Taiwan is now better known as a tourist destination to experience Asian culture with the convenience and comforts of modern city life. It is one of the easiest country to navigate and explore in Asia. Are you planning to visit Taiwan this year? Here are some of the things that you must know about Taiwan before your visit:
Language can be a barrier
Even though language is part of their curriculum and taught throughout the education system, many Taiwanese have little chance to practice their English outside school. This means that you still need to break down your English sentences to better converse with a local.
Paper money rules
Taiwan mostly operates in cash. Credit and debit cards accepted in big chain stores but most local restaurants and shops only accepts cash. They also do not accept other currencies, so it is best you exchange your currencies at the airport or any currency exchange shops before you head shopping.
The locals are very helpful
Evnn when there is difficulty in conversing in English, the Taiwanese are extremely willing to help. It is very common to see locals helping a lost tourist get them to their destinations. Some would even walk them to the next train station or the bus stop.
Toilet options
There are different types of toilets in Taiwan. You can find the conventional sitting water closet and there are the squatting toilet as well. It is a cultural thing as most local prefer to squat when using the toilet. If you are traveling with an elderly make sure to check the signage on the toilet stall first before entering it.
EasyCard for an easy commute
EasyCard is a contactless smart card used as a form of payment for public transportation and other services in Taiwan. The card is widely used in Taipei, as well as in other cities such as Taichung and Kaohsiung. EasyCard is much like the Metro Card of New York, Octopus Card of Hongkong or Opal Card of Sydney. You can use it to travel or purchase in convenience stores, supermarkets, bike rentals and even in parking lots.
Convenience stores are complete
The stores in Taiwan are very traveler-friendly. You will find everything that you will need for your trip or your stay. You will find that there are convenience store in every street. Family Marts and 7/11 are very familiar here and you can find hot meals, snacks to small items every traveler needs. You can also rely that there are 24H convenience stores around the city should you need something in the middle of the night.
Weather is unpredictable
Taiwan is a tropical country and most days it is a mix of sunny weather to torrential downpour. always bring a foldable umbrella with you, especially if you’re travelling during the wet seasons. Taiwan has a subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers and mild winters. The weather in Taiwan is greatly influenced by monsoons and typhoons, which occur mostly between June and September. During this time, heavy rainfall and strong winds can cause flooding and landslides in some areas. Temperatures in Taiwan typically range from 20°C to 33°C during the summer months and 15°C to 23°C during the winter. The best time to visit Taiwan is during the spring and fall, when the weather is more pleasant and comfortable.