Taiwan Travel Specialists
Our Taiwan specialists are experienced and passionate about the country - between them they have spent many weeks a year researching new experiences and ensuring everything is of the highest standard. They know Taiwan inside out.
ChrisTaiwan Specialist01993 838 213
Take a gondola to the teahouses of Maokong in the hills south of Taipei, a refreshing break from the heat of the city.
Taiwan travel specialist - Chris
Practical Information
Few people treat themselves to more than a fleeting glimpse of Taiwan, and even fewer venture out of her capital.
Although only around half the size of Ireland, Taiwan boasts a public transport network to rival her Japanese neighbour, with an excellent train and bus network between major towns and domestic air links for those in a hurry.
Exploring Taiwan
At Audley we recommend taking advantage of this efficient transport network, combined with private vehicles where necessary - especially important for exploration of the Taiwan’s mountainous interior and numerous national parks.
For the train enthusiast there are a couple of fine journeys that stand out: the old steam train which chugs out of the Alishan National Park and the journey which hugs the dramatic eastern coast, linking Taipei and the Taroko Gorge.
Language
The official language of Taiwan is Mandarin Chinese which is spoken widely across the island. Other dialects you will hear include Minanhua (from Fujian Province on the mainland) and Hakka. Taiwan uses traditional characters in written Chinese.
Food and Drink
For authentic and often very spicy Taiwanese cuisine look for the walk-in buffet restaurants that are always crowded with people and you serve yourself with no language barrier! The local brew is Taiwan Beer, and Qingdao beer from the mainland is also popular.
Tipping
In general tipping is not expected, but international hotels operate on more westernised principles, where tipping porters or bell-boys is the norm. For guides and drivers, a tip of around 200 Taiwanese Dollars per day per passenger is the usual amount. The currency of Taiwan is the New Taiwanese Dollar (NTD). Taiwanese currency can be bought at bureaux de change in the UK with a couple of days notice and many ATMs in Taiwan accept Visa or Mastercards.
Social
Do not take pictures of people without asking permission. Photography is not allowed in airports. Places of historic and scenic interest may be photographed, but permission should be sought before photographing military installations, government buildings or other possibly sensitive subjects.
Under The Skin
Read
'Culture Shock! Taiwan', by Christopher and Ling-Li Bates.
Listen
Mando-pop, soft-pop schmaltz with Mandarin lyrics.
Watch
'Brokeback Mountain', directed by Taiwanese Ang Lee. This film won three Oscars including Best Director.
Eat
Stinky Tofu - Once you get over the smell this tastes surprisingly good and can be found in stalls across the island.
Drink
Try Taiwan Beer, although Qingdao from the mainland actually tastes a lot better - just don't tell the locals that!
Word
Ni chi fan le ma? (Have you eaten yet?). Used as a general greeting by food-obsessed Chinese, this means literally.
Trademarks
Taipei 101, temples, traditional Chinese culture, scenic beauty.
Items such as traditional Chinese clothing and furniture can be bought at specialist shops in Taipei and the major cities. Taiwan''s famous night markets sell pretty much everything and are great fun to wander through.