TRAVEL

About Taiwan
Taiwan is situated in the West Pacific between Japan and the Philippines. Its jurisdiction extends to the archipelagoes of Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, as well as numerous other islets. The total area of Taiwan proper and its outlying islands is around 36,197 square kilometers. At about the size of the Netherlands, but with a population of some 23 million, Taiwan is more populous than three-quarters of the world’s nations.

Climate
Taiwan experiences a subtropical climate, with summers from the month of May to September. The annual average temperature is a comfortable 22 degrees Celsius (71 Fahrenheit).

Time Zone
Taiwan is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Currency
The currency of Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$). The exchange rate in recent months is around NT$30 for US$1, foreign currencies can be exchanged at the banks, airport and hotels. Payment by major credit card is accepted almost everywhere around Taiwan.

Electricity
– Taiwan uses an electric current of 110 volts at 60 cycles. Many buildings also have 220-volt sockets.
– Visitors with appliances of different voltages are urged to bring adapters with them.


Tipping & Tax
Sales tax is included in the listed price in Taiwan.
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan, but some hotels and restaurants automatically add a 10% service fee to the bill.

Getting Around
Taiwan High speed Railway
The THSR goes through 10 main cities along the western part of Taiwan at the moment.
Taiwan High speed Railway: http://www.thsrc.com.tw/index_en.html

Railway
Trains on the round-the-island rail network provide extremely convenient services. Tickets may be purchased two weeks in advance. 
Ticket information: https://tip.railway.gov.tw/tra-tip-web/tip?lang=EN_US