Despite its small size Taiwan offers modernity, tradition and beautiful mountains and beaches. Most of my time in Taiwan was spent in the thriving Tec savvy Capital Taipei, surrounded by towering buildings and upscale shopping malls. I look forward to going back to Taiwan and exploring more places outside the capital of Taiwan. I hope this short summary of Taiwan will help you plan your trip.
Best Time to Visit
Summers can be uncomfortably hot, the best time to visit is during autumn and Spring. Taiwan Lantern Festival is also a great time to visit to see the amazing light lanterns been released at night. It is an annual festival celebrated on the 15th day of the first Lunar month to mark the end of the Chinese New Year.
Things to do and see
- Shifen Waterfall is a picturesque waterfall in the Pingxi District of New Taipei City. The falls is 20 meters high and 40 meters wide.
- Shilin Night Market is in the Shilin district of Taipei and is the most popular night market in Taiwan.
- Wuling Farm is a beautiful country style farm with many flowering trees and a popular spot to go camping and hiking.
- Qingshui Cliff is the highest cliff in Taiwan with scenic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Food
Most of Taiwan’s food comes from China, the staple foods are spring rolls, peanut Satay, spare ribs, pork and various seafood.
Transportation
Air: There are direct flights from London to Taiwan. Domestic airlines are Mandarin Airlines, Uni Air and TransAsia Airways.
Roads: Taiwan has a well-maintained road system that joins all the major city. Some main city streets have road signs in English. Mudslides can be a problem during the wet seasons and can block mountain roads. Drivers drive on the right-hand side of the road.
Rail: Taiwan runs a high-speed rail service that covers the west coast of Taiwan. You can buy train tickets from big hotels in Taiwan and the railway station.
Metro: The metro is modern, comfortable, reliable and a cheap way to travel around Taiwan. The metro extends to the Airport and has announcements in English.
Taxi: authorised taxis are metered and charge extra for using the trunk of the car. It is also customary to tip drivers. It’s also recommended to write your destination in Chinese. The Uber app is functional in Taiwan.
Ferry: various Ferry and boat services connect to all the Islands in Taiwan.
Bus: Bus and coach services are reliable and often cheaper than taking the train for long distance travel.
Visa
Visas are not required by all EU, U.S, Canadian and Australian nationals for stays up to 90days. Must show proof of return ticket.
Language
The official language spoken in Taiwan is Mandarin Chinese. English is also widely spoken in the major cities. A large majority of Taiwanese people are of Fujianese decent so Holo is widely spoken. The aborigines of Taiwan have also preserved their languages.
Money
The official currency in Taiwan is the Taiwan Dollar (TWD). Foreign credit cards can be used in most ATMs throughout Taiwan.
Tipping
10% service charge is included in most restaurant’ bills.
Adaptor
There are two plugs associated with Taiwan.
Wifi
Free wifi is available from most hotels and some restaurants, Free wifi is available at the airport.
Ruth’s Lonely Planet 