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Transportation

Unit Telephone/Website

Taiwan TaoyuanInternational Airport Of ce

03-398-2143 (Terminal I) 03-398-3274 (Terminal II)03-398-2050 (Emergencies) http://www.taoyuanairpor

Kaohsiung InternationalAirport Of ce

0800-090108 / 07-805-7631 http://www.kia.gov.tw/eng

Taiwan High Speed Rail Corp. 02-4066-3000 http://www.thsrc.com.tw/e

Taiwan RailwaysAdministration

0800-765888 (Toll-free service) 02-2370-2727 (Cell phohttp://www.railway.gov.tw/en/index/index.aspx

Taipei English TaxiDrivers Association

02-2799-7997

Travel and Tourism


Tourist Information Hotline (24-hour toll-free touristinformation, including Taiwan Tour Bus information,in Chinese, English, J apanese, and Korean)

0800-011765

Taiwan TourismInformation Websites

English: http://eng.taiwan.net J apanese: http://jp.taiwan.neKorean: http://www.tourtaiwaGerman: http://www.taiwantoFrench: http://www.taiwantou

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Visitor Center, TourismBureau

03-398-2194 (Terminal I)03-398-3341 (Terminal II)

Kaohsiung International Airport Visitor Center, TourismBureau

0800-252550 / 07-805-7888

Education


Ministry of Education 02-7736-6051 http://englis

Study in Taiwan Website http://www.studyintaiwan.o

General Information


International Community Service Hotl ine 0800-024111

Information for Foreigners Website http:/ /i ff .immigration.gov.tw

Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs(Visa information)

02-2343-2888http://www.boca.gov.tw/mp?mp

E-government E ntry P ortal http://english.www.gov.tw/

Hsinchu Foreigner Assistance Center03-522-9525 / 03-521-6121 ehttp://foreigner.hccg.gov.tw/e

Tainan Foreigner Assistance Center06-298-1000http://foreigner.tncg.gov.tw/

Research, Development and

Evaluation Commission, Executive Yuan

http://www.rdec.gov.tw

研考：V I I --0 0 1 0

GPN：1009802190 NT$100

RDE C ,E x e c ut i v eY u an

Taiwan is an island situated in the West Pacic, off the coast of East Asia at 120° to 122°

east longitude and 22° to 25° north latitude. The territory of Taiwan includes the main islandas well as Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu, and other islands, covering a total area of about 36,189km2

. To the west, the main island faces the Taiwan Strait, to the east, the Pacic Ocean, andits coastline stretches a total of 1,566 km. It is not only blessed with geographic landscapesand ecological environments, but also has a rich historical background and internationalcultural blending that have nurtured a unique human milieu and culinary culture.

This book contains a store of information about visas and entry, transportation, travel,culture, cuisine, shopping, daily life, healthcare, banking, work, and education that willhelp ease your life on the island. Whether you are a tourist, business traveler, student orresident, the information will guarantee you a comfortable living, and a happy travelingexperience in Taiwan!

▼Information for F oreigners Website: http:// iff.immigration.gov.tw

▼International Community Service Hotline: 0800-024111( 24-hour toll-free service in Chinese, English, and J apanese) .

▼ Tourist Information Hotline: 0800-011765( 24-hour toll-free service in Chinese, English, J apanese, and Korean) .

T h eH an d y G ui d ef or F or ei gn er s i nT ai w an

2 0 0 9

The Handy Guide for

Foreigners in Taiwan



Living in Taiwan


Bank of Taiwan0800-025168http://www.bot.com.tw/English

Central Weather Bureau02-2349-1234（Weather information）02-23491168（Earthquake information）http://www.cwb.gov.tw/eng

Chunghwa Post C o.0800-700365 / 04-354-2030（Cell phone ushttp://www.post.gov.tw/post/internet/u_engl

Chunghwa Telecom Co.0800-080123（General customer service）http://www.cht.com.tw/CHTFinalE/Web/

Employment/Investment


Invest in Taiwan Portal02-2382-0493http://investintaiwan.nat.gov

Work Permit ApplicationBureau of Employment and Vocational Training,CLA

http://www.evta.gov.tw/engasp

Labor InsuranceBureau of Labor Insurance, CLA

02-2396-1266http://www.bli.gov.tw/en

Healthcare


Health Information Network ServiceCenter, Department of Health

02-2346-5255 / 0800-231497http://www.doh.gov.tw/EN2006/

Centers for Disease Control,Department of Health

02-2395-9825（Operator）1922（CDC Disease Reporting and CoCenter）http://www.cdc.gov.tw/mp.asp?mp=5

Bureau of National Health Insurance02-2706-5866（Operator）0800-030598（Health insurance enquhttp://www.nhi.gov.tw/english

Useful Telephone Numbers

Unit Telephone Unit

Fire and Ambulance 119 Telephone Malfunction

Robbery Reporting 110 Time Reporting

Weather Bureau 166 English Directory Assistance

Highway Traffic Conditions 168International OperatorAssistance

T a i w a n M a p

T a i p e i s t a t i o n

H s i n c h u s t a t i o n

T a i c h u n g s t a t i o n

C h i a y i s t a t i o n

T a i n a n s t a t i o n

Z u o y i n g s t a t i o n

T a o y u a n s t a t i o n

B a n c i a o s t a t i o n



Research, Development and EvaluationCommission, Executive YuanAugust 2009

2009 World Games Main Stadium in Kaohsiung

Photo by Kaohsiung City Government

The Handy Guide for

Foreigners in Taiwan



2

Taiwan’s population of approximately 23 million represents a unique, richly

diversied culture that is the result of different ethnic groups coming together over hundreds of years of development. On this compact island you can experience notonly indigenous, Southern Fujianese, Hakka, traditional Chinese, and new immigrantcultures, but also historic sites that reect cultural infusions. This profound historical background along with international cultural impacts have blended into a uniqueallure manifested in a multitude of aspects, from folk custom to ne cuisine. Mostimportant, however, is the extraordinary friendliness of the people of Taiwan.

Taiwan, once known as Formosa (“Beautiful Island” in Portuguese), is the largestgreen island on the Tropic of Cancer, with a subtropical climate that has nurturedspecial natural landscapes of mountains, hot springs, lakes, rivers and seas, with150,000 species of butteries, birds, and other ora and fauna—a quarter of them

are endemics, including the Formosan land-locked salmon, Formosan rock monkey,Formosan black bear, and Swinhoe’s pheasant. This makes Taiwan one of the world’smost important locations for endemic species conservation.

Taiwan also possesses complete educational, social, medical care, and transportationsystems; comprehensive infrastructure as well as advanced information technologyand communications networks. Its electronics industry and related subcontractingindustries are among the tops in the world. In general, Taiwan is highly modernized.The government is currently engaged in the promotion of six major industries— biotechnology, green energy, tourism, medicine and health care, high-end agriculture,and culture and creation—to bring Taiwan into a new era of development.

To give Taiwan an even friendlier travel environment, the government hasestablished a Travel Information Hotline (0800-011765) that provides free andimmediate 24-hour consultation services in Chinese, English, Japanese and Korean.To further enhance its international service, the Information for Foreigners website(http://iff.immigration.gov.tw) provides a wide range of information for tourists,overseas students, foreign residents and their dependents. In addition, there is anInternational Community Service Hotline (0800-024111) that provides 24-hour,365-day information in Chinese, English, and Japanese, with a three-way callingfunction to resolve emergencies.

This handy guide contains ten topics on Visas, Transportation, Culture and Travel,Eating and Drinking, Shopping, Daily Life, Healthcare, Banking, Employment and

Investment, and Education—with important information on these various areas. Italso tells you what you need to know to adapt to local life. We hope that each of you,whether you have come here for sightseeing, business, study, or work, will have agood living and easy traveling experience in Taiwan!

2

Welcome to Taiwan!



3

05 ▼ Information for Foreigners Website 06

▼ International Community Service Hotline 06

▼ Visitor Visas 07

▼ Resident Visas 07

▼ Visa-free Entry 09

▼ Landing Visas 09

▼ Overstay 11

▼ Visa Services 14

15 ▼ International/Domestic Flight Routes 16

▼ Taiwan High Speed Rail 18

▼ Round-the-island Railroad 18

▼ Metropolitan Rapid Transit Systems 19

▼ Long-distance Bus Service 20

▼ Taxis/Car Rental 21

▼ Driver’s License andInternational Driving Permit 22

▼ Bicycles 23

▼ Marine Transportation 24

25

▼ Tourist Information Services 26

▼ Taiwan Tour Bus/Digital Tour Buddy 27

▼ National Parks 29

▼ National Scenic Areas 30

▼ In-depth Touring 32

▼ Leisure Agritourism 33

▼ Arts and Culture 34

39

▼ Taiwan’s Rice-food Culture 40

▼ Taiwan’s Noodle Culture 40

▼ Taiwan’s Tea Culture 41

▼ Diversied Culinary Culture 42

▼ Night-market Snacks 42

▼ Special Local Delicacies 45

▼ Food Safety Certifcation and Labeling 46

02 Welcome to Taiwan!

Contents

Eating & DrinkingDiscover Taiwan

Visas & ServicesTransportation



4

47 Shopping

▼ Metropolitan Shopping Districts 48

▼ English Services Emblem 50

▼ Tourist Shopping Assurance System50

▼ Consumer Protection 50

▼ Information for Consumers 54

57 Living Tips

▼ Renting a House 58

▼ Basic Public Services 58

▼ Telecommunications and Internet 60

▼ Postal Services 62

▼ Buying Daily Necessities 62

▼ Keeping a Pet 63

▼ Recycling 64

65Healthcare

▼ National Health Insurance 66

▼ Bilingual Healthcare Service 67

▼ Hospital Gradation and Fees 69

▼ Chinese Medicine 70

▼ Drug Safety 72

▼ Medical Tourism 72

73Banking Services

▼ Currency and Money Exchange 74

▼ Traveler’s Check 76

▼ Opening an Account 77

▼ Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) 78

▼ Credit Cards 78 ▼ Internet Banking 78

79

▼ Work Permits for ForeignProfessionals 80

▼ Courtesy Treatment for ForeignProfessionals in Taiwan 81

▼ Work Permits for OverseasChinese and Foreign Students 83

▼ Working in Taiwan:Rights and Obligations 83

▼ Labor Protection 85

▼ Investing in Taiwan 86

87 Studying

▼ Foreign Schools 88

▼ Taiwan Education Centers 90

▼ Study in Taiwan 91

▼ Scholarships in Taiwan 92

▼ Studying Chinese in Taiwan 93

Employment and Investment



▲ Information for Foreigners Website

▲ International Community Service Hotline

▲ Visitor Visas

▲ Resident Visas

▲ Visa-free Entry

▲ Landing Visas

▲ Overstay

▲ Visa Services

Foreigners who come to Taiwan for the first time might encounter living andadjustment problems, but the Information for Foreigners Website and hotline

is designed to help foreigners by providing all the information and emergency

assistance. Visas in Taiwan are divided into four categories: Visitor Visas, good

for short stays of up to 180 days; Resident Visas, long-term visas for staying for

more than 180 days; and we also have Diplomatic Visas and Courtesy Visas.

In addition, foreigners who meet certain criteria can enter Taiwan with Landing

visas or visa-free.

▼Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

http://www.boca.gov.tw

Visa Information Hotline: 02-2343-2888

▼National Immigration Agency:

http://www.immigration.gov.tw

International Community Service Hotline: 0800-024111



6

Information for Foreigners Websitehttp://iff.immigration.gov.twThe National Immigration Agency maintains the Information for Foreigners

website (http://iff.immigration.gov.tw) to give tourists, businessmen, overseas

students, long-term residents, and alien spouses access to the information they

need for living in Taiwan. This information encompasses visas, taxation, medical

care, entry and exit, tourism, residence, environmental protection, domesticviolence, children and teenagers, education, work, residency and sojourn,

transportation, safety, and public services, among other useful subjects. The

website has both Chinese and English versions.

▼Information for Foreigners website: http://iff.immigration.gov.tw

International Community Service Hotline0800-024111Foreigners residing and working in Taiwan can hardly avoid certain difculties

of living and adjustment due to differences in language, culture, and custom.

The International Community Service Hotline (0800-024-111) provides toll-

free, immediate, and comprehensive enquiry services 24 hours a day in Chinese,

English and Japanese. Besides information about visas, residence, work,

education, taxation, health

insurance, transportationand other matters, it canhelp with lost items, houserental, security, investment,

business, religion, law, and

family violence reporting.

In addit ion, a three-way

call function can assist

with reporting to the fire

department or other request.

Help and information from

Hotl ine personnel makelife in Taiwan care-free and

convenient.



7

Visitor VisasVisitor visas are used by foreigners who hold ordinary passports or other travel

documents and plan to stay in Taiwan for no more than six months for transit,

tourism, visiting relatives, study, business, or other purposes. Information about

visitor visa application can be obtained from the Bureau of Consular Affairs,

Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Resident VisasResident Visas are valid for three

months and are used by foreigners who

intend to stay in Taiwan for more thansix months for visiting relatives, study,

employment, investment, missionarywork, or other purposes. A holder of

a Resident Visa must, within 15 days

of entry into Taiwan or within 15 daysfollowing the issuance of a Resident

Visa to replace another type of visa, apply to the Bureau of Consular Affairs

County/City Service Station at his or her place of residence for an Alien Resident

Certificate and Re-entry Permit. The period of residence will be the period of

validity notated on the Alien Resident Certicate. Application information can be

obtained from the Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Documents

Needed

•Passport with remaining validity of at least six months.•One completed visa application form and two two-inch color bust

photos taken within the past six months.•Documents proving purpose of residence in Taiwan, or document of

approval from the competent ROC authority.•Other related documents.

Period of

Visa ValidityAn ordinary resident visa is valid for three months.

Period of

Residence

Foreigners entering Taiwan on a Resident Visa must apply for an AlienResident Certicate and Re-entry Permit at the National ImmigrationAgency County/City Service Center at their place of residence within 15days of entry.

Documents Needed for Resident Visa Application



8

Coming to Taiwan for EmploymentEmployers who wish to hire foreigners to work in Taiwan must apply to the

Council of Labor Affairs of the Executive Yuan for work permits; after the work

permits are received, the prospective employers must apply for Resident Visas

for the employees. If the prospective foreign employees have entered Taiwan

on ordinary Visitor Visas, they can go to the ofce of the Bureau of Consular

Affairs in Taipei, Taichung, or Kaohsiung and apply to have their Visitor Visaschanged to Resident Visas. If the prospective employees are not in Taiwan, they

must go to the nearest overseas ofce of the ROC and apply for Resident Visas.

Foreigners who have entered Taiwan visa-free or with Landing Visas must leave

Taiwan and apply for Resident Visas overseas.

To simplify procedures for foreigners coming to work in Taiwan, the Council of

Labor Affairs has set up a One-stop Center for Work Permits Applications for

Foreign Professionals. Companies intending to hire foreign professionals can

handle all the work permits procedures at this single window.

▼One-stop Center for Work Permits Applications for Foreign Professionals:http://www2.evta.gov.tw/evta_wcf/index_eng.htm

▼Bureau of Consular Affairs: http://www.boca.gov.tw

▼Council of Labor Affairs: http://www.cla.gov.tw/cgi-bin/

▼ National Immigration Agency: http://www.immigration.gov.tw/

▼ Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan).Website: http://www.boca.gov.tw/mp.asp

Home Page >Visa >Statute Governing Issuance of ROC Visas in Foreign Passports

Telephone: 02-2343-2888

Cost

• The fee for a single-entry Resident Visa is NT$2,200 (US$66) and for

a multiple-entry Resident Visa is NT$4,400 (US$132). (Applicable tothe personnel of only some foreign missions in Taiwan).•Corresponding handling fee: NT$4,323 (US$131; currently applied

only to Americans).•Applications submitted in Taiwan for change of Visitor Visa to

Resident Visa are charged a fee of NT$800 (US$24).•Visas are free of charge for citizens of countries having reciprocal

cost-free visa privileges with Taiwan.

Notes

Foreigners who apply for Resident Visas by reason of employmentmay apply to have their original Visitor Visas issued by overseas ROCofce and changed to Resident Visas in Taiwan. This provision is notapplicable to foreigners who enter Taiwan visa-free or with LandingVisas, or to foreign workers.



9

Visa-free EntryVisa-free entry and Landing Visas may be used by citizens of applicable

countries and certain foreigners who meet specied criteria. Foreigners entering

Taiwan visa-free must hold

passport s wi th a remaining

validity of at least six monthsand a return or onward air (or

boat) ticket and a val id visa

for the next destination. Themaximum period of stay inTaiwan for foreigners who

enter visa-free is 30 or 90 days,

upon the expiration of whichperiod they must depart.

Countries Eligib le for Visa-free Entry

Visa-free Entry

for 30 Days

• Asia: Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Malaysia,

Singapore.

• North America: United States, Canada.

• Latin America: Costa Rica.

• Europe: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France,

Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg,

Malta, Monaco, Holland, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden,

Switzerland, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary,Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Slovenia.

Citizens of India, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, and

Indonesia who hold valid visas for (or permanent residency in)

the United States, Canada, J apan, the United Kingdom, the

European Union (Schengen), Australia, New Zealand.

Visa-free Entry

for 90 days J apan, the United Kingdom, Ireland.

Landing VisasCitizens of countries eligible for visa-free entry into Taiwan who hold emergency

or temporary passports with a validity of at least six months, and U.S. citizens

who hold passports with a validity of under six months, may, upon being found



10

Ports of Entry Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, Kaohsiung InternationalAirport.

Required

Items

•Return or onward air tickets (with conrmed seats) and a validvisa to the next destination.•Completed visa application, and one photograph.•Visa fee.•No adverse record found by airport inspection agency.

Processing

Procedure

• Those who enter Taiwan at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airportshould proceed to the airport of ce of the Bureau of Consular Af-fairs.• Those who enter Taiwan at Kaohsiung International Airport should

rst obtain a Temporary Entry Permit from the Kaohsiung Inter-national Airport 2nd Brigade of the National Immigration Agencyand, within three days of entry, go to the Bureau of ConsularAffairs or the Southern Taiwan Of ce of the Ministry of Foreign

Affairs and exchange the Temporary Entry Permit for an of cialvisa. Those who fail to make the exchange within the requiredthree days will be subject to punishment under the AdministrativeExecution Law.

Landing Visa Information

by the inspection agency to have no adverse record, apply for Landing Visas.

Landing Visas are most convenient for foreign nationals, especially tourists andothers who intend to stay only a short time in Taiwan.



11

Overstay To Avoid Punishment—Apply for Extension 15~30 Days Prior

to ExpirationForeigners who hold ROC visas should keep track of the period of validity of

their visas and Alien Resident Certicates (ARCs) to avoid being ned. Those

who need to stay longer than the validity of their Visitor Visas should apply

for an extension 15 days prior to expiration of their original periods of stay.

Foreigners who hold ARCs for the purpose of living with relatives should apply

for extensions 30 days prior to expiration, and those who hold ARCs for other purposes should apply to the National Immigration Agency for an extension 15

days before expiration. Those who overstay for no more than 30 days may, if their original reason for ARC application (such as employment or living with

relatives) continues to exist may reapply for an ARC directly to a County/City

Service Center of the National Immigration Agency, without having to leave the

country; such persons will, however, be fined NT$2,000 to NT$4,000. Thosewho exceed the limit of their stay, residence, or order to exit the country can be compelled to leave the country and forbidden to re-enter by the National

Immigration Agency; for related regulations, please check the Immigration Act.

▼Application for Extension of Stay for Foreigners:

http://www.immigration.gov.tw/ns/maine1.htm

Telephone: 0800-024111

▼Locations of National Immigration Agency Service Centers:

http://www.immigration.gov.tw/aspcode/show_menu22.asp?url_disno=158

▼Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Website: http://www.boca.gov.tw/mp.asp

Home Page > Visa > Statute Governing Issuance of ROC Visas in Foreign Passports

Telephone: 02-2343-2888

Maximum

Period of Stay

30 days starting from the date of entry. Not extendable or

convertible to Visitor or Resident Visa. However, those who areunable to depart within the 30-day maximum because of seriousacute disease, natural disaster, or other events beyond control,and white-collar professionals who obtain work permits during theirperiod of stay, together with their spouses and children under 20years of age who entered Taiwan at the same time, may apply forconversion to Visitors Visas at the Bureau of Consular Affairs or theCentral Taiwan Of ce, Southern Taiwan Of ce, or Eastern TaiwanOf ce of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.



12

Reapplication for Entry VisasHolders of ARCs who overstay under simple conditions may reapply for entry

visas as follows:

StatusConditions of

Overstay

Documents Needed for

Application

White-collar

workers legally

working in Taiwan

Employment permit

still within period of

validity, and overstay

of residence not more

than one month.

With the stamp indicating work permit

date in passport afxed by National

Immigration Agency Service Center

at the worker’s location, apply to

competent authority for ARC with

three-month validity.

Foreign spouses

Overstay of ARC

period by less than

six months.

Household registration not older

than three months, or proof of valid

resident status of spouse in Taiwan.

Household registration no more

than three months or proof of a valid

Taiwan residence ID from a relative.

Underage

dependents

Household registration no more

than three months or proof of a valid

Taiwan residence ID from a relative.

Overseas Chinese

and foreignstudents Valid student ID card.

▼Bureau of Consular Affairs Global Information website: http://www.boca.gov.tw/mp?mp=2



13

Service Centers of the National Immigration Agency

Service Center Telephone Service Center Telephone

Keelung City02-2428-1775

02-2427-6174Chiayi County

05-362-3763

Taipei City02-2389-9983

Tainan City06-293-7641

06-293-6210

Taipei County02-8964-7960

02-8964-6937 Tainan County

06-581-7404

06-581-6659

Taoyuan County03-331-4830

03-331-0409Kaohsiung City

07-282-1400

07-221-3478

Hsinchu City03-5243517

03-524-7357Kaohsiung County

07-621-2143

07-623-6294

Hsinchu County03-551-4590

03-551-9905Pingtung County

08-721-6665

08-721-5417

Miaoli County037-322-350

037-327-941 Yilan County

03-957-5448

03-957-8455

Taichung City04-2254-9981

04-2254-2545Hualien County

03-832-9700

03-833-0007

Taichung County04-2526-1087

04-2526-9777 Taitung County

089-361-631

Changhua County04-834-9614

04-834-7640Penghu County

06-926-7150

06-926-9469

Nantou County049-220-0065

049-224-2235Kinmen County

082-323701

082-323-695

Yunlin County05-534-5971

05-534-6029Lienchiang County

0836-23741

0836-23738

Chiayi City05-231-3274

05-231-9947



14

Visa ServicesIn countries where the ROC maintains a mission, foreigners may submit visa

applications at the ROC embassy or representative ofce. It is advised that they

apply at the ROC mission in the country where they have a xed residence.

Applications for foreigners’ visas submitted within Taiwan must be taken to the

Bureau of Consular Affairs and must include a “Letter of Guarantee for Visa

Application to the Republic of China,” “Notification of Approval of Letter of

Guarantee for Visa Application to the Republic of China,” “Visa Application

Form,” and other relevant documents. The Bureau of Consular Affairs and the

different regional ofces of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs provide the forms and

information needed for visa application.

Service hours: 08:30 - 17:00 (available during lunch hours)

Service Unit Telephone Address

Bureau of Consular Affairs,

Ministry of Foreign Affairs02-2343-2888

3~5F., 2-2, Sec. 1, J inan Rd.

Taipei City

Central Taiwan Ofce, Ministry

of Foreign Affairs04-2251-0799

1F., 503, Sec. 2, Liming Rd.,

Taichung City

Southern Taiwan Ofce, Ministry


2F., 436, Chenggong 1st Rd.,

Kaohsiung City

Eastern Taiwan Ofce, Ministry


6F., 371, Zhongshan Rd.,

Hualien City

Taoyuan International Airport Ofce,

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (24 hours)

03-398-2629 (Terminal I)

03-398-5805 (Terminal II)

Locations for Submitt ing Visa Applications in Taiwan



▲ International/Domestic Flight Routes

▲ Taiwan High Speed Rail

▲ Round-the-island Railroad

▲ Metropolitan Rapid Transit Systems ▲ Long-distance Bus Service

▲ Taxis/Car Rental

▲ Driver’s License and International Driving Permit

▲ Bicycles

▲ Marine Transportation

Taiwan has a comprehensive transportation network. Here, you can take the

High Speed Rail to whisk you from north to south in a jiffy, or you can usethe round-the-island railway network, highway buses, and mass rapid transit

systems, drive your own car, or ride motor scooters to take you throughout the

island. Cyclists can plan a round-the-island trip and load your bike on a train or

MRT at designated stations. You can also travel to offshore islands by plane or

ferry.



16

International Flight RoutesTaiwan’s international air routes are served by Taoyuan International Airport

(about 40 kilometers from Taipei) and Kaohsiung International Airport, which

have direct ights to major destinations all over the world.

▼ National Immigration Agency:

http://www.immigration.gov.tw//immig_eng/aspcode/main4.asp

▼Taoyuan International Airport: http://www.taoyuanairport.gov.tw/english/

▼Kaohsiung International Airport: http://www.kia.gov.tw/english/e_index.asp

▼International Community Service Hotline: 0800-024111

Airport Destinations Airlines

Taiwan

Taoyuan

International

Airport

Hong Kong, Macau, Tokyo,

Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagoya,

Sapporo, Okinawa, Seoul,

Manila, Bangkok, Phuket,

Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi,

Chiangmai, Phnom Penh, J a-

karta, Da Nang, Kuala Lum-

pur, Penang, Bali, Surabaya,

Singapore, Palau, Kota Kina-

balu, Bandar Seri Begawan,

Brisbane, Sydney, Delhi,

Auckland, Los Angeles, San

Francisco, Seattle, Anchor-

age, New York Kennedy,

Guam, Honolulu, Vancouver,

Frankfurt, Paris, Kaohsiung.

China Airlines, EVA Airways, Far East-

ern Air Transport, Mandarin Airlines,

TransAsia Airways, Uni Air, Air Macau,

All Nippon Airways, Air New Zealand,

Continental Airlines, Dragon Air, Viet-

nam Airlines, J apan Asia Airways,

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Malaysia

Airlines, Northwest Airlines, Philippine

Airlines, Pacific Airlines, Angkor Air-

ways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Singapore

Airlines, Thai Airways International,

United Airlines, Australia Asia Airlines,

Garuda Indonesia, Thai Sky Airline,

Cargolux, Federal Express, Gemini

Air Cargo, Martinair, Polar Air Cargo,

Pacic East Asia Cargo Airlines, Sin-

gapore Airlines Cargo, Saudi Airlines,

UPS, Emirates Airline, Air Hong Kong.

Kaohsiung

International

Airport

Hong Kong, Macau, Tokyo,

Manila, Incheon, Jeju, Hanoi,

Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok,

Phuket, Kuala Lumpor, Sin-

gapore, Bali, Kota Kinabalu,

J akarta, Taoyuan.

China Airlines, EVA Airways, Far East-

ern Air Transport, TransAsia Airways,

Uni Air, Mandarin Airlines, Air Macau,

J apan As ia Airways, Dragon Air,

Malaysia Airlines, Vietnam Airlines,

Pacific Airlines, Air Macau, Federal

Express.

Ai rl ines Serving Taiwan ’s Internat ional Airpor ts , and Flight Dest inations



17

Flights Across the Taiwan Straits

Foreigners with valid visas and passports or other travel documents, or validpassports with which they have entered the Republic of China visa-free, and residentsof Hong Kong and Macau holding valid entry and exit permits, may enter and departfrom mainland China via Kinmen, Matsu, or Penghu after their documents have beenexamined by the National Immigration Agency.

Taiwan airports with direct flights to mainland China: Taiwan Taoyuan InternationalAirport, Taipei Songshan Airport, Kaohsiung International Airport, Taichung Airport,Hualien Airport, Taitung Airport, Magong Airport, Kinmen Airport.

Domestic Flight RoutesTaiwan has a highly developed domestic ight network with 17 airports serving

Taiwan proper as well as outlying islands. Flights should be reserved ahead

of time, or have a travel agency to arrange for tickets. Foreigners need their

passports when checking in and boarding.

▼Civil Aeronautics Administration: http://www.caa.gov.tw/en/

Major Airport Telephone

Airport Telephone

Taipei Songshan Airport 02-8770-3430, 02-8770-3460

Kaohsiung International Airport Domestic ights: 07-805-7630International ights: 07-805-7631

Hualien Airport 03-821-0768

Taitung Airport 089-362530, 089-362531

Taichung Airport 04-2615- 5206, 04-2615-5000 ext. 123

Chiayi Airport 05-286-7886 ext. 0, 311

Tainan Airport 06-260-1016, 06-260-1017

Kinmen Airport 082-322-381, 082-313-694

Magong Airport 06-922-8188

Orchid Island Airport 089-732-220

Green Island Airport 089-671-194

Cimei Airport 07-9971-256



18

Taiwan High Speed RailThe High Speed Rail has become the main facility for

north-south passenger transportation along Taiwan’s west-

coast corridor. It zips from Taipei to Kaohsiung in less

than two hours, with stations in Taipei, Banciao (Banqiao),Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, Chiayi, Tainan, and Zuoying

in Kaohsiung.

▼ For High Speed Rail schedules and ticket prices, consult:http://www.thsrc.com.tw/en/

▼ High Speed Rail Service Telephone: 02-4066-3000

▼ High Speed Rail Reservation Telephone: 02-4066-0000

＊Station transfersPassengers can transfer directly between High Speed Rail and Taiwan Railways

Administration trains at the Taipei, Banciao (Banqiao), Taichung, and Zuoying

stations. Other stations have shuttle buses, taxis, reserved pickup, and car rentalservices to provide transportation to other destinations. For drivers, parking lots

are located in the vicinity.

▼For High Speed Rail transfers, consult:

http://www.thsrc.com.tw/en/destinations/des_transfer.asp

Round-the-island RailroadThe round-the-island railroad connects all of Taiwan’s major cities. There are

also branch lines that give access to specic areas including Jiji, Pingxi (Pingsi)

and Neiwan. Riding on a train is one of the best ways to travel around Taiwan.Tickets can be reserved up to 14 days prior to travel via telephone or website, but

must be picked up at the railway administration or post ofce within two days

after reservations. For travel on holidays, be sure to reserve early.

Wangan Airport 06-999-1806

Nangan Airport 0836-26-505

Beigan Airport 0836-56-606 ext. 105

Hengchun Airport 08-889-7120 ext. 1127

Pingtung Airport 08-7665760



19

Taipei City / County

Taoyuan County

HsinchuCity / County

Yilan County

Hualien County

Taitung County

MiaoliCounty

TaichungCity / County

Changhua County

Yunlin County

Chiayi City / County

Tainan City / County

KaohsiungCity / County

Pingtung County

◎TaipeiTransportation

◎TaichungTransportation

◎KaohsiungTransportation

◎YilanTransportation

◎HualienTransportation

NantouCounty

Metropolitan Rapid Transit SystemsBoth Taipei and Kaohsiung

have mass rapid transitsystems that provi deconvenient access to tourist

spots within the cities and,sometimes with connecting

buses in surrounding areas.

If you plan to stay in Taiwan

for an extended period, you

can save time by buying

an IC fare card, including

EasyCard in Taipei, I-Pass

and TaiwanMoney Card in

Kaohsiung.

Danshui

Hongshulin

Zhuwei

Guandu

Zhongyi

Fuxinggang

Beitou Xinbeitou

Qiyan

Qilian

Shipai

Mingde

Zhishan

Shilin

J iantan

Yuanshan

Minquan W. Rd.

Shuanglian

Zhongshan

Taipei Main Station

NTU Hospital

Chiang Kai-ShekMemorial Hall Guting

TaipowerBuilding

Gongguan

Wanlong

J ingmei

Dapinglin

QizhangXiaobitan

Xindian City Office

Xindian

Yongning

Tucheng

Haishan

Far Eastern

Hospital

Fuzhong

Banqiao

Xinpu

J iangzicui

Longshan Temple

XimenShandao Temple

Nanshijiao

J ingan

YonganMarket

Dingxi

Xiaonanmen

NangangKunyang

Houshanpi

Yongchun TaipeiCityHall

ZhongxiaoXinsheng

ZhongxiaoFuxing

ZhongxiaoDunhua

SunYat-SenMemorial Hall

Taipei NangangExhibition Center

NangangSoftware Park

Donghu

Huzhou

Neihu

Wende

Gangqian

Xihu

J iannan Rd.

Dazhi

SongshanAirport

Zhongshan J unior High School

Nanjing E. Rd.

Daan

Technology Building

LiuzhangliLinguang

Xinhai

WanfangHospital

Muzha Taipei Zoo

WanfangCommunity

N

Metro Taipei Route Map

Students who are in Taiwan on short-

term study tours can present theirforeign passports and international

student certification or a travel pass is sued by the Na tional Youth

Commission, and buy a cheap 5-day,

7-day, or 10-day Taiwan Rail Pass

(TR-PASS). (This is not available to

foreigners with resident certificates).

This offers young people an ideal

opportunity to learn about Taiwan bytaking a leisurely and economical trip

around the country. ▼Taiwan Railways Administration:

http://service.tra.gov.tw/EN

▼Train schedules: http://163.29.3.96/TWRail_en



20

Long-distance Bus ServiceLong-distance passenger buses ply Taiwan’s freeways and provincial highways,

providing convenient travel between cities. Some routes operate 24 hours a day,

and prices are cheaper than going by train or plane, making them the best options

for travelers.

Bus Company Contacts

Bus Company Telephone

Kuo-Kuang Bus 0800-010-138, 02-2331-2950

Ubus 0800-241-560, 02-2995-7799

Aloha Bus 0800-043-168, 07-237-5640

Ho-Hsin Bus 0800-002-377

Free Go Bus 0800-051-519

＊ Smoking, eating

or drinking, andchewing gum areprohibited in MRTstations and ontrains.

▼Taipei Rapid Transit Corp.:

http://www.trtc.com.tw/e

▼Kaohsiung Rapid Transit

Corp.:

http://www.krtco.com.tw/

en/e-index.aspx

i i i i

i il i

l

i ii ll

ii

ii

i

i l ll

Gangshan South

Ciaotou

Ciaotou Sugar Refinery

Cingpu

Metropolitan Park

HoujingNanzih Export Processing Zone

Oil RefineryElementary School

World Game

Zuoying

Ecological District

Kaohsiung Arena

Aozihdi

D a l i a o F o

n g s h a n J u

n i o r

H i g h S

c h o o l

D a d o

n g F o

n g s h a n

F o n g

s h a n W

e s t

W e i w u

y i n g

M a r t i a

l A r t s S t a d i u m

W u k u a i c u

o

C u l t u r a l C

e n t e r

S i n y i E l e

m e n t a

r y S c

h o o l

C i t y C

o u n c i l

Y a n c h e

n g p u

S i z i h w

a n

Houyi

Kaohsiung Main Station

Formosa Boulevard

Central Park

Sanduo Shopping District

Shihjia

Kaisyuan

Cianjhen Senior High School

Kaohsiung International Airport

Caoya

Siaogang

i li

N

Kaohsiung MRT Route Map



21

Local Bus Service

Short-distance bus services cover all cities and rural areas. In the Taipei andKaohsiung metropolitan areas you can use the MRT system in conjunction with

shuttle buses to save travel time. The routes information of these public buses is

marked by bus-stop signs.

▼ E-Trafc Service: http://e-iot.iot.gov.tw/ (Chinese only)

Car Rental

Renting a car in Taiwan is very convenient, with rental companies offeringvarious kinds of vehicles at major airports, railway stations, and major cities. If

you are unfamiliar with Taiwan’s roads, you might consider chauffeur service.

▼ 24-hour Travel Information Hotline: 0800-011765

TaxisTaiwan’s taxis are easily identiable by their bright yellow color as well as the

“Taxi” light on their roofs. Taxis in major cities charge by the meter, but use fee

and mileage charges differ city by city.

Some long-distance taxi drivers do not

use their meters, so passengers should

ascertain the cost before boarding.

Most cities in Taiwan have convenient

taxi services and can be summoned by

telephone. In Taipei and Kaohsiung

there are certified taxi drivers that

have passed English prociency tests;

one way to hire them is to call the

International Community ServiceHotline (0800-024111) and have one

ordered up for you. Most chain convenience stores can also call a taxi for you.

▼Toll Free Taxi Hotline: 0800-055850 (Taipei and Keelung areas), 0800-001006 (Kaohsiung）

▼Information for Foreigners website: http://iff.immigration.gov.tw

▼Taipei English Taxi Drivers Association: 02-2799-7997

▼Taiwan Taxi Corp: 405-88888 ext. 9



22

Driver’s License and International Driving PermitDriver’s licenses in Taiwan include automobile driver’s licenses and motorcycle

driver’s licenses (both light and ordinary heavy motorcycles). There are two

regulations governing the conversion of licenses for foreigners: “Holders of

International Driving Permit Issued by Countries Having Reciprocity with ROC,”

and “Holders of Foreign Domestic Driver’s Licenses Eligible for Conversion

to ROC Driver’s Licenses Without Testing.” Holders of licenses from countries

without reciprocity must be tested in Taiwan. Holders of International Driving

Permits issued by countries having reciprocity with the ROC may use them to

drive in Taiwan for short-term stays of up to 30 days; drivers staying for more

than 30 days must ll out an “International Driving License Permit Application”

and submit it to a Highway Supervision Ofce for license issuance.

“Holders of Foreign Domestic Driver’s Licenses Eligible for Conversion to ROC

Driver’s Licenses Without Testing” may, within one year of the day following

their entry into Taiwan, submit their valid license and proof of permission for

stay or residence in Taiwan for one year or longer to a Highway Supervision

Ofce for conversion into a Taiwan license without testing under the principle

of equality and reciprocity. To convert a license issued by another country or

area into an ROC driver’s license, however, the holder must, before arriving in

Taiwan, apply for verication at an overseas ROC embassy, representative ofce,

ofce, or at a foreign embassy in Taiwan.

To obtain a new ROC driver’s license, a driver must apply at a Motor Vehicle

Supervision Ofce or Station under the Directorate General of Highways. For the

convenience of foreigners, a computerized written test item bank is provided in

seven languages: Chinese, English, Japanese, Indonesian, Thai, Vietnamese, and

Cambodian.

▼ Directorate General of Highways: http://www.thb.gov.tw/new_english/index.htm

License Testing and Conversion of International Driving Permits

Department in Charge Website Telephone

Motor Vehicle Of ce, Taipei City Goverment www.mvo.taipei.gov.tw 02-2831-4155

Taipei Motor Vehicle Supervision Of ce www.tmvso.gov.tw 02-2688-4366

Hsinchu Motor Vehicles Of ce www.hmv.gov.tw 03-589-2051



23

Getting a Motorcycle Driver’s License

Motorcycles in Taiwan are divided into light

motorcycles, ordinary heavy motorcycles, and

large heavy motorcycles. Motorcycles with engines

550cc or larger are now allowed on all of Taiwan’sexpressways (but not freeways). Headlights must

be on at all times, and drivers and passengers must

wear full-face safety helmets.

※ Motorcycle drivers and riders in Taiwan are required to wear safety helmets at all times.

※ For details on license testing, please consult one of the motor vehicle offices listed above.

BicyclesRiding a bicycle is about the

healthiest, most fun, and mostenvironmentally friendly way

you can get about in Taiwan

today. The government has been

promot ing leisure bicycl ing,

and the domest ic b icycle-

manufacturing industry has been

working hard to build Taiwan

into a “Cycling Island.” Many

of the island’s top tourist areashave dedicated bikeways, such as the Dongfeng Green Bicycle Corridor and the

Shoreline Bikeway at Sun Moon Lake, as well as bicycle rental shops. Taipei

Taichung Motor Vehicles Of ce www.tmv.gov.tw 04-2691-2011

Chiayi Motor Vehicles Of ce www.cyi.gov.tw 05-277-0150

Kaohsiung Motor Vehicles Of ce www.komv.gov.tw 07-771-1101

Department of Motor Vehicle Kaohsiung City mvdis1.kcg.gov.tw 07-361-3161



24

City, Taipei County, and Kaohsiung City offer public bike rental with picking up

at one location and returning at another. Rental is free of charge for the rst 30minutes to two hours; for details, check the relevant city or county website.

▼ Taipei City YouBike Bicycle Rental System: http://www.youbike.com.tw/upage/english.htm

▼ Kaohsiung City Public Bike Information System: http://www.c-bike.com.tw/eng/knowing.html

▼ “Carefree Tour Biking” (Chinese and English versions available), Published by SportsAffairs Council of the Executive Yuan

http://www.ncpfs.gov.tw/en/

Marine TransportationPassenger boat routes primarily link the main

island with offshore islands (Penghu, Xiao

Liuqiu, Green Island, Orchid Island), Kinmen

and Matsu. There is only one scheduled

international passenger route, linking Taiwan

with Japan’s Ryukyu Islands. Departures are

sometimes uncertain, depending on the weather

and number of passengers. Be sure to conrm

by phone before making your travel plan.

Many rivers in Taiwan’s unique topographyflow through the cities create a major tourist

activity: river cruise. Examples are Taipei

County’s “Blue Highway” (on the Tamsui River) and Kaohsiung City’s scenic

Love River. Be sure to try the river cruise during your stay in Taiwan!

▼ Marine Transport Network Portal: https://web02.mtnet.gov.tw/eng/

▼ Offshore Islands of Taiwan Information website: http://www.isles.org.tw/English/

▼ Northern Taiwan Marine Transportation Information:

http://www.klhb.gov.tw/English/E00/E0001.aspx

▼ Eastern Taiwan Marine Transportation Information:

http://www.hlhb.gov.tw/ttu04.Asp (Chinese only)

▼ Southern Taiwan Marine Transportation Information: http://163.29.117.5/english/



▲ Tourist Information Services

▲ Taiwan Tour Bus/Digital Tour Buddy

▲National Parks

▲National Scenic Areas ▲In-depth Touring

▲Leisure Agritourism

▲Arts and Culture

Ever since the 16th century Taiwan has been known as Ilha Formosa, the

Beautiful Island. Its unique geology and topography have created a wonderland of

mountain landscapes and coastal scenes, and its location where continent meetsocean has nurtured a wide range of special ecologies and species. These natural

splendors are joined by a richly diversied cultural mix produced by the blending

of the historical backgrounds of various local groups with international cultures.

You will be amazed and moved by the natural ecology and cultural custom that

you nd in Taiwan.



26

Tourist Information Services Tourist Information Website

The Taiwan Tourist Information website (http://eng.taiwan.net.tw) is your best

reference for traveling in Taiwan, with separate sections on getting to know

Taiwan, travel in Taiwan, folk festivals, cuisine, shopping, itinerary planning,

accommodation, and transportation. The website also contains recommendationsfor dining, culture, outer islands, the ecology, hot springs, railroads, LOHAS

living, and night markets, helping you to map out the itineraries that cover the

aspects you are most interested in. There is also information on entry and exit,exchange rates, postal services, emergency contacts, and other practical matters.

And you can nd out all these informations in Traditional Chinese, Simplied

Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, German, and French.

▼ Taiwan Tourist Information website: http://eng.taiwan.net.tw

Tourist Information Hotline: 0800-011765

Travel in Taiwan, when you need information on itinerary planning or emergency

assistance, you can call the Tourism Bureau’s Tourist Information Hotline at

0800-011765 and get the help you need in Chinese, English, Japanese, or Korean

toll-free, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Special operators provide quick and

comprehensive information and recommendations on transportation routes,accommodation, itinerary design, and other travel-related matters.

Travel Service Centers

The Tourism Bureau has helped to set up

Travel Information Service Centers at airports,

major railway stations, MRT stations, national

scenic areas, and important tourist sites. Just

go to the bright yellow logo and find themost practical travel information, free of charge. These information centers not only

offer brochures on scenic areas, transportation maps, but also allow you to go

online (again, free of charge) and look for the information you want. In addition,specialized personnel are on-site to provide detailed local travel information.

▼ Travel Service Centers in different areas: http://admin.taiwan.net.tw/english



27

Taiwan Tour BusIn-depth Travel Around Taiwan

The Tourism Bureau has assisted bus operators in planning Taiwan Tour Bus

itineraries to cover all major tourist sites, rural ecologies, natural scenery, hot

springs and cuisine, shopping, and festival activities. From pickup at your

hotel, airport, or railway station, the service takes you to popular tourist sites,

providing all the transportation, insurance, and other considerate services you

need. The tours also have guides who provide Chinese, English, or Japanese

interpretation so that you can enjoy carefree travel with no language barrier. For

detailed information, go to the Taiwan Tour Bus website and enquire about one-

day or multiple-day tours of northern, central, southern, or eastern Taiwan, or the

offshore islands. The website also offers online reservations and the telephonenumbers of travel agencies where you can make reservations.

▼ Taiwan Tourist Information website: http://taiwan.net.tw; link to Taiwan Tour Bus page.

▼ Tourist Information Hotline; 24-hour travel consultation in Chinese, English, Japanese, and

Korean: 0800-011765.

Digital Tour BuddyAn Essential Helpmate for DIY Travel

The Digital Tour Buddy is a mobile phone that you can borrow for 15-30 days,

free of charge, in a program organized by the National Youth Commission. It

is aimed at foreign backpackers who are traveling on their own. In addition to providing communication, the Digital Tour Buddy has a built-in English-Chinese

dictionary, built-in numbers for visitor information centers, 24-hour Tourist

Information Hotline, Information

for Foreigners Hotline, Youth Hostel

reservations, English-language taxis,and other practical functions in additionto the text messaging and direct-dial

functions. The phone’s stored-valuecard can be purchased, and value

added, at convenience stores andChunghwa Telecom business ofces.



28

Applying

for a

Digital

Tour

Buddy

Application

prior to

entry

International backpack travelers can apply for a Digital Tour

Buddy seven days to one month prior to entering Taiwan. The

application form can be lled out online by visiting this website:

http://youthtravel.tw. For online submission, on receipt of the

National Youth Commission’s approval, the applicant should

print the approved booking form.

Application

after entry

1.Online application:

International backpack travelers can visit the National Youth

Commission website (http://youthtravel.tw) and apply online

three days before picking up their Digital Tour Buddy. For online

submission, on receipt of the National Youth Commission’s ap-

proval, the applicant should print the approved booking form.

2. On-site application:International backpack travelers can go to the service counter

of the National Youth Commission’s flagship Youth Volunteer

Center in Taipei between 10:00 and 21:00, Tuesday through

Sunday, and ll out an application form on-site.

Picking

up a

Digital

Tour

Buddy

Application

prior to

entry

At the time of entry into Taiwan, take your necessary documents

(passport, copy of passport, valid photo ID, and Digital Buddy

approval form) to the Travel Information Service Counter at

Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 of Taoyuan International Airport, or to

the service counter of the agship Youth Volunteer Center of the

National Youth Commission in Taipei (31, Sec. 1, Zhongxiao E.

Rd., Taipei), to pick up your phone.

Application

after entry

1. Online application:Backpack travelers who apply after entering Taiwan must pick up

their Digital Tour Buddies at the National Youth Commission’s Youth

Hub. They have to personally bring their documents (passport, copy

of passport, valid photo ID such as driver’s license or student ID,

and Digital Tour Buddy approval form) to the service counter of the

NYC’s Youth Volunteer Center in Taipei, and leave a copy of their

passport and ID as security.

2. On-site application:

Those who wish to apply on-site must take their documents

(passport, copy of passport, and valid photo ID such as driver’s

license or student ID) to the service counter of the agship Youth

Volunteer Center of the National Youth Commission in Taipei

between 10:00 and 21:00, Tuesday through Sunday, and ll out an

application form. After the application is approved, they can leave

their passport copy and ID as security, and pick up their Digital Tour

Buddy.

Using the Digital Tour Buddy

◎ Application and Issuance: To December 31, 2009 (to be extended if necessary)



29

▼ Youth Travel in Taiwan website: http://www.youthtravel.tw/youthtravel/indexMain.jsp

▼ Flagship Youth Volunteer Center, National Youth Commission: 31, Sec. 1, Zhongxiao E.Rd., Taipei

National Parks in Taiwan

National ParksMajestic Peak to Seashore, Ancient Sacred Tree to Coral Reef,

Taiwan Has Surprises Everywhere!

Taiwan is surrounded by the sea andhas a subtropical climate, with alpineforests and a highly varied topography.

The warm temperatures and abundantrainfall nurture forests with rich plant life as well as a huge variety of

animal species. To preserve the island’simportant natural resources, thegovernment has established 7 national

parks: Yangmingshan, Shei-Pa, Taroko,

Yushan, Kenting, Kinmen, and Dongsha, each with its own special character and

unique attraction. Tourists must observe the principles of protecting the natural

environment and respecting local cultures, traditions, and practices. Each of the

national parks has English-language signage, brochures and films, as well as

guide interpretation and website. For more information, please visit the NationalParks of Taiwan website (http://np.cpami.gov.tw).

Name Features WebsiteHeadquarters Telephone

YangmingshanNational Park

Preserve volcanic mountains, craterlakes, and other landscapes, with asplendid owers in full bloom every

year.

http://www.ymsnp.gov.tw/html/eng/

02-2861-3601

Shei-PaNational Park

Scenes of high peaks and streamsalong with the Formosan land-locked salmon, broad-tailed swal-lowtail butteries, Formosan black

bears, Formosan serows, and otherprotected wildlife.

http://w3.spnp.gov.tw/english/

037-996-100

Chinese Crested Tern/photo by Wang Shu-qin



30

National Scenic AreasA Personal Experience of Taiwan’s Multiple Faces

Taiwan currently has 13 national scenic areas,including the internationally famous Alishan and

Sun Moon Lake, the North Coast and Guanyinshan

and the Northeast Coast and Yilan Coast with their

unique coastal terrain, the East Coast where the

mountains drop precipitously into the sea, and theEast Rift Valley with its pastoral scenery. Each of

the national scenic areas promotes special tourist activities of the season go give

visitors a deep experience of the local cultures.

Taroko

National Park

Wonderous sights of a vertical-

walled marble gorge plus archaeo-logical sites of the Neolithic Age.

http://www.

taroko.gov.tw/ 03-862-1100

YushanNational Park

Yushan, or J ade Mountain, is thehighest peak in Taiwan as well asNortheast Asia at 3.952 meters. Itis in the competition for the “New7 Wonders of Nature” list. It spanssubtropical, temperate, and frigidzone forests, rich wildlife ecologies,and the Batong Historic Trail leftover from the Qing Dynasty .※ There is a carrying capacity limiton climbers of J ade Mountain, andclimbers must apply in advance.

http://english.ysnp.gov.tw/

049-277-3121

KentingNational Park

A park lled with the atmosphere

of the South Seas, known for itsbeautiful coral reef ecology.

http://www.ktnp.gov.tw/eng/

08-886-1321

KinmenNational Park

A special battleground historicalbackground along with rich culturalaspects. As autumn turns to winterKinmen becomes a way station formigrating fowl of many species,making it a great place for birdwatching.

http://www.kmnp.gov.tw/en/

082-31-3100

Dongsha Marine

National Park

Unique geological landscapesformed of weathered coral clast andseashells (not yet open to visitors).

http://dongsha.

cpami.gov.tw/07-360-1898



31

Taiwan’s National Scenic Areas

National

Scenic AreaWebsite Service Telephones

Northeast Coast and

Yilan Coast National

Scenic Area

http://www.necoast-

nsa.gov.tw

．National Scenic Area Administration:

02-2499-1115

．Longdong Ranger Station:

02-2499-1190

．Dali Ranger Station: 03-978-0727

． Yilan Ranger Station: 03-930-8420

．Fulong Visitor Center: 0800-091115

North Coast andGuanyinshan National

Scenic Area

http://www.north-

guan-nsa.gov.tw/en

． J inshan Visitor Center: 02-2498-8980

．Sanzhi Visitor Center and Gallery of

Famous Sons: 02-8635-3640

．Guanyinshan Visitor Center:

02-2292-8888

． Yeliu Visitor Center: 02-2492-2016

．Baishawan Visitor Center:

02-8635-5100

East Coast National

Scenic Area

http://www.east-

coast-nsa.gov.tw/en


089-841-520

． Taitung Ranger Station: 089-281-530

．Hualien Ranger Station: 03-867-1326

．Green Island Ranger Station:

089-672-026

East Rift Valley Na-

tional Scenic Area

http://www.erv-nsa.

gov.tw


03-887-5306

．Liyutan Ranger Station: 03-864-1691

．Luoshan Ranger Station: 03-882-1725

．Luye Ranger Station: 089-551-637

Tri-Mountain National

Scenic Area

http://www.trimt-nsa.

gov.tw/eng04-2331-2678

Sun Moon Lake

National Scenic Area

http://www.sun-

moonlake.gov.tw049-285-5668

Dapeng Bay National

Scenic Area

http://www.dbnsa.

gov.tw/08-833-8100

Maolin NationalScenic Area

http://www.maolin-nsa.gov.tw/

0800-600766

Southwest Coast

National Scenic Area

http://www.swcoast-

nsa.gov.tw/en06-786-1000



32

In-depth TouringLocal Tourist Festivals

Taiwan’s local governments combine

their special industries with leisure

travel and organize interesting activities

either on a scheduled or unscheduledbasis. These activities include Taipei

City’s Chinese Food Festival, Taipei

County’s Yingge Ceramics Carnival

and Shimen International Kite Festival,Yilan County’s International Rain Festival, Taoyuan County’s Lotus Festival,

Hsinchu Country’s Xinpu Persimmon Cake Festival, Hsinchu City’s International

Glass Art Festival, Miaoli County’s Tung Blossom Festival and Sanyi Wood

Carving Festival, Taichung County’s Mazu International Festival, Taichung City’s

Jazz Festival, Changhua County’s Wang-gong Fishing Boat Lights Festival,

Nantou County’s Hot Spring Festival, Yunlin County’s Linnei Purple Buttery

Festival, Chiayi County’s Alishan Cherry Blossom Festival, Chiayi City’s

Children’s Theater Festival, Tainan County’s Baihe Lotus Festival, Tainan City’s

International Chihsi (Chinese Valentines Day) Arts Festival, Kaohsiung City’s

International Container Arts Festival, Kaohsiung County’s Puppetry Festival,

Pingtung County’s Bluefin Tuna Cultural Festival and Kending Wind ChimeFestival, Hualien County’s Whale Watching Festival, Taitung County’s East

Coast Music Festival, and Penghu County’s Ocean Fireworks Festival.

Siraya National

Scenic Area

http://www.siraya-

nsa.gov.tw/0800-580762

Matsu National

Scenic Area

http://www.matsu-

nsa.gov.tw/


0836-25-630

．Dongyin Visitor Center: 0836-77-266

．Beigan Visitor Center: 0836-56-531

． J uguang Visitor Center: 0836-89-388

Penghu National

Scenic Area

http://www.penghu-

nsa.gov.tw/06-921-6521

Alishan National

Scenic Area

http://www.ali-nsa.

net/05-259-3900



33

Leisure Agritourism Taiwan Agritourism

For a long time, Taiwan’s agricultural technology has made continuous advances

in quantity, variety and quality. The leisure agritourism that has emerged in

recent years integrates local cultural and lifestyle characteristics to provide rich

agricultural experiences that combine leisure with esthetic enjoyment, gooddining and services, the traditional and the innovative. At the international-

standard 130-hectare Jhong Shan Agriculture Area in Yilan County’s Dongshan

Township, for example, you can savor the local Suxin Tea and home-grown

pomelos, and enjoy the kite festival, rice-straw art, as well as Sanqing Temple

and a prehistoric archaeological site.

Homestays have become stars of Taiwan’s leisure travel industry in recent

years. Many of these facilities have distinctive architectural styles—South

Seas, European villa, rural rusticity, traditional village—and are nestled beside

mountain streams, on the seacoast, in the forest, among farm fields, in rural

villages, all giving a strong feeling of intimacy with the local culture and

environment.

▼ Taiwan Leisure Farming Development

Association: http://www.taiwan-farming.org.tw/

One Town, One Product

There are 319 townships, ranging

from high-mountain aboriginal

areas to coastal fishing settlements.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs

(MOEA) instituted the OTOP (One

Town, One Product) program to

pinpoint a traditional industry fromeach locality, one with distinctivehistorical and cultural characteristics,and develop an innovative and

fashionable tourist industry cluster around it. By visiting the Taiwan One Town

One Product website (http://www.otop.tw) you can learn all about the localscenery, festival activities, foods and handicrafts of each town, and use that

information in planning your in-depth tours.



34

▼ Taiwan Farming website: http://www.taiwanfarm.com.tw/ (Chinese)

▼ Leisure Agriculture Service website: http://ezgo.coa.gov.tw (Chinese)

▼ Farm Stay website: http://ezhome.org.tw/ (Chinese)

Arts and CultureFolk Festivals

Taiwan was originally an agricultural country, and the farmers have developed all

kinds of religious and folk festivals. The melding of history and ethnic cultures

has, in addition, produced celebratory activities with unique cultural content.

The most important traditional festivals, in order of their lunar-calendar dates,

are the Lunar New Year, Dragon

Boat Festival, Ghost Festival,and Mid-Autumn Moon Festival.

Other religious festivals include

the Dajia Mazu Culture Festival,

Neimen Songjiang Battle Array,

Donggang Burning of the Plague

God Boat, Taitung Bombing of

Han Dan, Yanshui Firecrackers

Ceremony , and P ingx i Sky

Lanterns, al l of which carry

intense cultural signicance.

Taiwan’s indigenous peoples have also developed celebrations, rituals and

competitions based on their veneration of heaven, earth, and the deities. These

include the Harvest Festival of the Amis, the Saisiat Sacrice to the Short Spirits,

Bunun Ear-shooting Festival, Puyuma New-year Sacrifices, and Yami (Dawu)

Flying Fish Festival, among others, all of which bring out the romance of

Taiwan’s true natives. In recent years the cultural infusion from new immigrants

has led to the development of new activities such as the Zhonghe Songkran

(Water-splashing) Festival, with a Thai-Burmese air. Viewing Taiwan through

its festivals will give you a richer experience of the island’s multicultural milieu.

▼ Tourist Festivals: http://www.taiwan.net.tw/festival/ (Chinese only) ▼ Taiwan Tourist Information network: http://eng.taiwan.net.tw/



35

Major Taiwanese Folk Festivals

TraditionalFestival

Lunar Calendar Folk Activity

Lunar

New Year

Last Day of Last

Month to 5th Day

of First Month

Family dinner on New Year’s Eve, New Year

worship on the 1st day of the year, married

daughters return to parents’ home on the 2nd day,

God of Wealth is welcomed on the 4th day,

business reopens on the 5th day.

Lantern

Festival

15th Day of First

Month

Taiwan Lantern Festival, Pingxi Heavenly

Lanterns, Bombing of Han Dan in Taitung,

Beehive Rockets in Yanshui.

Dragon

Boat (Poet’s)

Festival

5th

Day of FifthMonth

Dragon Boat races, eating of zongzi dumplings,hanging of mugwort on entrances.

Ghost Festival15th Day of Seventh

Month

General salvation of souls, release of water

lanterns, Grappling with the Ghosts.

Mid-Autumn

Moon Festival

15th Day of Eighth

MonthWatching the moon, eating moon cakes.

Museums

Taiwan is the home of the world-famous

National Palace Museum, which hasa huge collection of artworks built up

by Chinese emperors during the Song,

Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Its

reputation stands on par with that of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in

New York, the British Museum, and

the Louvre. Taiwan also boasts various

museums of history, ethnology, narration, natural history, art, industrial arts,

image, and industry, including the National Museum of History, National Taiwan

Museum of Fine Arts, and National Museum of Natural Science. These museums

provide concrete displays of the characteristics of local cultures, stimulating theaccumulation of and dialogue between civilizations. For more information on

museums in Taiwan, consult the website of the Chinese Association of Museums

(http://www.cam.org.tw/english/main.htm).



36

Museum Telephone Website Location

National Palace

Museum02-2881-2021 http://www.npm.gov.tw/en/

Taipei

City

National Museum

of History02-2361-0270

http://www.nmh.gov.tw/en-us/

Home.aspx

Taipei

City

National Taiwan

Museum02-2382-2699

http://www.ntm.gov.tw/en/index.

aspx

Taipei

City

National Museum

of Taiwan History06-3568889 http://www.nmth.gov.tw/

Tainan

City

National Museum

of Natural Science04-2322-6940

http://www.nmns.edu.tw/index_eng.

html

Taichung

City

National Museum

of Prehistory089-381-166 http://en.nmp.gov.tw

Taitung

County

National Museum

of Marine Biology

and Aquarium

089-8547-702http://www.nmmba.gov.tw/Default.

aspx?tabid=512&language=en-US

Pingtung

County

National Science and

Technology Museum07-380-0089 http://www.nstm.gov.tw/english/

Kaohsiung

City

National Taiwan

Museum of Fine Arts

04-2372-3552http://www.tmoa.gov.tw/english/

home.php

Taichung

City

Taipei Fine Arts

Museum02-2595-7656 http://www.tfam.museum/

Taipei

City

Kaohsiung Museum

of Fine Arts07-555-330 http://english.kmfa.gov.tw/

Kaohsiung

City

Yingge Ceramics

Museum02-8677-2727

http://www.ceramics.tpc.gov.tw/

en-us/Home.aspx

Taipei

County

Hsinchu Municipal

Glass Museum03-562-6091 http://glassmuseum.cca.gov.tw/

Hsinchu

City

Major Museums in Taiwan



37

Taiwanese Art and Culture

Taiwan’s main theatrical arts are Taiwanese opera(Gezaixi) and hand-puppet opera (Budai Xi).

Taiwanese opera has moved from its traditional

outdoor stages to modern theaters and its

performance has become more sophisticated; and

some troupes, like the Ming Hua Yuan (明華園),

have even expanded onto the international stage.

Hand-puppet opera, which combines popular

folk stories with theatrical martial arts skills,

has become an important part of the island’s

popular culture. Beijing opera (京戲) was brought

to Taiwan from mainland China, and it too

has added modern elements while retaining its

original essence.

Modern art and culture are flourishing in Taiwan. Every town and city has a

culture center, performance hall, and activity center where concerts, dances,dramas, stage plays and the likes are frequently performed. Concerts are also

mounted outdoor, such as Taichung’s Jazz Festival and Gongliao’s Hohaiyan

Music Festival.

Taiwanese performing-arts groups like the Cloud Gate Dance Theater and

Utheatre have achieved international fame, and aboriginal music like the“Pasibutbut chorus” (八部合音) of the Bunun tribe (布農族) also presents a

variety of unique cultural featuresthat make them treasures of

Taiwan.

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n

p e r f o r mi n g - a r t s a c t i v i t i e s

throughout Taiwan, visit the

websi te of the Counci l for

Cultural Affairs (http://english.

cca.gov.tw/) or of the culturalbureaus of the different cities and

counties (http://event.cca.gov.

tw/organ-1.asp, Chinese only).

Hand puppets/photo by Xie Qing-you

photo by Ming Hua Yuan



38

Information on Art and Culture in Taiwan

▼ Council for Cultural Affairs: http://english.cca.gov.tw/

▼ City and County Culture Bureaus: http://event.cca.gov.tw/organ-1.asp (Chinese only)

▼ National Chiang Kai-Shek Cultural Center (National Theater and National Concert

Hall): http://www.ntch.edu.tw/english

▼ National Center for Traditional Arts: http://www.ncfta.gov.tw

▼ National Taiwan Arts Education Center: http://www.arte.gov.tw/eng

Utheatre (優人神鼓)—photo by Council for Cultural Affairs J u Ming's art (朱銘作品)— Taichi Series

Cloud Gate Dance Theater (雲門舞集)—Cursive:

A Trilogy/photo by Cloud Gate Dance Theater

Cloud Gate Dance Theater (雲門舞集)—Cursive:

A Trilogy/photo byCloud Gate Dance Theater



▲ Taiwan’s Rice-food Culture

▲ Taiwan’s Noodle Culture

▲ Taiwan’s Tea Culture

▲

Diversied Culinary Culture ▲Night-market Snacks

▲Special Local Delicacies

▲Food Safety Certication and Labeling

The unique characteristics of Taiwanese cuisine are closely related to the ethnic

diversity. Southern Fujianese dishes, avors from all the other regions of China,

Hakka delicacies, and the special dishes of indigenous tribes are mixed andadapted in the island’s kitchens, with yet more variety added by the infusion of

foreign culinary traditions. Taiwan has everything from exquisite palace dishes

and ne foreign foods to innovative local creations. The constantly simmering

and metamorphosing culinary melting pot has brewed and stewed up the

irresistible, mouth-watering delights.



40

Taiwan’s Rice-food CultureRice is one of the staples of any meal in Taiwan. Over the years the island hasmoved toward a culture of rice foods with varietal improvement producing high-

quality types of rice with varying textures and aromas. The organic cultivation

and traceability systems introduced in recent years have added to the safety andvalue of rice foods in Taiwan.

In addition to using traditional cooking methods, most people will add local

ingredients to their culinary creations, bringing an alternative interpretation to

rice foods. Besides the delicious rice with marinated mincemeat or shredded

chicken, fried rice, rice with creamy toppings, rice noodles, and rice vermicelli,

today’s cooks also take advantage of the characteristics of rice varieties to

concoct snacks such as turnip cakes, glutinous rice mochi, bamboo leaf-wrappedtamale zongzi, and New Year’s cakes.

These rice snacks are used as sacrificial items

every time a festival rolls around, allowing the

God to enjoy them along with all men. In Taiwan,

rice is more than just food; it is a deeply rooted

culture.

Taiwan’s Noodle CultureMost of the restaurants have noodle dishes on

their menus, and some of those dishes, like

danzai (carrying-pole) noodles and beef noodles,

have developed unique Taiwanese characteristics.

Most characteristics, perhaps, of the old-time

avors (and friendly atmosphere) of Taiwan are

the Du Xiao Yue Danzai Noodles (度小月担仔

麵), where customers sit on low chairs around

low tables, eating noodles in small bowls and

chatting with the proprietor. Beef noodles are an

original Taiwanese popular food, and through the

compitition for Taipei International Beef NoodleFestival in recent years, it has created a new

dining fashion that binds culinary culture together

with life.



41

Taiwan’s Tea CultureTaiwan has long been known for its

production of ne teas with a large range

of varieties. These teas are especiallynotable for the richness of aroma andsweetness. They are divided into fourmajor categories: Dongding Wulong (凍

頂烏龍), Wenshan Baozhong (文山包種),

Tie Guanyin (鐵觀音), and White-tipped

Wulong (白毫烏龍), also known as

Oriental Beauty). Taiwan also produces

a relatively small amount of Assam tea.

In the lives of Taiwanese people, drinking tea is both common and special; it

can be served as a daily drink, or it can also be the beverage chosen to treat

special guests. This has led to the development of a unique feature of the island’s

culinary culture: tea houses. The Maokong (貓空) area in Taipei has grown tea

since the old days, and today it is a popular destination for practicing tea arts

and observing night views of the city. Besides the traditional types of tea, unique

tea drinks have also been developed, among which, the pearl milk tea is most

popular even with foreign customers.

With the trend toward healthy living, Taiwan’s tea has diversified beyond a

beverage into a diverse range of products. This gives tea lovers more options;tea leaves are now used, for example, in the making of various kinds of snacks,

pastries, and cakes, all with innovative tastes that will leave an unforgettable

flavor. The tea-boiled egg with strong aroma is one of the most popular tea-

related products in Taiwan.

For a full understanding of the tea culture, you can visit the Tea Museum at

Pinglin in Taipei County. The museum exhibits all the facts about tea, its history

and art—ingredients, tea-plant varieties, categories of tea leaves, tea production

and marketing, distribution of tea farms in Taiwan, tea-processing tools of

the Tang and Song dynasties, tea processing down the ages, and modern tea-

production processes. The museum also has a multimedia room, a tea house, an

outdoor tea-tasting area, and a tea promotion area.

▼ Pinglin Tea Museum: http://www.pinglin.tpc.gov.tw/tea.asp

Hours: Mon. to Fri.: 9:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.; weekends and holidays, 9:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m.



42

Diversied Culinary CultureTaiwan is a great melting pot of Chinese and foreign cuisines, which are served

in an awesome variety of restaurants all over the island.

Taiwanese culinary culture embraces all of the traditions of China—Beijing,

Shanghai, Guangdong, Sichuan, southern Fujian, and the rest—and makes

renements so that the Taiwan version is often better. Taiwanese food emphasizes

the natural features of the ingredients and adds soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil,

fermented black beans, sweet basil, green onions, coriander, and other spices

to produce its characteristic colors, aromas, and avors. The surrounding seas

have made seafood another major feature of the island’s food. The Hakka people

have developed their own avors with a strong emphasis on saltiness, fatness,

and aroma. The indigenous peoples cook ingredients they nd locally into dishesoutstanding in natural freshness that they accompany with a sweet wine made of

millet. With the infusion of the foods of new residents from Southeast Asia, plus

the establishment of foreign cuisines (including those of Japan, America, Italy,

France, Korea, and India, among others). Taiwan has foods that can satisfy any

taste.

▼ Taiwan Tourism Information Website: http://taiwan.net.tw

Night-market Snacks

Inexpensive Native Flavors—Night-market SnacksTaiwan’s night markets, which embody a very special kind of dining culture,

form near the busiest markets and temples in all towns. Enter a brightly lighted

night market and you will see closely packed vendors’ stalls and a bustle of

human activity, with all kinds of products vying for your attention and palate:

mouth-watering oyster omelet, milkfish

belly stew, fried rice vermicelli, “litt le

cake wrapped in big cake,” pork knuckles,

oyster noodles, and an endless variety of

other snacks. Dining at a night market

is convenient, fast, and cheap. The

experience at the night markets, that become more colorful as the hours grow

late into night, will denitely enrich your

journey in Taiwan. Raohe Street Night Market



43

Seven Popular Night Markets in Northern Taiwan

Authentic avors of Taiwan—Give them a try!

Oyster noodles Oyster omelet Meatballs

Zongzi dumplings Steamed dumplings Steamed sandwich

Fried rice vermicelli Stinky bean curd Mango ice

Photo by Tourism Bureau/Hsin Tung Yang

Night Market Special Features Location

Miaokou

Night Market

(基隆夜市)

The snacks available in the Miaok-

ou Night Market are known far and

wide, among them pot-side noodle

soup, frothy ice, tempura, nutritious

sandwiches, and bean-sprout stew.

Near Dianji Temple, on Ren 3rd

Road and Ai 4th Road in Keelung.

Shilin

Night Market

(士林夜市)

This night market offers a wide

selection of snacks from all over Taiwan, and is a favorite among

tourists.

Between Dadong Road and

Anping Road in the Shilin Districtof Taipei.



44


Fengjia

Night

Market

(逢甲夜市)

The streets around Feng Chia University form

a city that never sleeps, and the night market is

known for “cheap prices and everything under

the sun.” All kinds of snacks, clothing, and

accessories are on offer.

Fuxing Road, Feng

Chia Road, and

Wenhua Road,

between Xitun Road,

Sec. 2 and Xian St. in

Taichung.

Lugang

Snacks

(鹿港夜市)

The snacks here include all kinds of seafood

such as crabs, eel, oysters, shrimp, mudskipper

sh, and clams. Also on offer are tea snacks like“phoenix cake” and “ox tongue” cakes, with the

products of the Yu Zhen Zhai Cake Shop being

famous throughout Taiwan.

Lugang,Changhua County.

Night Markets in Central, Southern, and Eastern Taiwan


Raohe Street

Night Market

(饒河街夜市)

Taipei’s rst tourist night market,

this one stretches 600 meters and

has numerous vendors offering

medicinal stewed spareribs. A good

place for a healthy diet.

Intersection of Bade Road, Sec.

4 and Fuyuan Street to Ciyou

Temple on Bade Road in Taipei.

Huaxi Street

Night Market

(華西街夜市)

Taipei’s most famous night market,

with popular snacks like seafood.

Huaxi Street in Taipei, between

Xiyuan Road and Huanhe South

Road.

J ingmei

Night Market

(景美夜市)

This night market has over 30

years of history and hundreds of

stalls. It is the most popular street

market in southern Taipei.

J ingmei Street, Taipei.

Tonghua

Street

Night Market

(通化街夜市)

This cross-shaped market is located

along two intersecting streets, with

dining on one side and general

goods on the other. A ne place for

shopping as well as snacking.

Tonghua Street, between Xinyi

Rd., Sec. 4 and Keelung Road,

Sec. 2 in Taipei.

Lioaning

Night Market

(遼寧夜市)

Among the famous snacks

here are goose meat, seafood,

glutinous rice cake in bamboo

tubes, shwarma, oyster omelet,

and marinated stew.

Liaoning Street in Taipei, between

Chang-an East Road and Chung

Hsin High School.



45

Special Local DelicaciesTaiwan may be relatively small, but being surrounded by sea and having a

subtropical climate, it has an abundance of produce and, with the mixture of

Indigenous people, Hakka, and people from all the provinces of China, it presentsa rich tapestry of local cultures. As a result of unique folk customs and dining

habits, each town and village has developed its own local delicacies that have

become famous throughout Taiwan and overseas as well. All kinds of tea snacks,

cakes and cookies are still made by the traditional methods, or have been given

innovative and challenging avors that are perfect for a taste on the spot and for

taking home as gifts to share with relatives and friends.

Xiaobei

NightMarket

(小北夜市)

Each vendor is numbered in this clean and neat

night market, which offers a huge variety of snacks including seafood, cofn sandwiches,

pot-side noodle soup, and eel.

Intersection of Ximen

Road and Linan Road

in Tainan.

Liuhe

Night

Market

(六合夜市)

Food and Drinks produced in the mountain and

from the sea, including special products from

different localities, and snacks are available here

in endless variety. Specialties include papaya

milk and salt-steamed shrimp.

Liuhe Road in

Kaohsiung.

Luodong

Night

Market

(羅東夜市

)

The authentic snacks sold here include salty rice

noodles, smoked duck, pork stew, shrimp and

chicken leg, bean curd rolls, rice vermicelli stew,

seafood, pork intestines, sausage wrapped in

oily bean curd and oyster omelet.

Around the town

center and Zhongshan

Park in Luodong,

Yilan County.

Nanbin

Night

Market

(南濱夜市)

In this night market, Hualien’s largest, you can

try stir-fried fresh seafood and special snacks

as you watch the sun sets slowly behind the

mountains to the west.

Nanbin Park in Hual-

ien.

Taro pastries Taiwan love cakes Pineapple pastries Pork jerky

Photo by Shan Mai Food/Hsin Tung Yang (both are the winner of 2009 English Services Emblem).

▼ Taiwan Tourist Information website: http://eng.taiwan.net.tw/



46

Food Safety Certication and LabelingTo assure food safety, the Taiwanese government has followed international

standards in establishing the CAS (Certified Agricultural Standards) label

for outstanding agricultural products and the Taiwan Food GMP (Good

Manufacturing Practice) label. These two labels on agricultural products and

processed food products signify that the quality of the products has passed

government certication. The Department of Health has been helping the catering

industry to promote the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP)

system so that the control of food manufacturing processes can be strengthened,

thereby upgrading the sanitation and quality of food and beverage products.

Taiwan’s Commodity Labeling Act requires products to bear labels and stating

the product name, producer, name of manufacturer or importer, telephone numberand address, place of origin, main ingredients or materials, manufacturing date,

expiration date, and other essential information that consumers can use as areference when choosing their purchases; for rules on product labeling, please

refer to the chapter on Shopping.

Protect the world—Bring your own eating utensilsAs Taiwan promotes waste reduction, energy conservation, and carbonreduction, the government also encourages its people to take their own diningutensils when eating out. In the swelling tide of environmental protection, weshow our love for the Earth by protecting the environment at all times!

▼ Food Safety Information website: http://food.doh.gov.tw/english/english.asp

▼ Taiwan Premium Agricultural Products Development Institute: http://www.cas.org.tw/en/

▼ Taiwan Food Good Manufacturing Practice Development Association:

http://www.gmp.org.tw/



▲ Metropolitan Shopping Districts

▲ English Services Emblem

▲ Tourist Shopping Assurance System

▲ Consumer Protection ▲ Information for Consumers

Taiwan has a rich and varied shopping environment, with shops staying open

an average of more than 12 hours a day. In addition to the department stores

and large shopping centers, different places all over the island have developedunique shopping districts, each with its own special character, in accordance

with the customs and conditions of the particular locality. These shopping

districts offer all kinds of quality merchandise and a wide range of considerate

services. Taiwan is also concerned with consumer interests, so that when you

come here you can have a joyful shopping experience.



48

City/District Characteristics

Taipei:

Ximending

ShoppingDistrict

The name “Ximending” was given to this district during the period of

J apanese Occupation (1895-1945), and under planning by the Taipei

City Government it has metamorphosed into the city’s Champs

Elysees. On weekends and holidays it is packed with people whocome for culture, exercise, music performances, and other activities,

with old- and new-wave cultures melding into a new experience.

Taipei:

Zhongxiao-

Dunhua

Shopping

District

The Eastern District is the most popular business districts in Taipei

City, with the MRT and bus systems providing connections to the

department stores and restaurants that line the streets. J ust about all

of the big name-brand fashions and agship chain stores are located

in this area.

Taipei:

Xinyi Shopping

District

This is called “the Manhattan of Taipei,” in the daytime; it is a

business and nancial center with a frenetic pace of life but at night

another fashionable shopping area.

Taichung:

J ingming 1st

Street

Cafes, exotic restaurants, and art galleries line this street, withopen-air tables on the sidewalks and outdoor concerts, art exhibits,

and other community activities enlivening the holidays. This is a

street for shopping, leisure activities, and art.

Taichung:

Tunghai

International

Art Street

The International Art Street is a “Utopian community” close to

Tunghai University that combines culture, artistic landscapes, and

community consciousness. It is lled with all kinds of individualized

products, and shops with a cultural air. The cozy cultural mood is

especially rich in the night-time.

Kaohsiung:

New J uejiang

(Horie)Shopping District

Over the past several years the New J uejiang Shopping District has

developed into the biggest and most famous area for the sale of

imported goods in southern Taiwan. It is a new-wave shopping andleisure heaven for young people.

Metropolitan Shopping DistrictsThe three major cities of Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung are shoppers’

paradises where you can put your nger on the pulse of style and fashion. The

shopping districts in these cities can satisfy the purchasing needs of all different

consumer groups, and the mass transportation networks that shorten the distance

between the cities add even more to the joy of shopping in different places.



49

Source: Taiwan Tourism Bureau

Taiwan’s Brand Commercial Districts

To meet the combined needs of shopping and in-dept

tourism, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) is

helping to create “Taiwan’s Brand Commercial Districts”that will enhance the functions of traditional shopping

districts and include historic villages, natural landscapes,

and leisurely travel. The aim is to remold shopping

districts for shopping, healthy activity, and culture. To nd

out about the travel, cultural, and dining characteristics of

the different shopping districts, go to the Taiwan’s Brand

Commercial District website.

▼ Taiwan’s Brand Commercial District website:

http://gcis.nat.gov.tw/taiwan-go

▼ Taiwan Go Living Network: http://www.go2tw.net/ (Chinese only)

▼ Taiwan Gifts Website: http://www.tw-agriavours.com/ (Chinese only)

▼ Taiwan Handicraft Promotion Center: http://www.handicraft.org.tw/en/index2.php

▼ East Agritourism website: http://v5.coa.gov.tw/ezgo_eng/

Taiwan OTOP Shops

The Taiwan OTOP Shops—“OTOP” stands for “one town, one product”—have

carefully chosen special products that characterize different towns all over the

island and offer them to travelers on the 5th oor of Taipei 101, the 8th oor of

Dream Mall in Kaohsiung City, and beside boarding gate C6 in Terminal II of

Taoyuan International Airport. This makes it easy for visitors to take some special

products and folk-art souvenirs home for friends to share their experience withthe rich beauty of Taiwan.

City/District Characteristics

Kaohsiung:

Sanduo

Shopping

District

The Sanduo Shopping District is centered on the Shin Kong

Mitsukoshi, Sogo, and MegA department stores. In the surrounding

area is a dazzling display of clothing and other products at

inexpensive prices. The area is a favorite with the young crowd, and

for an added attraction the Linsen Night Market is nearby.



50

Consumer ProtectionProtection of Consumer Interests

In Taiwan, consumers’ interests are protected under

the Consumer Protection Act. In general, disputes

about returning merchandise are more likely toarise with products that are purchased by mail-

order or door-to-door sales. Under the regulations, consumers can return objects

bought via mail-order contract or door-to-door sales within seven days of receipt

Tourist Shopping Assurance SystemTo assure shopping security for domestic and foreign tourists

alike, in 2006 the Travel Quality Assurance Association set up a

Tourist Shopping Assurance System in that evaluates businesses

in regard to their environmental safety, after-sales services, product labeling,

product shipping, and quality of services provided by sales personnel. Businesses

that pass the evaluation are issued the Tourist Shopping Assurance Emblem, and

when shopping disputes arise in stores bearing this emblem the shopper has 30

days to contact the Assurance Association for assistance.

▼ Travel quality Assurance Association: http://shop.travel.org.tw/ (Chinese only)

▼ Shopping Complaints: 02-2516-9090 e-mail: [email protected]

English Services EmblemThe government is promoting an English Services Emblem

certification program in order to boost Taiwan’s international

service capabilities, and provide foreigners with a friendly

shopping and consumption environment. This program involves guidance for

certification in five areas: shopping and consumption, accommodation and

dining, tourism and recreation, medical services, and transportation. It encourages

businesses to join the program and awards them with three-stars, four-stars,

or five-stars emblems depending on their ability to provide English services,

informing foreigners that friendly English services are available and that they

will receive an adequate amount of clear information in English. For information

please consult the International Taiwan Services Portal: (http://www.i-taiwan.nat.

gov.tw/en/).



51

1. Name of product.

2. Name, telephone number, and address of producer or manufacturer, and place of

origin. Labels on imported commodities should also contain name, telephone number,

and address of importer.

3. Contents of commodity:

•Main ingredients or materials.

•Net weight, volume, quantity or measure; net weight, volume, and quantity or

measure should be given in legally designated units of weights and measurement,

with units of other kinds being added if necessary.

4. Manufacturing date should be given according to the ROC or Gregorian calendar. For

time-limited products, period of use or expiration date should be given.

5. Other items of labeling as required by the central government authority.

6. Labeling of special products:

For commodities meeting the following conditions, labels should state use, method oruse and preservation, and other instructions for use.

•Products of a dangerous nature.

•Products related to safety and health.

•Products that have a special nature or need special handling.

Required Contents of Commodi ty Labels

Commodity Labeling Act

To promote correct commodity labeling,

protect consumer interests and uphold the

business reputation, the Commodity Labeling

Act stipulates that all commodities on the

market should include labels in the products,inside and outside packaging and manual with

facts about product name, manufacturer or

importer, contents and manufacturing date,

etc. (as listed in the following table), and vendors are not allowed to sell or intend

to sell by displaying unlabeled commodities.

without having to give reasons or bear any cost. Disputes can be reported to the

consumer service center of the local county or city government.

▼ Complaint window: Consumer Service Center of the local county or city government

▼ Consumer Protection Commission, Executive Yuan

telephone: 02-2886-3200



52

Consumer Protection Labels

To assure the safety of consumer, Taiwan’s government has established, or helpedto establish, labels for various kinds of commodities and business premises.

Choosing products with these labels give consumers a further protection.

Label Logo Explanation

CAS Good

Agricultural

Product

“CAS” stands for “Chinese Agricultural Standards,” and

is a label for domestically produced and processed

agricultural products of the highest quality.

GAP Fruits

and

Vegetables

Applied to fresh fruits and vegetables that have been

inspected and certified as conforming to standards of

tolerance for chemical residue.

Traceable

Agricultural

Product

This label means that the product to which it is attached

conforms to production and marketing operational

criteria, from production to processing and packaging;

it has not harmed the environment in the course of

production, nor will it harm human health.

Meat Safety

Inspection

Meat products bearing the “Meat Safety Inspection

Label” have been processed in abattoirs that meet

environmental health and equipment standards. Meat

products that bear the CAS label have also passed meat

safety inspection.

Food GMP

Certication

The Food GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) labelindicates good operating practices or good production

standards that emphasize production quality, safety, and

health.

Health Food

Applied to foods that have been examined by the

Department of Health and found to possess certain

health functions.

Fresh

Milk Label

Denotes products from legal dairy plants that have dairy

product registration and engage in the production of

domestically produced fresh milk.

Good Goat’sMilk Label

Products bearing this certication must pass strictinspection by the National Animal Industry Foundation,

assuring health, safety, and quality.



53

Label Logo Explanation

Quality Alcohol

Certication

The Quality Alcohol Certication Label assures the

quality of materials, production processes, and nished

alcoholic products.

Commodity

Inspection

Mark

This label is applied to electrical apparatus and

electronic products, as well as toys that have passed

inspection by the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and

Inspection, and have been registered.

CNS (Chinese

National

Standards)

Mark

Products bearing the CNS Mark have been inspected

and certified as meeting national standards, and the

quality management system used by the producing

factory also meets standards set by the Bureau of

Standards, Metrology and Inspection.

Safe Toy

The Safe Toy label is applied to products that have

passed assessment by the Toy Safety Assessment

Committee of the Taiwan Toy Research and

Development Center.

Energy

Saving Label

This label represents an energy efciency 10-50% higher

than national standards, assuring not only quality but the

saving of energy and money.

Eco-label

The Eco-label exemplifies the green consumption

concept “recyclable, low pollution, energy saving”

products, and products awarded this label are among the

top 20-30% of all products in environmental protection

performance.

Legal Hotel

Hotels in Taiwan are divided into three categories:

international tourist hotels, tourist hotels, and ordinary

hotels. Hotels bearing the Legal Hotel label are

operating legally, providing extra assurance for guests.

Legal

Homestay

Homestays that post this label are legally registered.

For information on legal homestays, check the website

of the Tourism Bureau or of the relevant city or county

government.

Legal TouristAmusement

Enterprise

Tourist amusement enterprises that operate with

government approval are granted this label. Forinformation on legal tourist amusement enterprises,

go to the website of the Tourism Bureau or of the

relevant city or county government.



54

Information for ConsumersStore Hours

Stores in Taiwan operate for pretty long hours, generally from 10:00 to 22:00,

and stores in most shopping areas lengthen their hours on weekends and

holidays—especially long holidays and the Chinese New Year. Large department

stores and shopping centers are open 365 days a year. Some convenience stores,

chain pharmecies, and fast-food restaurants (and even book stores) operate 24

hours a day.

Tax Refund

Foreigners who enter Taiwan on a non-ROC passport (including those who enter

on a travel pass, entry/exit permit, or ROC passport without the holder’s ROC ID

number stamp); who purchase, at the same store bearing the “Tax Refund” sign,

NT$3,000 or more worth of goods that may be carried out of the country together

with the traveler; and who take those goods out of the country within 30 days,

may, at the time of exit, take their passports together with the purchased goods,

tax refund form, and unied invoice(s) bearing the “Tax Refundable” stamp to

Customs at the airport or seaport of exit and request a refund of the business tax

paid on those goods.



55

Tax refund counters for foreign travelers at airports and seaports

Airport/Seaport Location

Taoyuan International Airport, Terminal 1Departure Lounge, 1st oor: Customs Service

Counter

Taoyuan International Airport, Terminal 2Departure Lounge, 3rd oor: Customs Service

Counter

Keelung Harbor East Pier 2 and West Pier 2

Taichung Airport Visitor Center, Customs Service Counter

Taichung Harbor Visitor Center, Customs Service Counter

Hualien Airport 1

st

oor, Visitor Center

Hualien Harbor Bureau 1st oor, Visitor Center

Kaohsiung International Airport 3rd oor, Customs Of ce Visitor Center

Kaohsiung Harbor 3rd oor, Passenger Terminal

Tax Refund Information

Service Center Telephone Website

Travel Service

Center, Tourism

Bureau

Taipei

Service Center

02-2717-3737

0800-011765

http://eng.taiwan.net.tw

Taichung

Service Center

04-2254-0809

0800-422022

Tainan

Service Center

06-226-5681

0800-611011

Kaohsiung

Service Center

07-281-1513

0800-711765

Taoyuan

International

Airport

03-383-4631

03-383-4632

Kaohsiung

International

Airport

07-805-7888



56

Getting the Unifed Invoice

With the exception of those that are exempt from issuing it

under the provisions of the Business Tax Law, all businessesmust use the Unified Invoice. It also serves as proof of

purchase; if you discover a defect in something you buy,

you can take your Unied Invoice to the store of purchase

and ask for a replacement or refund. If you save your

Unied Invoices you can also participate in a drawing held

every two months; and if you’re lucky, you can win NT$200

to NT$2 million!

▼ Winning numbers for Unied Invoice drawings:

http://english.etax.nat.gov.tw/

A Shopping Reminder

＊Please have your own shopping bag

In the interest of environmental protection, we encourage

shoppers to carry their own shopping bags so that as they

savor the pleasures of shopping, they can do their part for

the future of the world at the same time.

＊Smoking is banned in public places

Taiwan implemented an indoor public area smoking ban on

Jan. 11, 2009. Smoking is forbidden in indoor spaces withmore than three people, and businesses post “No Smoking”

signs. Those who smoke in places where smoking is banned

are subject to a ne of NT$2,000 to NT$10,000.

56

Service Center Telephone Website

Taoyuan International Airport, Terminal 1,

Customs Service Counter

03-398-2308

0800-311006http://www.taoyuanairport.

gov.tw/english/ Taoyuan International Airport, Terminal 2,

Customs Service Counter

03-398-3428

0800-016801

National Tax Administration 02-2311-3711http://www.ntat.gov.tw/

county/ntat_ch/ntat_en/



▲ Renting a House ▲ Basic Public Services ▲ Telecommunications and Internet ▲

Postal Services ▲ Buying Daily Necessities ▲ Keeping a Pet ▲ Recycling

It is exceptionally easy to procure the items you need for your daily life in

Taiwan. And your everyday interactions will give you a feel for the unique culture

and friendliness of the local people. Living in Taiwan presents foreigners with

extraordinary opportunities to expand their living experience and perception.



58

Renting a HouseThe cost of renting a house or apartment in Taiwan varies by location, size,

and convenience, so it is best to look around, ask about, and compare. Before

renting, we suggest that you go in person and look the place over, learn about

its environment, and communicate with the landlord; then, after you decide,however long you are renting you

must sign a lease to protect your

interests. In addition to the rental

itself you will most likely be asked

for a deposit; and, if you go through

a real estate broker, you will have to

pay the brokerage fee as well.

You can check the websites of legal

brokers for news about houses for

rent. The following website and

hotline may also help:

▼Tsuei Ma Ma Foundation for Housing and Community Service:

http://www.tmm.org.tw/English

▼International Community Service Hotline: 0800-024111

Basic Public Services Tap Water

Taiwan’s tap water is safe and convenient, with a qualication ratio above 99%.

In Taipei City, the Taipei Water Department assures water safety and quality by

offering free inspection of water supply facilities and water quality to assure that

they meet drinking-water standards. We still suggest that you boil your water

before drinking it for your safety. In principle the Taipei Water Department

supplies water in the Greater Taipei area; outside Greater Taipei, the supplier is

the Taiwan Water Corp. Information on applications for service, payment of fees,

and other water-related matters is available on the websites of the two suppliers.

You can also call their customer service lines for information.



59

Tap Water Services

Electricity

Taiwan’s household electricity is supplied at 110 and 220 volts,

60 cycles. Lights, TVs, refrigerators, and other small appliances

generally use 110 volts, while most air conditioners use 220 volts. If

you use electrical products brought from overseas, be sure to check their voltage

before plugging in; if they do not match the local electricity supply, or if your

plug doesn’t t the local sockets, you will have to use an adapter or transformer.

▼Taiwan Power Co.: http://www.taipower.com.tw/indexE.htm

GasHouseholds in Taiwan generally use piped or bottled gas. To get natural gas piped

into your house, contact the local gas supplier and apply to have the necessary

pipes installed. You can order bottled gas from a local supplier, who will deliver

it to your home and change bottles for you. Gas is easy to use, but you need to be

careful to assure safety. Gas suppliers add an aromatic substance to their gas in

accordance with government regulations, so that a leak can be detected by smell

and action taken to avoid danger.

Cable TV & Radio

Taiwan has five terrestrial TV stations and numerous cable stations, whichinclude CNN, BBC, NHK, HBO, Discovery, and other international channels for

the choice of viewers. You can receive terrestrial TV programs simply by using

LOGOServiceHours

CustomerService Line

Website

Taipei

Water

Department

8:30—17:30

(Except Saturdays,

Sundays, and

national holidays)

02-8733-5678

(24 hours a day,

365 days a year)

http://www.twd.gov.

tw/english

Taiwan

Water

Corp.

8:00—17:30

(Except Saturdays,

Sundays, and

national holidays)

Check the

nearest

service branch

http://www.water.gov.

tw/eng



60

an antenna; for cable TV, however, you need to apply to your local cable TV

company for installation.

Taiwan’s only English-language radio station is ICRT (International Community

Radio Taipei), at FM100.7 in north and south Taiwan, and FM100.1 in central

Taiwan. You can listen to it online by going to its website (http://www.icrt.com.

tw). ICRT can be received in most areas of western Taiwan and some parts of

the east, although reception may not be very good because of the mountainous

terrain.

Telecommunications and Internet

Local Telephone ServiceTaiwan’s local telephone service is provided mainly by the Chunghwa Telecom

Co. The National Communications Commission (NCC) has approved licenses

for other local phone service providers since February 2008. Foreign residents

can apply for a local telephone land line by going personally to a telecom

business office with their Alien Resident Certificates, passports, and local-

citizen guarantors (with ID card, National Health Insurance IC card, etc.), and

submitting an application. The applicant can state that the customer wishes to be

billed in English.

To call another party in your same area, simply dial the

telephone number; to make a domestic long-distance call(to another county or city), first dial the area code and

then the number. To call the Nantou number 239-xxxx,

for example, first dial the area code for Nantou, 049,

and followed by the phone number: 239-xxxx. To call

internationally, first dial the international access code,then the country code, followed by the area code, andnally the number of the party being called. To call the

number 730-xxxx in New York, for example, first dial

international access 002 (or 009 or 019), then the U.S. country code 1, then the

New York area code 212, and nally the number: 730-xxxx.

▼International Operator: 100

▼English Speaking Directory Assistance: 106

▼International Telephone Service: 0800-080100



61

AreaArea

CodeArea

Area

Code

Keelung City, Taipei City, Taipei County 02Kaohsiung City, Kaohsiung

County07

Taoyuan County, Hsinchu City, Hsinchu

County, Yilan County, Hualien County03

Pingtung City, Pingtung

County08

Miaoli County 037 Taitung County 089

Taichung City, Taichung County,

Changhua County04 Kinmen County 082

Nantou County 049 Matsu (Lienchiang County) 0836

Yunlin County, Tainan County, Chiayi

County05 Wuqiu 0826

Tainan City, Tainan County,

Penghu County06

Nansha (Spratley) Islands,

Dongsha (Pratas) Islands07

Cell Phones

Taiwan has six cell phone carriers providing 2G, 3G, and PHS services. Foreign

residents can choose their service provider based on the pricing programs offered

by the companies.

Applications for cell phone numbers are divided into two types, monthly plan

and prepaid plan. Foreigners applying for cell phones need to take their Alien

Resident Certicates, passports, and basic personal ID documents; they also need

to pay a deposit or have a local citizen act as guarantor. If you have just arrived

in Taiwan or are here for only a short stay, we suggest that you apply for a cell

phone on the more convenient prepaid plan.

Telecom

Company

English

Service Line

Telecom

Company

English

Service Line

Chunghwa Telecom 0800-080090 VIBO Telecom 0986-000537

FAREASTONE Telecommunications

0800-058885 Asia Pacic Telecom 02-4050-7999

Taiwan Mobile 02-6606-2977First International

Telecom0800-096866

Taiwan Area Code



62

Wireless Internet Connection

Taiwan offers a convenient and diversified wireless Internet environment that

allows you to choose between ADSL, optical ber, TV cable, Wi-Fi wireless, and

3G mobile for your Internet connection.

To get connected by ADSL or optical ber, you have to apply to a xed network

company; to do it by cable, apply to the cable TV operator in your area. Many

transportation stations, restaurants, coffee shops, and other establishments offer

WLAN wireless Internet connection, but you need to apply to your telecoms

company or buy a prepaid card at a convenience store. For connection on your

3G cell phone, apply to your cell phone operator for 3G number and use a 3G

wireless card. Most users pay on the monthly plan.

Postal ServicesTaiwan’s postal services are highly convenient. The

Chunghwa Post Co. is a state-run enterprise with post

ofces in all towns. Major post ofces offer domestic

and international express delivery, the delivery of refrigerated goods, and home pickup, among other

services. In addition, a number of private home-

delivery companies also offer convenient services,

including 24-hour pickup at chain convenience stores.Chunghwa Post also issues exquisite stamps on all

kinds of subjects, arousing a passion for collecting

them—a passion that is catered to on the Philately

section of the company’s website.

▼Chunghwa Post Global Information website:

http://www.post.gov.tw/post/internet/u_english

Buying Daily NecessitiesBuying fresh fruits and vegetables, other foodstuffs, and daily necessities is

convenient in Taiwan, from all kinds of establishments including chain wholesale

stores, community supermarkets, 24-hour convenience stores, and popular

traditional markets.



63

Traditional Markets

Taiwan has a high density of convenience stores, including those of the 7-Eleven,

Family Mart, Hi-Life, and OK chains. Many of them are open 24 hours a day,

365 days a year, not only selling packaged foods, drinks, and daily necessity but

also collecting various fees, accepting packages for home-delivery companies,

providing ATM machines, the pickup of goods bought online, the sale of postage

stamps, and the collection of tax and ne payments. Convenience, indeed!

Keeping a PetIf you want to bring a pet into Taiwan, you should first

apply to the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspectionand Quarantine, Council of Agriculture. If you bring an

animal into Taiwan you should report to the quarantine

counter at the airport or seaport of entry for on-site

quarantine inspection and should submit an import permit

or a certicate of animal health inspection. If the documents

are found to be in order, the animal will be released on the spot; otherwise, it will

be sent into quarantine until the period of quarantine is completed before being

released.

Owners of pets in Taiwan are required to register them with a county or city

Animal Disease Control Center or a private organization commissioned by theCenter within four months of birth. When a pet dies, the owner should cancel its

registration with the registry organization within one month of the date of death.

Most veterinary clinics provide pet health care, preventive injections, health

examinations, and pet registration, among other services.

Pet-related Organization Website Telephone

Bureau of Animal and Plant Health

Inspection and Quarantine, Council

of Agriculture

http://www.baphiq.gov.

tw/mp.asp?mp=20800-039131

Animal Protection Information Website,

Council of Agriculture

http://animal.coa.gov.

tw/html/english/index.htm02-2381-2991

National Veterinary Hospital

(with English Services Emblem)

http://www.vet.com.tw/

National/address.htm0800-284666



64

RecyclingThe people of Taiwan in general have a very high level of environmental

protection awareness. The compulsory separation of garbage has been practiced

for many years, and garbage is now separated into three major categories:

recyclable garbage, kitchen waste, and ordinary garbage. Recyclable garbage and

kitchen waste are both recycled. For information on related activities, go to the

website of the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) and link to the

websites of local environmental protection agencies and private environmental

protection bodies.

“Recyclable garbage” includes paper, metal, glass, plastic, dry batteries,

motorized vehicles (automobiles and motor scooters), tires, lead-acid batteries,

electrical apparatus, information products, light sources, and cell phones, amongother things. “Kitchen waste” includes waste raw and cooked foods, and other

organic wastes. Different parts of the island have different ways of enforcing

waste separation; for details, and for garbage collection times and places, contact

your local cleaning squad or environmental protection bureau, or call the special

recycling information line.

Before you take out your garbage, separate it in your home and then deliver the

designated category of recyclable garbage for the day to the cleaning squad at

the designated time. Failure to separate your garbage according to the regulations

can result into a ne of NT$1,200 to NT$6,000.

Type of Logo Symbol Explanation

Recycling logo This logo on product and container packaging indicates that

the contents are recyclable.

Taipei garbage

bag logo

Taipei City currently exacts garbage collection fees by in-

cluding the fees in the price of its authorized garbage bags,

which are made by the Taipei City Environmental Protection

Bureau. The bags can be purchased at chain stores and

traditional shops that bear the“Authorized Garbage Bag

Sales”sign. Other counties and cities are gradually imple-menting this system.

▼Recycling Information Line: 0800-085717

▼Environmental Protection Administration: http://www.epa.gov.tw/en (02) 2311-7722



▲National Health Insurance

▲Bilingual Healthcare Service

▲Hospital Gradation and Fees

▲

Chinese Medicine ▲Drug Safety

▲Medical Tourism

Taiwan has a comprehensive healthcare system with hospitals classified into

medical centers, regional hospitals, area hospitals and basic-level medical

institutions, or another two major systems, Western and Chinese. The numberof hospitals and clinics exceeded 20,000 in 2008, of which more than 18,000

had signed contracts with National Health Insurance.

The inauguration of National Health Insurance in 2004 brought the right to equal

medical care to all Taiwan residents. Foreigners holding ARCs are also eligible

to join this system and gain access to the same healthcare resources.



66

National Health Insurance National Health Insurance is a kind of compulsory social

insurance in Taiwan, providing equal medical rights to

all the residents. Under the provisions of the NationalHealth Insurance Act, foreigners with permanent residency

documentation but withoutfixed employers should take

that documentation and join

the National Health Insurance program after they

have lived in Taiwan for four months. Foreigners

with fixed employers should join the program

on the date when their employment begins. If

they have dependents who are foreign nationals,

those dependents have to obtain Taiwan residencydocumentation and live on the island for fourcontinuous months before they can take out

insurance.

Mainland Chinese spouses are divided, in

accordance with their Taiwan entry and exitpermits, into family reunion status, dependent

resident, and long-term resident, each category

of which is subject to different health insurance standards; for details, consult

with a Bureau of National Health Insurance ofce. When the ARCs expire, theholders will lose insurance eligibility and should apply for withdrawal. Insured

persons living in Taiwan need only to receive their NHI IC card and pay their

premiums regularly; then,

in case of injury, illness,

or childbirth, all they need

to do is take the card to a

contracted medical careinstitution, pay a small

registration fee and partial

payment for hospitalization

or treatment, and obtain afull medical care.



67

Bilingual Healthcare ServiceSeeing a Doctor with an Interpreter

Most public hospitals and large medical centers in Taiwan offer Chinese-English

bilingual healthcare services, and most of their websites, information desks, andsignage provide both languages as well. If you need English-language medical

consultation, you can contact a hospital service to arrange it for you.

Some hospitals also have international healthcare centers that provide convenient

healthcare services to foreigners, and even interpreters to help or accompany

them with consultation. There are

some hospitals that can work out a

plan of treatment and cost estimatebefore you arrive in Taiwan,provide transportation information

after your arrival, and offer youinformation on medical tourismservices.

How Foreigners Apply for Insurance

Insured Person Insuring Unit Method of Payment

Person working in

TaiwanEmployer

Premium deducted and

paid by employer

Responsible person

of a companyHis or her company

Premium deducted and

paid by employer

Dependent of foreigner Through insurer of spouse or

lineal relative

Paid together with family

member

MissionaryReligious organization to which

the missionary belongs

Collected and paid by

the organization

Overseas Chinese orforeign student

Through the student’s institute Collected and paid bythe institute

Those without xed

occupations and family

dependants

Through township, city, or

district ofce at place of

residence

Monthly notication

for payment mailed to

insured person by NHI



68

Hospitals Offering Foreign-language Medical Services

Northern Taiwan

Hospital Website Telephone/Address

National Taiwan University

Hospital, International

Medical Service Center

http://www.ntuh.gov.tw/

en/IMSC/default.aspx

02-2356-2900

7, Zhongshan S. Rd., Taipei

City

Mackay Memorial Hospi-

tal, International Medical

Service Center

http://www.mmh.org.tw/

imsc/

02-2562-7200

92, Sec. 2, Zhongshan N. Rd.,

Taipei City

Taipei Medical University

Hospital, International

Patient Center

http://www.tmch.org.tw/

tmuh%20english/index.

htm

02-2737-2181 ext. 3329

252, Wuxing St., Taipei City

Cathay General Hospital,

International Health Care

Services

http://www.cgh.org.tw/

en/

02-2708-2121 ext. 1312

280, Sec. 4, Renai Rd.,

Taipei City

Taipei Medical University

– Wan Fang Hospital

http://www.wanfang.gov.

tw/

02-2930-7930 ext. 7766

111, Sec. 3, Xinglong Rd.,

Taipei City

Taiwan Adventist Hospitalhttp://www.tahsda.org.

tw/en/

02-2771-8151

424, Sec. 2, Bade Rd.,

Songshan District, Taipei City

Shin Kong Wu Ho-su

Memorial Hospital

http://www.skh.org.tw/

SKHenglish%20website/

index.htm

02-2833-221195, Wenchang Rd., Shilin,

TaipeiCity

Chang Gung Memorial

Hospital

http://www.cgmh.org.tw/

isc/

03-319-6200

5, Fuxing St., Guishan

Township, Taoyuan County


Tungs’ Taichung

MetroHarbor

Hospital

http://www.sltung.com.tw/

04-2658-3899

699, Sec. 1, Zhongqi Rd., Wuqi

Town, Taichung County

China Medical

University Hospital

http://www.cmuh.org.tw/htdocs/

english/e_index.htm

04-5260-0770 ext. 5178

2, Yude Rd., North District,

Taichung City

Show Chwan

Memorial Hospitalhttp://www.cbshow.org.tw/en/

04-781-3888

6, Lugong Rd., Lugang Town,

Changhua County

Central Taiwan



69


Yuan’s General Hospitalhttp://yuanhosp.inks.

com.tw/

07-335-1121

162, Chenggong 1st Rd., Kaohsiung

City

Kaohsiung Medical

University Hospital,

International Medical

Services Center

http://www.kmuh.org.

tw/english/

07-312-1101

11, Ziyou 1st Rd., Kaohsiung City

St. Martin De Porres

Hospitalhttp://www.stm.org.tw/

05-275-6000

565, Sec. 2, Daya Rd., Chiayi City

National Cheng KungUniversity Hospital http://www.hosp.ncku.edu.tw/nckm/english 06-235-3535138, Shengli Rd., Tainan City

Southern Taiwan


Lotung Poh-Ai

Hospitalhttp://www.pohai.org.tw/

03-954-3131

83, Nanchang St., Luodong Town, Yilan

County

Buddhist Tzu Chi

General Hospital

http://www.tzuchi.com.

tw/tzuchi_en

038-561-825

707, Sec. 3, Zhongyang Rd., Hualien

City

Eastern Taiwan

Hospital Gradation and FeesGraded Medical Care with Convenient, Reasonable Services

In line with the implementation of the National Health Insurance referral system,

hospital contracts have been divided into four grades: medical centers, regional

hospitals, area hospitals, and basic-level medical institutions. You can tell the

grade of a medical facility from the NHI logo hanging at its entrance.

When you seek medical care with your NHI card, in addition to the payment

made by the NHI, you will also be responsible for paying the registration fee

(not within the scope of NHI payment) plus partial payment (including a basiccharge plus partial payment for drugs, rehabilitation, and hospitalization). These

payments vary according to the grade of the hospital and are imposed primarily

to encourage the public to appreciate their medical resources. For the schedule



70

of partial payments, please consult the Bureau of National Health Insurance

website.

Hospital Registration Fees Unit: NT$

Grade of Facility Outpatient Treatment Emergency Treatment

Medical Center 50~300 450

Regional Hospital 50~250 300

Area Hospital 50~200 150

Basic-level Medical

Institution50~200 150

▼ Bureau of National Health Insurance, Information for Foreigners:http://www.nhi.gov.tw/english

Protector of Community Health

Health clinics are Taiwan’s most basic medical institutions; every township,

city, and district throughout the island has one. For remote areas far from large

hospitals, health clinics are the rst line of public health protection, providing

a full range of timely medical services, including outpatient treatment, general

health examinations, preventive immunization, cancer screening, well-baby

information, and chronic disease prevention, among other healthcare services.

They also promote adult health examinations, communicable disease prevention,

health education, child health management, health inspection, and home care.

▼ Health Bureaus and Clinics in Taiwan: http://www.doh.gov.tw/healthofce/ (Chinese only)

Chinese MedicineLooking, Listening, Asking, Pulse-taking for Maintenance of Health

Traditional Chinese medicine represents a healthcare system

with a very long history of development. The Department

of Health set up a Committee on Chinese Medicine and

Pharmacy in 1995 to promote the modernization andinternationalization of this ancient practice. The people of

Taiwan have faith in both Western and Chinese medicine, and

both are encompassed in NHI medical payments. In addition



71

to independent Chinese medicine clinics, many hospitals

also have Chinese medicine outpatient departments andsome provide English-language consultation services.

Combined Chinese/Western medical treatment has

become a new trend, bringing together the features of

Western medical therapy with auxiliary Chinese medical

treatments that are known to be effective to provide a

greater diversity of care.

▼ Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy Information: http://www.

ccmp.gov.tw/en/

Chinese Medicine Hospitals and Clinics that Offer English Consultation

Hospital or Clinic Website Telephone/Address

Department of Traditional

Medicine, Taipei Medical

University Hospital

http://www.tmch.org.tw/02-5552-2850

252, Wuxing St., Taipei City

Chinese Medicine Center,

Taipei City Hospitalhttp://temp.tpech.gov.tw/

02-2388-7088

100, Kunming St., Taipei City

Chang Gung Memorial

Hospital, Taoyuan Branch

http://www2.cgmh.org.tw/

eng2002/index.asp

03-319-6200

123, Dinghu Rd., J iulu

Village, Guishan Township, Taoyuan County

Department of Chinese

Medicine, China Medical

University Hospital

http://www.cmuh.org.tw/

htdocs/english/e_index.

htm

04-2205-2121

2, Yude Rd., Taichung

Department of Chinese

Medicine, Taichung Tzu

Chi Hospital

http://www.tzuchi.com.tw/

tzuchi%5Fen/

04-3606-0666

66, Sec. 1, Fengxing Rd.,

Tanzi Township, Taichung

County

Kaohsiung Municipal

Chinese Medical Hospital

http://www.kmcmh.gov.tw/

synopsisE.htm

07-761-3186

6, Fucheng St., Kaohsiung

City

Department of Traditional

Chinese Medicine,

Kaohsiung Medical

University Hospital

http://www.kmuh.org.tw/

english/

07-312-1101 ext. 6410

100, Ziyou 1st Rd., Kaohsiung

City



72

Drug SafetyGet Proper Medicine with a Prescription

Taiwan practices a system of separated medicine and pharmacy, so in additionto the pharmacies that operate inside some hospitals, patients can go to outside

pharmacies to have their prescriptions fil led. Drugs

are generally divided into

“prescription drugs” and

“non-prescription drugs;”

the former can be obtainedonly with a prescription

written by a doctor, whilethe latter can be obtainedand used under consultationwith a qualified pharmacist

in a drug store.

Refll Prescriptions

Patients of stabilized chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure

can ask their doctors to write a rell prescription that is good for one to three

months, and can then get their medication at neighborhood drug stores. This

avoids repeated trips to the doctors and allows more efficient use of medical

resources.

Medical Tourism The quality of Taiwan’s healthcare hardware, software, and services is fully up

to world standards, and the cost of medical care is reasonable. This gives the

island’s healthcare a strong international competitive edge, and the authorities

are boosting the internationalization of healthcare services and the combination

of tourism with such non-essential medical procedures such as physical

examinations, cosmetic surgery, dental treatment, LASIK eye treatment, andChinese medical treatment. As they enjoy Taiwan’s beautiful scenery and

delicious cuisine, tourists can improve their health at the same time!



▲Currency and Money Exchange

▲ Traveler’s Check

▲Opening an Account

▲

Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) ▲Credit Card

▲Internet Banking

Taiwan has almost as many banks as it has convenience stores, with 37

domestic banks, 32 foreign banks, and a total of more than 3,000 branches

providing deposits and withdrawals, remittances, loans, bills collection, andtrading in all kinds of nancial products. In addition, approximately 1,300 post

ofces also provide savings, remittance, and other nancial services. Banking

hours are 9:00 - 15:30, and post ofces are generally open 8:00 - 17:30. The

banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays, but there are plenty of ATMs

providing services 24 hours a day, every day.



74

Currency and Money ExchangeCurrency

The currency used in Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$), and the basic unit

is Yuan. Bank notes come in denominations of NT$2,000, NT$1,000, NT$500,

NT$200, and NT$100 (NT$2,000 and NT$200 bills are very rare, however),

all having different sizes, colors, and designs. Coins come in denominations of

NT$50, NT$20, NT$10, NT$5, and NT$1.

NT$2,000

NT$1,000

NT$500

NT$200

NT$100



75

Money Exchange

Foreigners who come to Taiwan to sightsee or live and need to exchange foreign

cash or traveler’s checks for New Taiwan Dollars can go to an authorized foreign

exchange bank or a bank that is authorized to deal in foreign cash and traveler’s

checks. The foreign currencies that a bank can handle, the fees it charges, and

their exchange rates are not exactly the same. There may even be a difference in

currencies handled by a headquarters bank and its branches. Checking rst on

the Internet, and then by telephone, are recommended. Foreigners should present

their passports or Alien Resident

Certificates when exchanging money,

and the bank will collect a small

processing fee. International tourist

hotels also provide exchange services.

Changing on the black market could

lead to being cheated or running afoul

of the law.

With the promulgation of the “Rules

for the Establishment of Designated

Foreign Currency Exchange Bureaus

by the Bank of Taiwan, and for Dealingin Foreign Currency” in February

2006, tourist hotels, travel agencies,

department stores, handicraft stores,

NT$50 NT$20 NT$10

NT$5 NT$1



76

jewelry stores, convenience stores, national scenic area administrations, visitor

centers, railway stations, temples, and museums, along with other organizationsthat provide services to foreign travelers in Taiwan as well as ordinary hotels and

stores in remote areas, are also allowed to apply for handling foreign exchange.

Except for tourist hotels, establishments that exchange money display a standard

“Money Exchanger” sign, in Chinese and English, outside their doors. For the

rate of exchange, check a bank website.

Foreign Exchange Banks Designated by the Central Bank (DBU)

Bank Telephone Website

Bank of Taiwan 0800-025168 http://www.bot.com.tw/English

Taiwan CooperativeBank

0800-033175http://www.tcb-bank.com.tw/tcb/home/frame_eng.htm

First Bank 02-2348-1111 http://www.rstbank.com.tw/en_index.html

Chang Hwa Bank 0800-365889https://www.chb.com.tw/wps/wcm/connect/

web/common/English

Hua Nan Commercial

Bank02-2181-0101 http://www.hncb.com.tw/eng

Shanghai Commercial

and Savings Bank0800-003111

http://www.scsb.com.tw/english/

eng_default.jsp

Citibank Taiwan 02-2576-8000http://www.citibank.com.tw/tw_citi_eng.

html

Land Bank of Taiwan 02-2348-3456 http://www.landbank.com.tw

Cathay United Bank 0800-818001https://www.cathaybk.com.tw/cathaybk/

english/eindex.htm

Mega International

Commercial Bank0800-016168 https://www.megabank.com.tw/en/

Traveler’s Check

Not many general businesses in Taiwan accept traveler’s checks. We recommendthat you take your passport and identity documents with you, and exchange your

traveler’s checks for New Taiwan Dollars at a bank. Most banks provide this

service.



77

Opening an AccountOpening an NT Dollar deposit

account in Taiwan is quite simple.Just take your passport bearing a

legal entry visa (or stamp), together

with an ARC (if you haven’t yet

received your ARC, go to a county/

city service center of the NationalImmigration Agency and apply

for a “Record of ID Number in

the ROC” to use as a substitute).

In general, when you open an

account you can apply for a bank card at the same time for deposit, withdrawal

or transfering funds. Different banks use different procedures; for details, check

with the individual bank.

Using Bank Cards in Taiwan

Withdrawal

Restrictions

Withdrawals are in multiples of NT$100; maximum

withdrawal per transaction is NT$30,000 (NT$20,000

for interbank withdrawal), and maximum withdrawal per

day is NT$100,000.

Funds Transfer

Restrictions

Transfers are limited to NT$30,000 per day (withoutprior arrangement); transfers of more than NT$30,000

must be prearranged with the bank in which the account

resides, the maximum transfer per transaction is NT$2

million. (Each bank sets its own daily maximum for

transfers.)

Card Replacement

Process

If you lose your bank card, you can use your bank’s 24-

hour lost-card telephone line to report your lost card

and stop payment. You also need to ll out a lost-card

and stop-payment form as soon as possible.

Card Replacement

Fees

Different banks collect different fees for card

application, lost card, and replacement card; for details,check with the individual bank.



78

Automatic Teller Machine (ATM)Outside of banks, you can find ATMs in major railway stations, airports,

convenience stores, petrol stations, and large shops, providing 24-hour service.

Besides withdrawing cash, to transfer funds, and

pay taxes, a utility bill, telecommunications bill,transportation fee or ne, tuition, credit-card bill or

insurance premium, all you need to do is go to an

ATM.

If you make an interbank withdrawal (that is,

withdrawal from an ATM that does not belong to

your bank) you will be charged a small fee for each

transaction. Most ATMs offer interface in bothChinese and English, making them easy to use.

Credit CardsForeign residents can apply for international credit cards in Taiwan without

regard to their length of stay. In general, a copy of your passport and ARC,

along with a completed application form, are required. Each issuing bank has

its own rules about guarantors; and the period of validity of your card, and its

charge limit, will be determined by such factors as your residence, income, and

assessment of your debt repayment ability.

Internet BankingMost of Taiwan’s major banks offer

Internet banking services. Foreigners

who have accounts in local banks can

go personally to the bank in which

they have an account with their valid

passport, ARC (or if they have not yet

received their ARC, a “Record of ID

Number in the ROC” obtained from acounty/city service center of the National

Immigration Agency), and specimen

chop (or signature), and apply to use its Internet banking services.



▲Work Permits for Foreign Professionals

▲Courtesy Treatment for Foreign Professionals in Taiwan

▲Work Permits for Overseas Chinese and Foreign Students

▲

Working in Taiwan: Rights and Obligations ▲Labor Protection

▲Investing in Taiwan

The government has adopted a number of measures to attract foreign

professionals to work in Taiwan, including the simplification of visa, workpermit, and resident permit application procedures. Three courtesy cards were

also introduced in 2009: Employment Pass Card, Academic and Commercial

Travel Card, and Permanent Resident Card. A related labor insurance system

is also being promoted with the aim of creating a safe and convenient working

environment for foreign professionals.



80

Work Permits for Foreign ProfessionalsA “One-stop Center for Work Permits applications for Foreign Professionals”

was set up by the Council of Labor Affairs (CLA) on January 15, 2004 to make

application procedures easier for foreigners. With the exception of professionals

who need to obtain professional licenses before applying for a work permit,

such as doctors, lawyers, airline pilots, and other foreign professionals can

apply directly to the CLA through their employers. There are, however, a few

exceptions; employers of foreign sailors, for example, must apply to the Ministry

of Transportation and Communications (MOTC), and employers located in

Science Parks and Export Processing Zones who hire foreign professional

technical personnel must apply to the Science Park Administration or the Export

Processing Zone Administration respectively.

The employers of foreigners who come to work in Taiwan must submit

applications for work permits, together with required documentation to the

competent authority. However, for foreigners who are married to local nationals

and have established residence in Taiwan; consultants and research workers hired

by government agencies and academic research institutions under government

jurisdiction; and lecturers and academic researchers on

short-term stays of up to six months who are hired by

public and legally registered private universities with the

approval of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA)

need not apply for work permits.

Work permits for foreign professionals are valid for

a maximum of three years; if further employment isneeded, the employer may apply for an extension fourmonths prior to expiration of the original work permit.

After a foreign professional receives permission to work in Taiwan, prior to his

or her arrival, he or she should apply to an overseas consulate or representativeoffice of the Republic of China for a resident visa. Those who are already in

Taiwan can apply to an office of the Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA),

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for the change of a resident visa, and then go to the

National Immigration Agency (NIA) to apply for an alien resident certicate. Aforeign professional whose employer applies for an extension prior to expiration

of his or her original work permit may continue working in Taiwan without

having to leave the country and then return.



81

Foreign Professional Issuing Agency

A.) Professional or technical workers; B.) Ranking executives

of enterprises invested in or established with government

approval by overseas Chinese or foreign nationals; C.)

Schoolteachers; D.) Full-time foreign language teachers in

supplementary schools registered in accordance with the

Supplementary and Continuing Education Law; E.) Athletic

coaches and athletes; F.) Religious, art, and performance

workers; G.) Contract performance workers; and H.) Foreign

and overseas Chinese students, and students from Hong

Kong and Macau

Council of Labor Affairs,

Executive Yuan

Foreign sailorsMinistry of Transportation

and Communications

Foreign professionals and technical personnel hired by

enterprises in Science Parks

Science Park

Administration

Foreign professionals and technical personnel hired by

enterprises in Export Processing Zones

Export Processing Zone

Administration, Ministry

of Economic Affairs

Courtesy Treatment for Foreign Professionals in TaiwanEmployment Pass Card

The Employment Pass Card is issued

to foreign workers of a professional

or technical nature and combines thefunct ions of a res ident v isa , work

pe rmit , ARC, and re -entry pe rmi t. It

is issued by the National Immigration

Agency. Applications for working inTaiwan must conform to the types of work listed in Article 46, Paragraph 1,

Subparagraph 1 through Subparagraph 6 of the Employment Service Act. For

professionals who are not in Taiwan, applications must be submitted by the

Categories of Work Permits for Foreign Professionals, and

Issuing Agencies

▼Bureau of Employment and Vocational Training, Council of Labor Affairs:

http://www.evta.gov.tw/eng

▼Foreign Professional Work Permit Area:

http://www.evta.gov.tw/eng/topicsite/topic_index.asp



82

Qualications for the Employment Pass Card．Professional or technical work.

．Executives of enterprises invested in or established by overseas Chinese or foreign

nationals with approval from the government.

． Teachers in the following schools:

1. Teachers in public or legally registered private schools at the college level or above,

and schools for foreign residents.

2. Teachers of qualied foreign-language courses of public or legally registered privateschools at the senior high level or below.

3. Teachers in the bilingual departments of public or legally registered private

experimental senior high schools, or in bilingual schools.

．Full-time foreign-language teachers in legally registered short-time supplementary

schools.

．Athletic coaches and athletes.

．Religious, art, and performance workers.

．Consultants or research workers hired by government agencies or government

academic research institutions.

▼ National Immigration Agency, Ministry of the Interior: http://www.immigration.gov.tw

▼Employment Pass Card Application for Foreign Professionals:http://www.immigration.gov.tw/immig_eng/aspcode/main4.asp

Academic and Business Travel Card

International elites who qualify under the “Operation Directions for Issuance of

the Academic and Business Travel Card and the Implementation of Expedited

Immigration Clearance,” and whose primary purpose in entering Taiwan is

not employment, may apply to NIA for

Academic and Business Travel Cards. The

cards are valid for three years; they maynot be extended, but those who wish to

stay in Taiwan for longer than three yearsmay apply for new cards. The cards allowunlimited entry into and exit from Taiwanfor stays of up to 30 days per time, and

professionals themselves, their employers, or their agents, together with required

documentation and fees, to an ROC consulate or representative ofce overseas.For professionals who are already in Taiwan, applications must be submitted

by their employers or agents, together with required documentation and fees, to

NIA.



83

Work Permits for Overseas Chinese and Foreign StudentsForeign students and overseas Chinese students may submit work permit

applications to the CLA, in accordance with their status, with a completedapplication form and required documentation, and with the permission of their

schools. After obtaining work permits, they may engage in various types of

legal employment in Taiwan. The work permits have a maximum validity of six

months (those who apply in the rst semester will receive work permits that are

valid until March 31 the next year; those who apply in the second semester will

get permits valid until September 30 the same year). With the exception of the

summer vacation period, holders of these work permits may work a maximum

of 16 hours per week. Foreign students, overseas Chinese students with ROC

passports, and foreign students of Chinese ethnicity who wish to apply for work

permits can nd out more information by visiting the website of the Bureau of

Employment and Vocational Training (http://www.evta.gov.tw/eng).

▼Foreign Workers for Special Professions or Technical Assignments (White Collar):

http://www.evta.gov.tw/eng/topicsite/topic_index.asp

▼Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission: http://www.ocac.gov.tw/english/

▼Information for Foreigners: http://iff.immigration.gov.tw

holders also enjoy expedited immigration clearance. During periods of stay in

Taiwan the cards may also be viewed as work permits that allow their holdersto engage in such business and academic activities as contract performance,

lecturing, and business or technical guidance.

▼ National Immigration Agency, Ministry of the Interior: http://www.immigration.gov.tw

▼Information for Foreigners Applying for Academic and Business Travel Cards:

http://www.immigration.gov.tw/immig_eng/aspcode/main4.asp

Working in Taiwan: Rights and ObligationsRegular Medical Examination

Foreigners applying to be teachers in supplementary schools in Taiwan must

attach a certicate of medical examination performed within three months and

approved by the Department of Health (DOC); if the medical examination is

performed overseas, it must be validated by an overseas ROC representative



84

Personal Tax Preferences

To strengthen the willingness of foreigners to live and work in Taiwan, the

Ministry of Finance (MOF) implemented the “Scope of Application for Tax

Preferences Provided to Foreign Professionals” on January 1, 2008. Foreign

ofce. For foreign workers who enter Taiwan, their employer must arrange for

them to take medical examinations at a hospital designated by the DOH withinthree working days after entering Taiwan, and within 30 days before or after

the date on which they have been in Taiwan for six months, 18 months, and 30

months.

Visa

Foreigners who have obtained work permits from the CLA should apply for

visas at ROC overseas ofces, prior to traveling to Taiwan. If they have already

entered Taiwan, they should consult with a nearby ofce of the BOCA.

▼ Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: http://www.boca.gov.tw/

Alien Resident Certifcate (ARC)

Foreigners intending to reside in Taiwan should submit an application for an

ARC, together with required documentation, to a County/City Service Center of

NIA within 15 days after entering Taiwan.

▼ National Immigration Agency: http://www.immigration.gov.tw

▼ International Community Service Hotline: 0800-024111

Salary Income and Tax Payment

Tax must be paid on salary income earned in Taiwan. The ling month is May.Those who work legally in Taiwan and stay on the island for less than 183 days

within a tax year (January 1—December 31) are taxed as non-residents; those

who earn no more than 1.5 times the minimum wage (that is, no more than

NT$25,920 per month) are taxed a rate of 6% of salary income; those who earn

more than that are taxed at 20%. Those who work and live in Taiwan for 183

days or more within a taxable year are taxed as residents at a rate of 6%-40%.

▼ National Tax Administration Toll-free Hotline: 0800-000321

▼ eTax Portal, Ministry of Finance: http://www.etax.nat.gov.tw/



85

Labor ProtectionLabor Insurance

All foreigners who hold ARCs and work permits must participate in National

Health Insurance (NHI, please see the Healthcare chapter); and, to further protect

the interests of employees, they need to join Labor Insurance. Labor insurance in

Taiwan is divided into two major categories: workers with xed employers are

insured through their companies, and workers without xed employers must join

a union and be insured through the union.

Labor insurance premiums are paid as a ratio of the worker’s monthly insurance

salaries, with the employer paying 70%, the government subsidizing 10%, and

the worker paying 20%. Coverage includes injury and illness, loss of function,

Agency Telephone Address

Foreign Taxpayers Section,

Services Division, Taipei

National Tax Administration

02-2311-37112, Sec. 1, Zhonghua Rd., Taipei

City


of Northern Taiwan Province

03-339-3789

ext. 1430

15F., 286, Sec. 3, Sanmin Rd.,

Taoyuan City


of Southern Taiwan Province

06-222-3111

ext. 12036-17F., 7, Fubei St., Tainan City

Foreign Taxpayers Section,

Services Division, Kaohsiung


07-725-6600

ext. 7020, 7021

148, Guangzhou 1stSt.,

Kaohsiung City

Tax Information

professionals eligible for these preferences are

allowed to list round-trip travel costs paid by thecompany for themselves and their dependents,home-leave travel costs, moving costs, utilities

fees, cleaning costs, telephone fees, rental costs,

the cost of renovating rented premises, and

children’s educational costs as expenses that canbe deducted from taxable income.



8686

childbirth, death, old-age pension, and medical costs resulting from occupational

accidents. Foreign workers enjoy the same benets as domestic workers. ▼ Council of Labor Affairs: http://www.cla.gov.tw/en/

▼ Bureau of Employment and Vocational Training, Council of Labor Affairs:

http://www.evta.gov.tw/eng/

Investing in TaiwanTaiwan lies at the hub connecting Europe, America,

Japan, and the emerging markets of the Asia-Pacic

region; it is a center of high-tech OEM/ODM

manufacturing, and an R&D and testing center

for Chinese markets all over the world. With theliberalization of economic and trade relations with

China, Taiwan is better situated to serve as a key link

to the China market and to global deployment for

multinational enterprises, making it an indispensable

partner in the Asia-Pacific for companies from all

over the world.

The MOEA operates the Invest in Taiwan portal

website to provide investors with the information

they need for the different stages of investment

evaluation. This is the gateway where investors from

all over the world can learn about Taiwan’s investment environment. Two major sections of the website, “Investment Environment” and “Investment Guide,”

give clear and complete information on Taiwan’s manpower resources, tax

system, investment incentives, investment regulations, and operating locations,

among other subjects, and an interactive Taiwan map introduces the investment

environments and opportunities of the island’s different counties and cities. A

“Help with Your Investment” section offers customized investment procedures

and related forms depending on the type of investor, amount of investment,

and operating location. Investors can learn what they need to know in the FAQ

section, and can use the “Contact Us” service area to contact the Department of

Investment Services of MOEA and have a designated person provide consultation

and assistance about investing in Taiwan.

▼ Invest in Taiwan portal site: http://investintaiwan.nat.gov.tw/en/



▲ Foreign Schools

▲ Taiwan Education Centers

▲ Study in Taiwan

▲ Scholarships in Taiwan

▲ Studying Chinese in Taiwan

Taiwan’s universities are vigorously promoting a policy of internationalizationand enhancing competitiveness in response to the trends toward globalization.

They are offering scholarships to encourage foreign students to come and study

in Taiwan and are establishing centers of Chinese studies to promote cultural

and educational exchange. In addition, a friendly international living environment

is created to attract international talent through the establishment of foreign

schools so that foreigners will not worry about their children’s education.



88

Foreign SchoolsTaiwan currently has 19 foreign schools: 12

American schools, 3 Japanese schools, 2 Korean

schools, 1 Dutch school, and 1 European school (with

German, British, French, and senior high branches).

These schools offer education from kindergarten

through the 12th grade, depending on the school, and

are located in Taipei City, Hsinchu City, Taichung

County, and Kaohsiung City and County. For

qualifications of entry, and registration and tuition

fees, consult the individual schools.

Foreign Schools in Taiwan

Location School Program Telephone Website

Taipei

City

(8 schools)

Taipei American

School

Kindergarten

through 12th

grade

02-2873-9900http://www.tas.edu.

tw

Grace Christian

Academy

Kindergarten

through 9th

grade

02-2785-7233http://www.gcatai-

pei.org

DominicanInternational School

Kindergarten

through 12th grade

02-2533-8451 http://www.dishs.tp.edu.tw

Morrison Academy

– Bethany Campus

Kindergarten

through 9th

grade

02-2365-9691http://bethany.mca.

org.tw

Taipei Adventist

American School

First through 8th

grade02-2861-6400

http://www.taas-

taiwan.com

Taipei European

School

Kindergarten

through 13th

grade

02-2862-2920http://www.taipeieu-

ropeanschool.com

Taipei J apanese

School

First through 9th

grade02-2872-3801

http://www.taipeijs.

org

Taipei Korean

School

Kindergarten

through 6th

grade

02-2303-9126http://taipeikoes.

com



89

Note: Last updated on March 31, 2009 (For details, consult Ministry of Education website)

▼Ministry of Education Global Information website:

http://english.moe.gov.tw/

▼Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission: http://www.ocac.gov.tw/english/

Location School Program Telephone Website

Hsinchu

City

(3 schools)

Hsinchu American

School

Kindergarten

through 12th

grade

03-520-3211http://www.has.

hc.edu.tw

Hsinchu

International School

Kindergarten

through 12th

grade

03-538-8113http://www.hdis.

hc.edu.tw

Pacic American

School

First through

12th grades03-571-7070

http://pacicameri-

can.org

Taichung

City

(2 schools)

American School in

Taichung

First through

12th grade04-2239-7532

http://www.ast.

tc.edu.tw

Morrison Academy

Kindergarten

through 12th

grade

04-2297-3927 http://k8.mca.org.twhttp://hs.mca.org.tw

Taichung

County

(1 school)

Taichung J apanese

School

First through 9th

grade04-2567-2079

http://tjs97.myweb.

hinet.net

Kaohsiung

City

(4 schools)

Kaohsiung

American School

Kindergarten

through 12th

grade

07-583-0112http://www.kas.

kh.edu.tw

Dominican School

Kaohsiung

Kindergarten

through 6th

grade

07-552-3989 http://www.dskg.org

Kaohsiung J apanese School

First through 9th grades

07-224-9314http://takaojs.hihosting.hinet.net

Kaohsiung Korean

School

Kindergarten

through 6th

grade

07- 551-3918 --

Kaohsiung

County

(1 school)

Morrison Academy

Kaohsiung

Kindergarten

through 9th

grade

07-356-1190http://kaohsiung.

mca.org.tw



90

Taiwan Education Centers Overseas (Last updated: May 1, 2009)

Taiwan Education CentersTo expand the recruitment of foreign students to study in Taiwan and to promote

the study of the Chinese language, the Ministry of Education (MOE) encourages

domestic universities to set up“Taiwan education centers” overseas

to offer Chinese-language courses

and Chinese-language proficiency

testing, provide information on higher

education in Taiwan, and encourage

foreign students to come and study

in Taiwan. Such centers have beenestablished in seven cities in Thailand,Vi e t nam, Mal ays i a , Mongo l i a ,

and Korea, providing international

education and exchange services.

Establishing

SchoolCountry/City

Telephone

(Taiwan)

Telephone

(Overseas)Website

National

Taiwan

Normal

University

Thailand/

Bangkok

02-2363-7559

ext. 22+66-2-6670183

http://www.Taiwan-

center.com

National

Chung Hsing

University

Thailand/

Chiang Mai

04-2284-0206

ext. 25+66-53-873181

http://www.tec.mju.

ac.th/

Wenzao

Ursuline

College of

Languages

Vietenam/

Hanoi

07-342-6031

ext. 3203+84-4-33535118

http://cfd.wtuc.edu.

tw/survey/ctet/index

National

Chi Nan

University

Vietnam/

Ho Chi

Minh City

049-291-0960

ext. 2561+84-08-39103105

http://www.techcmc.

com.vn

NationalChanghua

University

of Education

Malaysia/

Kuala Lumpur

04-723-2105

ext. 5452

+603-5121-3100

ext. 114

http://www.cts.edu.

my/educenter/index.

htm



91

Study in Taiwan

“Foreign students” refers to those without ROC nationality and without OverseasChinese ID. Under the Regulations Regarding International Students Undertaking

Studies in Taiwan, foreign students should apply directly to their preferred

schools at the designated times and submit all necessary documentation. Those

who are approved will be issued letters of admission. Foreign students who

already have legal resident status in Taiwan and seek admission to elementary or

high school can go to a school near where they live.

With the exception of those who are applying to master’s or more advanced

programs, foreign students who complete a course of study in Taiwan and wish

to continue with the next course can apply under the same conditions as local

students. For more information on schooling conditions and information onapplication for admission, visit the Foreign Students section of the website of the

Bureau of International Cultural and Educational Relations (http://english.moe.

gov.tw).

Establishing

School Country/City

Telephone

(Taiwan)

Telephone

(Overseas) Website

Ming

Chuan

University

Mongolia/

Ulaanbaatar

03-350-7001

ext. 3705+976-9980-6188

http://www1.mcu.edu.

tw/Apps/SB/SB_Site.

aspx?PageID=583

Ming

Chuan

University

Korea/Seoul02-2882-4564

ext. 8317+82-2-2757-9371

http://www1.mcu.edu.

tw/Apps/SB/SB_Site.

aspx?PageID=583



92

Scholarships in TaiwanThe Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA),

National Science Council (NSC), and Ministry of Education (MOE) have jointly

established Taiwan Scholarships to encourage outstanding foreign students

(excluding those from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau) to come and

pursue degree programs in Taiwan. The MOFA offers scholarships to students

from diplomatic allies and other friendly countries; MOE and NSC scholarships

help students from other countries.

For details on the types of degrees, quotas, amount of scholarship, application procedures, and other information, please consult an ROC overseas embassy or

representative ofce. For information on

the embassy or ofces close to you, visit

the ROC’s MOFA website and click on

“List of Embassies & Missions Abroad.”

For more informat ion on Taiwan

Scholarships, visit the website of Taiwan

Scholarship and Huayu Enrichment

Scholarship Ofce at http://scholar.cher.

ntnu.edu.tw/TSP or call (02) 2321-1795

ext. 18.

Schools that Admit Foreign Students

Each college and university sets its own rules, qualications, and methods for the admission of foreign students. For details, please contact the school of your

choice directly.

▼For a list of colleges and universities in Taiwan that accept foreign students, visit thiswebsite: http://www.taiwanembassy.org/public/Attachment/66711463471.doc

Information for Foreign Students in Taiwan ▼Information for Foreigners website: http://iff.immigration.gov.tw/enfront/student.php

▼Bureau of International Cultural and Educational Relations, Ministry of Education:http://english.moe.gov.tw/mp.asp?mp=1



93

(Last updated: J an. 14, 2009)

Scholarships Offered by Different Institutions

Name Recipient Amount

Ministry of

Foreign Affairs

Scholarship

Primarily countries having

diplomatic ties with the ROC;

for university and graduate

courses.

NT$30,000 per month, plus

round-trip economy-class air

ticket for most direct route to

Taiwan.

Ministry of

Economic

Affairs

Scholarships

Countries outside those

provided scholarships by the

Ministry of Foreign Affairs; for

graduate programs in high-

tech science, engineering,

medicine, and agriculture.

NT$30,000 per month.

NationalScience

Council

Scholarships

Countries outside thoseprovided scholarships by the

Ministry of Foreign Affairs; for

graduate programs.

NT$30,000 per month.

Ministry of

Education

Scholarships

Countries outside those

provided scholarships by the

Ministry of Foreign Affairs;

for university and graduate

programs.

NT$25,000 per month, for

university and pre-university

language programs; NT$30,000

per month, for graduate

programs.

▼ Bureau of International Cultural and Educational Relations: http://english.moe.gov.tw/

▼ Study in Taiwan website: http://www.studyintaiwan.org

▼ Ministry of Foreign Affairs: http://www.mofa.gov.tw/webapp/mp?mp=6

Studying Chinese in TaiwanColleges and universities all over Taiwan have

set up Chinese-language centers with long-term

Chinese-language curricula. A few examples

are the Mandarin Training Center at NTNU,

Language Center at NTU, Language Center at

NCHU, and Chinese Language Education Center

at NTUE. There are also Chinese-language educational institutions, approved by MOE, that support university Chinese-language education; these include the

Chientan Overseas Youth Activity Center and the Language Training and Testing

Center.



94

Location Education Center Website Telephone

National Central University (NCU),

Language Center

http://www.lc.ncu.

edu.tw/main/clp/

03-422-7151

ext. 33807

National Taipei University of Education

(NTUE), Chinese Language Education

Center

http://r9.ntue.edu.

tw/

02-2732-1104

ext. 3331, 2025

National Taiwan University (NTU),

Language Center, Chinese Language

Division, Language Center

http://homepage.

ntu.edu.tw/~cld222/02-3366-3417

National Taiwan University,

International Chinese LanguageProgram http://iclp.ntu.edu.tw 02-2363-9123

National Taiwan Normal University

(NTNU), Mandarin Center

http://www.mtc.

ntnu.edu.tw/02-232-18457

National Chiao Tung University

(NCTU), Chinese Language Center

http://aadm.nctu.

edu.tw/mandarin/03-513-1231

National Chengchi University, Chinese

Language Center

http://mandarin.

nccu.edu.tw/02-2938-71411

Chinese Culture University, Mandarin

Learning Center

http://mlc.sce.pccu.

edu.tw

02-2700-5858

ext. 8131-8137

Tamkang University, Division of

Continuing Education, ChineseLanguage Center

http://www.dce.tku.edu.tw 02-2321-6320ext. 24, 34

Fu J en Catholic University, Language

Center

http://www.lc.fju.

edu.tw

02-2905-2414/

02-2905-3721

Ming Chuan University, Mandarin

Studies & Culture Center

http://www.mcu.

edu.tw/admin/mscc/

english/index.htm

02-2882-4564

ext. 8321

Kainan University, Chinese Learning

Center

http://www.knu.edu.

tw/CLC/

03-341-2500

ext. 4639, 4640

Chung Yuan Christian University,

Center of Mandarin Learning

http://www.cycu.

edu.tw/cycu/cce/

mandarin/

03-265-1308

Chung Hua University, Language

Centre

http://international.

chu.edu.tw/03-518-6176

Technology and Science Institute of

Northern Taiwan, Mandarin Center

http://www.tsint.

edu.tw/chinese/

02-2892-7154

ext. 2730

Universities wi th At tached Chinese Language Centers

N or t h er nT ai w a

n



95

Location Education Center Website Telephone

National Chung Hsing University

(NCHU), Language Center

http://www.nchu.

edu.tw/~cnpm/chi-

nese/index_en.htm

04-2284-0326

ext. 399

Tunghai University, Chinese Language

Center

http://www2.thu.

edu.tw/~clc/04-2359-0259

Feng Chia University, Chinese

Language Center

http://www.clc.fcu.

edu.tw

04-2451-7250

ext. 5871

Providence University, Chinese

Language Education Centerhttp://clec.pu.edu.tw 04-2664-5009

National Kaohsiung Normal University,

Center of Language and Culture

Teaching

http://www.nknu.

edu.tw/~clct/

07-342-6031

ext. 3303, 3302

National Cheng Kung University,

Chinese Language Center

http://kclc.ncku.edu.

tw

07-717-2930

ext. 2603~2605

National Sun Yat-sen University,


http://www2.nsysu.

edu.tw/CLC

07-525-2000

ext. 3030, 3031

National University of Kaohsiung,


http://www2.nuk.

edu.tw/clc/chinese/

index.htm

07-591-9261

National Pingtung University of

Education, Language Center

http://b037.npue.

edu.tw/front/bin/

home.phtml

08-722-6141

ext. 24000~24002

Southern Taiwan University, Chinese

Language Center

http://clc.stut.edu.

tw/

06-253-3131

ext. 6010, 6011

Wenzao Ursuline College of

Languages, Center of Chinese

Language

http://c016.

wtuc.edu.tw/

front/bin/cglist.

phtml?Category=39

07-342-6031

ext. 3303, 3302

Tzu Chi University, Center for

Language Studies

http://www.lan-

guage.tcu.edu.tw/

03-8572-677

ext. 1681, 1682

Fo Guang University, Chinese

Language Instruction Center

http://www.fgu.edu.

tw/~chinlang/clic.

htm

03-931-3343

ext. 1562

C ent r al T ai w an

S o ut h er nT ai w an

E a s t er n

T ai w an

(Last updated on March 31, 2009)



Publisher: Research, Development and Evaluation Commission, Executive YuanChief Editor: J uang Li-LanEditorial Coordinator: Tseng Shu-Chuan

Translator: Earl WiemanEnglish Editor: Y.Y. ChuanEnglish Copy Editor: Yang Jui-Yun; Sunny Yen; Ted LiuPlanning and Production: Business World Editing

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The Handy Guide for Foreigners in Taiwan