Travel guide – taiwan

taiwan
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Overview

Situated off the coast of mainland China, the mountainous island of Taiwan teems with people in massive urban developments, but at the same time hides some picture-perfect breathtaking vistas behind the scenes. Jet into the airport at the capital, Taipei, and the island below greets you with majestic peaks, rolling hills and plains, basins and inlets, tropical beaches and green forests.

At the foot of the mountains cluster the crowded industrial cities and towns. Modern, high-rise buildings play backdrop to numerous traditional folk festivals, and ancient temples sit alongside glass-fronted boutiques in the bustling streets. Old and new live in harmony in Taiwan, and visitors will be enthralled as much by the bustling metropolis of Taipei as with the array of natural attractions throughout this relatively small island.

In the six national parks there are thousands of species of wildlife, 20 percent of which are rare or endangered species, including the Mikado pheasant, the Hsuehshan grass lizard and the Formosan rock monkey. Unique experiences include taking a ride on the Alishan train, one of only three mountain railways in the world, and hiking up northeast Asia's highest mountain, Jade Mountain, and taking in the spectacular sunsets above a sea of clouds. With its volcanic origins, tropical climate and Polynesian flavour Taiwan has often deservedly been dubbed the 'Hawaii of Asia'.

Taiwan has long had an uneasy relationship with its larger neighbour, China. In 1684 the island became the refuge for the remnants of the deposed Ming Dynasty and when Mao's Communists forces took control of China in 1949 the nationalist leaders, and over one million supporters, fled to Taiwan. Economically the island quickly became an Asian success story but its independence from China was never recognised by many governments - primarily due to the Republic's greater political and military firepower. Many Taiwanese would like an eventual reuniting with Mainland China, but not on the terms suggested by their communist cousins and major trading partner. In the meantime China continues sabre rattling with regular military exercises off the coast of Taiwan.

Climate

Taiwan is sub-tropical but the climate varies from hot and humid in the south tempering to cooler in the north and inland mountainous region. All over the country sudden rain showers frequently occur, making rainwear an essential part of a visitor's luggage. The driest time of year is autumn (September and October), which is followed by a short generally damp and chilly winter with snow on the island's mountain peaks. Summer temperatures can reach 90ºF (35ºC) at the coast. Summer is also typhoon season.

Health

Vaccination certificates for yellow fever and cholera are required for entry to Taiwan from travellers arriving from areas infected by these diseases. Travellers are advised to have up-to-date jabs for hepatitis A and typhoid. Due to the recent outbreak of dengue fever, insect repellents and other measures to prevent mosquito bites are recommended for those travelling to the southern part of the island. Visitors should only drink bottled water and should be wary of potential food poisoning. Taiwan's medical facilities are first-class, but health insurance is recommended for travellers.

The basics

Time

Local time is GMT +8.

Electricity

Electrical current is 110 volts, 60Hz.

Language

Mandarin is the official language of Taiwan, but Taiwanese is often spoken and English is widely understood.

Tipping

Tipping is not customary, although if offered it will be accepted. Baggage handlers at hotels and the airport will be pleased with some loose change. Hotels and restaurants will add a 10% service charge to the bill.

Safety

Most visits to Taiwan are trouble-free. The country has only a low incidence of petty crime, and is considered safe. The only threats are natural ones, because the island is prone to typhoons and tropical storms, as well as earthquakes and tremors. These are seldom severe, however.

Communications

Taiwan's international country code is +886 and the outgoing code is 002. Taiwan also has area codes. Six network operators provide mobile telephone services in various regions using either GSM 900 or1800 networks. Internet cafes can be found in Taiwan's cities and towns, and most hotels in Taipei have Internet access in their bedrooms.

Duty Free

Travellers aged over 20 may enter Taiwan with the following goods without paying customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 454g tobacco; 1 bottle of alcohol; and a reasonable amount of perfume. Travellers are also permitted to bring personal goods valued up to NT$20,000 duty free. Goods made in Albania, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Cuba, Korea, Laos, Romania or Vietnam, and guns (even toy ones), as well as fresh meat and fruit are prohibited.

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