Buying a house in Taiwan can be confusing and stressful. It is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. To even consider buying a house in Taiwan, you have probably lived here for years, so many of the things I will mention in this blog may not be new to you.

​I have spent quite a few years looking for houses and saving money for a down payment, as well as figuring out all the costs and other factors involved in purchasing the right house. Also, I recently just bought a house in Taipei in 2021. I have created this guide and FAQ to help people understand the buying process, finding the right house, and saving the right amount of money needed to make a move.

The following is my personal insight as an American looking for houses mainly near Taipei City. 

In an effort to treat foreign residents equally, Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior responded to complaints of foreign residents by changing the ARC Uniform ID numbering system to match the format used by Taiwan citizens. Because of this, every foreigner must change their ARC number the next time they change or update their ARC card starting Jan. 1 2021. So what do you need to do after your ARC number has changed?

An APRC (short for Alien Permanent Resident Certificate, aka PR) is perhaps the most desirable immigration status for most foreigners in Taiwan. By simply living in Taiwan for five years or more in a row and meeting a few other requirements, you can enjoy permanent residency in Taiwan and an open work permit. However the process and requirements are not so straight forward depending on your situation, therefore we have created this guide to help answer some common questions.

Foreword: Please note that this guide is for reference only. The ultimate authority on what documents are required and whether or not your application will be accepted is the immigration bureau. Some of the information in the blog may be inaccurate for your specific situation. For clarifications, please call the foreigner hotline directly (toll free): 0800-024-111.
This information for this blog was taken from the NIA website and personal experience such as from calls to the immigration office, and in person visits to the immigration office. Personally I applied for an APRC as the spouse of a Taiwan national.

My personal experience getting my APRC was a confusing and difficult process. I made many mistakes along the way. I have listed some of the key takeaways from this process as follows. 

• I thought the five years for the APRC could be calculated using different ARC types. That is not true, you have to be on one ARC type for the whole five years.
• I thought the five years were calendar years, starting Jan. 1. But no, the count starts on the first day you were issued an ARC of the type you are still using. Because of this, my first application was rejected and I had to wait another year to apply.
• Double check when offices are open, and make sure you bring your passport everywhere with you just in case. Double and triple check you have all the required documents before you leave the door. 
• I forgot to write my middle name when applying for a Criminal Record Certificate. Luckily I was able to go back and fix it for free.
• I thought I did not have to apply for an open work permit because I have a Taiwanese spouse. That is not the case, even people with dependent ARCs must apply for a work permit after they receive their APRC. 

Now let's start the Q+A.

On the plane leaving Taiwan's Taoyuan Airport in 2014, I promised myself I would find a way to stay in Taiwan permanently. I had just finished a 90 day vacation on a visitor free visa, which included a round island trip, daily bike rides around Kaohsiung, and daily trips to the beach in Qijin. I was not going to let a 90 day visa stop me again from enjoying what still to me is the most beautiful Island in the world, and the most friendly place in the world to western foreigners.

Taiwan is a safe, inexpensive, and convenient place to give birth. Taiwan has a world class healthcare system, capable doctors, and top of the line medical facilities. If you are hesitant about whether or not you want to give birth in Taiwan, let me tell you now that there is nothing to worry about, and having a baby in Taiwan will be fine. I have created this brief guide here for you so that you can understand a little more about what it is like to give birth in Taiwan.
 
Forward: Please note that I am writing this blog and FAQ section from the perspective of an American father, married to a Taiwan National, covered by Taiwan's National Health Insurance. I have recently gone through the birth of two children in Taiwan, born in 2017 and 2020. One was born in a private local clinic and the other was born in a public city hospital. 

This blog will begin with my experience, and at the end there is a frequently asked question (FAQ) section.

Renting an apartment in Taiwan can be confusing and frustrating. As a long term rental tenant and expat in Taiwan I have lived in over ten apartments and have dealt with all kinds of problems, from bad landlords to noise to bugs. I feel like my experience can help other expats searching for apartments in Taiwan, so I have created this guide and FAQ to help people avoid the mistakes that I have made in the past, and have a pleasant rental experience in Taiwan.
​

As someone contemplating expat life in Taiwan, you may be afraid of what life is actually like living here as a foreigner. Therefore we have created this short list of the main things you should consider before taking the plunge and moving to Taiwan. All things considered, you should move here; it's perhaps the best country in the world to live for expats.

Buying a car as a foreigner in Taiwan can be a confusing and stressful experience. If you do not live near a train station, chances are that you have thought about at least buying a car for long trips. Taiwan is a place that should be explored not just with public transportation, but by car or scooter. If you only take public transportation everywhere you go, you are missing out on a huge part of Taiwan. To make you buying experience smoother, we have created this guide to let you know what to expect and answer any questions.

(Please note that the following questions and answers are for reference only and are not a comprehensive list of regulations. Local laws and regulations are constantly changing, and different cities, counties, and private property owners have differing droning rules. Please double check with Taiwan's Civil Aviation Bureau, local authorities, national parks, or property owners if you have any doubts about flying your drone in a certain area.

​Flying a drone (quadcopter, RC helicopter, remote UAV etc.) in Taiwan can be fun, safe, and positively impact the community if you do it right. For some of our own drone videos in Taiwan, check out the video below, as well as my drone playlist on Youtube, and don't forget to subscribe to our Youtube Channel here.

Buying a scooter as a foreigner in Taiwan can be a confusing and stressful experience. If you do not live near the MRT in Taipei, chances are that you have thought about at least buying a scooter. Taiwan is a place that should be explored not just with public transportation, but by scooter. If you only take public transportation everywhere you go, you are missing out on a huge part of Taiwan. To make you buying experience smoother, we have created this guide to let you know what to expect and answer any questions.
​
Here is an easy checklist for buying a car or scooter in Taiwan:
Before buying the scooter:

• Get an ARC
• Get a local driver's license
• Test drive the scooter to see if there are any issues

Buying the scooter:

• Go to the local DMV (監理所) and transfer the owner
• Undergo vehicle check for scooters over ten years old
• Pay fuel tax and license plate tax if applicable (燃料稅, 牌照稅), see the tables below.
• Buy compulsory insurance (强制險)
• Buy extra third party liability insurance and/or driver's injury insurance (第三方責任險及駕駛傷害險)
• Activate the ETC account for heavy motorcycles (electronic highway toll system)

After buying the scooter:

• Complete annual emissions test (驗車)
• Change oil regularly (換機油)
• Repair regularly (定期保養)
• Renew insurance annually

Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan and was the capital of Taiwan for over 200 years. It is also said to be the culinary capital of Taiwan, with many traditional Taiwanese snacks that originated here. Surrounded by historical sites, from the Dutch, Koxinga, and Qing Dynasty, it is a great place to enjoy Taiwan's interesting history and its delicious cuisine.

Below I will list out some of the best places in Miaoli that I have visited. I will be sure to update this blog as I visit more places later. 

How to get around in Tainan?
As always, we recommend renting a scooter as the best way to see Taiwan. Getting around in a car is also a convenient option as there is plenty of parking pretty much everywhere in this less crowded county. However, you can also a great deal of Tainan by taking the train, inter city bus, local bus, or bicycle (T-bike rental). 

When to go?
Tainan is great year round, but it can get a little hot in the summer, and Typhoon season and heavy rain season lasts from about May to October. If you are afraid of the heat and rain then you can visit during winter when the temperatures are mild and the climate is dryer. 

You can see a map of all the places that we will visit in this blog below:

​Taiwan is one of the best places for expats to live, due to its high standard of living, friendly environment for western foreigners, convenience, great food, and amazing sites. In this blog, I will give you the top ten reasons why you should live in Taiwan.

Foreward: This blog has taken me countless hours over a few years to compile, so if you want to share the information or photos in this blog, please provide a link and proper citation back to this web page. 

The New Taiwan Dollar is the national currency of Taiwan (ROC), and it includes five main bills and five main coins that are currently in circulation. It is one of the sure signs that Taiwan is a free and independent nation.

Have you ever wondered what the meaning or significance of the designs on these bills? Well in this blog we will explore these in depth.

History:
Old Taiwan Dollar: Ever wonder what happened to the old Taiwan Dollar? It was the official currency of Taiwan after 1945, replacing the Japanese Yen that had previously been used at roughly the same price. It was discontinued in 1949 due to hyperinflation that hit China after WWII due to the Chinese Civil War, which also affected  Taiwan and the Taiwan Dollar. 
To help solve hyperinflation, the New Taiwan Dollar was created June 15, 1949 as the official currency of Taiwan, after the ROC lost the Chinese Civil War and retreated to Taiwan. The currency was valued as 1 New Taiwan Dollar to 40,000 Taiwan Dollars.

New Taiwan Dollar Beginnings: The New Taiwan Dollar currency was adopted as the official currency of the Republic of China only in 1961. Before that, Kinmen and Matsu had their own special currency notes, which have been discontinued. 
In 2001, the New Taiwan Dollar currency stopped being printed at the Bank of Taiwan, and is now printed at Taiwan's Central Bank.
The New Taiwan Dollar bills and coins have gone through many changes over the years, but most of them have included either Chiang Kai-shek or Sun Yat-sen on the face of the notes. After 1976 until 2001, most notes were either 10 NT, 100 NT, 500 NT, and 1000 NT. From then until now, there have been five generations or series of notes and coins. This blog will focus on the current fifth series. For a full list of historical notes, click here. 

Previous Versions: Before the year 2000, prior generations of bank notes were easily copied, as they lacked special marking and printing techniques. Counterfeit bills were often used in night markets and vegetable markets because they would not be scrutinized for their authenticity. In addition, former bills were less durable and could be ruined even if just put through a washing machine cycle. Although current bills can also still be ruined in a washing machine...sigh.
Also the fourth generation of bills(which began circulation in 1982) did not include a 20 NT coin or a 200 or 2000 NT bill; and people normally only used 1 NT, 5 NT, 10 NT, 50 NT, 100 NT, 500 NT, and 1000 NT. Because this was not very long ago, part of the reason the 20 NT, 200 NT, and 2000 NT are not widely used is because people are still used to using only 10 NT, 100 NT, 500 NT and 1000 NT.

Current Version: Starting in the year 2000, the central bank began printing the modern fifth generation version of New Taiwan Dollar notes that we use today. The current 100 NT note was first printed in 2000, the 200 NT and 2000 NT notes were first printed in 2001, and the current 500 NT and 1000 NT notes were first printed in 2004.
In 2001, the 20 NT coin was introduced, but other coins remained the same. 
New Taiwan Dollars can be denoted as TWD, NTD or NT$.

Common symbols on the New Taiwan Dollar:

• The Plum Blossom (梅花): This is the national flower of the ROC. You will see this symbol printed throughout many NT notes and coins. This flower represents resilience, because the plum blossom blooms in snow. This is a fitting analogy for the Republic of China that is struggling against all odds to remain a sovereign nation despite its neighbor bully communist China. Plum trees are also known for their longevity. The three buds of the flower represent the three principles of the people by Sun Yat-sen (三民主義). The five pedals represent the five branches of government, the five ethics of Confucianism, and five races under one union.
• The 'three friends of winter' (嵗寒三友): These are the plum tree (梅), pine tree (松), and bamboo (竹). These three plants thrive in the winter time, making them symbols of resilience and longevity in Chinese culture.  They represent the ROC overcoming in an adverse geopolitical situation. 
• The Lotus Flower (蓮花): The lotus flower has been an important symbol in Chinese culture for thousands of years. It represents purity and virtue as well as long life and prosperity. The lotus is also a symbol of the Buddha in Chinese Buddhism. 
• Sun Yat-sen: Who was Sun Yat-sen?
  He was a Chinese doctor and politician, who founded the Republic of China (ROC), which was the first formal government formed after the fall of the Qing Dynasty. The ROC is a democratic government based on Sun's political philosophy of the three principles of the people: nationalism, democracy, and the people's livelihood. He also formed the Kuomintang (KMT) party. He served as president of the ROC for a short time and led the KMT, but died in 1925 before China was unified under his predecessor Chiang Kai-shek, and well before the ROC retreated to Taiwan. He is revered on both sides of the Taiwan straight as the a founding father of the PRC and ROC. ​
• Chiang Kai-shek: Who was Chiang Kai Shek?
  Chiang Kai-shek was a military leader and leader of the ROC. He led the nationalist army on the Northern Expedition that defeated Chinese warlords and unified China in 1928. In the process, he tried to destroy the Communist Party, which escaped and received help from Russia to defeat the ROC in the Chinese Civil War. After WWII, the tentative truce between communists and the ROC broke down and the communist forces launched an effective guerrilla warfare attack on KMT forces, gaining wide support from local people and driving out the KMT; many in KMT army were corrupt and could not keep a coherent fighting force. In 1949, KMT forces retreated to Taiwan, where they set up their government and instituted martial law. Under Chiang's Rule as dictator for life in the ROC during this time, the KMT committed crimes, killings, and unfairly imprisonment against the Taiwanese people and intellectual elites, known as the White Terror. Personal freedoms in Taiwan were limited and those that were suspected of being communists were imprisoned. Chiang sought to retake the mainland but never accomplished this goal, dying in 1975.
  He left a polarized image, with many in Taiwan revering him as a great leader, and others detesting him for killings and oppression during the White Terror. 

Current coins and bills in circulation (fifth series of the new Taiwan Dollar):

As a long time driver/scooter rider/cyclist in Taiwan, I have seen my fair share of bad driving. Taiwan has it's own unique driving culture, which combined with a lack of proper traffic law enforcement has created many bad habits among Taiwanese drivers. Below is a list of some of the quirky bad habits and customs you can see on the roads in Taiwan.

Please note that the following is satire and not to be taken seriously. Please do not perform any of the following. Please follow all the traffic laws of the Republic of China. Please be safe while driving or riding a scooter in Taiwan. Multiple people are injured and killed in traffic accidents in Taiwan every day, partly because they follow these dangerous unwritten rules. Most of these are just bad habits shared by many Taiwanese drivers.
​

Taiwan is one of the best countries in the world. Everyone should learn more about this bastion of democracy in Asia, which also happens to be the best kept tourism secret in Asia. There is so much here to do and explore, and thanks to a great quality of life it has been constantly named one of the best places for foreign expats to settle. 
For those of you that are new to Taiwan or know little about it, we have created this short listicle to help educate you about this amazing country. 

​1. ​Taiwan is Not Your Home Country 臺灣不是你的家鄉

During the Covid 19 pandemic, Taiwan has been lucky to avoid lock-down due to great government procedures and policies. In Taiwan we can still go out, but safe social distancing is still required, after all this is a global pandemic and we do not know when the next COVID-19 case will be detected. Obviously the best place to social distance is at home, but to help you have fun in Taiwan while at the same time keep safe social distance, we have made a list of the top 15 sites in Taiwan that are usually free of other people. 

Of course the list of social distancing locations in Taiwan is limited, with two thirds of the island filled with mountainous area. Below is a full list of all the tourist sites we have blogged about in Taiwan for your reference. 

Banking in Taiwan as a foreigner can be a frustrating experience, especially with a language barrier and cultural gaps. Banking still is a major pain even for long time residents. However we have made this guide to help make banking in Taiwan a little easier, more efficient, and more beneficial especially for expats new to Taiwan. 

Foreword: The following Q+A is based on personal experience and and is for reference only. this is not an exhaustive analysis of Taiwan's banking sector. Each bank has different policies, and the employees in the banks may not even know their own policies for foreigners. 

Please note that this guide is written from the point of view of a heterosexual American marrying a Taiwanese National. For other types of marriages in Taiwan, check with the your home country's consulate or office in Taiwan. 

Generally speaking, getting married in Taiwan is not that complicated. Typically, you should only require the following documents, and apply for marriage at the local house registration office:

​Q: What documents do I need to get married in Taiwan?
A: Marriage in Taiwan required documents:

• Passports/ARCs/Taiwan national IDs of you and your future spouse
• Written marriage agreement (結婚書約 see sample below)
• Two adult witnesses to sign the written marriage agreement
• Notarized and Authorized Statement of singleness (單身證明) (that you are not married) from your home country. This is also required for your future spouse if he/she is not a Taiwan national.

Marriage agreement (結婚書約) sample below:

Nantou lies at the heart of Taiwan and is it's only landlocked county. It is known for its rugged natural landscapes and mountains, and includes the highest mountain in East Asia. If you come to Taiwan you should definitely pass through this place and stop by at some of the sights we will mention below.

In this blog we will visit the following places:

• Climbing Jade Mountain in one Day  (Yushan) 外國人單攻玉山
• The Ultimate Guide to Sun Moon Lake 日月潭極限指南
• Jiuzu Cultural Village 九族文化村
• Xitou 溪頭
• Qingjing Farm 清境農場
• Hehuanshan - Snow in Taiwan! 合歡山 - 下雪在臺灣！
• Jiji Railway Line 集集線
• ​Ershui Songbo Temple Trail 二水松柏廟步道
• Nantou Houtanjing Sky Bridge 猴探井天空之橋 
• Chung Tai Shan Monastary 中台山寺廟
• 99 Peaks Forest Trail 九九峰森林步道​​
• 
  

Below is a map of these sites:

Taiwan has recently received a lot of press for its great response to the Covid-19 outbreak. But Taiwan has had a world class universal healthcare system for decades, known as National Health Insurance (NHI). People have long been coming to Taiwan for "medical tourism," due to Taiwan's low cost and high quality medical care. In this article we will answer common questions about Taiwan's healthcare system and why it is perhaps the best in the world.

Please note that some of the answers below are anecdotal based on personal experience using National Health Insurance in Taiwan, and are for reference only.

Whether you are coming to Taiwan for a day or for three years, it can be hard getting used to a new country, and new culture, and a new way of living. To help you out, we have prepared this guide to help you survive and get used to this amazing country.

A few weeks ago my Spark Drone Crashed. I posted a few photos which gained quite a lot of interest, so I have decided to share the whole blog about the crash here. Also as a fellow internet user I know that is helpful to post this kind of crash information on the internets for the use of others. 

Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with any camp ground or camping products in Taiwan. The following FAQ is only based on our opinion after years of camping in Taiwan, and should not be considered absolute fact. If in doubt, make sure you check with the local police station or other government office to make sure you are following local regulations while camping in Taiwan. 

With two thirds of the island covered in mountains, Taiwan has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. One of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of Taiwan is via camping. Below is a very basic level FAQ on camping in Taiwan for foreigners that have never experienced it. 

Foreword: Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of questions. This is meant to only give a basic overview of Taiwan's daily life situation to those who have never been there. 

What do Taiwanese people eat for breakfast?
So many things. Super traditional Taiwanese breakfast consists of some type of rice porridge and pork. But, soymilk and baked/steamed buns are also very popular. Also hamburgers, onion pancakes, sandwiches and a ton of other stuff. For more information, check out this blog, or just come to Taiwan and try some yourself!

What do Taiwanese people eat for lunch?
A typical lunch would be a Biandang orlunchbox, which includes a meat patty, rice, and vegetables. Noodles are also a popular lunch choice.
 
What do Taiwanese people eat for dinner?
Similar to lunch, locals eat biandang and noodles, but also hot pot and red bean soup during winter, along with western foods.
 
What are table manners in Taiwan?
I would say table manners are somewhat similar as America. If you follow American rules, you will not offend anyone; but be sure to not stick your chopsticks upright in your bowl as this is a symbol of death. Burping and other bodily noises such as slurping are somewhat as long as it is not overtly loud. Holding your rice bowl and using chopsticks is common practice.
 
What gestures are rude in Taiwan?/ What is impolite in Taiwan?
Showing the bottom of your feet.
Throwing things
Giving things with only one hand
Sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl
Giving someone a clock as a gift
Not looking someone in the eye
For more, check out this blog:
 
Is Fengshui important in Taiwan?
Yes. But it also depends of the person; many people are more superstitious than others, and some people don’t care. But in general it is an important principle.
 
Are Taiwanese people friendly?
Yes, they are some of the most friendly people in the world, especially to foreigners!
 
What is the hotline for foreigners in Taiwan?
Hotline for foreigners in Taiwan: 0800-024-111.
 
Is the water safe in Taiwan?
Filter or boil water in Taiwan, or buy bottled water. It is not safe to drink from the tap. Taipei has the cleanest water (meaning it requires the least filtration), while more rural areas are hit and miss.
 
How is the air quality in Taiwan?
Not very good, but better than mainland China. Taiwan has the worst pollution of the four Asian tigers. Taipei’s pollution is particularly bad because it lies in a basin, enclosed on all sides. Power plants and motorcycles give the most pollution. Pollution from China gives tons of pollution to Taiwan during winter. Due to this and lack of rain, winter has the worst air quality during the year.
 
Is Taiwan safe?
Yes, Taiwan is one of the safest countries in the world according to Prescavve. This is due to low crime and high economic freedom and development.
 
Is Taiwan pet friendly?
Yes. On theTaipei MRT, “Animals brought into stations or trains should be keep in pet boxes, pet strollers, small cages, or small containers which do not exceed 55cm in length, 45cm in width, and 40cm in height (size limits for pet strollers refer to the pet cabin only, the frame and wheels are excluded).” This is probably good advice whenever you bring your pet into an indoor location.
 
Are there wild dogs in Taiwan?
Yes. Be careful going to rural places or exploring. If a dog starts chasing you, turn sideways and don’t run away. Pull out a backpack or umbrella and yell; the dog should back away. You may also consider bringing pepper spray if the above fails.
 
Is Taiwan a good place for cycling/biking?
Yes, Taiwan is a cycler’s paradise! Many people circle the island by bike as a life achievement. All police stations have bike pumps, and there are more than 10,000 convenience stores in Taiwan, making it easy to take a break and get a fresh meal along the way.
 
Is Taiwan a good place for hiking?
Yes, 2/3 of Taiwan is covered in mountains. There are hiking trails almost everywhere, but higher mountains require hiking permits. For more information, visit this blog. 
 
Is Taiwan a good place for jogging?
Yes, but in the summer it can get hot, so you should drink plenty of water. Also in the winter air quality can get bad, so you might consider wearing a mask.
 
Are there gyms in Taiwan?
Yes.
 
Are there swimming pools in Taiwan?
Yes, everywhere.
 
Is swimming allowed at Taiwan beaches?
Most public beaches will allow only allow this in a designated swimming area.  There are usually signs that say no swimming for your safety, but usually swimmers will not give a fine. This is because most Taiwanese people cannot swim. At most a lifeguard will come and whistle blow you. Be careful to not swim too far into the ocean, due to rip tide.
 
Where can I go river tracing in Taiwan?
Everywhere there is a river! Taiwan is a river tracer’s paradise. The best river tracing is in the mountains up steep gorges. You will likely find less people on the east coast.
 
Are there churches in Taiwan?
Yes. Christians make up 4.5% of Taiwan’s population. For more information, check here:
 
What is the best way to get around Taiwan?
I personally think the best way to get around is by Scooter, but bicycle and public transport are also very good. Travelling by car is difficult because there are narrow streets, many scooters, and limited parking.
You have a few options:

1. Local Train – Gets you to the city center of all major cities in Taiwan. It is about 800NT to get from Taipei to Kaohsiung. Roughly half the price of the HSR.
2. HSR (High Speed Rail) – Gets you quickly from north to south. Besides Taipei and Kaohsiung, most of the stations are far from city centers. It costs about 1500NT to get from Taipei to Kaohsiung.
3. MRT (Mass Rapid Transit, Metro train, subway) – Easily gets you around Taipei and Kaohsiung.
4. Bus – Buses can be tricky. Long rang busses such as Ubus and King Bus are easier to understand and cheaper than the local train. They can take you to the city center of every city throughout Taiwan and to remote tourist destinations such as sun moon lake. A long range bus from Taipei to Kaohsiung is about 500 NT.
5. Tour Bus – You can take a tour, but this will limit your freedom.
6. Taxi – You can take shor rides for about 150 NT, or hire a Taxi for a day for around 150 USD.
7. Ubike – This is a bike rental platform that uses fixed parking areas. They are at most MRT stations, making it easy to get from the MRT or Bus stop to your final destination. The fare is 10 NT for 30 minutes, or free for the first 30 minutes if you are travelling from New Taipei City.
8. Obike – These bikes are easy to use, and are located in city centers, and can be parked anywhere that is legal. The fare is 2 NT for every 15 minutes used.
9. Road Bike Rental – You can rent a road bike for about 1000NT a day at a local bike shop. 

 

1. Scooter Rental – Scooter rental places are usually near train stations and can go from usually 500-800 NT per day. For more information, please visit our blog on scooter rental. Please read our blog on the scooter rental for more information. 
2. Car Rental – There are Car Rental chains throughout Taiwan, that range anywhere from 1500-4000 NT or more per day. Please readour blog on car rental for more information. 
3.  Airplane – To get to the outer islands such as Penghu and Orchid Isalnd, taking a plane is the fastest route. We do not recommend taking a plane to get around on the main island unless you are travelling to the East coast. Take the HSR if you will only be on the west side.
4. Boat – A boat can be a convenient way to get to outer islands such as Xiaoliuqiu, Green Island, Orchid Island, and perhaps Penghu. One can also travel by boat from Xiamen, China to Kinmen.

 
For more information, please visit our travel/transportation FAQ.
 
Where can I buy groceries in Taiwan?
Carrefour, PX mart, Wellcome, Jason’s, and Costco should have all the groceries you need. There are also a few expat stores in Taipei, especially in the Tianmu area.
 
Where can I buy furniture in Taiwan?
Ikea. And tons of other places.
 
Where should I buy clothes in Taiwan?
Pretty much everywhere. Cheap clothes can be found at night markets, Net, Uniclo, and Carrefour. If you want more expensive brands, go to an outlet or mall.
 
Where should I buy electronics in Taiwan?
Online (PC Home and Shoppee), at a night market, at Carrefour, Cankun, or Guanghua Digital Plaza in Taipei.

Have any more questions about daily life in Taiwan? Please leave them in the comments below, and we might just add them to the list!
You can also search Facebook for foreigner groups in Taiwan and ask your questions there.
Please like, follow, and share to help everyone know that Taiwan is a friendly and inviting place for foreigners!

Foreword: Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of questions. This is meant to only give a basic overview of Taipei to those who have never been there.

How do you pronounce Taipei?
Tie Pay.
​
Where is Taipei on a Map?/Where is Taipei in Taiwan?
Taipei City is located in northern Taiwan, laying in the middle of the Taipei Basin surrounded by New Taipei City. Please refer to the map below:

Who is mayor of Taipei?
Ke Wen-je 柯文哲 or 柯P.
 
Why visit Taipei?/ Why Taipei?
Taipei has friendly people, a safe environment, convenient public transportation, nice weather, good food, cheap cost of living, and tons of things to see and do!
 
Where should I stay in Taipei?
There are hundreds of hotels around Taipei the cater to different traveler interests and needs. I recommend Agoda.com as the best hotel search website.  You can also try Aribnb.
 
How many days does it take to tour Taipei?/ How many days should I tour Taipei?
This depends on how much time you have, I have been touring Taipei for 2 years already!

What should I do in Taipei? Where should I travel in Taipei?
1 day tour:
Morning: National Palace Museum
Afternoon: Taipei 101
Night: Shihlin Night Market.
3 day tour:
Day 1: National palace museum, Taipei 101, and Night markets.
Day 2: Beitou hot springs, and Jiufen.
Day 3: Yeliu queen’s head and Pingxi Railway.
Other notable sights in Taipei:

• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
• Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall
• Dihua Street
• Tamsui Old Street
• Ximending Shopping District
• Taipei Zoo and Gondola
• Much much more! Search our blog for more places to visit!

 
What are the best night markets in Taipei?

1. Raohe Street
2. Shihlin Night Market
3. Tonghua Night Market
4. Ningxia Night Market
5. Keelung Night Market

What are the best old streets in Taipei?
1. Tamsui Old Street
2. Shenkeng Old Street
3. Sanxia Old Street
4. Yingge Old Street

What should I eat in Taipei?
Taiwan has some of the best food in the world, and it’s a big reason why foreigners like us love coming back. A lot of these foods cannot easily be found elsewhere, which makes leaving Taiwan that much harder. Our top 10 most delicious Taiwan foods are as follows:
1. Hot Pot Buffet 火鍋吃到飽
2. Roast Duck 烤鴨
3. Fried Chicken 炸鷄
4. Taiwan Lunchbox (Bento) 自助餐/便當
5. Bubble Milk Tea 珍珠奶茶
6. Red Bean Soup 紅豆湯
7. Dumplings and Fried Dumplings 水餃/鍋貼
8. Steamed Buns 包子
9. Fruit Shaved Ice 水果冰
10. Onion Pancake 葱抓餅
 
How much is the Taipei zoo?
Adults – 60 NT
Students – 30 NT
Preschoolers and disabled persons – Free
Groups of 30 or more – 30% discount

What time does the zoo open/close in Taipei?
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

What time does the MRT/Metro open/close in Taipei?
The Taipei and Kaohsiung MRTs close at 12:00 AM midnight. They open again at 6:00 AM.
The last train at the MRT usually leaves from 11:00PM-12:00AM midnight. To search for exact times for the last train, click here.
 
What time does the Taipei 101 open and close in Taipei?
The Taipei 101 Observatory is openevery day from 9 AM to 10 PM.
 
What time does the National Palace Museum open/close in Taipei?
The museum is open 8:30 – 6:30 on weekdays and 8:30 – 9:30 on weekends year round.
 
Where is the Taipei 101?
On Xinyi road in Taipei, on the red MRT line Taipei 101/World Trade Center station. See below for a map:

What is the Taipei 101?
It was the highest building in the world from 2004-2010. It was designed by C.Y. Lee & Partners, and also had the fastest elevator in the world until 2016. It is an icon of Taiwan’s technological advancement.
 
How is Taipei 101 earthquake proof? How does the Taipei 101 withstand earthquakes?
The Taipei 101 is reinforced by concrete piles driven 80 meters below the ground and 30 meters into bedrock. In addition, it made of high strength reinforced steel and flexible materials.

How much does the Taipei 101 sway?
The most that the Taipei 101 damper has ever swayed was during Typhoon Soudelor, swaying 100 centimetres (39 in).
 
How much did the Taipei 101 cost?
NT$ 58 billion (US$1.934 billion)
 
How does the Taipei 101 damper work?
The damper works by offsetting strong wind gusts, absorbing the forces and turning them into kinetic energy, moving the damper.
 
How was Taipei 101 built?
The Taipei 101 was built in a period of 5 years from 1999-2004. The Taipei 101 is reinforced by concrete piles driven 80 meters below the ground and 30 meters into bedrock. In addition, it made of high strength reinforced steel and flexible materials. It was designed by C.Y. Lee & Partners, and also had the fastest elevator in the world until 2016.
 
Who is Chinese Taipei?  What is Chinese Taipei?
It is the name of Taiwan used in sporting events such as the Olympics as to not upset its bully neighbor the PRC (China).
 
What should I buy in Taipei? Where should I shop in Taipei?
If you are looking for cheap food, delicious snacks, and souvenirs, go to one of the many night markets in Taipei. If you are looking to buy expensive brand named items, go to an outlet or mall such as Sogo. Another popular shopping district in Taipei is Ximending.
 
Where should I buy electronics in Taiwan?
Online (PC Home and Shoppee), at a night market, at Carrefour, Cankun, or Guanghua Digital Plaza in Taipei.
 
What is New Taipei City?
New Taipei city is the area surrounding Taipei city, and was formerly known as Taipei county.

Where is New Taipei City?
New Taipei City (formerly Taipei County), is located in northern Taiwan, surrounding Taipei City. Please refer to the map below:

What time is it in Taipei?
Check this link: https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/taiwan/taipei
 
What is the population of Taipei?
2,704,974 as of 2016.
 
What is the capital of Taiwan?
Taipei City.

How is the weather in Taipei in November?
Record high 34.3 °C (93.7 °F)
Average high 24.2 °C (75.6 °F)
Daily Mean 21.5 °C (70.7 °F)
Average low: 19.3 °C (66.7 °F)
Record low: 1.1 °C (34 °F)
Avg rainfall, 83.1 cm (3.2 inches)
Avg rainy days, 12.4
Avg. Relaticve uhumididty: 75%
Mean sunshine hours: 99.4
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei#Climate
 
How is the weather in Taipei in December?
Record high 31.5 °C (88.7 °F)
Average high 20.7 °C (69.3 °F)
Daily Mean 17.9 °C (64.2 °F)
Average low: 15.6 °C (60.1 °F)
Record low: 1.8 °C (35.2 °F)
Avg rainfall, 73.3 cm (2.8 inches)
Avg rainy days, 11.7
Avg. Relaticve uhumididty: 75%
Mean sunshine hours: 90.7
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei#Climate
 
What is the weather like in Taipei?
Taipei has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are long, hot and humid, and have heavy rainstorms including Typhoons between June and October. Temperatures range from 26-34 °C (78-93 °F).
Winters are short and warm with relatively less rain, but have less sunshine. Temperatures range from 14-20 °C (57-68 °F).

Why does it rain so much in Taipei?/ Why does it always rain in Taipei?
Rainstorms are typical in the summer in Taipei due to monsoon weather and Typhoons. Most of the rain falls in the summer, but other months also see rain daily. There are typically between 11-15 rainy days in any given month in Taipei, so it does not always rain in Taipei.
 
How cold does Taipei get?
The average low temperature during winter in Taipei is 14 °C (57 °F), but can often get to as low as 10 °C (50 °F), but rarely any lower. The record low temperature in Taipei was recoded in February at -.02 °C (31.9 °F).

​How is the Howard Plaza Hotel in Taipei?
It’s a high end, 5 star hotel in Taipei, with just about all the amenities you can think of.
 
Why is the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Taipei haunted?
The Grand Hyatt Hotel is believed to be built on an old POW camp on which people were executed, and is thus haunted. The Hotel has refuted these claims, stating that the Hotel was only built on top of a munitions warehouse.
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Why is Taipei the best city?
Taipei is not the best city in Taiwan. But if it were, it would be because it has a modern infrastructure and transportation systems, world class talent, a safe environment, low cost of living, and friendly people.

Have any more questions about Taipei, or have any suggestions for a tour of Taipei? Please leave them in the comments below, and we might just add them to the list!
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