Travel

  General Information：

  ★VISA  ★Entry/Departure  ★Time Zone  ★Electricity/Water 
  ★Public Phone  ★Currency  ★Climate  ★Foreign Consulates
　

  Travel Information：

Travel in Taiwan
Travel in Taipei
Taipei City Government

VISA

Foreign nationals may obtain tourist visas if they hold foreign passports or travel documents valid for more than six months in the ROC for purposes of sightseeing, business, family visits, study or training, medical treatment, or other legitimate activities.

14-day visa-free privileges are afforded to citizens of 18 countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand, the Netherlands( Holland), Portugal, Spain, Sweden, U.K. and the U.S.A.

30-day landing visas are afforded to citizens of 21 countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand, the Netherlands (Holland), Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, U.K. and the U.S.A.

Entry/Departure

Travelers who have spent more than 5 days in cholera risk areas must present valid inoculation certificates when entering the ROC. Most personal belongings are duty free, but stereo sets, TVs, VCRs and computers must be declared. Check entry forms for duty-free allowances and restrictions on cash.

Holders of ARCs no longer require exit permits, but a re-entry visa is required if you are planning to return. An Airport tax of NT$300 is charged. A maximum US$5000 of equivalent may be taken out. Certain articles (gold of silver bullion, antiques, art pieces, restricted animals parts, medicines, etc.) are prohibited. For information on Customs matters, contact:

Directorate General Customs
13, TaCheng St., Taipei
Tel: 2-2550-5500, ext. 2925

Time Zone

Taiwan is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)

Electricity/Water

Taiwan uses electric current of 110 volts at 60 cycles. Tap water is drinkable but drinking unboiled water is not recommended. Most hotels provide boiled drinking water. Bottled spring water is easily available at convenience stores and supermarkets.

Public Phone

Public telephone are either coin-operated or card-operated. All local and domestic long-distance calls are timed. The basic charge for a local call is NT$1. Telephone cards can be purchased at most convenience stores and from Chunghwa Telecom offices.

International Direct Dial (IDD) calls can be made by dialing the international dialing code 002 + country code + city code + local number. International reverse-charge and credit card calls can be made through dedicated phones located at international airports and major hotels. You can also call the United States using AT&T Direct service and over 100 other countries through AT&T World Connect services by calling 0080-102-880.

For English-speaking directory assistance in Taipei, call tel: 2-2311-6796 or 106 and in Kaohsiung call tel: 344-6634.

Fax facilities are available at some convenience stores, major post offices and tourist hotels.

Currency

The New Taiwan Dollar (NT$) is the currency used in Taiwan. Paper money is currently available in NT$100, NT$200, NT$500, NT$1,000, and NT$2,000 bills. Coins are NT$1, NT$5, NT$10 and NT$50 denominations. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at hotels, airports and a number of government-designated banks. Major credit cards are widely accepted.

Exchange Rates Reference:
http://rate.bot.com.tw/Pages/Static/UIP003.zh-TW.htm

Climate

Taipei has a subtropical climate, with an average temperature of 22⁰C(72⁰F). Summer lasts from May until September and is typically hot and humid. July is the hottest month with an average temperature of 29⁰C(84⁰F). Autumn, from October to November, is probably the most pleasant time to visit Taipei, with average temperatures of 23⁰C(73⁰F). Winter lasts from December to February. January average temperatures are about 15⁰C(59⁰F), but there is often a strong wind and rain, which can make the weather seem quite chilly. The rainy season lasts from April to May, but sometimes extends into September. In the spring, Taipei blooms with dazzling azaleas and temperatures around 20⁰C(68⁰F).

Foreign Consulates