Best Time to Visit

To avoid the hot and humid temperatures of the summer, it's best a trip to Taipei (and Taiwan as a whole) is planned for either October and November in autumn, or March and April in spring. It can get crowded around Chinese New Year (February), as many come for the festivities.

Passport/Visa

Nationals of many countries are eligible for a visa exemption program, provided they fulfil a number of requirements: passport validity for at least 6 months following the date of entry, along with a confirmed return ticket or confirmed ticket to the following destination. The list of countries whose nationals are eligible for the visa exemption program is continuously updated, and varying periods of stay are allowed to different nationalities (consult the Taiwan Consular Affairs website for current information). Nationals of other countries will need to apply for a visa; individual requirements vary by nationality.

• Web:

  www.boca.gov.tw/lp-149-2.html

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is situated 40 kilometres southwest of Taipei. To travel between the airport and Taipei, you can choose from several bus services or opt for the more efficient high-speed train, which reaches Taipei Main Station in just 39 minutes. Shuttle buses frequently run between the airport and the high-speed train station for easy transfers. At the airport, taxis are available at the north side of the Terminal 1 Arrivals Lobby and the south side of the Terminal 2 Arrivals Lobby. Taxi fares are metered.

• Web:

  www.taoyuan-airport.com

• Address:

  Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, Taoyuan

• Phone:

  +886 3 398 3274

Public Transport

The subway (MRT) is easy and fast to use around the city. You can buy your ticket from the machines located in every MRT station. Coins and bills are accepted. MRT day passes (TaipeiPass) without limits on journeys, distance and can be used on all routes. You can also get the transportation card EasyCard at any stations and convenience stores. MRT trains run from 6am to midnight. The bus network in Taipei is efficient, with buses running frequently. There are several bus lines operating around the city and most of them have English signs. At the bus stop make sure to flag the bus down when you see it. EasyCard is accepted by all buses.

• Web:

  english.metro.taipei

Taxi

Taipei is home to more than 18,000 taxis, readily available at any time, day or night. Fares are metered and government-regulated. For longer trips beyond city limits, a predetermined flat rate is typically negotiated with the driver prior to departure. Toll Free Taxi Hotline 55850 by mobile phone +800 055850 by pay phone Taiwan Taxi Company www.taiwantaxi.com.tw 55688 by mobile phone +886 2 4058 8888 by pay phone Taipei Taxi Tour Service www.taipei-taxi.com +886 935 998 959 Welcome Pickups www.welcomepickups.com/taipei/taxi

Electricity

Taiwan has the same electrical standard as North America and many countries in Asia. The power plugs and sockets are of type A (with two flat prongs) and B (with two flat prongs and a round grounding rod. Expect 110V at 60Hz.