Taiwan Information
Taiwan's total land area is about 36,000 square kilometers (14,400 square miles). It is shaped like a leaf
that is narrow at both ends. It lies off the southeastern coast of mainland Asia, across the Taiwan Strait
from China - an island on the western edge of the Pacific Ocean. To the north is Japan; to the south is the
Philippines. Many airlines fly to Taiwan, making it the perfect travel destination.
Airports:
There are three international airports, Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA), Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), and Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH). The average flight time from Taiwan to major cities in the Asia-Pacific region is only two-and-a-half hours. A direct flight from the West Coast of the U.S. to Taiwan takes only 12 hours. The convenient international airport for A-SSCC 2022 is Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA).
Website:
- Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA)
- Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
- Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH)
International Flight Schedule:
- Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA)
- Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
- Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH)
Climate
Taiwan enjoys warm weather all year round. Weather conditions fluctuate during spring and winter, while in summer and autumn the weather is relatively stable. Taiwan is extremely suitable for traveling, as the annual average temperature is a comfortable 23 degrees Celsius with the lowest temperatures on the lowlands generally ranging from 12 to 17 degrees Celsius (54-63 Fahrenheit). Therefore, with the exception of a few mountain areas where some traces of snow can be found during winter, no snow can be seen in Taiwan. During raining season (March to May), continuously drizzling rain will sometimes fall on Taiwan. When visiting Taiwan during this period, please remember to carry an umbrella at all time. During the summer time (June to August), typhoons sometimes approach or hit the country.
Taiwan High Speed Rail
Taiwan High Speed Rail (abbreviated THSR or HSR) is a high-speed rail line that runs approximately 345
km (214 mi) along the west coast of Taiwan, from the national capital Taipei to the southern city of
Kaohsiung. With construction managed by a private company, Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation (THSRC),
which also operates the line, the total cost of the project was US$18 billion. At the time it was built,
this was one of the world's largest privately funded rail construction schemes. (THSR On-line Booking)
Taipei Mass Rapid Transit System (Metro Taipei)
The Taipei Mass Rapid Transit System (Metro Taipei) is a rapid transit system covering metropolitan Taipei.
There are five lines in operation, including Wenhu Line, Tamsui-Xinyi Line, Songshan-Xindian Line,
Zhonghe-Xinlu Line, and Bannan Line. Tickets are sorted by Single-Journey Ticket (US$ 1~2), One-Day
Pass (US$ 5), 24hr Taipei Metro Pass (US$ 6), 48hr Taipei Metro Pass (US$ 9.5), 72hr Taipei Metro Pass
(US$ 12.5), etc. (Website) (Metro Taipei Routing Map)
Currency
Currency Taiwan's unit of currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$). Bill denominations are NT$1000, NT$500,
and NT$100. Coin denominations are NT$1, NT$5, NT$10 and NT$50. As of November 2017, the exchange rate
was quoted around NT$30 to one US Dollar. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at the airport upon arrival,
or at government-authorized banks, tourist hotels, and large department stores. Receipts are given
when currency is exchanged, and must be presented in order to exchange unused NT Dollars before departure.
Traveler's checks in major currencies may be cashed at some tourist-oriented businesses and at most
international tourist hotels.
Convenience Store
There are over 10,000 convenience stores in Taiwan, including 7-11, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, and OK-Mart.
They are all open for 24 Hours. ATM is set in most of them to provide financial service, however, it
may charge some service fee when visitors use it.
Credit Cards
Hotels, department stores, airlines, large stores and restaurants accept major credit cards. Cash is
generally preferred elsewhere.
Banking Hours
Banks are open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Time Zone
Taiwan is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and does not practice daylight saving time in
summer. You can check Taiwan's local time and the time difference from your local time via this link:
http://www.timeanddate.com/
Electricity Supply
Taiwan uses electric current of 110 volts at 60 Hz, appliances from Europe, Australia or South-East Asia
will need an adaptor or transformer.
Customs
Personal items are free of duty. Visitors over 20 years old may bring in, duty free, 200 cigarettes or
25 cigars or 0.5 kg of tobacco, one bottle of liquor and one used camera. Gold cannot be exported without
a permit issued by the Ministry of Finance. Passengers arriving with gold and silver and planning to
take it out at departure must declare it and leave the items with Customs until they leave Taiwan.
Tipping / Taxes
Tipping is optional. It is usual, however, to tip hotel porters and valet parking assistants. A 10% service
charge and a 5% value-added tax are added to room rates and meals.
Taxis
Major cities have an abundance of taxis. In Taipei, charges are NT$ 85 for the first 1.25km and NT$ 5
for each additional 200 meters. An additional NT$ 5 is charged for every 80 seconds of waiting, and
a NT$ 20 surcharge is added to fares between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., NT$ 10 dollars tip needed for luggage
placed in taxi trunk. Basically, taxi fares in all major cities are set by local government itself
and vary slightly. Out-of-town or long-distance travels may not apply to meter charge; travelers are
suggested to confirm charging method before getting on taxi.
External Link by the Tourism Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Republic of China (Taiwan)
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