Taiwan is a leaf-shaped island straddling the Tropic of Cancer about 200 kilometres (120 miles) off the eastern coast of mainland China. Named the "Beautiful Island" (Ilha Formosa) by Portuguese merchants, the island has a long history as a center of trade in the region.
Taiwan's lively and colourful culture celebrates the interesting juxtaposition of the traditional and the modern, from outstanding examples of Chinese heritage to the most recent innovations in technology.
Plug TypeLanguageChinese (Mandarin, Taiwanese) and EnglishPopulationOver 20 millionTime ZoneGMT +8 hoursMeasuresMetric SystemVoltage120 voltsMobile PhonesGSM 900/1800Visas are obtainable from embassies, consulates and other accredited visa-issuing offices abroad. The two kinds of visas issued are: visitor visas and resident visas. Visitor visas are valid for three months from the date of issue, and good for a single journey for a period of 60 days, but holders may, on good grounds, apply for a maximum of two extensions, each for 60 days.
Citizens of most countries in Western Europe and North America do not require a visa for stays of less than 30 days.
Visa FAQ from the Bureau of Consular AffairsThe New Taiwan Dollar (NT$) is the national currency. One US dollar is equal to about 35 NT$.Here are the most recent exchange rates for some common currencies.NTD 1.00 equals:
.03
US Dollar (USD)
.05
Australian Dollar (AUD)
.02
Euro (EUR)
.02
British Pound (GBP)
1.49
Indian Rupee (INR)
2.88
Japanese Yen (JPY)
.05
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
.05
Singapore Dollar (SGD)
There is a 5% tax levied for services and goods. Restaurants will charge additional tax only if there is entertainment or dancing.NT$50 per piece of luggage is standard. A 10% service charge is added to room rates and meals. Tipping for any special service is optional.Bank Hours9am to 3.30pm, Monday to FridayOffice Hours8-9am to 4-5pm, Monday to FridayShop Hours10-11am to 9-10pm, all weekGood medical facilities are available. Make sure water is either boiled or bottled before consuming. Tap water in the hotel is potable. Bottled drinking water is also available in the hotel room, compliments of Shangri-La.Light suits for business occasions and casual wear for social outings. Formal wear is worn at deluxe restaurants as well as theatres. Light clothing for the summer is sufficient, although one should always carry an umbrella. Cooler months require medium-weight jackets and sweaters.Taiwan has a subtropical climate with warm to hot, humid summers from May to September (24C to 32C, 75F to 90F), and a cooler season from December to February (12C to 20C, 54F to 68F). Snow can be expected in winter in higher elevations.