Josie Gates

Local Transportation: There are private buses and taxis that are used to get around the city. Taxis are available 24 hours but they are a little more expensive than taking the bus. Please be aware that after 23:00 there will be an extra 20 per cent surcharge. Drivers do not expect to be tipped and most don’t speak English. Car hire is also available. The roads are generally in excellent condition, with a good highway network connecting all the major cities. In Taipei there is a MRT network consisting of a monorail train and underground metro serving all of the Taipei and its suburbs. The MRT runs from 6:00 to midnight every day, and has stations near all the city’s main tourist attractions.

Living Arrangements: We will be staying at our resort. Everyone will have their own room and if more space is needed for family please let one of us know immediately. The tap water is unsafe so please only drink bottled water and be aware when bathing. The urban environment is often crowded and chaotic. The electricity is 110V. Sockets are American type, normally not grounded. Modern appliances such as cell phones and laptops normally are 220/110 V a simple adapter, that can be bought everywhere, will be needed.

Currency: Taiwan’s currency is the new Taiwan dollar (TWD). There are 100 cents in one dollar. Notes come in denominations of TWD2,000, 1,000, 500, 200, and 100. Coins come in denominations of TWD50, 20, 10, 5, and 1. Foreign currency can be exchanged at the airport, in banks, and occasionally at hotels. When you arrive you will be asked to make a written declaration of the quantity of foreign currency you are bringing into the nation. All major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted in most of the shops, restaurants, and hotels. There are ATMs that are available that except international debit cards.

Making a Phone call: The area code for Taiwan is +886. To phone from Taiwan you have to add 002 or 019 to your area code.

Medical: The medical facilities are in Taiwan are very good. Doctors are trained to the highest international standards, so any medical problem will be handled with competence and quality. Medical care is not cheap so we will be supplying everyone with travel insurance. It will cover any medical bills or health emergencies. The number to the nearest hospital is +866 2 3328 1200.

Weather: The weather is often humid and cloudy. During the time that we will be there it will be very rainy. The locals call it “plum rain”. It could rain for a whole month, every day. Once summer comes it is hot everywhere except the mountains.

Reference Page

Essential facts about Taiwan, Retrieved from http://www.taiwan-travel-experience.com/facts-about- taiwan.html
New Taiwan dollar, Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Taiwan_dollar