Time Zone: GMT +8
Language: Mandarin Chinese
Visas:
Citizens of many countries can enter Taiwan without a visa, however the period granted cannot be extended under any circumstances. Citizens from most EU countries and the US get 90 days on arrival. Citizens of Australia, Malaysia and Singapore get 30 days on arrival.
Local transportation:
Similar to the Octopus Card in Hong Kong, the Taipei Easycard, or 悠遊卡 (Yōuyóu kǎ), allows you to conveniently ride the Taipei MRT or Bus systems. Easycard can be bought and topped up at all Taipei Metro stations.
The Metro Taipei subway is clean and safe, and runs from 6am till midnight. Women traveling at night can benefit from the Safe Zones - sections of platforms that are under heavy surveillance - located in some of the subway lines.
Taipei City has a very efficient bus service, and all buses display information (destination and the names of stops) in English and Chinese. Fares are NT$15 on most routes within the city centre.
Taxis are readily available, and are expensive in comparison to mass transit, but are cheap when compared to taxis in the rest of the world. The base fare is NT$70 for the first 1.25km plus NT$5 for each 250m thereafter. From 11pm to 6am there is a surcharge of NT$20 on top of the fare.
Where to buy a SIM card:
The two largest mobile phone service providers are Chunghwa Telecom and Taiwan Mobile. SIM cards can be bought at the airport's arrival lounge. Alternatively, there are mobile stores everywhere in Taipei, and convenience stores can also sell you both a SIM and credit if needed.
Popular areas:
Ximending, Shilin, Raohe Street Night Market, Neihu, Xinyi District, East Taipei
Popular food:
蚵仔煎; ô-á-chian (oyster omelet), 甜不辣; tiánbúlà (Taiwanese version of Tempura), 臭豆腐; chòudòufǔ (stinky tofu), 香腸; xiāngcháng (Taiwanese sausage), 蚵仔麵線; ô-á mī-sòa (oyster vermicelli)