PEL2016

Travel Information

About Taiwan

Area: 36,000 square kilometers
Population: 23 million
Capital: Taipei
Language: Mandarin/Taiwanese /Hakka
Religion: Buddhism/Taoism/Christianity/Islam/Catholicism
Taiwan is a subtropical island and lies on the western edge of the Pacific Ocean. The continuous tectonic movements have created majestic peaks and steeply eastern coastline. Lying from north to south, five mountains accidentally form a mountain chain and cleave the narrow long island into two isolate terrains, western plain and eastern strip. The western plain is industrialized while the eastern strip is preserving the nature and farming. The magnificently winding highways, narrowly run between the eastern coastline and steep cliffs, or along gorges, are masterpieces of nature and man-made works.

The south coastline is the paradise for water activities, such as surfing, snorkeling, motorcycling, etc. Recreation resorts attract crowded tourists on holidays. The National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium provides exhibitions in two halls; one is Waters of Taiwan and another is Coral Kingdom Pavilion. The Coral Kingdom Pavilion is immersed in coral reef with brightly colored fishes swim vividly. What a stunning experience!

For a glance at Taiwan, click on Taiwan Touch Your Heart or A glance at Taiwan.

For more travel information in Taipei, click on Taipei Travel Net.

How to fly to Taiwan

Take airplane to Taiwan Taoyuan (TPE) International Airport, which is a 40-minute drive to venue

Travel to Taipei

‧By bus
		There are frequent bus services(http://www.taoyuanairport.gov.tw/web/english/transportation/taipei_e.jsp) from the airport to Taipei. Bus fares between airport and Taipei is about NT$140. From 05:40~00:50, buses leave every 10 to 30 minutes from Terminal I and II. Kuo-Kuang Bus, Evergreen Bus and Fe Go Express provide transportation to downtown Taipei. Please check their airport counters for detailed route information.

‧By taxi
	Taxis are available outside the Arrivals Hall of Terminal I & II at Taiwan Taoyuan (TPE) International Airport. Taxi fares between airport and Taipei is around NT$1200.

‧By car
	Taipei is located in northern Taiwan and has easy access from National freeway No 1 to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) (50 minutes). Taiwan map (external)

Travel in Taipei

‧By MRT

Taipei has fast MRT connections to metropolitan area. Major attractions (see the following) and scenic spots can be reached by MRT.
Metro Taipei (external)

‧By bus
	Buses are another choice for visitors to get around in Taipei. Fares differ according to the distance. A single section fare is NT$15. Pay upon boarding or getting off according to instructions. Link: http://www.taipeibus.taipei.gov.tw/index_e.htm

Travel Tips

	Electricity
	The supply of electricity is 110V AC 60HZ in Taiwan.

	Business Hours
	Banks	9:00am-3:30pm, Monday-Friday
	Offices	9:00am-6:00pm, Monday-Friday
	Post Offices	8:00am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday *Some large post offices open on Saturdays
	Government Offices	8:00am-5:00pm or 8:30am-5:30pm, Monday-Friday
	Shops & Department Stores	10:00am – 10:00pm, Monday – Sunday *Some shops open earlier or close on Sundays. Most convenience stores open 24 hours and 7 days.

	Currency
	Taiwan's official currency is the New Taiwan Dollars (NTD or NT$). For currency exchange rate click here. Banks and major hotel will exchange most major currencies. Major credit cards are accepted in most Taiwanese cities and towns.

	Tipping
	Tipping is optional and not customary in Taiwan. However, tips for restaurant services and hotel porters are much appreciated. A 10% service charge and a 5% value-added Tax are included in room rates and meals.

	Car Rental
	Passports and international driver licenses are required for car rental.

	Media
	Three local English newspapers, Taiwan News, Taipei Times and China Post, can be purchased in convenient stores, such as 7-11, HiLife, Family mart etc.

	Time
	Taiwan is GMT(Greenwich Mean Time) + 8 hours.

Prior to Travel to Taiwan

	Visa
	Do you need a visa to enter into Taiwan?
	Visa information is available on: http://www.boca.gov.tw/mp?mp=2
	If you are passport holders of People of Republic of China, please contact us two months before you plan to enter Taiwan for having enough time to go through process.

	Climate and Weather
	The climate is subtropical in Taiwan. In average, temperature varies from 27°C to 35°C in summer (May to September); from 12°C to 16°C, in winter (October to April). It is usually hot and humid, with a typhoon season in summer. Thunderstorms also fall mostly in the afternoon. In winter, it is drizzly and cloudy. Further information about weather in Taiwan is available on:http://www.cwb.gov.tw/eng/index.htm

	Language
	Mandarin is the official language of Taiwan. English is not widely spoken in some rural areas in Taiwan. However, many people speak English in big cities, like Taipei and Kaohsiung.