Drivers generally cannot converse in English or any other foreign language (such as French, German, Japanese, etc.) or read Westernized addresses (except for special Taoyuan airport taxis). Get the hotel staff or a Taiwanese friend write out your destination in Chinese, and also take a business card from the hotel. Taiwan Tourist Shuttle is a set of distinctly branded bus routes (some intercity, some local) that serve tourist sites, and are generally easier to use than regular routes. The official website offers route maps, timetables and recommended itineraries, but is somewhat confusing to navigate. The Alishan Forest Railway is an 86 km narrow gauge railway running from Chiayi to Alishan, with branch lines running from Alishan to Chushan and Shihou. Originally build by the Japanese for logging in 1912, it is today operated as a heritage railway for tourists, taking about 5 hours to get from Chiayi to Alishan and 4 hours for the return journey.
Try to keep some smaller denomination notes on hand to avoid the hassle of fighting with the driver for change. Only on Saturday morning/noon and Sunday afternoon faster trains are packed, and it might make sense to buy a more expensive reserve-seat ticket, if you do not want to stand for 3 hr, depending on your destination. Otherwise, you can freely use the EasyCard for fast connections without worrying (except for THSR). Early Bird tickets queenwin casino are sold from 28 days before the day, and the discount is up to 35% off.
Words in native languages
Authorities evacuated 8,326 people from their homes, the majority from eastern Hualien County, where a typhoon in September left 18 dead. The official language of Taiwan is Mandarin, but Taiwanese Hokkien and indigenous languages are spoken widely, especially in rural areas. The country’s multilingualism is an important part of its identity, with efforts to preserve and promote regional and indigenous languages alongside Mandarin.
Languages
If you are still in need of a discount, send the ho(s)tel an email or WeChat/Line message quoting the online price. Some will give you 10 % discount on the online price this way, especially for same day short notice bookings. Generally, short notice bookings will give you a better price, since hotels are trying to sell their stock at a bargain price last-minute.
Vegetarians are better catered for in restaurants and variety than in most other countries. In order to protect the environment, a government policy rules that plastic bags cannot be given freely at stores in Taiwan, but have to be bought (at a flat rate of NT$1)—bakeries being an exception as the items need to be hygienically wrapped. Foreign visitors may claim a VAT refund if they spend a minimum of NT$2,000 per day per participating store.
During the winter months, from November to February, the climate becomes cooler, especially in the northern and central regions. While the lowland areas in the south enjoy mild temperatures, the northern parts of Taiwan can experience temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F), and mountain areas may receive snowfall, particularly at higher elevations. This cooler season provides a respite from the intense summer heat and is ideal for tourists interested in hiking or enjoying Taiwan’s natural beauty.
Cities
In Taiwan most traffic lights have countdown timers to alert drivers when light will change from red to green. Taiwan often experiences typhoons (颱風) during the summer months and early fall, especially on the East Coast. Hikers and mountaineers should be sure to consult weather reports before heading into the mountains.
Democratization began in earnest through the 1980s and 1990s, culminating with the first direct presidential elections in 1996, and the first peaceful transition of power between two political parties in 2000. Taiwan, island in the western Pacific Ocean that lies roughly 100 miles (160 km) off the coast of southeastern China. It is approximately 245 miles (395 km) long (north-south) and 90 miles (145 km) across at its widest point. Taipei, in the north, is the seat of government of the Republic of China (ROC; Nationalist China). In addition to the main island, the ROC government has jurisdiction over 22 islands in the Taiwan group and 64 islands to the west in the P’eng-hu (Pescadores) archipelago.
People of Taiwan
- While smoking marijuana is illegal, the cannabis product cannabidiol (CBD) is legal provided you have a doctor’s prescription, and it contains no more than 10 ppm (0.001%) tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component that gives you the “high”.
- Most banks in Taipei and Kaohsiung will exchange money or offer cash advances on credit or debit cards.
- In the ensuing years the ROC claimed jurisdiction over the Chinese mainland as well as Taiwan, although in the early 1990s Taiwan’s government dropped this claim to China.
- Citizens of Germany, Australia, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Ireland and Canada aged 18–30 can apply for a working holiday visa.
- Over the past few days, China and Japan have been locked in an escalating war of words.
- If they get too close to you, picking up a stone or having a big stick is usually a sufficient deterrent.
Taiwan also imports raw materials, fuel, and foodstuffs, which are necessary for its manufacturing sector and to support its population. The country has extensive shipping connections and modern ports, such as the Port of Kaohsiung, which is one of the busiest in the world. Taiwan has a well-developed education system, with high literacy rates and a strong emphasis on academic achievement.
If you are bitten by mosquitos, apply a small amount of ointment for irritation relief. Air pollution can be significant with the highest ratio of scooters per person in the world and a high west coast urban density. For reference the USA standard for fine particles (PM2.5) over 24 hours should be below 35 µg/m³. It is a good idea to use a mask that can filter fine particles (how to choose a mask), especially when traveling with the elderly or children. There are no laws against homosexuality in Taiwan and unprovoked violence against gays and lesbians is almost unheard of.
- Also be sure to avoid pointing at the statues of deities with your index finger, as it is considered to be very disrespectful.
- The country is also a major exporter of electronic products, computers, and telecommunications equipment.
- As Taiwanese culture places a strong emphasis on respect for elders, elderly visitors will find most Taiwanese to be very helpful and accommodating.
- As Taiwan was spared from the Cultural Revolution, the Taiwanese have also retained some elements of traditional Chinese culture that have been lost in mainland China.
- Holders of non-reserved seats can only sit in non-reserved seats, usually in car 9-12.
Taiwan is home to major technology companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), which is the world’s largest contract chip manufacturer, and Foxconn, which assembles products for companies like Apple and Sony. Taiwan is religiously diverse, with a mix of traditional Chinese religions, Buddhism, Taoism, and Christianity. Many Taiwanese practice a blend of Buddhism and Taoism, with elements of Confucianism also influencing cultural practices, particularly around family life and rituals. Temples dedicated to various deities are common throughout the island, and religious festivals, such as the Lantern Festival and the Mid-Autumn Festival, are widely celebrated.
Then on Thursday, China’s foreign ministry posted in Japanese and English on its X account, warning Japan to “stop playing with fire” and added that it would be an “act of aggression” if Japan “dares to meddles in the cross-Strait situation”. Over the past few days, China and Japan have been locked in an escalating war of words. Prior to the 1600s, Taiwan was self-governing, although there was no central ruling authority.