General Information
| Country Name | Taiwan (Republic of China) |
|---|---|
| Capital City | Taipei City |
| Area | 36,000 square kilometers |
| Country Dialing Code | +886 |
| Population | 23 million |
| Time Zone | GMT+8 (Taiwan Standard Time) |
Taiwan, a precious island which is hospitable country with abundantly natural scenery, is located off the southeast coast of the Asian Continent at the western edge of the Pacific Ocean, between Japan and the Philippines and right in the center of the East-Asian island arc, Taiwan forms a vital line of communication in the Asia-Pacific region.
Language
The official language of Taiwan is Mandarin; however, with the diverse races, other languages are widely spoken. For example, those who have Hakka ancestry mainly speak Hakka. These people are concentrated in certain places throughout Taiwan. Taiwanese Hokkien is also extensively spoken by 70% of the population. As for the smaller group of indigenous tribes, they have preserved their own languages as well. Last but not least, for the foreign language, English is spoken quite commonly. Taiwanese government plans to make English an official language by 2030.
Climate
Taiwan enjoys a subtropical climate with warm weather all year round and is a perfect destination for travelling. The average temperature in February is 17°C-19°C. If you are a hot-spring lover, make sure to visit several appealing areas in Taipei under the cool and comforting weather. For more weather information, please click here.
Currency
The currency of Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$). Coin denominations are NT$1, NT$5, NT$10, NT$50. Banknotes are NT$100, NT$200, NT$500, NT$1000, and NT$2000. The usual exchange rate is around US$1 to NT$30.
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.
Telephone & Wi-Fi
Free public Wi-Fi service is available across Taipei city both indoors and outdoors. The SSID of Wi-Fi access is TPE-Free. Visitors who wish to use the service can set up an account with valid passport or entry permit. To check the free public Wi-Fi service in Taipei, please click here. (https://wifi.taipei/en/)
In addition to the free Wi-Fi access, payable Wi-Fi card is also available in most of 7-11 convenience stores across Taiwan. Prepaid access cards can be purchased over the counter at the stores, and the costs vary.
VAT Refund
Foreign travelers, with the entry document, who make purchases of at least NT$2,000 on the same day from the same designated stores with the “Taiwan Tax Refund”-label are eligible to request the “Application Form for VAT Refund.” To claim the refund, they must apply at the port of their departure from the R.O.C. within 90 days following the date of purchase, and they must take the purchased goods out of the country with them. For more information, please click here.
Emergency Dial Number
110：Police
119：Fire emergencies, injury or accidents & hospital services
112：Emergency services
Useful Websites
-Taiwan Immigration Service: https://www.immigration.gov.tw/7152
-Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://en.mofa.gov.tw/
-Taiwan Tourism Bureau: https://eng.taiwan.net.tw/
-Taoyuan International Airport: https://www.taoyuan-airport.com/main_en/index.aspx
COVID-19 Entry, Quarantine and Healthcare Information Website for Inbound Passengers
Attention to all arrivals – starting October 13, 2022, all inbound passengers are required to observe the 0+7 policy. More information, please check the Taiwan CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/ArrivalQuarantine/info_en_1013.html
