Diners Club are accepted.
Banks are open Monday to Friday. US dollars are the preferred
currency. ATMs are plentiful but not all accept international bank
cards.
Passport Visa
All travellers entering Taiwan require confirmed return air
tickets or proof of onward travel. It is highly recommended that
passports have at least six months validity remaining after your
intended date of departure from your travel destination.
Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated
by travel agents and official sources.
Safety
Most visits to Taiwan are trouble-free. The country has only a
low incidence of petty crime, and is considered safe. The only
threats are natural ones, because the island is prone to typhoons
and tropical storms, usually between May and November, as well as
earthquakes and tremors. These are seldom severe.
Time
Tipping
Tipping is not customary, although if offered it will be
accepted. Baggage handlers at hotels and the airport will be
pleased with some loose change. Hotels and restaurants will usually
add a 10% service charge to the bill.