FAQs
Question
Is Taiwan expensive to visit?
Answer
Taiwan is known for one of the best street foods in Asia. There is an abundance of street food and small cafes. Foods varies between $1-$5. Also, majority of restaurants do not require tipping and meals range from $10-$15. 7-11s are in every corner in Taipei where you can conveniently pick up snacks, yummy coffees and teas that cost only $1-$2. Everything is cute and people are friendly especially if you're American. The Taipei Metro system is amazing. This will be our primary source of transportation. The MRT will take you anywhere in the city for $1-2 per way. A 7-day SIM Card can be purchased for ~$10 as soon as you arrive to Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). The airport also has the lowest currency exchange fees at $3 for every $1000. I recommend exchanging the amount you will be using during the trip here. Only fresh, new bills are accepted, so please ask your bank to provide. Alternately, use a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees (see next topic).
Question
How much money should I bring to Taiwan?
Answer
You should bring cash for food, transportation, sightseeing (ie admissions) and shopping as some establishments do not accept card. Southwest Chase is great because they give you 50,000 free miles (2 RT domestic flights) when you spend $2,000 in 3 months, and they do not charge foreign transaction fees. I have a referral code! Per day, you should expect to spend $10-$20 on food, $10 maximum on the metro, $10 for sightseeing. Keep in mind of miscellaneous expenses for alcohol, should you opt in for a taxi (which is also cheap), souvenirs and shopping.
Question
How do I convert Taiwanese currency to USD?
Answer
The official currency is the Taiwanese Dollar, abbreviated as NT$. Every 100NT is equivalent to $3 USD. For example, if a boba costs 30NT, it is approximately $1 USD. An easy way to calculate is to divide NT prices by 30 to get the amount in USD. View today's currency rates at www.xe.com
Question
Are there English speakers in Taiwan?
Answer
English is a highly spoken language in Taipei amongst the younger demographic as it is being taught to pupils at an early stage. It can be hit or miss. If you venture outside Taipei (which we won't), you may encounter some aboriginal Taiwan people. You will see shopping centers and street signs in English. Restaurants have bilingual menus. Simple words that locals will appreciate especially from Americans are thank you (shay-shay), how do you so (knee how ma), and delicious (how tze), along with a friendly nod.
Question
I just landed in Taiwan. Now what?
Answer
After you complete immigration, purchase a SIM card and visit the currency exchange desk! Grab a drink from the vending machine such a cold boxed milk tea ($1). You can sip on it in the cab or bus to Xintian District. Travel time to the hotel will be ~1 hour. More details to come.
Question
Are guests allowed?
Answer
Yes! We are excited to share our special day and life-long memories in Taiwan with you and your guest. Significant others and little ones are also welcome. We kindly ask that you and your guests are 100% confirmed when you RSVP. This will allow us to keep costs low and accommodate for all guests.
Question
Cultural Differences & Etiquette
Answer
Taiwanese people are not huggers as it is considered an intimate interaction. High-fives or thumbs up are acceptable ✌🏻 If you are offered food and decline the offer without trying it, or taking only a couple bites and returning the dish, it can be seen as very impolite. Sticking your chopsticks upright in any bowl of food is also seen as rude. Chopsticks in this fashion represent the candles lit at funerals (associated with death, a big no-no). Four is also an unlucky number. Do not give four of anything or in odd numbers. Eight is the luckiest number. Giving eight of something brings luck to the recipient. Present gifts using both hands. Gifts are not opened when received. The Taiwanese prefer to entertain in public places rather than in their home, especially when entertaining foreigners. If you are invited to a Taiwanese home, it will happen once you have developed a relationship and should be considered a great honor.