Pre-departure Notes
Here are some notes on topics we discussed at the pre-departure
meeting.
- In--country travel: No overnights allowed by DOC Program.
- Emergencies: I have plenty of support (CIEE, InternationalSOS,
OISP, NUPD, and more. Always ask me for help.
- Avoid protests and the like. These do occur in Taiwan; they are
generally very peaceful, but in any case, it's best not to get
involved.
- Be mindful of local laws, and don't violate any.
- I will have passport copies. If you lose your passport, that will
help you get a new one.
- I will keep other documents that you worry about losing. Seal
them in an
envelope with your name on it, and I will keep it in a safe place to
give to you should you need it.
- Register with
internationalsos.com. You can use this as much or as little as you
like for information.
Country--Specific Information
- Taipei is a very safe city. Use common sense, but you don't need
to worry about petty crime as you would in the US or many cities in
Europe.
- There is a Bank of America ATM with no transaction fees within
walking distance. If that's your bank, you'll have no trouble getting
cash. You can use other ATMs for a fee.
- Electricity is the same as US, except that 3-prong outlets are
uncommon. Bring 2-3 prong adapters.
- Water pipes are subject to geological activity. Don't trust the
water. Use bottled water instead.
- Carry water with you wherever you go. Taipei is hot and you will need
plenty of water.
- Small gifts are common among equals. Examples are pens, baseball
caps.
- Tips are not the custom in Taiwan. Don't tip in restaurants,
taxis, hotels, etc. It just isn't done.
- Most cab drivers do not speak English. If you know you are going
to use a cab, have someone write out
your destination for the driver. Always carry the name of our hotel
(in Chinese) in case you decide to use a cab to get home.
- You will use chopsticks. Don't worry if you are not good at it.
- Recycle everything. Ask if you are not sure how.
- Don't eat on the subway.
- Color-coded seats are reserved for elderly and handicapped. Don't
sit in them, even if they are empty. This is a much bigger deal than
it is in the US.
- Most street signs are transliterated so you can read the
characters. However they may not be spelled the same on your map. to
find streets you may have to match sounds.
- American Express and Discover Cards are NOT widely accepted.
- Typhoons (hurricanes) are common in the summer months. People are
used to them and, in general, carry on as usual.
- You will want a good umbrella. You can buy it in Taiwan.
- There's a good amount of low-level geological activity. Don't be
surprised (or worried) to read about earthquakes on the daily weather
report.
- Electronic devices are expensive in Taiwan. Plan ahead and try to
avoid having to buy there.
Before the trip
- Make sure Joseph and I have emergency contact names and numbers
before we leave.
- Plan to visit your dentist, optometrist, etc., before leaving.
These services are available in Taipei, but it's simpler, and probably
cheaper if you handle them at home.
- It would be a good idea to get maybe US$100 in New Taiwan Dollars
(NTD) so that you'll have some cash when you arrive in Taipei. After
you get settled, you can use the ATM for more.
- Make sure you have a credit card (other than American Express or
Discover) that waives foreign transaction fees. Let your credit-card
company know you are going to Taiwan.