Banks: 09:00 to 15:30, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 09:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 11:00 to 21:30, daily; some closed on Sundays
Museums: times vary
Business Offices: 08:30 to 17:50, Monday to Friday

Crime levels are relatively low in Taichung and visitors will feel safe walking around the city during the day and at night. Petty crime exists, however, with pickpockets, bag snatchers and other opportunist thieves maintaining a presence in certain areas. Staying alert and exercising common sense can go a long way to reducing your chances of being targeted by such individuals. Keep cash and valuable items in hard to reach places, wear single-strap bags across the body and avoid flashing expensive jewellery in public places.

The roads are perhaps the biggest threat to personal safety that visitors will have to contend with during their stay. Traffic conditions are hectic and hazardous. Crossing the road can be difficult as pedestrians are often ignored by motorists. Zebra crossings and pedestrian lights are not always observed by drivers and pedestrians.

Taiwan is prone to experiencing typhoons and earthquakes, and the country is permanently on the alert for the possibility of either. Taichung is not considered a high risk destination, but visitors should still be aware of the possibility of natural disaster. Enquiries regarding emergency procedures can be made at the Taichung City Visitors Association (phone: +886 4 226 0246).

Malaria is not considered a major risk in Taichung however dengue fever is prevalent, making it imperative that you generously apply insect repellent throughout the day, especially if venturing into rural areas or locations with still water sources. Vaccinations against hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended for all visitors, while rabies immunisation should be considered if you plan on close contact with animals.

Tap water is not considered safe to drink. Visitors should consume only bottled water, which is ubiquitously available. Levels of hygiene in some eateries may fall short of Western standards, so it pays to use your judgement when choosing where to eat. Although market stalls can offer some of the most authentic local food, they may also be unsanitary and are best avoided if you are concerned about the possibility of gastric upset.

A high standard of medical treatment is available at the city’s better hospitals. All visitors are advised to take out travel insurance with medical cover before undertaking a trip to Taiwan.

Taiwan Provincial Taichung Hospital: +886 4 9324 112
Emergency services: 119

Mandarin Chinese is the official language of the island and is used by the government, media and for educational purposes. English is spoken proficiently by those working in Taichung’s tourist industry.

The official currency of Taiwan is the new Taiwan dollar (TWD), or the yuan as it is known in Mandarin. One dollar is comprised of 100 cents. Notes are issued in the following denominations: TWD100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000. Coins come in 50, 10, 5, and 1 cent.

Cash and traveller’s cheques can be exchanged at selected banks and most large hotels with US dollars being the preferred currency. It’s essential to keep receipts from any exchange transactions as they are necessary if you wish to change money back before your departure.

Some restaurants and retail outlets accept credit cards, with American Express, MasterCard, Visa, and Diners Club being the most readily accepted cards. ATMs are abundant but not all international cards are accepted. It’s wise to carry a card that is endorsed or issued by one of the aforementioned credit firms.

Visitors over the age of 20 may bring the following into the country without incurring import duties: 200 cigarettes, 25 cigars or 454 grams of loose tobacco; 1 litre of spirits; and perfume sufficient for personal use. Personal goods to the vale of TWD20,000 may also be brought in without incurring duty. Prohibited items include: firearms, organic produce such as meat, fruit and vegetables and products made in Albania, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Cuba, Korea, Laos, Romania or Vietnam.

When meeting locals for the first time, it’s polite to offer a nod of the head or a subtle bow. While handshakes are a part of Taiwanese culture, they are generally only exchanged between male friends. Be sure to use the appropriate title of the person you are meeting; it’s not considered rude to ask what someone’s title is if you are unsure.

Like many Asian cultures, in Taiwan certain parts of the body have special significance. The feet are considered lowly or dirty and should not be raised in public or used to point. The head, in contrast, is considered spiritually important and visitors should be aware that touching anybody on the head, regardless of their age or social background, is not permitted culturally.

The concept of ‘face’ is culturally engrained in Taiwan and visitors should avoid behaviour that might cause embarrassment or negative attention to locals.

Dining Etiquette
Dining etiquette in Taiwan is complex and differs depending on the setting and social occasion. Visitors can learn the basics and rest easy in the knowledge that any minor faux pas will be politely overlooked by the locals.

At restaurants, dinner is often a lengthy experience with anything up to 20 courses and toasts often made during this time. Hosts are the only members of the party permitted to initiate toasts. The person who invites others to a meal is responsible for paying the bill.

Dinner at the house of a local is a slightly different affair. Visitors are required to take their shoes off before entering the abode and it’s considered polite to bring a small gift as a token of appreciation. Guests should wait to be shown to their seats and dining does not commence until all are seated.

At the dinner table, if you are the guest of honour, then all dishes will be brought to you first and others will await for your approval before they sample the dish for themselves. Dishes are laid out buffet style in the middle of the table and guests are required to help themselves. It’s polite to try a little of everything, especially if another dinner guest offers a dish to you.

At the end of the meal, leave a small amount of food in your rice bowl to indicate that you are full and that sufficient food was provided by your host. Don’t be surprised to see dinner guests spit meat or fish bones onto the table during the meal or to conclude eating with a hearty belch; neither practice is considered rude.

Holders of passports from the UK, USA, Canada and Australia do not require a visa to enter the country for stays of up to 30 days. Visitors are required, however, to have an onward air-ticket and a minimum of six months validity on their passports. Citizens from Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovak Republic and Slovenia are required to apply for a visa in advance of travel. More information with regards to visas and application processes can be acquired from a Taiwanese embassy in your home country.

The Taichung City Visitors Association is the primary source of information for tourists visiting the city.

12F, 25 Fushing road
Section 3
Taichung 402
Taiwan, R.O.C.
Tel: +886 4 226 0246
Fax: +886 4 2255648