About Taiwan

Taipei
Taipei City, where Taipei Medical University & Hospital is located, is the capital, as well as the political, economical and cultural center of Taiwan. Behind its modern infrastructure, you will be impressed by its traditional culture and the innate hospitality and friendliness of people.

Passport and Visa
We have a visa waiver policy to 15 countries for two weeks which include the USA, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Spain, and Portugal. Other visitors are required to have a valid visa to enter Taiwan. Visa for the Republic of China (Taiwan) can be obtained from its embassies, consulates and other accredited visa issuing offices abroad.

Languag
Though Chinese is the official language, English can also be used to communicate

Climate
Taipei’s climate is subtropical with a year round average temperature of 21C (71F ). The weather in March is usually sunny but cooler at night and early morning. The average temperature in March is around 17C (57F ).

Transportation
Buses and taxis are available at all times from the TaoYuen (CKS) International Airport to Taipei City. Costs are approximately NT$ 1200 by taxi, and NT$ 100 by bus to downtown Taipei (Railway Station). Certain buses also make stops at the following hotels: the Grand Hyatt Taipei, the Howard Plaza, and the Taipei Miramar. Hotels next to the Railway Station are the Hilton International Taipei and Lai Lai Sheraton.

Taxi
Taxis are available 24 hours in Taipei. It is recommended that you take a business card or have the name of your hotel in Chinese on a piece of paper before leaving your hotel, as few taxi drivers speak English.

Business Hours
Business hours are from 9:00 to 17:30 on weekdays, and 9:00 to 12:00 on every first and third Saturdays. Banking hours are from 9:00 to 15:30 on weekdays, and 9:00 to 12:00 on every first and third Saturdays. Stores, shopping malls, restaurants, etc. are usually open from the morning till late at night every day of the week.

Currencies and Credit Cards
The currency of Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$). The exchange rate to US$1 varies around NT$30. Hotels, department stores, airlines and major restaurants accept international credit cards which include VISA, American Express, Diner’s Club and Master Card. The denominations of notes and coins are as follows:
Notes: NT$2000, NT$1000, NT$500, NT$100
Coins: NT$50, NT$10, NT$5, NT$1

Tax
Value Added Tax (VAT) is levied on most goods at a standard rate of 5% and is included in the price. In major tourist hotels, a 10% service charge is sometimes levied on rooms, meals or other services, and will be added to the bill.

Tippin
Tipping is optional. However, tips are usually given for restaurant services and to hotel porters.

Voltage
The electric power is 110 volts, 60 cycles, AC.