(Last updated: 9 Nov 2011)

Visas

Australian passports valid for more than six months are eligible for 30 days free entrance into Taiwan without a visa. If you need to stay for more than 30 days or your passport is due to expire within six months, please apply for a visa through the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Australia. Other types of visas are available. You should contact the Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of the Interior for details.

Climate

In Taiwan, there is usually a lot of rain in May to June so it is advisable to travel with an umbrella. Summer is very humid and hot with temperatures in the high 30s. Bring light summer suits and plenty of shirts (preferably cotton).

Earthquakes may occur and if you are caught in one, the safest place to stand is within a doorway. If you are outside, stand well away from power lines and building frontage where signs and objects can fall. If in doubt, stay still as fallen power lines can electrify other fallen material.

Typhoons may also strike, usually in the rainy season (July to September).

For weather details in Taiwan, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.

Airports

At Chiang Kai-Shek International Airport in Taipei, taxis are readily available outside the terminal and cost approximately $45 for the one-hour trip to the central business district. Public bus is cheaper and costs about $8. Major hotels offer airport transfers for around $72.

Ground transport

There are a number of options for transport in and around Taipei and country areas. Taxi is the most convenient means for travel in Taipei City. Fares are metered starting from $3:

• Within Taipei City the taxi fare can be up to $12.
• Travel into the country from Taipei City is more expensive and can be up to $12-$24.

The Mass Rapid Transit is an efficient train network but only available in Taipei. There is a train that circles the island with good service and a range of travel classes.

Car hire is also available and internal licenses issued by the Motor Vehicle Supervision Department are valid for three to six months. There are numerous car rental companies including: Sun Ta Car (Taipei), CARPLUS (Taiwan)

Taxi transport to business meetings is convenient and cheap.

Hotels

Avoid the up-market hotels as there are plenty of mid-range cost hotels all over Taiwan with prices from NT$1800–NT$2800 per night.

Security and health

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Taiwan. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

Taiwan is generally a safe place to visit and to do business, but there are a few safety precautions to be aware of:

• Avoid quiet streets.
• When visiting busy and crowded places such as night markets, you should pay extra attention to securing handbags and personal belonging to avoid pick pockets.
• Use ATMs located inside banks or on a busy street.

You should treat your business security interests with the same care and diligence that you do in Australia. Take steps to ensure the protection of your intellectual property rights, such as patent, design and trademark by registering with the Chinese Taipei Intellectual Property Office. Also ensure any business contracts are reviewed and authenticated by a legal consultant to avoid trade dispute.

Health

There is no compulsory vaccination required before coming to Taiwan. Taiwan is free from yellow fever, meningococcal, cholera, and malaria. Consult your doctor for advice prior to travel or contact Health Services Australia who may recommend a hepatitis injection. Do not drink tap water and avoid eating food from food stands.

Tipping

There is no need to tip in Taiwan as a service charge is incorporated in the bill.

Time zones and time differences

Taiwan is two hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.

To find out the current time in Taipei, view the World Clock.

Dialling codes

Taiwan's country code is 886.

For calls to Taiwan from Australia dial: 0011 + 886 + area code + telephone number.

For calls from Taiwan to Australia dial: 002 + 61 + area code + telephone number.

For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.

Business hours

Private and government offices are usually open from 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. Many close for lunch from 12:30pm to 1:30pm.

Banking hours are 9.00am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Most shops are open from 11.00am till 10.00pm. Shops are generally open every day, including most public holidays, with the exception of Chinese New Year.

Public holidays

3 January – New Year’s Day (in lieu)
2-4 February – Chinese New Year
4 April – Children’s Day
5 April – Tomb Sweeping Day
22 April – Good Friday
2 May – Labour Day (in lieu)
6 June – Dragon Boat Festival
12 September – Moon Festival
10 October – National Day
26 December – Christmas Day (in lieu)
27 December – Boxing Day (in lieu)

Currency

Oanda currency converter

The currency of Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar.

Major credit cards are accepted in Taipei. Southern Taiwan (ie. Kaohsiung) is still a cash economy, so it is necessary to carry the equivalent of A$500-A$1000 in your wallet - this is generally a safe practice.

You can access cash through most of ATMs in Taiwan.

Electricity and water

Taiwan’s power supply is 110 volts, 60Hz 1, 3 phases, 2, 3, 4 wires. The two-pin flat plugs are the most common.

Dining

Try to eat out of the hotel (where the cost is generally higher) – there are vast numbers of convenience stores and cheaper eateries located all over the major cities with a good range of fast, and healthy, Chinese and Western-style foods.