Money Matters
Taiwan's unit currency is the New Taiwan dollar (NT$). Foreign
currencies can be exchanged at government-designated banks
and hotels. Receipts are given when currency is exchanged,
and must be presented in order to exchange unused NT dollars
before departure.
Major credit cards are accepted and traveler's checks may
be cashed at most international tourist hotels.
Tipping
The standard tip is NT$50 per piece of luggage. A 10% service
charge is automatically added to room rates and meals. All
other tipping is optional.
Passports and Visas
Citizens of the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom,
France, Germany, Austria, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain,
Sweden, Portugal, Australia, and New Zealand with valid passports
for 6 months and onward or return tickets, are allowed visa-free
entry to Taiwan at any of its major international airports
and harbors for a period of 14 days. Tourist visas may be
single-or multiple-entry, and allow stays in Republic of China
for two weeks to 60 days. Unless restricted to 2 weeks, tourist
visa holders may apply for a maximum of to 60 days extensions,
for a total of 6 months. Holders of visitor visas are not
permitted to work in Republic of China.
Business Hours
Bank hours are from 0900 to 1330 Monday through Friday, and
0900 to 1200 on Saturday. Government offices are open from
0830 to 1230, and 1330 to 1730 from Monday to Friday, and
from 0830 to 1230.
Opening hours for commercial and retail establishments vary
from 0900 to 2300, but usually remains open until well into
the evening.
Getting Around
Few taxi drivers speak or read English, so bring along your
destination and return address in Chinese. In addition to
the services offered by hotels, excellent public services
to and from CKS International Airport are available including
bus, taxi and car rental.
Driver's Licence
All foreigners are required to have a valid driver's licence
while operating motor vehicles in Taiwan. A valid licence
is either an unexpired locally issued licence or a valid international
driving permit (issued outside of Taiwan).
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