About Taiwan
Location
Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), named Ilha Formosa (meaning “Beautiful Island”) by Portuguese in 16 th century, is located in between the southeastern coast of the Asian continent and the East Asian islands distributed among the western Pacific Rim. To the north lie Japan and the Ryukyu Islands; to the south are the Philippine Islands; to the west is Mainland China.
Taiwan has a skilled and educated workforce. Its export-oriented industrial economy is the 17 th largest in the world in 2000, with sectors including steel, machinery, electronics and chemicals manufacturing. The state is ranked highly in terms of civil and political liberties, education, health care, and human development.
Visa Regulations
Taiwan has visitor visa policy for visitors who will stay in Taiwan for periods varying from 14 to 90 days, and could exceed to 180 days if expired.
For more information on visa requirements to Taiwan, please refer to the website of Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, R.O.C. (Taiwan)
Language
Mandarin Chinese is the official language in Taiwan.
Time Zone
Taiwan Standard Time is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+8).
Climate
Taiwan belongs to tropical(southern) and subtropical (northern and central) climate. The entire island experiences hot, humid weather from June through September, with an average temperature of 26-31°C, sometimes it will exceed up to above 35°C. Typhoons are common in July to September. During the winter (November to March), it is about 16-20°C, and the northeast experiences steady rain, while the central and southern parts of the island are mostly sunny.
For more information on Taiwan’s climate, please refer to the website of the Central Weather Bureau.
Currency and Exchange
The New Taiwan Dollar (NTD) is the currency of Taiwan.
Foreign currencies can be exchanged at international airports, banks, or currency exchange stores.
For approximate exchange rate, please refer to the website of Xe currency converter.
Taxes & Tipping
In general, tipping is at your discretion. While tipping is not mandatory in Taiwan, a 10% service charge is usually billed in at restaurants.
Starting from 1 January, 2018, all retail businesses in Taiwan are required to charge a minimum levy of NTD$1-2 for each plastic shopping bag provided to customers.
Sale tax (5%) is included in the price tag. Foreign citizens visiting Taiwan can take advantage of the government’s sales-tax (VAT) refund system if they spend more than NTD3,000 in a single day at any participating shop no more than 30 days before leaving the country.
For more information of VAT, please refer to the website of Taiwan Tax Refund.
Electricity
In Taiwan, the standard voltage is 110 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz, and the power plugs and sockets are of type A and B. Check out the following pictures.
Type A mainly used in North and Central America, China and Japan. This socket only works with plug A.
Type B like type A but with an extra prong for grounding. This socket also works with plug A.
Type A This socket has no alternative plugs
Type B This socket also works with plug A
Please prepare the voltage converter and adaptor for your electrical equipment if necessary
Smoking Regulations
Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public places, including restaurants, karaoke, malls and bars in Taiwan, and throughout the NTU Campus. The smoking ban also covers both indoor and outdoor areas of some premises such as public beaches and swimming pools. It also applies to public transport carriers and facilities. Furthermore, no person shall smoke or carry a lighted cigarette, cigar or pipe in designated no-smoking areas, or they shall be liable to a fixed penalty of NTD$10,000.
Emergency and Useful Phone Numbers
Emergency Services
Police: 110
Fire Department and Ambulance Service: 119Taipei City Service：1999
For more information and other useful numbers, please refer to the website of Useful telephone numbers in Taiwan.