Everything You Need to Know
Looking for helpful tips to know when planning the first trip to Taiwan? This is an island nation located in East Asia which features vibrant cities, scenic beauties, colorful culture, and yummy food. So, to help you come prepared and have the vacation of a lifetime, here are some things that you need to know before your trip, as well as ideal things to do in the place.
The list of necessary information for travelers to Taiwan
1. Visa Requirements
A majority of states accept entry into Taiwan without a visa with the allowed stay being up to 90 days for citizens of the USA, EU, UK, Canada, and Australia. Of course, always remember to visit the official embassy website to find the up-to-date visa requirement depending on your nationality.
2. Best Time to Visit
Taiwan’s climate varies by region, but the best times to visit are:Taiwan’s climate varies by region, but the best times to visit are:
Spring (March to May): It will be fine and full blossoms for those who want to go for sight-seeing.
Autumn (September to November): Better weather attributed to lower temperatures and absence of clouds, which are optimal for occasions such as events in the open.
3. Currency and Payment Methods
The current legal tender of Taiwan is the New Taiwan dollar (高麗鈔), abbreviated NT$, or sometimes TW$ or TWD. Such means of payment as credit and debit cards are actively used in paying for goods and services in the hotel, restaurants and other shops. But even in some destinations it is better to have some cash for emergencies, buying things at local stores, etc. A majority of them are available nowadays, and most of the ATMs are inclined to international cards.
4. Language and Communication
Mandarin, which is the official language, and English is widely spoken in some regions such as the main tourism zones. It will be great if you would be able to master a few basic phrases in Mandarin when you travel.
5. Cultural Etiquette
Taiwan also has its own culture with well-established set of norms or ways in which the people there behave. This is especially for women, ensure that you avoid tight or sexy clothing and remove shoes before entering the temple. Gentle treated to elderities and given to or received with both hands. It is a practice not prevalent in Taiwan; waiters or Waitresses do not expect tips as they are paid fairly but these can be given to those who provide excellent service in restaurants and hotels that are considered luxurious.
6. Health and Safety
The safety standards in Taiwan are very high, and managing health care services available always meet the highest standards. Are there any things that one should avoid? Drinking tap water is safe but most people use bottled water or boiled water. The general travel insurance is suggestible, which covers the medical expenses in case sickness or injury happens while on tour.
7. Transportation
Public transportation in Taiwan is well-developed; one can avail transport through train, bus, and Taipei MRT. There is a High-Speed Rail (HSR) that will transport people between the major cities, which are along the west. Taxis are cheap and easily available and bike sharing service has been a traveller friendly in Taipei & Kaohsiung.
8. Local Cuisine
Taiwan has a well developed food culture and is primarily a fusion of food culture from the mainland China Japan and with its indigenous people. It is always important to try some exotic delicacies such as Beef Noodle Soup; Xiaolongbao, which is a type of dumpling served in soup Oyster Omelette; and last but not the least, Bubble Tea. Night markets are also popular for visitors because they sell foods on the streets for meals or snacks.
9. Dress Code
Be presentable and choose clothes that are appropriate for the weather conditions of the time. T-shirts and other lightly clothed fabrics are worn for summer due to its hot and humid climate while the chilly weather calls for warm clothes and jackets. It also means that suitable footwear for walking is needed for strolling around cities and hiking through nature parks.
10. Power Plugs and Adapters
The voltage used with in Taiwan is 110V and the frequency is 60Hz. The power plugs and sockets used in Uruguay are of type A and B The electrical current ranges between 100- 240volt 50/60 Hz. Whenever you are traveling, it is recommended that you carry an international adapter to ensure that you can charge all your electronics.
11. Packing Essentials
Remember to bring comfortable shoes for walking, a bottle for drinking water, sunscreen lotion, an insect repellent and appropriate clothing depending on the season of the year when the trip will be made. Additional precautions to be observed are either to carry an umbrella / raincoat if one is traveling during this season.
Discover Taiwan’s most famous landmarks and tourist destinations
Taiwan, filled with breathtaking sights, rich history, and action-packed rides, is a land that can fulfill many tourists’ wishes to explore something exotic. Here are some must-visit spots and activities:Here are some must-visit spots and activities:
1. Taipei 101
Stroll through the park with some of its famous attractions like the world’s tallest building, the observation deck.
2. National Palace Museum
Visit one of the biggest art museums in Taipei which has a rich and varied collection of Chinese works of art.
3. Taroko Gorge
What can be seen in Taroko National Park? Let’s discover the marble canyons and beautiful trails.
4. Sun Moon Lake
Cycling, boating, and hiking are some of the leisure activities offered within the largest and by far the most beautiful lake in Taiwan.
5. Alishan
Enjoy the stunning vistas of mountain ranges, Tea Plantation and the marvel Alishan Forest Railway.
6. Jiufen
This tour takes the guest through the serpentine alleys and tea houses of the charming town at a hill station.
7. Kenting National Park
Take a sun bath along the sandy shores, snorkel in the tropical waters, and try out other water activities in this southern-most park of Taiwan.
8. Kaohsiung
Explore this energetic coastal town revered by its art scene, night markets and the splendid Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum.
9. Tainan
Discover Kaohsiung – the southerners’ great city with more than 300 years of history, century-old temples, forts and other landmarks, and mouth-watering street food.
10. Yangmingshan National Park
One of the nearby parks that happen to feature hiking, hot springs, and floral happenings is this park in the Taipei area.
11. Shilin Night Market
Shop for taiwanese souvenirs and Taste the Taiwanese Night life @Shilin Night Market Taipei.
12. Lukang
Over the years, this ancient town has remained a historic tourist destination with beautiful buildings, temples, and gifted craftsmen.
13. Green Island
Just off the coast, swim in the crystal-clear waters, explore the coral reefs and forests, and indulge in some hot springs.
14. Penghu Islands
Visit the exquisite sandy shores, fabulous geoformation works and the historical and archeological past of this island group.
15. Beitou Hot Springs
To enjoy the view of natural hot springs tat are the result of the presence of geothermal activity near Taipei, there are several spots that are available for this purpose.
Testing H 1: Taiwan is the perfect travel destination due to the several activities that one can engage in.
1. Cycling
Learn more about Taiwan, its beautiful roads and cycling tours for instance the Sun Moon Lake or the East Coast.
2. Hiking
The Union also points out that there are many opportunities for hiking in Taiwan which ranges from Yangmingshan, the greenish area to Yushan which is full of rocky mountains.
3. Tea Tasting
To try Taiwan’s renowned oolong tea and to learn about the process of producing it, visitors may go to the districts of Alishan and Pinglin.
4. River Tracing
Alternatively, follow rivers for an excellent mix of conventional hiking and swimming across different territories in Taiwan, especially in Hualien and Taitung regions.
5. Surfing
Minimize your anxieties and hit the waves at famous surfing sites like Jinzun Harbor in Taitung City and Fulong Beach in New Taipei City.
6. Paragliding
Go for the adrenaline rush as you paraglide over the stunning beautiful countryside in Puli or Luye Highlands.
7. Hot Spring Bathing
Go on a hot spring bathing in Beitou, Wulai, and Jiaoxi.
8. Festivals
Festivals like the lantern festival, dragon boat festival, and mid-autumn festival are celebrated in many parts of the world and it is essential to celebrate these festivals.
Culinary Delights: From the Taiwanese cuisine covered in this article, Ginger Fried Rice, Fried Tofu served with Pork Chops and Sliced Beef Noodle Soup are recommended for lunch.
The food culture of the Taiwanese is cuisine is creative, vibrant and full of Real flavour and fresh produce. Here are some dishes you must try:Here are some dishes you must try:
1. Beef Noodle Soup
A stew usually containing chopped beef, some form of pasta and a soup for the base.
2. Xiaolongbao
Soup ‘N’ Dumplings, tender pork and a hot soup wrapped in translucent dumpling skins, steamed.
3. Oyster Omelette
A snack of night market in Taiwan or China which is comprising of eggs, oyster as well as starchy coating that is accompanied with sweet and spicy sauce.
4. Bubble Tea
A very popular beverage found only in Taiwan which uses tea, milk, sugar as well as chewy balls also known as tapioca pearls.
5. Gua Bao
A Taiwanese-style sandwich that is similar to a burger with a braised pork belly, pickled vegetable garnishing, and peanuts powder put between soft steamed buns.
6. Lu Rou Fan
Slop such as minced pork cooked by slowly simmering in a covered dish; also referred to as congee, the dish is then served over rice and accompanied with pickled vegetables.
7. Pineapple Cake
A pastry with pineapple jam where the pillowy bread is made into a neatly pleated shape, quite common Taiwanese souvenir.
8. Shaved Ice
Pineapple shave ice dessert, which is a dessert prepared from shaving ice and serving the same with different fruits, beans, and syrup.
9. Stinky Tofu
Sourbean/Pudding tofu: transform tofu through fermentation, smells bad but tastes very good, could be fried with Spicy Sauce.
10. Iron Egg
A crunch-soft savory egg which as been boiled, stewed, and air dried several times, a local dish from Danshui.
Final Thoughts
These tips and travel attractions and options in this article should prepare you for the best Taiwan experience you could ask for. Discover why Taiwan is a must visit destination for the natural beauty of Taiwan, its cosmopolitan cities, deep culture and traditions and the friendly people.
Regardless if you plan on going on a weekend trip or an entire month, you will surely find something that will catch your fancy in Taiwan. Taiwan – adorned with ancient temples, night markets with unique vendors, delicious and exotic food in anticipation of an adventurous and exciting time in every hour. Happy travels!
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