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Currency

The currency used in the Republic of China is the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$). As of 1998, the exchange rate was close to NT$33 to US$1. Foreign currencies can easily be exchanged for local NT$ at most banks, hotels, and even some departmental stores. After any transaction, be sure to keep the receipts if you want to exchange unused NT$ before departure.

Taiwan notes come in the form of NT$100, 500, and 1,000. Coins are available in denominations of NT$1, 5, 10, 50, and 100.

Traveler's checks and major credit cards are accepted in most places on the island. Among them are American Express, Carte blanche, MasterCard, Diners Club, and Visa.

What to wear

As Taiwan has four seasons, appropriate clothing should match the right season.

In the summer, pack light and loose clothing, preferably cotton, casual sportswear, and comfortable walking shoes. If it is a business trip, bring a jacket and tie, though the weather may be too hot for that type of attire. Most Chinese businessman choose to wear leisure suits with open collars to beat the heat.

Winter in Taiwan is a bone-chilling experience. Be sure to prepare enough woolens, sweaters, jackets, pants, and socks to overcome the frosty weather. You may also want to include a rain-gear as thunderstorms can appear out of the blue.

Airport Tax

When departing Taiwan, an airport tax of NT$300 must be paid and the receipt kept when checking-in to the departure hall.

Medical Services

It does not cost much to get medical treatment and dental care in Taipei. This does not mean, however, that the services are not as good or efficient as in some other countries. In fact, the quality of medical services here is superb and up-to-date.

Tipping

It is not really necessary to give tips in Taiwan. However, a small tip for bellboys or taxi drivers would sometimes be much appreciated. Hotels normally include a 10 percent service charge to the room rates and meals. Heavy tips are expected at wine-houses and dance-halls.

Business Hours

Most businesses and service sectors are open at 9 a.m. Banks open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Monday-Friday) and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Commercial firms begin work at 9 a.m. and end at 5:30 p.m. Some commercial firms operate half-day on Saturdays.

Departmental stores open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. while smaller stores open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Government sectors start from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with a one hour break and continue to 5:30 p.m. (Monday-Friday). They are also open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

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Etiquette

A traditional Chinese greeting would be to bow and clasp both hands. However, predomination of the Western culture has replaced the traditional bow with a simple handshake. At business meetings, an introduction also includes the exchanging of name cards.

Chinese have always been more reserved and conservative. Although we may now see a development in the Chinese people, most often than not, there are still some who prefer to shy away from clamorous greetings in the public like hugging and kissing.

The art of toasting is a significant trademark of the Chinese that is always practiced at dinner parties. Usually, everyone is required to participate, and the correct way of toasting would be to raise your wine cup with both hands, one holding it and the other touching the base.

Another thing to remember is that the Chinese are always polite, even if they do not mean to be. At a dinner, when tea is served it usually means that the party is over and it is time for guests to leave. Out of courtesy, a host may gently entice you to stay longer, but an experienced traveler would immediately pick up the hints and bid the host farewell. Therefore, a traveler once quoted "the rule of thumb is to do the exact opposite that your Chinese friend suggests".

Time Difference

Standard time in Taiwan is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +8). Daylight savings time does not apply here.

Visa Information

Travelers can obtain their tourist visa from ROC embassies, consulates, and specified representative offices in foreign countries. Visitor visas are applicable for 60 days and may be extended twice for another 60 days. Foreigners using the visitor's visa are not permitted to work without permission.

Citizens of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden,UK, and the US, with passports valid for six months may not need to apply for a visitor's visa to travel into Taiwan's major international ports and harbors for 14 days (non-extendable).

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