The Vermeer Exhibition
The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (or National Taiwan Democracy Hall if you prefer) is fast becoming my favourite place to visit during the weekend, especially with the kids, and the Vermeer exhibition which is on…
Articles
Shopping for Cameras
A shopping experience often depends on the store and the staff who serve you. This is especially true when buying a camera as the amount of money involved can be substantial (see below for a…
Taishan Doll Museum
From 1967 until 1987, Barbie was made in Taishan by Mattel, at a factory employing 1200 people. It was this “Made in Taiwan” period that led to the rapid growth in Taiwan, but very little…
Money
Cash is still king in Taiwan, though credit cards are accepted in ever more places The currency in Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$). Most establishments do not accept US dollars or other currencies,…
Getting Help
A number of different support services are available to foreign residents, and the government is also becoming more aware of the needs of the expat community Emergency Services There are a few different telephone numbers…
Security
Most foreign residents in Taiwan experience a trouble-free stay, and, excluding the traffic, the island is generally a safe place to live Crime and Personal Safety Taiwan is in general a very safe place to…
Recreation and Leisure
Taiwan offers superb opportunities for hiking and biking, plus a vibrant cultural scene in the performing arts Outdoor pursuits Taiwan is a superb place to experience the natural world, though you might not suspect this…
Healthcare, Insurance, and Dentistry
The national health service is comprehensive and cheap, and quality of care is generally good; dentistry is likewise reasonably priced and of a good standard Medical insurance Taiwan has excellent general health care. Created in…
Television, Telephones, Internet, and Media
The Taiwanese media is both free and boisterous, and there are a large number of competing newspapers and cable channels, though unfortunately quality is somewhat lacking; internet and telephone service is easy to arrange Mobile…
Driving
In many areas outside the big cities, having a motor vehicle is important for getting from A to B. This section will help you understand what is involved in driving in Taiwan. Getting a License…