The photo sample above was taken from the National Development Council website.
On February 8th, 2018, Taiwan rolled out the Act for the Recruitment of Foreign Professionals, which included the employment gold card four-in-one visa to entice foreign special professionals to come and seek work opportunities in Taiwan. Details and common questions about this new type of visa/work permit can be answered below.
Please note that this blog not a comprehensive guide but only gives basic information about the gold card based on the information on the National Development Council website. Q: What is the Taiwan employment gold card? A: The employment gold card is a four-in-one visa, work permit, alien resident certificate, and re-entry permit. It also provides other benefits to foreigners as mentioned below. Q: What benefits does Taiwan's employment gold card have? A: The benefits associated with the employment gold card or special professional work permit are as follows:
Q: Who can apply for and obtain Taiwan’s employment gold card? A: Foreigners that are specialists in their field. This includes Taiwan dual citizens and citizens of Macau and Hong Kong. Q: What are the requirements for the employment gold card? A: The full requirements for foreign special professionals can be found here. The exact requirements vary by industry. However, the requirements generally require that an applicant show that they are a special professional or senior professional that has made special contributions to their field of work or received national recognition in one of the following 8 accepted professional industries: 1. Science and technology 2. Economy 3. Finance 4. Education 5. Culture and Arts 6. Sports 7. Law 8. Architectural Design Q: Does the exemption from tax on overseas income (alternative minimum tax, or AMT) for the Taiwan gold card only last for the first three years? A: Yes, this tax benefit only lasts three years, the same as the tax benefit for 50% of income above 3 million. Q: How is the three years calculated for tax benefits for AMT and 50% of income above 3 million? A: The three years start from the first tax year in which the foreign professional becomes a tax resident (stays for 183 days or more in a calendar year). However, if the foreign professional does not meet the qualifications for tax resident, they can defer this tax benefit to the following year, but no longer that five years after the work permit or gold card was first issued. Q: How is the 50% of income above 3 million NT calculated if I am filing jointly with my spouse? A: In this case the 50% of taxable income above 3 million NT only applies to your income. You cannot use this tax benefit for your spouse unless he/she also has a gold card. Q: If I apply for a gold card but I am not a tax resident, when will the three years expire? A: As explained above, you can defer the 3 year tax benefits to future years, but no longer that five years after the work permit or gold card was first issued. Q: If I meet the 160,000 NT per month salary requirement, can I get a gold card? A: Not necessarily. You also need to prove that you are a special professional in your field. In general this means proving your past work experience and awards to the government. Q: Can I still get a Taiwan employment gold card without meeting the 160,000 NT salary per month requirement? A: You can bypass the 160,000 NT per month requirement if you meet other requirements proving you are a special professional in your field. Q: How will my dependents get visas? A: As long as you have first been approved for your gold card or special professional visa, your dependents will be able to receive their dependent visas. If they enter Taiwan using the visa free program, they will need to come on the same flight as you, otherwise they will have to leave Taiwan and receive their dependent visas at the Taiwan office overseas, or receive them before they leave if you are coming on different flights. Q: If I switch from a normal ARC to an employment gold card, will my dependent's visas be affected? A: No, there will be no changes to your dependent's visas. Q: How many year of experience do I need for the employment gold card? A: Typically at least 5. Q: How long does it take for the government to approve a gold card application? A: After the application is submitted, it will take about 1 month to receive an approval or rejection. Please also note that there is a government fee associated with each application. Q: What is the difference between an employment gold card and a work permit for a foreign special professional applied by a Taiwan company? A: They are basically the same, both have the same tax benefits, but the differences are as follows:
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Tax season is here. In Taiwan, taxes must be filed from before May 31st. As a foreigner, you might be wondering how to file a tax return and what the regulations are. Luckily Taiwan has made it easy by creating an online tax filing system that you can complete from your computer, although you do still have to physically send some forms to the tax office. Let us answer some common questions about tax filing that might come up:
Forward: The following is Q+A for tax year 2018 only, based on information provided on Taiwan's Ministry of Finance website. Q: When should I file Taxes? A: Between May 1st to May 31st. Tax payments are due by June 13th. Q: What makes me eligible for paying Taiwan taxes (or what makes me a tax resident)? A: You become a Taiwan tax resident if you stay in Taiwan longer than 183 days, or you have household registration（戶籍） in Taiwan and visit for at least one day. The address in your ARC is not household registration, it's a registration process from the local administrative office (戶政事務所）. If you stay less than 90 days in Taiwan, you do not have to file taxes, and VAT or sales taxes are reimbursable. If you worked in Taiwan and stayed over 90 days, you need to pay taxes on your Taiwan salary even if your income came from overseas. If you stayed in Taiwan between 90-183 days, then you need to pay a fixed rate of 18% income tax （your company may have deducted this from your salary already). If you have Taiwanese dual citizenship and Taiwanese house registration, then you need to pay taxes if you have stayed in Taiwan for over 31 days. Days are cumulative in a tax year, and it doesn't matter what you came for during these days. How do I count the days I stayed in Taiwan? Please note that the day you come to Taiwan doesn't count, but the day you leave does. It's a good idea to keep track of the number of days you have been in Taiwan via the stamps on your passport. Q: What is the income tax rate?/ How much is Taiwan tax? A: The income tax rate for non-residents is 18% (you can get a tax refund if you pay 18% taxes and then become a tax resident). The tax rate for residents is as follows (source: Taiwan Ministry of Finance): 
Foreword: Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of questions. This is meant to only give a basic overview of Taiwan's business environment to those who have not yet been to there.
What is the corporate tax rate in Taiwan? 20% as of 2018. What is the VAT rate in Taiwan? 5%. What is the withholding tax rate in Taiwan? Typically it is 20% for sending funds overseas. For tax treaties, please click here. For other types of withholding tax (can be 0.1-15). For further information please consult with a tax adviser, such as Grant Thornton Taiwan. What is the personal income tax like? Please find our article on the subject here. Are transfer pricing reports required in Taiwan? Yes, if your group entity in Taiwan has made over 300 million NTD total annual revenue. For more information, consult with a tax advisory firm such as Grant Thornton Taiwan. How do you start a Taiwan business/company? Please see our article on the subject here. There is also a website and book about this subject here. You can also consult an accounting or law firm such as Grant Thornton Taiwan for a price quote on their company setup services. How much does it cost to start a company in Taiwan? As much as you need to cover operating costs. If you need to hire foreigners, your paid in capital should be over 5 million NT. How do you hire foreigners in Taiwan? You need to have a company with starting capital of 5 million NT or more. What business licenses are required in Taiwan? This depends on the business. For food related products and medicine, Taiwan FDA approval is required. How do I get FDA approval in Taiwan? You should consult with a law firm for help on this. Is a corporate secretary required in Taiwan? No. Is bookkeeping/payroll required in Taiwan? Yes. You can use service from a local accounting firm or other provider such as Grant Thornton Taiwan. What statutory requirements are there in Taiwan? Labor insurance, health insurance, and pension. What is the rate for overtime in Taiwan? This is complicated, but it is at least time and a half for a weekday. What are Taiwan labor standards? Please see our article here on Taiwan’s Labor Standards Act. Does Taiwan have a good talent/labor market? Yes, there are many bilingual talented people here, and many are underemployed because of lack of opportunity. How do I find talent in Taiwan? The best way is to use your connections, but you can also try Taiwan work finding websites: 104: https://www.104.com.tw/ The most popular work finding website in Taiwan, although the interface is only in Chinese (sorry), job postings can be in English. Its worth checking out, even if you can’t read Chinese (perhaps you can have a Chinese friend help you out). 1111: https://www.1111.com.tw/ This is probably the second most popular work finding site in Taiwan, this websites interface is also only in Chinese, although some job postings are in English. Tealit: http://www.tealit.com/ad_categories.php?section_id=29&subsection_id=3&content_mode=2&check_user=1&D2=29 This is a great English based website for English Teaching jobs in Taiwan. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/ Linkedin has Taiwan job opportunities that are mostly in English. Other than these, search Google. Who knows what you’ll find. What are the biggest companies in Taiwan? Foxconn, TSMC and Pegatron, Quanta Computer, and Cathay Life Insurance are the biggest companies in Taiwan. Other companies include Acer, Asus, and HTC. What is Taiwan's economic situation like? Please see our economic FAQ here. Please like, comment, and share! Also, feel free to contact us with any specific questions about doing business in Taiwan. 
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:
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! 
Presidential Office Building in Taipei
Foreword: Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of questions and answers. This is meant to only give a basic overview of Taiwan's immigration landscape to those who have never been there.
Q: What is an ARC? A: Alien Resident Certificate, which is equivalent to a resident permit or "green card" in Taiwan. Q: How do I apply for an ARC? A: Go to the Taiwan immigration office in Taiwan, or contact the TECRO (Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office) in your home country. Q: How do I apply for an employment gold card? A: Please see our full employment gold card FAQ here. Q: What kind of resident permits are there? A: According to the Bureau of Consular Affairs, there are 9 different types of resident permits: CODE-A: Employment CODE-TR: Changing a visitor visa to a resident visa CODE-P: Touring, visiting relatives CODE-TS: Foreign spouses CODE-B: Business CODE-FR: Studying Chinese CODE-R: Religious CODE-FC: Overseas Chinese students CODE-FS: Foreign students Q: How do I apply for a marriage ARC? A: After you get married to a Taiwan national, you then need to apply for a marriage ARC from the Taiwan representative office in your home country or the immigration office in Taiwan. This may require that you leave Taiwan and apply from the TECRO in Hong Kong or elsewhere. This process will likely include proof of marriage and proof that you are single from your home country. For more information, please visit this website: https://www.immigration.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=1091979&ctNode=31674&mp=se05 Q: How do I apply for a work ARC? A: Your company should do this, but technically you are supposed to do it from your home country, otherwise there will be extra fees for visa conversion. For more information, please visit the government’s website here: https://www.immigration.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=1090287&ctNode=30085&mp=2 Q: What limitations does my ARC have? A: There should be an expiry date before which you have to renew it. If you are working in Taiwan, you have to stay with the same company as stated on your ARC and register any changes. Also, you have to register change of address within 15 days. Q: When do I need to renew my ARC address? A: Within 15 days after you move. Q: How do I renew my ARC? A: Go to the immigration office, take a waiting number, and fill out the form. Click here for a list of immigration office service centers around Taiwan: https://www.immigration.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=1092844&ctNode=32289&mp=2 Q: What is an APRC? A: Alien Permanent Resident Certificate. Q: What are the requirements for an APRC (permanent residency in Taiwan)? A: First you must live in Taiwan for 5 consecutive years. If you are married to a Taiwanese spouse or are a dependent of a Taiwan national, another qualification is that you have lived in Taiwan for a ten year period (over 183 days in the first year), and you stayed over 183 days for 5 years within that 10 year period. There are also other requirements such as minimum salary requirement of at least double minimum wage, clean criminal record, etc. Q: How do I apply for an APRC? A: There is a Facebook group made specifically to answer questions about the APRC application process here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TaiwanAPRC/. You can join the group and ask further questions if you would like. Q: How do I apply for dual citizenship in Taiwan?/Can I apply for dual citizenship in?/ Does Taiwan allow dual citizenship? A: If you are a foreigner, no. You must reject your original citizenship to become a Taiwanese national, along with fulfilling other educational, residency, and/or work requirements. Only if you are originally Taiwanese can you have dual citizenship. Here and here are specific guides on the subject: Just Landed Guide: https://www.justlanded.com/english/Taiwan/Taiwan-Guide/Visas-Permits/Getting-Taiwanese-citizenship Taiwanease Guide: https://articles.taiwanease.com/2017/07/09/turning-taiwanese-a-step-by-step-guide-to-acquiring-taiwanese-citizenship/ Q: Does Taiwan need Visas?/ Does Taiwan require a Visa?/ Does Taiwan need Visas? A: If you are a foreign national from one of the 46 countries that have Visa free entry, then no. Otherwise, yes. Q: Does my Country’s passport have a Visa free entry into Taiwan? A: Currently there is a total of 46 countries that are visa free to come to Taiwan. They are listed below according to number of days and geographic area: 14 days visa-exempt: Philippines (trial) 30 days visa-exempt countries: Malaysia and Singapore 90-day visa-free countries: Asia Pacific: Japan North America: Canada and the United States of America Europe Region: United Kingdom, Ireland, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Slovenia, Vatican City State, Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus, Andorra, and San Marino (36 in total) Passport validity should be more than six months. (Formal passports, official and diplomatic official passports are applicable, excluding emergency, temporary, other informal passports or travel documents). However, the validity period of a Japanese passport must be longer than three months. The validity period of a U.S. passport (including the U.S. emergency passport) should only be longer than the planned date of stay. Persons holding emergency or temporary passports (except for nationals of the United States) should apply for a visa from my embassy or apply for a visa when arriving in Taoyuan or Kaohsiung airport. U. S. emergency passport holders are eligible for visa-free treatment. Click here for a full list of countries that Taiwanese nationals do and do not need visas to visit. Q: If my country’s passport does not have Visa Free Entry into Taiwan, what should I do? A: First, you should decide which visa type you need. There are four different types of visas:
Fill in the visa application form online at https://visawebapp.boca.gov.tw. Fill in the visa application information and print the application form, then write your signature. You will also need to provide the following (as applicable):
"The Visa Department has the right to refuse and need not explain the reason. Proposed visa applicants regardless of whether or not issued a visa, visa fees paid in accordance with the law is not refundable. For a one time, the visa fee is US $ 50; multiple entry visa fee US $ 100; relative processing fees is US $ 160 (currently only applies to US nationals). Any changes to this statement are subject to the latest information published by the Consular Affairs Bureau website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs." Please check the local Taiwan representative office in you country for the latest information relevant to your home country. Q: How much is a Taiwan Visa? A: Check the local Taiwan representative office in you country for the latest information relevant to your home country. If you are not from a visa free country, for a one time visa, the visa fee may be around US $50; multiple entry visa fee US $ 100; relative processing fees may be around US $ 160. Q: How much is a Taiwanese Visa in the Philippines? A: For a visitor visa, currently the Philippines has a 14 day trial Visa Exemption. Otherwise please check with the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines. Q: How much for a Taiwan trip? A: For a week of vacationing in Taiwan, you can budget for 1000 USD and probably have a few hundred dollars left over. But this depends on what you want to do, what kind of hotels you want to stay in, and what your budget is. For a one week trip for one person, plan to spend about 1500-3000 per night for a decent hotel (10,500-21,000 NT), 100-150 NT per meal for low end restaurants (2,100-3,150), maybe 3,000-5,000 on travel (depending on where you want to go), and 1,000 NT or so to buy small gifts for your family back home. This would be a grand total of 16,600-30,150 NT (553-1005 USD). Q: I just came to Taiwan on a working visa. Can my dependents get national health insurance? A: Yes! New legislation has come into affect as of 2018 so that dependents of foreign workers can be enrolled immediately into the national health insurance system. Before there was a waiting period of 6 months. Q: I just came to Taiwan on a working visa. Can my dependents start working here? A: Yes but they must apply for a work permit through their employer. Have any more questions about immigration in Taiwan? Please leave them in the comments below, and we might just add them to the list! Please like, follow, and share to help everyone know that Taiwan is a friendly and inviting place for foreigners! 
Taiwan is a place that should be explored not just with public transportation (as convenient as it is). If you only take public transportation everywhere you go, you are missing out on a huge part of Taiwan. You could take taxis everywhere to see these sights, like a rich Chinese person, or you can take the cheaper option and rent a vehicle. Many of the scenic and rural sights of Taiwan can’t be experienced except by hiring your own vehicle.
Renting cars or scooters in Taiwan: Taiwan is the scooter capitol of the world. Driving a scooter is dangerous, but scooters are fun. They are also pretty easy to learn how to operate; if you can already drive a car and/or ride a bike, picking up riding a moped shouldn’t be that hard. There’s not much better of way to experience Taiwan than cruising down the streets like everyone else with the wind blowing in your face. However, if you are afraid that scooters are dangerous, I would suggest renting a car. Scooter Rental Fast Facts: Where? Scooter rental places are next to most all train stations in Taiwan. Some scooter repair shops also rent them. Pricing? Cheapest is 100 NT a day, average is about 500 NT, expensive is 800 NT. What should I bring? Maybe rain gear. Usually they will provide rain gear for you. They will definitely give you helmets. Some will siphon the gas out before you ride. Do I need a Scooter License? Maybe, it depends on where you go. If you go to an outer island, usually they don’t care. If you go to a more rural part of Taiwan, most likely they will accept an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). If you go to a place such as Taichung, no one will let you rent a scooter unless they see your Taiwanese license. For more information, please see our blog post about getting a Taiwanese driver’s license. How do I get a local Taiwanese licence? Check out our guide on getting a driver's licence in Taiwan here. Cities that require a local Taiwanese Scooter License: Taichung, Taipei, Magong, Chishang. Cities that only have a few shops that will let you rent with an IDP: Tainan (北門租車）, Hualien (Pony leasing and Rental Group 小馬租車集團) Cities that accept an international driver’s permit: Tainan (北門租車）, Chiayi, Kaohsiung, Nantou county (Sun moon lake and Jiji) , Taitung, Hualien (Pony leasing and Rental Group 小馬租車集團), Ruisui, Kenting, Jiaoxi, Nanzhuang, and offshore islands Cities that do not require a license: Offshore islands (Xiaoliuqiu and Green Island) and Chiayi (some). (please feel free to comment if you have an update to any of the lists above) Anything else I should consider when renting a scooter in Taiwan? Yes!
Renting a car? Please see our guide on car rental in Taiwan here. Please like, comment, and share! Also, feel free to contact us with any specific questions about car or scooter rental in Taiwan. -FiTW 
Taiwan is a place that should be explored not just with public transportation (as convenient as it is). If you only take public transportation everywhere you go, you are missing out on a huge part of Taiwan. You could take taxis everywhere to see these sights, like a rich Chinese person, or you can take the cheaper option and rent a vehicle. Many of the scenic and rural sights of Taiwan can’t be experienced except by hiring your own vehicle.
Renting a Vehicle in Taiwan: Taiwan is the scooter capitol of the world. Driving a scooter is dangerous, but scooters are fun. They are also pretty easy to learn how to operate; if you can already drive a car and/or ride a bike, picking up riding a moped shouldn’t be that hard. There’s not much better of way to experience Taiwan than cruising down the streets like everyone else with the wind blowing in your face. However, if you are looking to get around the island faster, are travelling with multiple people, have lots of luggage, or you are afraid that scooters are dangerous, I would suggest renting a car. Car Rental Fast Facts: Where? Car rental places can be found next to most airports and in all major cities. But don’t expect them right next to every small train station. Pricing? Cheap would be $1000-1500 a day, average would be $2000+ a day, and expensive would be $3,000+ a day. Discounts are often given for multiple day rentals and for weekdays. Do I need a local license? No. However, you should get an international driver’s permit. If you don’t have an international driver’s permit there is no guarantee that you can rent a car. Check with the rental agency beforehand and make necessary preparations. How do I get a local Taiwanese licence? Check out our guide on getting a driver's licence in Taiwan here. Does Taiwan have Uber? Yes but its just as expensive as a Taxi. Uber was banned and fined multiple times because their business model was deemed illegal. Uber drivers were required to have a professional driver’s licence. Now they work with local rental car companies to keep the app going in Taiwan. What side of the road does Taiwan drive on? The Right side. How much is the price of gas? As of March, 2018 it is around 27 NT per liter for 95 octane gas. Anything else I should be aware of when driving in Taiwan? Yes!
Do you have any recommendations? Yes! We have rented before with Car 880 超省錢租車. They are so far the cheapest car rental company we have found. Their rates start at 880 NT on weekdays: http://www.car880.com.tw/. We are not getting paid by advertising for them by the way. Also be aware they are not English capable. Knowing a little Chinese could save you some money. Summation of Rental Car Companies in Taiwan: (please note this is not a complete list. Other discounts and offers can be found on each company's website) Car 880 超省錢租車 website: http://www.car880.com.tw/
Good Cars website: https://www.goodcars.com.tw/
Avis Taiwan 安維斯租車 website: https://www.avis-taiwan.com/us/
HLC 和運租車 website: https://www.easyrent.com.tw/English/
Jinfeng Car Rental 進豐租車 website: http://www.1car-rent.com.tw/service.php
Budget website: https://www.budget.com/en/locations/tb
CarPlus 格上租車 website: https://www.car-plus.com.tw/EN/ugC_AboutUs.asp
Renting a Scooter? Check out our blog about scooter rental in Taiwan here. Feel free to contact us with any specific questions about car or scooter rental in Taiwan, and please like, comment, and share! -FiTW 
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:
What are the best night markets in Taipei?
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. 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! Please like, follow, and share to help everyone know that Taiwan is a friendly and inviting place to travel year round! 
CTCB Bank office building in Nangang, Taipei
Foreword: Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of questions and answers. This is meant to only give a basic overview of Taiwan's working environment to those who are learning about this topic for the first time.
Why work in Taiwan? Taiwan has a great living environment and is very friendly to foreigners. Many Taiwanese people want to improve their English and are interested in foreign culture. It is also a great place to learn Chinese. Taiwan is a clean, safe, modern, convenient, and free country with a thriving democratic government. Also, Taiwan has many great places to see and explore, eat, and the cost of living is relatively cheap. How do I find work in Taiwan? The best way to find work is to ask your existing connections, but there are also many websites that can help. What are the best work finding websites in Taiwan? 104: https://www.104.com.tw/ This most popular work finding website in Taiwan, although the interface is only in Chinese (sorry), although some job postings are in English. Its worth checking out, even if you can’t read Chinese. Perhaps you can have a Chinese friend help you out. 1111: https://www.1111.com.tw/ This is probably the second most popular work finding site in Taiwan, this website's interface is also only in Chinese, although some job postings are in English. Tealit: http://www.tealit.com/ This is a great English based website for English Teaching jobs in Taiwan. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com Linkedin has a few job opportunities that are most in English. Other than these, search Google. Who knows what you’ll find! Why Teach English in Taiwan? Teaching English can be a fun way to make a living if that’s what you’re into. The working hours are short and pay is relatively high in Taiwan (at least 48,000 NT per month, for about 30 hours a week). These jobs are only available for those with passports from English speaking nations. However, if singing songs and disciplining children is not your thing, then you probably won’t last long. Also, beware of bosses that will take advantage of you, giving you no time off and no overtime pay (you are allowed overtime pay and time off by law, as well as labor and health insurance). Which bank should I use in Taiwan? Most banks will let foreigners set up an account. Some handy accounts to have when shopping are with Cathay Pacific, which has the only Costco accepted credit card, CTCB which partners with PX Mart, and Yushan Bank which is aligned with Carrefour. How do I open a Taiwan bank account? Typically you can walk in to any bank, and open an account if you bring your passport and/or ARC. If you do not have an ARC, then you will need to apply for a Taiwan uniform ID number at the immigration office first. If you are from a list of countries that is high risk because of money laundering it may be harder to open an account. Also, if you are American you will have to sign a W9 or similar form because of FACTA. What are the work regulations in Taiwan? Please see our article on Taiwan’s Labor Standards Act. These regulations change regularly, so look at our latest blog on the topic. Do I get pension as a foreigner in Taiwan? Foreigners not married to a Taiwanese spouse are entitled to theold pension scheme, you must work for the same employer for 25 years or work for the same employer for 15 years and be at least 55 years old. Reaching this requirement is near impossible for most foreigners. However, if you are married to a Taiwanese national, you are eligible for the new pension scheme, which is not based on your work tenure, and 6% of your salary paid by your employer, which can be redeemed at age 60. Do I get labor insurance as a foreigner? Yes. Do I get health insurance for me and my family in Taiwan? Yes, if you have a job, but dependent family members have to wait6 months to join as of now. Newborn foreign babies born in Taiwan are eligible immediately. Do I have to pay taxes in Taiwan as a foreigner? Yes, if you work in Taiwan. If you stay in Taiwan less than 183 days, you will be subject to 18% tax. For tax advise, please contact Grant Thornton Taiwan. What are the tax rates in Taiwan? Please see the table below. 
Source: https://www.ntbt.gov.tw/etwmain/front/ETW118W/CON/2074/5702201758651492080
Where can I get tax advise in Taiwan? Go to Grant Thornton Taiwan. They have English capable international expertise that can help you. Otherwise you can search the government website. What is the Taiwanese working environment/culture like? This depends on where you work. For a typical Taiwanese company, the boss is very powerful and employees are more passive. It is typical for everyone to wait for the boss to leave before they get off work. So, as you can image, Taiwanese people work lots of overtime. In addition, Taiwanese people like to have working connections, and give gifts to improve a relationship. If you take a gift such as chocolate from a coworker, or are treated to lunch, you are expected to eventually give back similar gift in return to keep the relationship going. What is the average salary for foreigners in Taiwan? The starting salary for a foreigner is about 48000 NT per month, average salary for English teachers is 60,000-80,000 NT per month. Foreign executives working in Taiwan make foreign salaries, which are much higher than the average Taiwanese salary. Can foreigners start a business in Taiwan? Yes. Please read our blog on the subject. Why live in Taiwan? Taiwan is one of the best countries in the world with one of the best qualities of life. Taiwan boasts delicious food, great weather year round, amazing tourist sites, friendly people, cheap cost of living, and economic opportunity. How is the water 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. Are there foreign schools for my children in Taiwan? Yes, there are a number of American and European schools in Taiwan. Please clickhere for a full list: Is Taiwan safe? Yes, Taiwan is one of the safest countries in the world according to Prescavve. This is mainly due to low crime and high economic freedom and devolopment. Have any more questions about work in Taiwan? Please leave them in the comments below, and we might just add them to the list! Please like, follow, and share to help everyone know that Taiwan is a great place to work! 
Foreword: Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of questions. This is meant to only give a basic overview of Taiwan's geography to those who have never been there.
How many seasons does Taiwan have? Four. They are most pronounced up north and lees distinguishable in the south. Is Taiwan in Asia? Yes. In fact, Taiwan is the heart of Asia! Where is Taiwan on a map? Taiwan is in the heart of Asia!
Why is Taiwan the heart of Asia?
From a purely geographical perspective, Taiwan lies in a central location in East Asia, between China, Kong Kong, Macau, Japan, Korea, and is also close to the Philipines, and other southeat Asian countries, making it a prime spot for an Asian hub. Taiwan also is highly influenced culturally by other East Asian nations, such as China, Japan, and Korea. When does Taiwan change time? It does not. There is no daylight savings time in Taiwan as of now. What is the capital of Taiwan? Taipei. What time Zone is Taiwan in? China Standard Time (CST) or UTC+08:00. What time is it in Taipei? Check this link. What year does Taiwan use? The official years are counted from the founding of the government of Taiwan, the Republic of China (ROC). For 2018, this will be year 107, 107 years from the start of the ROC in 1911. However, the western calendar is used for almost all non-government dates and is acceptable. How do you write the date in Taiwan? Year, month, day. Use the ROC year if you are writing a government form or document. What is the population of Taipei? 2,704,974 as of 2016. Why does Taiwan have a high population density? Taiwan has a population of more than 23 million people, while the flat land in Taiwan only accounts for 1/3 of the island mainly on the west side, meaning that most people live in cities on the west coast. This means that Taiwan’s cities are very densely populated. Why does Taiwan have the lowest birth rate? Taiwan has had the lowest birth rate, and one of the lowest birth rates every year due to a number of factors, one being high cost of raising a child vs. low average incomes. Many couples in Taiwan both work, so raising a child means extra fees like nannies, daycare, and cram school. Also, there is cultural pressure for couples to be financially stable before they get married, such as owning a house, which put the age for marriage and childbearing later and later. Why does Taiwan have the lowest poverty rate? This is due mainly to the Taiwan government’s social welfare and subsidies for low income families. For more information, click here. How Many Islands does Taiwan have? 45! We counted. But there are many other offshore rocks, as well as disputed territory claimed by the ROC but controlled by other countries. If you don' count the islands in the South China Sea, Taiwan only has only 41 islands. If you don't count Matsu, Kinmen, and the South China Sea, then Taiwan only has 23 islands. For more information, click here. How many cities does Taiwan have? 23. For a full list of cities, click here. What is the highest point in Taiwan? The highest mountain in Taiwan is Mt. Jade or Yushan (玉山), which is 3952 meters high (12,966 feet), making Taiwan the 4th highest island in the world and highest point in East Asia. Click here for our blog of our summit of this mountain. Are there elephants in Taiwan? Not in the wild, just at the zoo. Are there monkeys in Taiwan? Yes. The only monkeys native to Taiwan are the Formosan Rock Macaque. You can find them in most mountainous areas in Taiwan, but please do not feed them for your safety as well as for the monkey’s well being. Are there tigers in Taiwan? Not in the wild, just at the zoo. The Formosan clouded leopard is also believed to be extinct. Are there sharks in Taiwan? Yes. But in the past 118 years, there has only been 6 shark attacks, and only 2 of those were fatal, so you should feel safe from sharks when your are swimming and surfing at the beach. However, there are still other dangers at the beach, such as sharp rocks, rip tides, and bad weather. Are there pandas in Taiwan? Not in the wild, just at the zoo. Are there crocodiles in Taiwan? Not in the wild, just at the zoo. Click here to see saltwater crocodile distribution. Are there beaches in Taiwan? Yes. Taiwan has 1,239.5756 km (770.2366 mi) of coastline and countless beaches. Click here for the best beaches in New Taipei. Are there volcanoes in Taiwan? Yes. There are 9 volcanoes in Taiwan. Are volcanoes in Taiwan dangerous? There is a very very small chance that they are dangerous. The Tatun volcano group which lay 15km northwest of Taipei are active, although the chance of an eruption any time soon is very low. Are there Typhoons in Taiwan? Yes. When is Typhoon Season in Taiwan? Typhoon Season is roughly from July to October. Are Typhoons in Taiwan dangerous? No. Usually casualties come from people being outside or from rock slides and flooding. Most all buildings in Taiwan are Typhoon-proof, so as long as you stay indoors during a typhoon you should be safe. Where was the earthquake in Taiwan? The 921 earthquake was centered in Jiji, Nantou on September 21st, 1999, killing 2,415 people. It was the worst earthquake in Taiwan in recent history. For more recent earthquakes, check here. Why does Taiwan have earthquakes? This is because of collisions between the Eurasian plate and the Philippian Sea Plate. Taiwan also lies on the Pacific ring of fire. For more information, click here. How often does Taiwan have earthquakes? Daily. However, major earthquakes are rare. For more recent earthquakes, check here. What is the weather like in Taiwan? Please see our Taiwan weather FAQ here. What is New Taipei City? New Taipei city is the area surrounding Taipei city, and was formerly known as Taipei county. Where is Taipei on a Map? 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:
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:
Where is Yilan in Taiwan? Yilan lies on the Northeast Coast of Taiwan. Please refer to the map below:
Where is Alishan in Taiwan? Alishan lies in the mountains of South-Central Taiwan. The quickest way to get there is through Chiayi City. Where is Jiufen in Taiwan? Jiufen is a city that sits on a hill in northern New Taipei City. It can be reached by bus from Taipei. Where is Hualien in Taiwan? Hualien lies on Taiwan’s east central coast. It is the gateway to Taroko national park. Where is Kenting in Taiwan? Kenting lies on the southern tip of Taiwan. It has some of the warmest weather and best beaches in Taiwan. Where is Jade Mountain (Yushan) in Taiwan? Jade Mountain lies in the mountains of South-Central Taiwan. The only way to get there is by bus or by your own vehicle. Click here for our blog of our summit of this mountain. Please refer to the map below: Have any more questions about the geography of Taiwan? Please leave them in the comments below, and we might just add them to the list! Please like, follow, and share to help everyone know that Taiwan is a great place to vacation year round! 
Foreword: Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of questions. This is meant to only give a basic overview of Taiwan's transportation to those who have never been there.
Does Taiwan require a visa?/ Does Taiwan need visas? If you are a foreign national from one of the 46 countries that have Visa free entry, then no. Otherwise, yes. Does my Country’s passport have a visa free entry into Taiwan? Currently there are a total of 46 countries that are visa free to come to Taiwan. They are listed below according to number of days and geographic area: 14 days visa-exempt countries: Philippines, trial 30 days visa-exempt countries: (total of 2 countries) Asia Pacific: Malaysia, Singapore 90-day visa-free countries: 40 countries In Asia Pacific: Japan, Republic of Korea (2 countries total) North America: Canada, United States of America (2 countries total) Europe Region: United Kingdom, Ireland, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Slovenia, Vatican City State, Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus, Andorra, San Marino (36 in total) Passport validity should be more than six months. (Formal passports, official and diplomatic official passports are applicable, excluding emergency, temporary, other informal passports or travel documents). However, the validity period of a Japanese passport must be longer than three months. The validity period of a U.S. passport (including the U.S. emergency passport) should only be longer than the planned date of stay. Persons holding emergency or temporary passports (except for nationals of the United States) should apply for a visa from my embassy or apply for a visa when arriving in Taoyuan or Kaohsiung airport. U. S. emergency passport holders are eligible for visa-free treatment. Which countries are visa free for Taiwanese nationals? Click here for a list of visa free countries for Taiwanese nationals. If my country’s passport does not have visa free entry into Taiwan, what should I do? First, you should decide which visa you need. There are three different types of visas:
Fill in the visa application form online at https://visawebapp.boca.gov.tw. Fill in the visa application information and print the application form signature. You will also need to provide the following (as applicable):
How much is a Taiwan Visa? If you are not from a Visa free country, for a one time entry visa, the visa fee is US $ 50; and the multiple entry visa fee is US $ 100; relative processing fees is US $ 160, however these fees may vary. Please check the local Taiwan representative office in you country for the latest information and fees relevant to your home country. How much is a Taiwanese Visa in the Philippines? For a visitor visa, currently the Philippines has a free 14 day trial visa exemption. Otherwise please check with the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines here. How much for a flight to Taiwan? From personal experience, flights to and from Taiwan are more expensive in the summer. For instance, an economy, multiple stop, round trip flight from Taipei to Seattle can get up to $1,2000 USD or more during the summer. However if you book during non-busy times such as September or October, and book well in advance, you could get flights as cheap as $500+ USD for a round trip from the US. We suggest using Google Flights to find the cheapest flights with flexible dates. Which airport should I use in Taiwan? The Taipei Taoyuan Airport is the biggest airport in Taiwan, and is a 40 minute trip from Taipei. It should have the most and the cheapest flights outside of Asia. For travelling to or from other Asian countries you may consider: Taipei Songshan Airport: This airport lies in the middle of Taipei and is convineinet to get to and from. Kaohsiung International Airport: This Airport lies in the heart of Kaohsiung and is connected to the MRT, making it easy and convenient to use. Taichung Airport: We have not used this airport personally, but we know many people that have used this for travel within Asia. If you want to travel quickly to Taiwan’s outer islands, you may consider: Taitung, Orchis Isalnd, and Green Island Airports: Airports that connects Taiwan to the east coast and to Orchid island and Green island. Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu Airports: These airports connect the islands of Penghu and Kinmen to the main island of Taiwan. Why is Taiwan the heart of Asia? From a purely geographical perspective, Taiwan lies in a central location in East Asia, between China, Kong Kong, Macau, Japan, Korea, and is also close to the Philippines, and other Southeast Asian countries, making it a prime spot for an Asian hub. Taiwan also is highly influenced culturally by other East Asian nations, such as China, Japan, and Korea. How do I get to the airport from Taipei? To get from Taipei Main Station to the Taoyuan International Airport, you have a few options:
How much for a Taiwan trip? For a week of vacationing in Taiwan, you can budget for 1000 USD and probably have a few hundred dollars left over. But this depends on what you want to do, what kind of hotels you want to stay in, and what your budget is. For a one week trip for one person, plan to spend about 1500-3000 NT per night for a decent hotel (10,500-21,000 NT for a week), 100-150 NT per meal for low end restaurants (2,100-3,150 NT per week), maybe 3,000-5,000 NT on travel (depending on where you want to go), and 1,000 NT or so to buy small gifts for your family back home. This would be a grand total of 16,600-30,150 NT (553-1005 USD). How do I travel in Taiwan? You have a few options:
Does Taiwan have Uber? Yes, but its just as expensive as a Taxi. Uber was banned and fined multiple times because their business model was deemed illegal. Uber drivers were required to have a professional driver’s licence. Now Uber works with local rental car companies to keep their app going. What side of the road does Taiwan drive on? The Right side. What plug/power does Taiwan use?/What kind of adapter do I need for Taiwan?/What kind of plug do I need in Taiwan? Taiwan uses the same power and plugs as the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Japan. The standard voltage is 100V at 60Hz. If you are from Europe Australia, Asia, or Africa, you will need to bring a voltage converter. Click here to search voltage converters on Amazon. What time does the Taiwan MRT close?/ When does the Taiwan MRT close? 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. How do I rent a car in Taiwan? Please read our blog about car rental in Taiwan here. How do I get a local Taiwanese licence? Check out our guide on getting a driver's licence in Taiwan here. How do I rent a scooter in Taiwan? Please read our blog about scooter rental in Taiwan here. How do I use a Youbike in Taiwan? To use Youbike you will need to buy an Easy card (悠游卡) or iPass card (一卡通). These cards can be purchased at most MRT stations, and are usually $100 NT. Once you have a card, you will need to register it at a Youbike Station using a local cell phone number. If you do not have a cell phone number in Taiwan, you can go to a local cell provider such as Chuanghua Telecom or Taiwan Mobile and show your passport to buy a SIM card. Alternatively, you can use a credit card with a security to rent a Youbike (can only be used one time per card). Fares are 10 NT for 30 minutes, or free for the first 30 minutes if your trip originates from New Taipei City. After you have a card you should:
How do I use an Obike in Taiwan?
Where is Taiwan on a map? Taiwan is in the heart of Asia! 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: Where is Yilan in Taiwan? Yilan lies on the Northeast Coast of Taiwan. It is famous for its beaches, hot springs, and food. Please refer to the map below: Where is Taipei in Taiwan?/Where is Taipei on a Map? 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: Where is Alishan in Taiwan? Alishan lies in the mountains of South-Central Taiwan. It is a beautiful forested area with a historical train the circles the park. The quickest way to get there is through Chiayi City. Where is Jiufen in Taiwan? Jiufen is a city that sits on a hill in northern New Taipei City. It is famous for its breathtaking views of the north coast, architecture that supposedly was inspiration for Spirited Away, and great food. It can be reached by bus from Taipei. Where is Hualien in Taiwan? Hualien lies on Taiwan’s east central coast. It is the gateway to Taroko national park, which has some of the most beautiful views of Taiwan's mountain scenery, including Taroko Gorge. Where is Kenting in Taiwan? Kenting lies on the southern tip of Taiwan. It has some of the warmest weather and best beaches in Taiwan.
Have any more questions about travel and transportation in Taiwan? Please leave them in the comments below, and we might just add them to the list!
Please like, follow, and share to help everyone know that Taiwan is a great place to travel year round! 
Foreword: Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of questions. This is meant to only give a basic overview of Taiwan's weather to those who have never been there. What type of climate does Taiwan have? The Tropic of Cancer lies across the middle of Taiwan, giving Taiwan a humid subtropical climate in the north, and a tropical monsoon climate in the south. Temperatures in the north vary from 14-20 °C (57-68 °F) in the winter and 26-34 °C (78-93 °F) in the summer, while in the south temperatures vary from 16-24 °C (60-75 °F) in the winter and 26-32 °C (78-89 °F) in the summer on average. The most rain falls in the summer time across Taiwan, with Typhoons bringing torrential rains during that time. Average humidity is around 75% throughout the year. When should I visit Taiwan? This depends on what kind of weather you prefer. If you do not mind hot and humid weather, then the summer might be best for you. If you prefer mild or chilly temperatures, then you should come between October and March. The most rain falls in the summer (and typhoons might delay your flights), but typically you will see more sunny days in Northern and Eastern Taiwan during that time. What is the weather in Taiwan?/How is the weather in Taiwan? For the current weather in Taiwan as well as forecasts, you can look at the Central Weather Bureau’s Website, CWB radar, and Accuweather (which has the most reliable weather forecasts for Taiwan in my opinion) What is the temperature in Taiwan? For current temperatures, click on the links for the question above. On average, temperatures in the north vary from 14-20 °C (57-68 °F) in the winter and 26-34 °C (78-93 °F) in the summer, while in the south temperatures vary from 16-24 °C (60-75 °F) in the winter and 26-32 °C (78-89 °F) in the summer. When do Cherry blossoms bloom in Taiwan? Most bloom fromEarly February to Early March. There may be a few weeks of variation based on current temperatures. Also be aware that Cherry blossoms only last about two weeks. If you are not careful, they’ll be gone before you get there. When is the butterfly migration in Taiwan?/ Where is the butterfly migration in Taiwan? This migration takes place from December to March in Southern Taiwan. Millions of butterflies cross the Taiwan Strait to winter in the foothills near the border of Pingtung and Kaohsiung. Maolin National Scenic Area is famous for this butterfly migration, but other valleys nearby also are known to hold thousands of the migrating insects. Why is there no snow in Taiwan?/ Does Taiwan have snow?/Is there snow in Taiwan? There is Snow in Taiwan! Just in high elevations during winter. In major cities where most people live, the elevation is too low for snow to fall, and the temperature almost never gets below freezing. When does Taiwan have Snow? Taiwan has snow at high mountain elevations from December to March. On rare occasions, the snow level can reach down to 500 meters. What kind of clothes should I wear in winter? In winter, temperatures range from 14-26 °C (57-78 °F), which with nearly 100% humidity can be quite chilly. If you are going to be in the outdoors, we suggest wearing wind-proof clothing, as the humid wind might still go straight through a wool sweater. Also note that there is rarely any central heating in Taiwan, so be prepared to dress in layers even while indoors. The weather will be cooler in the North, and warmer in the south. What kind of clothes should I wear in spring? In spring temperatures usually vary from 19-29 °C (66-84 °F). We suggest bringing a jacket for cold days, but you should mostly prepare for warmer days. Wind-proof clothing is not entirely necessary at this time unless you are riding a scooter. Spring and fall usually have the most comfortable weather, so you shouldn’t worry too much about proper clothing. What kind of clothes should I wear in summer? In summer temperatures usually vary from 26-34 °C (78-93 °F). There will also be high humidity. We suggest wearing shorts, t-shirts, and perhaps a hat for sun protection. I would recommend polyester instead of cotton, as it dries out faster (you will be sweating). Be sure to wear sunscreen if you will be outdoors, and to drink a lot of water. It will be really hot, so be prepared to hide inside convenience stores to get some brief air conditioning before going back into the blazing heat. What kind of clothes should I wear in fall? In autumn, temperatures vary on average from 19-30 °C (66-86 °F). Spring and fall usually have the most comfortable weather, so you shouldn’t worry too much about proper clothing. We would suggest wearing whatever you feel comfortable in at room temperature. Beware though that September and October may have some summer-like heat, so be sure to pack some short sleeved clothes just in case you run into a heat wave. 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. Relative humidity: 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. Relative humidity: 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). Also note that it can be very windy on the coast. How cold does Taiwan get? Typically most populated places in Taiwan never get below 10 °C (50 °F). The coldest it has ever gotten on Taiwan’s highest mountain, Jade Mountain, was around -11 °C (13 °F). There are also strong winds on the coasts of Taiwan during winter, especially along the Taiwan Strait. How is the air pollution in Taiwan? Air pollution is usually the worst during winter when the air is stagnant. Often times air pollution can get to unhealthy levels, especially in the larger cities. For the current air pollution index, clickhere. Can I ride a scooter in shorts and flip flops during the winter in Taiwan? You can, and many Taiwanese people do the same. However, it will be really, really cold, so we recommend wearing clothes that are wind proof. Also be aware that wearing flip flops while riding a scooter is technically illegal in Taiwan although I have never heard of this being enforced. How many seasons does Taiwan have? Four, although the temperature variation is less and less pronounced the farther south you go in Taiwan. Are there typhoons in Taiwan? Yes. When is typhoon Season in Taiwan? Typhoon Season is roughly from June to October. What do I do if I am caught in a typhoon? If you are caught in a Typhoon be sure to stay indoors, as flying debris and flooding can kill you. Most Taiwanese buildings are typhoon-proof, and fatalities are usually minimal. Stay indoors, stay high, and you will stay safe. Typhoons may also cause cancelled or delayed flights, so be aware if you are planning to fly from June to October. What is the best time of year to visit Taiwan? In our opinion summer is the best time to visit Taiwan, because that is when there is the most sunshine and the cold winds coming off the Taiwan Strait subside. However, many people cannot stand the Taiwan heat, which can reach 39 °C °F and 100% humidity. Also, if you want to do outdoor activities, river tracing is safest in the winter when there is less rain, but wind surfing is best in the winter when the winds are strong. Whatever you plan to do in Taiwan, the weather is usually bearable and there should be a time of year that suits everyone’s fancy. Have any more questions about the weather in Taiwan? Please leave them in the comments below, and we might just add them to the list! Please like, follow, and share to help everyone know that Taiwan is a great place to vacation year round! 
Cihu Memorial Sculpture Park(慈湖紀念雕塑公園), the mausoleum where Taiwan's former dictator Chiang Kai Shek was buried, and also a park for his unwanted statues.
Foreword:
To answer most questions concerning politics in Taiwan, please see the following brief history of Taiwan: 1912: The Republic of China (ROC, current government of Taiwan), led by the KMT party (Kuomintang) took control of all of mainland China after the Qing dynasty fell. 1945: Japan returned the island of Taiwan to the ROC. 1949: The ROC was defeated by the communist party in mainland China (PRC), and retreated to the island of Taiwan. The ROC protected the islands of Kinmen and Matsu (part of Fujian province) from communist invasion. The ROC was considered the true ruler of China by the UN. 1971: The ROC (Taiwan) was removed from the UN in favor of the PRC. Most nations broke diplomatic relations with Taiwan at this time. 1987: Martial law was lifted in Taiwan, paving the way for free democracy and elections. 2008: The first opposition part president (from the DPP) was elected. 2017: The ROC (and KMT party) still claim mainland China as its territory, but the current ruling DPP party recognizes Taiwan and surrounding islands as an independent nation separate from China. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of questions. This is meant to only give a basic overview of Taiwan politics to those who are learning about this topic for the first time. Is Taiwan a country? Yes! Taiwan is not a province of Communist China, it is its own country economically, politically, democratically, and in substance. What country does Taiwan belong to?/ Is Taiwan its own country? Taiwan is its own country (including surrounding islands such as Kinmen and Matsu), it is also known as the Republic of China. Is Taiwan a province of China (PRC)? No! Is Taiwan Communist? No. Why is Taiwan not a member of the UN? Taiwan is not recognized in the UN because of conflict with China (China and Taiwan governments both claim to be the rightful government of all China, so the UN could only choose one China). For more information, read here for Taiwan’s history with the UN. Taiwan is the largest country by population and economy to not be a member of the UN. Which countries recognize Taiwan (Since When)? Belize (1989) Burkina Faso (1961-1973, 1994) Dominican Republic (1957) El Salvador (1961) Guatemala (1960) Haiti (1956) Honduras (1965) Kiribati (2003) Marshall Islands (1998) Nauru (1980–2002, 2005) Nicaragua (1962-1985, 1990) Palau (1999) Paraguay (1957) Saint Kitts and Nevis (1983) Saint Lucia (1984–1997, 2007) Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (1981) Solomon Islands (1983) Swaziland (1968) Tuvalu (1979) Vatican City (The Holy See) (1942) Taken from Wikipedia: Why is Taiwan the ROC? Taiwan originally belonged to Japan. After WW2 in 1945, it was given back to the Republic of China (ROC), the ruling government of China at the time, which they still control to this day, even though they have lost the mainland to China (PRC). Is Taiwan part of China?/Does Taiwan belong to China? No and No. The Republic of China is the official government of Taiwan, whose capital is Taipei, not PRC controlled Beijing. The Republic of China lost mainland China to the communist PRC government during the Chinese Civil War, and now only controls Taiwan and the surrounding islands. Why should Taiwan be a part of China? It should not be a part of China, unless China becomes a true democratic nation that allows free elections. How does Taiwan feel about China? An imposing neighbor, but also integral to their economy. The current ruling party, the DPP, supports Taiwan independence and a Southbound policy to rely more economically on Southeast Asian neighbors rather than China. Why does Taiwan hate China? Some Taiwanese people hate China, but would say most people do not. China and Taiwan’s governments fought a civil war in which the Republic of China (ROC) lost the mainland and retreated to the island of Taiwan. Taiwanese nowadays are more are afraid of Chinese investment and threats to their democracy. What are Wumao? Who are Wumao (50 cent party)? The Wumao is a term for online Chinese communist activists or trolls that relentlessly deny Taiwan’s independent and free democratic status. They are believed to receive payment from the communist party for every post they make (50 cents or Wumao 五毛). For instance, they constantly attack the Twitter posts of president Tsai Ing-wen, even though Twitter is officially banned in China. Why does Taiwan want independence?/Why does Taiwan want to separate from the mainland?/ Why does Taiwan want to separate from China? Taiwan is separate and independent from the mainland, but it wants to be recognized as a separate country by the rest of the world. Taiwan is not recognized by the international community such as the UN. Such recognition would be beneficial for Taiwan’s political and economic ties with other countries. Who is the government of Taiwan? The Republic of China (ROC), whose capital is in Taipei. Not PRC controlled by Beijing. Why does Taiwan consider itself the real China? The Taiwan government (ROC) once controlled mainland China, and considers the ruling PRC in China rebels who have wrongfully taken the mainland. Why does Taiwan claim Tibet and Mongolia? Taiwan (officially the Republic of China) controlled all of mainland China before 1949, and claims that Mongolia and Tibet were part of China at the time, and that both were also ruled by the Qing dynasty. Taiwan no longer claims Mongolia, but they did not recognize Mongolian independence until 2002. The Taiwan government still claims Tibet. Why does Taiwan hate Korea? Taiwan does not hare Korea. However, some bitter feelings may exist after Korea suddenly broke diplomatic ties with the ROC in 1992 in favor of the PRC, among other things such as business competition and sports rivalries. What kind of country is Taiwan? Wonderful, fun, delicious, beautiful, and friendly. What type of government does Taiwan have?/Is Taiwan a democracy? Yes, Taiwan is a democratic republic. They elect their president and legislative representatives through free elections. How does Taiwan elect their executive? Democratically. Executives and local self-governing bodies are elected at four year intervals. What are the major political parties in Taiwan? The KMT (Kuomintang) and DPP (Democratic Progressive Party). What are the policies of the major political parties in Taiwan? The KMT favors eventual reunification with China, and supports the “One China Policy” which according to the 1992 consensus stipulates that there is one China with differing interpretations. Currently the KMT endorses the maintaining the status quo, and the three no policy: “No independence, no unification, and no use of force.” The DPP supports human rights, anti communism, and Taiwan identity. It believes that Taiwan independence is a current fact, making a declaration of independence redundant. The DPP does not support the “One China Policy” and does not recognize the 1992 consensus. It supports the "Southbound Policy,” trying to build economic ties with Southeast Asia rather than China. How does the Taiwan government work? The central government is a democratic republic with a presidency and 5 Yuans (a Yuan is a branch of government), the legislative, judicial, executive, control, and examination Yuans. Who is president of Taiwan? Tsai Ing-wen 蔡英文, of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Where does the Taiwan president live? The Taiwan president Tasi Ing-wen lives in the Presidential Office Building, a red brick structure originally constructed by the Japanese. Why does Taiwan matter? It is an important thriving democracy in direct opposition to communist China. It proves that free democracy is possible despite the PRCs efforts to suppress democracy and free speech throughout greater China (including Hong Kong). 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). Who is the mayor of Taipei? Ke Wen-je 柯文哲. Why is Taipei the best city? Taipei is the best city because it has a modern infrastructure and transportation systems, world class talent, a safe environment, low cost of living, and friendly people. It is not the best city because of its weather; many cities in Taiwan have a more tolerable climate than Taipei. Does Taiwan have nuclear weapons? No. But it tried to obtain them in the past. However, due to pressure from the U.S., it abandoned such plans. Where does Taiwan get its energy? As of 2014, 48% came from oil, 29.2% came from coal, 12.2% came from natural gas, 8.8% from nuclear, 1.2% from biomass and waste, and .5% from other renewable energy resources. Have any more questions about politics in Taiwan? Please leave them in the comments below, and we might just add them to the list! Please like, follow, and share to help everyone know that Taiwan is a free independent country! |
Author 作家We are US Expats that have extensive experience living and working in Taiwan. In our day, we had to learn many things about Taiwan the hard way. But we have come to learn that Taiwan is one of the best places in the world for Foreigners to live. Our blog does not represent the opinions of every foreigner in Taiwan. We are just trying to help others learn more about this beautiful country. Archives 檔案
February 2019
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