Practical Tips

Taipei is just north of the Tropic of Cancer. Expect hot and sticky summers, cool and damp winters and rain in the spring and fall. Typhoon season is generally in August and September.

Be aware that Taiwan has its own visa requirements separate from the Chinese mainland. Visitors from some nations can stay up to 14 days without a visa, while others will require a visa that allows up to a 30-day stay. Contact the Taiwan representative office for more information. The currency in Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar (NT) and currency money can be easily exchanged at banks and hotels. Taiwan uses a different English Romanization system than on the Chinese mainland and Taipei has its own unique system, which can cause lots of confusion.

Traditional Chinese culture is strong in Taiwan and festival days are celebrated with zest. Chinese New Year is the most important of these celebrations and the island will be decked out in its best. Other festivals to look for are the Lantern Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival, the Ghost Festival, the Mid-Autumn Festival and Double Ninth Day.