Climate
Taiwan enjoys warm weather all year round. Weather conditions fluctuate during spring and winter, while in summer and autumn the weather is relatively stable. Taiwan is extremely suitable for traveling, as the annual average temperature is a comfortable 22 degrees Celsius with the lowest temperatures on the lowlands generally ranging from 12 to 17 degrees Celsius (54-63 Fahrenheit). Therefore, with the exception of a few mountain areas where some traces of snow can be found during winter, no snow can be seen in Taiwan. During raining season (March to May), continuously drizzling rain will sometimes fall on Taiwan. When visiting Taiwan during this period, remember to carry an umbrella at all time. Although it might seem romantic to have a stroll in the rain, it is no fun to travel when you’re soaking wet. During the summer time (June to August), typhoons sometimes approach or hit the country.
We suggest you keep an eye on weather reports, because weather conditions are often severe and unpredictable when typhoons hit Taiwan. In addition, the roaring waves along the coast are not to be regarded as one of Taiwan’s tourist scenes. During the autumn (September to November), you can wholeheartedly enjoy the cool and comforting weather, while Taiwan’s relatively warm and short winters (December to February) are the time for you to appreciate the beautifully colored maple trees. The cold fronts that reach Taiwan sporadically are greatly favored by the island’s hot-spring lovers. In short, Taiwan, where it always seems to be spring, is your perfect travel destination!
Time zone
GMT+8
Currency
The Republic of China’s unit of currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$), which has five denominations in paper money and five in coins. Paper money comes in NT$2000, NT$1000, NT$500, NT$200, and NT$100 denominations. Coins come in NT$50, NT$20, NT$10, NT$5 and NT$1 denominations.
Foreign currencies can be exchanged at government-designated banks and hotels. Receipts are given when currency is exchanged, and must be presented in order to exchange unused NT dollars before departure.
Major credit cards such as American Express, Master Card, Visa, and Diners Club are accepted and traveler’s checks may be cashed at foreign-exchange banks, some tourist-oriented businesses, and (by room guests) most international tourist hotels.
VISA
International Direct Dialing: https://www.boca.gov.tw/cp-156-247-7bf35-2.html
Telecommunications
International Direct Dialing: http://www.cht.com.tw/en/personal/related/002-009-1.html
Electricity
Taiwan uses electric current of 110 volts at 60 cycles, appliances from Europe, Australia or South-East Asia will need an adaptor or transformer. Many buildings have sockets with 220 volts especially for the use of air conditioners.
Emergency
Useful Phone Numbers
Contact | Telephone No. |
Emergency Numbers(Free Service)-Police | 110 |
Emergency Numbers(Free Service)-Fire, Ambulance | 119 |
Emergency Numbers(Free Service)-Emergency Call (For Bad Cell Phone Reception) | 112 |
Overseas Operator | 100 |
Chinese Local Directory Assistance | 104 |
Chinese Long Distance Directory Assistance | 105 |
English-language Directory Assistance | 106 |
Telephone Repair | 123 |
Time | 117 |
Weather | 166 |
Traffic | 168 |
Tourist Information Hotline | +886-2-2717-3737 |
Business Hours
Government | Weekdays 8:30~12:30 13:30~17:30 |
Shops | Open almost everyday except for the Chinese Lunar New Year. 10:00/11:00~21:00/22:00 |
Convenience Stores | Open daily 24 hours a day (some stores open at 07:00~23:00) |
Restaurants | Most open daily Lunch 11:00~14:00 Dinner 17:00~22:00 (afternoon tea at 14:00~17:00) |
Business | Weekdays 09:00~18:00 |
Department Stores | Open almost daily 11:00~21:30/22:00 |
Traveler’s Check
Many Taiwan’s local stores do not receive Traveler’s Check, therefore travelers who have Traveler’s Check, please exchange for NT dollars.