Travel
Information
| Attractions |
About
Taiwan
Taiwan was christened Formosa or ¡§beautiful island¡¨, by Portuguese marines in the 16th century. Hundred and sixty kilometers from the southeastern coast of China, located midway between Korea and Japan to the north and Hong Kong and the Philippines to the south, Taiwan is a natural gateway for travelers to and within Asia. Although Taiwan is a small island, its surface geology takes on a variety of formations, cultivating an abundance of peculiar landscapes and ecosystems. Coupled with its diverse cultural relics, theme parks, golf courses, and beaches, Taiwan enjoys a profuse supply of tourism resources.
To know more about Taiwan, please visit the website of Tourism Bureau of the Republic of China.
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Visitors to Taiwan require a passport that is valid for at least six months after their planned departure dates from their gateway city. Nationals of 31 countries are not required to obtain visas for the 30-day duration of stay. Countries eligible for Visa-exempt entry are Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei Darussalam, 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, U.K. and U.S.A. For more details of visitor visa application, please contact the embassies or consulates and representative office aboard as well as visit.
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Time |
Average
Cost |
| By Taxi | Approx. 40 min. | NTD 1,500 /one way |
| By Air Bus | Approx. 60 min. | NTD 100 /one way |
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Taxi is the most convenient way to travel within Taipei City. Taxi charges will start with NT$70 (approx. US$2.00). Additional NT$5 (approx. US$0.15) will be charged after the first 1.65km or the first 2 minutes and for each additional 300m or 1 minute.
The Metropolitan Rapid Transportation (MRT) system run by the city government provides the most convenient commuting service between downtown and suburban of Taipei. Five lines are in operation.
For further information about MRT System, please visit: http://www.trtc.com.tw/
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The exchange rate is approximately NT$32 to US$1 (January 2007). For other currencies, please visit the Currency Converter at http://www.xe.net/ucc checking your currency vs. NTD. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at the airport, government- designated banks and hotels.
Major credit cards are accepted throughout Taiwan. Traveler¡¦s checks may be cashed at foreign-exchange banks, some tourist-oriented businesses, and international tourist hotels.
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Automatic teller machines (ATMs): 24 hours in the city and suburbs.
Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)
The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) has been introduced in Taiwan since 2003. The TRS enables travellers departing CKS airport to claim a refund of the sales tax paid on goods bought in the territory. Travellers purchasing goods for more than NT3, 000 at a single TRS store with passports are eligible to claim refund after clearing immigration at the airport on departure within 30 days.
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Tipping
A 10% service charge is automatically added to the meals. Other tipping is optional.