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Information about Taipei

The beautiful city of Taipei provides the world with an ideal stage for the free play of economic activity. In addition to the friendly, welcoming nature of its inhabitants, the rich cultural heritage of 5,000 years of Chinese history and the high level of development created by Taiwan's economic miracle make Taiwan a cosmopolitan city that brings together the traditional and the new. The National Palace Museum houses the world's finest collection of Chinese art; beautiful temples are the setting for colorful folk festivals. As far as culinary delights are concerned, visitors can enjoy regional specialties from all parts of China. On top of all this, Taipei also offers bustling night markets, areas of spectacular natural beauty, streets lined with shops selling brand name products, and numerous international hotels.

More information about Taipei please refer to Taipei City Government, Tourism Bureau.

Climate

Most area of Taiwan enjoys a subtropical climate. The weather is warm and mild all year round, particularly suitable for travel. The temperature is around 21 ~ 24°C in March.

Please go to Central Weather Bureau for more information.

Time Zone

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

Useful world time and date converter website: http://www.timeanddate.com/

Currency

The reference exchange rate is USD: TWD=1: 31 as of 1 December 2010.. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at the airport upon arrival, or at government-authorized banks and tourist hotels.

Useful currency converter website: http://www.xe.com/ucc/

Electricity

Taiwan uses electric current of 110 volts at 60 cycles.

Useful website: http://kropla.com/!ab.htm.

Transportation

Buses, taxis, and limousine services are available at the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). The taxi fare to Taipei city is approximately TWD 1300-1500 from the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). The taxi fare within Taipei city is TWD 70 for the first 1.65 kilometers and TWD 5 for each additional 350 meters. A 20% surcharge is added between 11p.m. and 6 a.m., and a "waiting surcharge" for each 3 minutes is added when the taxis are stopped or have traveled less than 5 kilometers per hour. Different rates apply in other areas.

Tipping

Tipping is optional. It is common, however, to tip for restaurant service and hotel porters. A 10% service charge and a 5% value-added tax are added to room rates and meals.

Banks

Banks in Taipei are generally open Monday-Friday, 9 am to 3:30 pm. All banks are close on Saturday and Sunday.

Notice:Guest House of Academia Sinica only accepts cash payments in TWD and provides limited foreign exchange service (only USD to TWD). Please note that the availability of the foreign exchange service is not guaranteed. Therefore, it is highly recommended to convert your foreign exchanges to Taiwan Dollars (TWD) at the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE).

Shops

Shops, stores, department stores and restaurants in Taipei are generally open seven days a week.