Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where is Taiwan located?

How do I get a visa for Taiwan?

What type of currency is used in Taiwan?

How do I exchange my U.S. Dollars?

What are the Telephone Codes for Taiwan?

Is tipping required in Taiwan?

Where is Taiwan located?

Taiwan is situated off the southeast coast of the Asian continent, about 100 miles across the Taiwan Straits from mainland China. It is one of a string of East Asian islands. It lies between Japan (to the north) and the Philippines (to the south) and is an essential hub for travel to Asia.

How do I get a visa for Taiwan?

First, figure out how long you're coming for. If you plan to stay in Taipei less than a month, you probably need only get on the plane. If you hold a passport from one of the following countries, your may enter Taiwan for thirty days without a visa: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the U.K. and the U.S.A. If you are planning to stay longer, you must apply for a visa. Don't bother looking for an "Embassy of the Republic of China" in the phone book—most countries don't have one. Because of Taiwan's political relationship to the People's Republic of China (PRC), it must use representative offices of another name. Don't worry—your representative office can answer any questions you have about traveling to Taiwan. To find the office nearest you, go to: http://www.boca.gov.tw/mp?mp=2

What type of currency is used in Taiwan?

The official unit of currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$). Coins are in denominations of 1, 5, 10 and 50. Bills are in denominations of 50, 100, 500 and 1000. For some time, the NT has been valued at 34 NT = 1 US Dollar. Keep in mind exchange rates fluctuate daily, and it is best to verify rates before departure using an international currency converter, such as www.oanda.com. Travelers can print off wallet sized cheat sheets off the site to carry with them.

How do I exchange my U.S. Dollars?

Foreign currency and travelers checks can be changed at the two international airports and at large banks, such as the International Bank of China (ICBC) and Bank of Taiwan. Typical banking hours are Mon-Fri 9:00am-3:30pm and Sat 9:00am-Noon. Most larger hotels will provide foreign exchange for their guests. ATM machines with international settlement systems (i.e., Cirrus, Interlink, Global Access, Plus, etc.) are readily available in the city. Major credit cards are accepted at most large hotels, restaurants and shops. Smaller establishments may not accept credit cards or travelers checks, so travelers should always be prepared with NT cash. U.S. dollar bills and other foreign currencies are not widely accepted in shops and hotels.

What are the Telephone Codes for Taiwan?

When calling TO Taiwan from the U.S. dial (011) 886 +area code + telephone number

Is tipping required in Taiwan?

Tips are not usually expected in Taiwan, especially in restaurants and taxis. However, a small tip for bellboys or airport porters is appreciated (about $1 US per piece of luggage). Hotels normally include a 10-percent service charge with room rates and meals.