Exploring everyday life in Taiwan

Connectivity in Taiwan

Connectivity in Taiwan is one of the best on the planet in terms of Wi-Fi access. Taipei alone boasts over 10,000 free hotspots located at points throughout the city, from major metro stations and tourist sites to the city's ubiquitous convenience stores. A service counter which grants access to the Taipei City Wi-Fi network can be found at the arrival terminal of Taoyuan International Airport, and to sign up, travelers must provide their passport and a valid email address.

Money matters in Taiwan

Regarding banking in Taiwan, ATMs are found in most convenience stores, metro stations and, of course, in banks throughout Taiwan, offering 24-hour service with the option to display withdrawal instructions in multiple languages, including English. However, tourists should check with their home bank before arriving in Taiwan as to which local banks can be used to withdraw cash. Mobile payment apps such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, LINE Pay, and more are also widely accepted at large restaurants, major retail outlets, stores, and shopping malls. Major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are also accepted at retail outlets, shopping malls, and restaurants, but mom-and-pop eateries, small neighborhood stores, and the likes, are still cash-based, so it is always a good idea to have a little bit of cash on hand.

Online shopping in Taiwan

Most Taiwanese still shop in brick-and-mortar stores, but e-commerce is growing. Most online shopping in Taiwan is done through PChome, which famously offers delivery of just about anything one could name within 24 hours. There are other websites and services from which you can order products, but PChome is considered the top choice for its selection and prices.

You should, however, check the price of items such as electronics. Around the national holiday,s most stores will have deals on home appliances and electronics to attract customers who would otherwise shop online. E-commerce websites in Taiwan are only in Mandarin. Some, like PChome, will allow you to pay cash on delivery. However, it does require a Chinese name and address for delivery.

Grocery shopping in Taiwan

There are plenty of grocery stores around, and Taiwan still has morning markets for anyone looking for early-morning bargains on produce and meat. To get those deals, you need to get to your local market before 8 am.

Other street markets are open throughout the day, but the prices are usually higher. There are also produce shops, some of which are open 24 hours. The produce shops may have lower prices on some items than the grocery stores. They also will have bargain bins for fruit and vegetables that are about to expire.

There are a few local grocery store chains in Taiwan, including PX Mart and Jason's. Jason's is considered a higher-end grocery store with a larger selection of imported goods. For foreign markets, there are Carrefour and Costco. The latter store requires a membership, and US members can use their cards there. However, most Costco stores are not conveniently located, and a car or taxi is recommended to shop there. Carrefour, the French hypermarket, has more locations around Taiwan, especially with its Express stores that have a limited selection.

Tipping in Taiwan

Tipping is not a custom in Taiwan. Some many cafes and bars will have tip jars, but you do not need to leave a tip. Many restaurants and bars will also tack on a 10% service fee to the bill. Most of these establishments will have a note on the menu about the fee, but not all will.

Taiwan's climate and geography

Taiwan is a semi-tropical country. The summers are generally very humid, hot, and wet, while the winters are usually quite mild. Temperatures of well above 30 degrees Celsius are the norm during summer. In winter, in low-lying areas of the north, temperatures can dip below ten degrees, though this is somewhat rare. As one travels further south, the weather becomes less wet and warmer. From October to late November, there is a window of temperate weather when the daytime temp hovers in the low twenties.

The center of Taiwan's main island is dominated by the Central Mountain Range, with 100 peaks over 3,000 meters. On the highest of these peaks, including Jade Mountain and Snow Mountain, snowfall, in small quantities, is possible during the winter months. Whenever snow is projected, the roads leading up these mountains are invariably clogged by traffic, as seeing snow in Taiwan is a rare novelty. If attempting to drive on narrow, winding mountain roads in snowing conditions, all standard safety precautions should be followed, as there are inevitably fender benders on the way up.

Approximately 90 percent of Taiwan's population lives on the west coast plains. The east coast is far more sparsely populated, as are mountainous regions and the outlying islands.

Electricity in Taiwan
 

Like the United States and Canada, Taiwan's electrical current is 110V AC. The outlets in Taiwan are designed for flat, two-pronged plugs.

Emergency and information services in Taiwan

If you need fire or ambulance services in Taiwan, the number to call is 119. To contact the police, dial 110.

For those with questions or disputes or who require assistance in regard to employment in Taiwan, there is a toll-free number, 1955, staffed by employees who speak multiple languages, including English.

Taiwan also has a multilingual 24-hour hotline for those looking for further information regarding all manner of travel practicalities, including destination and accommodation info, which can be reached at 0800-011-765.