Taiwan in Stijl

Taiwan is undoubtedly Asia’s best-kept secret. While most outsiders perceive the nation to be an endless sprawl of manufacturing plants and overcrowded cities, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Visitors are typically astonished to discover a fascinating and eclectic combination of cosmopolitan cities, a rich heritage and cutting-edge popular culture. What is perhaps most surprising of all are the vast areas of magnificent wilderness brimming with glorious beaches, breathtaking waterfalls, towering mountains, eight extensive national parks and a selection of alluring offshore islands. With its wonderful hot spring resorts, its innumerable temples, a remarkably varied culinary scene, and a night market culture that has become a central tenet of their national identity, this small island packs in a continent-sized list of fascinating attractions into one small, green and extraordinarily diverse little island.

Currency 

Local currency: New Taiwan Dollar 
Symbol: NT$, NTD, or $ 
ISO code: TWD 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: NT$100, NT$200, NT$500, NT$1000, NT$2000 
Coins: NT$1, NT$5, NT$10, NT$20, NT$50 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: No 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: China Airlines, EVA Air 
International Airports: Taoyuan International Airport, Kaohsiung International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Taipei Songshan Airport, Taichung International Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: No 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: Yes 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: No 
Leisure cruises: No 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Taiwanese cuisine is diverse and influenced by Fujian, Hakka, and indigenous cultures. Highlights include beef noodle soup, braised pork rice, bubble tea, and xiao long bao (soup dumplings). Notable local drinks include pearl milk tea, Taiwanese beer, and kaoliang (sorghum liquor). 
Tipping: Not customary 

Annual rainfall: 2500 - 3000 mm 
Average temperature: 22°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 32°C 
Average lows: 26°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 18°C 
Average lows: 12°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Taiwan is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and comfortable. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type A, Type B 
Voltage (V): 110V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 60Hz 

* A travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.