Mandarin is the official language in the Republic of China, though other dialects are also spoken. The most commonly used foreign language is English. Taxi drivers, however, generally only speak Mandarin or Taiwanese.
Climate
Taiwan's climate is subtropical with average annual temperatures of 19¢J (66¢K) in the north and 21¢J (69¢K) in the south. Autumn from September through November, is usually cool with an average temperature from 20¢J to 24¢J. The weather report of Taiwan can be found at Central Weather Bureau.
Time Zone
Taiwan is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and does not practice daylight saving time during summer. Local time in Taiwan and the time difference from your home country can be found at World Time Server.
Electricity Power Supply
The utility power supply used in Taiwan is 110 volts/60 Hz. Appliances from Europe, Australia or South-East Asia will require an adaptor and/or transformer.
Currency
Taiwan's currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$). Bill denominations are NT$2,000, NT$1,000, NT$500, NT$200, and NT$100. Coin denominations are NT$1, NT$5, NT$10, NT$20, and NT$50. The exchange rate is around NT$33 to US$1. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at the airport upon arrival, or at government-authorized banks, tourist hotels, and department stores. Please retain the currency exchange receipt to exchange unused NT Dollars back to original currency. Traveler's checks in major currencies may be cashed at some tourist-oriented businesses and for customs at most international tourist hotels.
Credit Card
Major credit cards are accepted by hotels, department stores, airlines, most stores and restaurants. Cash can be withdrawn from the ATM which has the same logo on your cards. Cash is generally preferred in most places in Taiwan.
Telecommunication Service
A single local call from a public phone costs NT$1 for 3 minutes with additional coins insertion for continuing service. If needed, the overseas operator may be reached by dialing "100". Direct international call is available from some phones, after dialing the prefix ¡§002¡¨. Rate for direct international calls is charged every six seconds.
Customs
Personal items are free of duty. Visitors over 20 years old may bring in, duty free, 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 0.5 kg of tobacco, one bottle of liquor and one used camera. Gold cannot be exported without a permit issued by the Ministry of Finance. Passengers arriving with gold and silver and planning to take it out at departure must declare it and leave the items with Customs until they leave Taiwan.
