Shaped like a sweet potato, Taiwan is one of the most populated islands in the world housing well over 23 million people. Surprisingly not a very popular travel destination for the western world, Taiwan has a lot to offer from its bustling cities, landscapes and culture. Formerly known as Formosa, Portuguese: Ilha Formosa or 'Beautiful Island' is situated in the south east of China in the pacific ocean. Regarded by the IMF as one of Four Asian Tigers, Taiwan is a high income economy with advanced technological capability.
Taiwan VISA:
Visa is not required for nationals of most countries. However Indians would need a visa to travel unless you have a residency from USA, UK, Canada or Australia. You can apply for a visa waiver online at https://nas.immigration.gov.tw/nase/ctlr?PRO=PRO_Task12Application
A sample copy of the letter of approval looks as below.
A multiple entry visa with a 30 day duration of stay is granted.
FLIGHTS:
Taiwan is well connected from Hong Kong with a number of flights every day. The national carrier is Eva Airlines. However from Hong Kong you have Cathay Pacific, Dragon Air, Hong Kong Airlines and China Airlines operating. The flight time is 1:00 hour and cheaper on Eva or China Airlines mostly. Try the search engine www.zuji.com/hk for best fares.
ACCOMODATION:
Accommodation should be easily found online using www.hotels.com or www.hostelworld.com Taipei City is generally a good place to stay and travel around. There are all varieties of hotels available depending on your budget. Costs vary from 800 TWD (1200 INR) to
IMMIGRATION:
Immigration at the airport is straightforward. Staff are friendly. However like in India do expect to be stopped by a customs officer before exit at times.
TRANSIT AIRPORT-CITY:
There are buses operating to most destinations in Taiwan from the international airport. Tickets must be purchased at counter in the airport terminal before boarding. There is a ticket counter just on the exit after customs where they sell tickets at the face value of 125 TWD to Taipei main station. The journey is about an hour and at times you could be subject to heavy traffic.
Taxis can also be taken from the airport to the city. Expect to pay anything above 600 TWD.
INTERNAL TRANSPORT:
Public transport in Taipei in Taiwan is excellent and most people use the MRT. Plenty of taxis and buses are also available in the city. There are a number of 2 wheelers on the road as well.
Inter-city connectivity is excellent by the high speed trains, alternatively there are buses to most places from the main bus stations.
 |
| Taiwan - Travel |
GEOGRAPHY, REGIONS:
The Republic of Taiwan is situated 180 km off the southeastern coast of China, across the Taiwan strait. With an area of a little over 36,000 sq km the island has 2/3rd of rugged mountains in east and plains in the west.
CLIMATE:
Climate is marine tropical as Taiwan lies on the tropic of Cancer. The climate is hot and humid in the summer months from June to September. Temperatures rise up to 40 deg C. The rainy season lasts from January to March.
TIME ZONE:
UTC + 8
CURRENCY & ECONOMY:
Taiwan Dollar
1 TWD = 1.58 INR (24 July 2011).
1 HKD = 3.71 TWD
1 GBP = 47.4 TWD
1 USD = 28.96 TWD
Withdrawing money from the ATM machines may be the cheapest method to exchange currency. Else there are a number of exchange shops in the city and the airport.
Taiwan's quick industrial growth has been called the Taiwan miracle and is one of the four Asian Dragons (Tigers). With a growth rate of over 10% in 2010 Taiwan prides in leading technologies in nanotechnology and electronics.
PEOPLE & CULTURE:
98% of the people are of Chinese ethnicity. Most people are helpful. At times language could be a barrier.
 |
| Taiwan - People |
ETIQUETTE:
Taiwan does share a number of cultural values like in most parts of East Asia. Respect the elders, removing shoes before entering a home or temple are a few.
FOOD:
There is a snack shop every three steps and a restaurant every 5 in Taiwan. All varieties of Chinese food can be obtained. Foreign food from all over the world is also available now. Taiwan also has its own native cuisine and is well known around the world.
LANGUAGE:
Mandarin is the official language. Taiwanese is spoken by 70% of the population. English is spoken widely by most of the young people. Most people tend to speak Japanese as well.
MUSIC:
Instrumental music such as beiguan and nanguan is found across the island. Taiwanese puppetry and opera are popular.
MOBILE PHONES:
+886 is the country code.
The standard prefix for international dialling from Taiwan is 002.
The major mobile providers are Chunghwa Telecom ,Taiwan Mobile,Vibo and Far EasTone
ELECTRICITY:
USA Plug. 110V/60Hz.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN Taiwan:
1. Go up the 101 Taipei tower.
2. A day out hiking and cycling in Danshui.
3. Explore Taiwan's ecological environment.
4. Asia's version of Hawaii in Kending.
TOP TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN Taiwan:
1. Taipei
2. Danshui
TOP SOUVENIRS TO BUY IN Taiwan:
1. Chiang Kai Shek artefact.
2. 101 Tower artefact.
3. Sun Yat Sen memorial artefact.
4. Various Taiwanese souvenirs in the night market or street markets.
5. Electronics. HTC is Taiwan's biggest brand.
MOST UNIQUE FEATURES IN Taiwan:
1. A very lively and touristic city in Taipei.
2. The number of two wheelers on the road.
3. World class underground (MRT) in Taipei.
TAIWAN TOURISM:
http://eng.taiwan.net.tw/
Posts
