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Taiwan's total land area is about 36,000 square kilometers (14,400 square miles). It is shaped like a leaf that is narrow at both ends. It lies off the southeastern coast of mainland Asia, across the Taiwan Strait from Mainland China-- an island on the western edge of the Pacific Ocean. To the north is Japan; to the south are the Philippines. Many airlines fly to Taiwan, making it the perfect travel destination. Taiwan lies on the western edge of the Pacific "rim of fire," and continuous tectonic movements have created majestic peaks, rolling hills and plains, basins, coastlines, and other natural landscapes. Taiwan's tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate climates provide clear differentiation between the different seasons. Taipei is located at the north of Taiwan. Taipei is endowed with unique natural scenery, with lush forests and winding rivers, and a variety of fascinating terrains, including volcanic mountains, foothills, terrace tablelands, coastal plains and river wetlands. By the end of 2010, the population of Taipei is 2,618,772 (males 1,262,554; females 1,356,218). In addition to beautiful sceneries, Taipei is also a city for individuals who enjoy indulging themselves in shopping, exotic meals, and feasts of arts and culture. For further information, please click here.
General Information
Credit cards
Most credit cards are widely accepted throughout the island. ATM machines are wide spread.
Electrical supply
The local power supply is AC 110 Volt / 60 Hz with type A outlets, the same as the USA and Japan. The outlets also accept the same flat two-parallel pin plug as is used in the USA and Japan. Even though most hotels provide outlets for 220 volt appliances, travelers with electrical appliances that run on a different current from 110 volts will need to bring a converter.
Exchange rates
The New Taiwan Dollar (NT$) is the currency used today in Taiwan. Like most countries, they come in the forms of bills and coins. Foreign currency exchanges are easy to access. Exchange service is available at the airport, banks, hotels and large department stores. For up to date exchange rates, travelers please visit the currency website: http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/.
Language
Mandarin is the official language. English is spoken quite extensively.
Telephone & Internet
Public telephones are easy to find in Taipei. Internet service is available in most hotels (charges may apply) and there are many Wi-Fi hotspots including coffee shops, fast food restaurants and metro rail shopping areas.
Tipping & Tax
Tipping is not customary in most places, but is welcomed if guests wish to show their appreciation for satisfactory service. A 10% service charge and a 5% value-added tax may be included in room rates or meals. Most taxes are already included in prices of products or services.
Transportation
Taxi
The starting fee is NT$70 with NT$5 added every 250 meter and an additional NT$20 for rides after 11pm.
Bus
In Taipei, buses are the most convenient means of transportation. There are a number of different routes that can be studied online as well as the bus station. They come roughly every 10-15 minutes and the adult ticket fare is NT$15. No change is available on the bus, so please prepare the exact amount of coins ahead of time. To check bus schedule, please click here.
MRT
The Mass Rapid Transit, or more commonly known as the MRT, provides travelers around the cities of Taipei an easy means of metro transportation. Passengers can enjoy a nice air conditioned ride to the Gondola, Zoo, and other parts of Taipei filled with eatery, museums, and shops. One way ticket price ranges from NT$20 to NT$65 while a NT$180 one day pass will allow passengers unlimited travel among all MRT lines throughout the day. Auto ticketing slots are located in the stations for passengers to purchase tickets or recharge their multi-transit pass. Smoking, drinking, eating and gum chewing are strictly prohibited, keeping our metro railway stations clean and safe. Detailed MRT maps can be found at each station as well as online.
Weather
Taipei enjoys warm weather all year round and is extremely suitable for traveling, as the annual average temperature is a comfortable 22�C (72�F), with low temperatures generally ranging from 12�C-17�C (54�F-63�F). For more weather information, please visit Central Weather Bureau.
General Information
Credit cards
Most credit cards are widely accepted throughout the island. ATM machines are wide spread.
Electrical supply
The local power supply is AC 110 Volt / 60 Hz with type A outlets, the same as the USA and Japan. The outlets also accept the same flat two-parallel pin plug as is used in the USA and Japan. Even though most hotels provide outlets for 220 volt appliances, travelers with electrical appliances that run on a different current from 110 volts will need to bring a converter.
Exchange rates
The New Taiwan Dollar (NT$) is the currency used today in Taiwan. Like most countries, they come in the forms of bills and coins. Foreign currency exchanges are easy to access. Exchange service is available at the airport, banks, hotels and large department stores. For up to date exchange rates, travelers please visit the currency website: http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/.
Language
Mandarin is the official language. English is spoken quite extensively.
Telephone & Internet
Public telephones are easy to find in Taipei. Internet service is available in most hotels (charges may apply) and there are many Wi-Fi hotspots including coffee shops, fast food restaurants and metro rail shopping areas.
Tipping & Tax
Tipping is not customary in most places, but is welcomed if guests wish to show their appreciation for satisfactory service. A 10% service charge and a 5% value-added tax may be included in room rates or meals. Most taxes are already included in prices of products or services.
Transportation
TaxiThe starting fee is NT$70 with NT$5 added every 250 meter and an additional NT$20 for rides after 11pm.
BusIn Taipei, buses are the most convenient means of transportation. There are a number of different routes that can be studied online as well as the bus station. They come roughly every 10-15 minutes and the adult ticket fare is NT$15. No change is available on the bus, so please prepare the exact amount of coins ahead of time. To check bus schedule, please click here.
MRTThe Mass Rapid Transit, or more commonly known as the MRT, provides travelers around the cities of Taipei an easy means of metro transportation. Passengers can enjoy a nice air conditioned ride to the Gondola, Zoo, and other parts of Taipei filled with eatery, museums, and shops. One way ticket price ranges from NT$20 to NT$65 while a NT$180 one day pass will allow passengers unlimited travel among all MRT lines throughout the day. Auto ticketing slots are located in the stations for passengers to purchase tickets or recharge their multi-transit pass. Smoking, drinking, eating and gum chewing are strictly prohibited, keeping our metro railway stations clean and safe. Detailed MRT maps can be found at each station as well as online.
WeatherTaipei enjoys warm weather all year round and is extremely suitable for traveling, as the annual average temperature is a comfortable 22�C (72�F), with low temperatures generally ranging from 12�C-17�C (54�F-63�F). For more weather information, please visit Central Weather Bureau.
