Taiwan

Taiwan is an island east of China and south of Japan. It is geographically very similar to Japan.

Visas

Many visitors don't require visas to visit Taiwan for stays of up to 30 days (Aus, US, Canada, Singapore, passport holders of EU countries). Japanese, British and Irish and NZ passport holders can stay visa-free for 90 days. South Africans must apply for a visa in advance.

As always, you should ensure that you have 6 months validity left on your passport.

Getting There

By Air

The main hub is Taipei, though it's also possible to fly into Kaohsiung from Singapore, HK, Macau and Japan (though expensive).

• Eva Air flies cheaply to Taipei from nagoya and KIX.

• Cathay Pacific Cathay are a fabulous airline and there are flights from Osaka and Nagoya to Taipei (direct).

• Jetstar are a budget airline with a bit of a lousy rep for cancellations/delays etc. But they are cheap. Flights from KIX to Taipei.

• China Airlines are a Taiwanese carrier, not to be confused with Air China. Flights from Nagoya and Osaka.

• JAL. I've never flown JAL - no comments.

• ANA Never flown ANA so no comments.

• Air Asia is a budget airline based in Kuala Lumpur. They are a terrific airline with some very, very good deals. Not so useful for flights from Japan, but if you are in SE Asia, you may be able to pick up a flight to Taiwan from Kota Kinabalua, KL or Bangkok.

Borders

Taiwan is an island so only ocean borders.

It is possible to enter the country via ferry from China.

See Taiwan Ferries for further information.

Money

Taiwan uses the Taiwan New Dollar. As of Dec 2010, it was roughly ¥100 to NT35. Check the latest on [www.xe.com XE]

ATMs are widely available in big and medium sized cities and many accept foreign cards with Cirrus/Plus/Maestro. Many Japanese bank cards will be useles - e.g. Hyakugo.

Bureaux de Change are not so common, even in Taipei, but you can change money at some post offices and at banks during regular banking hours. The Post Office at Taipei Main station is open til about 8pm in the evening. Hotels are also an option though for poorer rates.