Taipei

Introduction

Taipei 101 Building (2)

© bobrk607

Taipei (台北 Táiběi) is the capital and largest city in Taiwan with about 10 million people living in the metropolitan area and about 2.7 million in the city proper. It is located in the most northern part of the island at the Tanshui River and is the economical heart of the country. The city is surrounded by hills and mountains and the area is prone to earthquakes as well. In 2014, the city was home to the largest skyscraper in the world, Taipei 101, but as of March 2017 it had dropped to 8th place. Still, this building is a remarkable landmark in the city and represents the enormous economical growth of the city during the last decades. For travellers there is enough to see and do to keep you busy for a few days and good hotels, food and transport all make it very easy to visit as well.

Neighbourhoods

Central Districts

• Old Taipei (萬華-大同) - Wanhua and Datong make up the oldest parts of Taipei, home to many historic buildings, such as the Longshan Temple and the Red House Theater, although it has lost much of its economic relevance to the East District. Ximending is the "Harajuku of Taipei", a shopping neighborhood centered around teenager fashion, Japanese culture and subcultures.
• Zhongzheng and Gongguan (中正-公館) - Zhongzheng is the political center of Taiwan and the location of the Presidential Office and important government ministries. Its prime tourist attraction is the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Gongguan, on the other hand, has a youthful feel thanks to students from the Taida and Shida universities thronging the area.
• East District (大安-信義) - Daan and Xinyi are the modern commercial and financial districts of Taipei, and can be collectively referred to as the East District. Offering department stores, plenty of fashion boutiques, lounge bars, and atmospheric restaurants, and some of the most expensive real estate in the city, it is also home to Taipei 101, the Taipei World Trade Center, and the International Convention Center.
• Zhongshan and Songshan (中山-松山) - Zhongshan has riverside parks, the Martyrs Shrine, the Fine Arts Museum, and a large pub and bar scene. Many firms and financial institutions are located in Songshan, which is directly north of the East District. Raohe Street Night Market is one of the oldest of Taipei's famous street markets.

Suburban Districts

• Beitou (北投) - This district is famous for hot springs and the Yangmingshan National Park.
• Shilin (士林) - A traditional area of the city that is known for its excellent museums, including the world famous National Palace Museum. Shilin is also home to one of Taipei's largest night market and the expat enclave of Tianmu.
• Neihu and Nangang (內湖-南港) - Located in the eastern reaches of the city, Neihu and Nangang are hubs of the IT industry in Taipei, home to many large shopping centers, and a great place for hiking and 'templing'. A mouth-watering juxtaposition of local Taiwanese culture and modern shopping malls and restaurants. A definite must-visit, Neihu is largely a secret to the tourist world.
• Wenshan (文山) - This leafy district in the south of the city is associated with its many tea houses and plantations in Muzha and also for the Taipei Zoo.

Sights and Activities

Taipei 101

Taipei 101 Building (2)

© bobrk607

Taipei 101, officially known as the Taipei International Financial Center is one of the tallest building in the world at 508 metres above the ground level. The high skyscraper is located in the Xinyi District of Taipei and is rich in symbolism. For example, it was designed to resemble bamboo rising from the earth and bamboo happens to be a plant recognized in Asian cultures for its fast growth and flexibility. These are ideal characteristics for a financial building. On top of that, the building is also made up of eight sections and eight happens to be a number associated with prosperity in Chinese culture. The observatory in Taipei 101 consists of three sections. On the 88th floor, visitors get to see upclose the tower's wind damper that sways to offset movements in the building caused by strong gusts. The 89th floor is an indoor viewing area, while the 91st floor is an outdoor viewing area, but only open on certain occasions and weather permitting.

Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall

Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall recently renamed as the National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall is more or less in the middle of Taipei. The grounds in front of the hall are flanked by both the Taiwan National Theatre and The National Opera House. The hall itself has a museum on the first floor and the second floor used to be the home of a large statue of Chiang Kai Shek. There is also a frequent changing of the guard that is well worth watching. If you are in Taipei visiting the hall is a must. The hall has its own subway stop so getting there is easy.

Other sights and activities

• National Palace Museum
• Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall
• Night Markets
• National Theater Hall and National Concert Hall
• Taipei Astronomical Museum
• Zhishanyan Cultural and Ecological Garden
• Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines
• Aborigine Culture Park
• Shilin Residence
• The Martyr's Shrine
• Taipei Fine Arts Museum
• Museum of Contemporary Art
• Taipei Story House
• National Museum of History
• Discover Center of Taipei
• National Taiwan Museum
• Beitou Hot Spring Museum
• Taipei Botanical Garden
• Daan Forest Park
• Lungshan Temple
• Baoan Temple
• Confucius Temple
• Xingtian Temple

Events and Festivals

• Hungry Ghost Festival - Ghost Festival is a widely celebrated event every summer in Taipei; dates vary every year with festival dates coinciding with 15th night of the 7th lunar month. It is believed that during this month, ghosts and spirits come to linger in the lower realms to visit their families. During this eerie month, many spiritual rituals are performed, and a giant parade leads to the launching of thousands of lanterns into the sky. Locals take this time to burn incense and colorful paper money as offerings to please the wandering spirits.
• Dragon Boat Festival - This famous festival is held in Taiwan every year. Thousands gather to watch the dragon boats race through the rivers and lakes. The history of the Dragon Boat Festival is just as interesting as the race itself. Cyu Yuan (circa. 340 - 277 B.C.), a famous scholar, activist, and poet, became a martyr for his political beliefs by jumping off a bridge into a river. Dragon boats were sent out to retrieve his body, and villagers threw rice wrapped in leaves into the water to feed the fish so they would not go after his body. These wrapped rice dumplings, or Zongzih, are very popular today and they're served throughout China. This festival is held on the 5th day of the 5th Lunar month annually.
• Taipei Film Festival - Occurring every November, this important film festival attracts Asia's most talented independent film communities. The festival showcases both well-known directors as well as giving a platform to the promising talents of newer filmmakers.
• Confucius Birthday (28 Sep 2013) - In honor of Confucius's Birthday, residents of Taipei celebrate the educators and scholars of the nation for Teacher's Day. Speeches are given by government dignitaries and celebrations occur at the famous Confucius Temple. Wisdom cakes and longevity peaches are handed out during the ceremony.
• Chinese New Year - The biggest celebration of the year in Taipei. Festivities for this event last for almost a month. Residents celebrate by launching fireworks, throwing parties and parades, and offering each other lucky money, in hopes they will experience good fortune in the New Year. Event dates change every year with the Chinese lunar calendar. The new year typically occurs in late January, early February.
• Taipei Famous Lantern Festival - Often held in conjunction with the Chinese New Year, this Lantern Festival is one of the most anticipated events of the year. Tourists and visitors from all over Taiwan and nearby countries in the region, all gather to watch this beautiful light display. For this event, the city is illuminated in beautifully colored lanterns, parades are held, fireworks are ignited, and a special holiday food called, Tangyuan (glutenous rice dumpling), are eaten.
• Parade of the god of Medicine - During this parade, dancers, religious leaders, and musicians march through the streets dressed in traditional costumes following floats that look like centipedes. More than 100 temples in Taiwan participate in this event annually. Worshippers of this god throw themselves on the ground in front of the parading Centipedes in hopes that they will be trampled and evil spirits will leave their bodies. This festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the 3rd lunar month, which is believed to be the god of medicine's birthday.
• Birthday of Matsu - Matsu is known as the "goddess of the sea", and is celebrated in April (date varies depending on the lunar calendar) each year. Because of the large fishing industry in Taipei, this festival is highly celebrated by locals. Those who worship Matsu, walk in procession to her many shrines around town. (Thousands complete this pilgrimage each year.) For the younger, more tech-savvy residents, respects can also be paid to Matsu through a new iPhone app.
• Buddha's Birthday - Celebrated on the 8th day of the 4th lunar month, this popularly celebrated holiday commemorates the life, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. With a large Buddhist population, Taipei holds many religious celebrations on this day. Worshipers attend temples to bring offerings and gifts to Buddha; other religious cleansing ceremonies are also performed, like the "bathing" of a Buddha statue.
• Double Tenth National Holiday Taiwan - The 10th of October (10/10) is celebrated as the birthday of the republic of China, commemorating the uprising Wuch’ang that occurred hundreds of years ago. During this event, visitors can expect to be addressed with speeches from local leaders and politicians, military parades are held, and in the evening, there is a beautiful fireworks display.
• Tomb Sweeping Festival - On this day (also known as "Eternal Brightness Day"), it is customary for locals to visit the tombs of deceased family members, light incense, bring offerings, and literally "sweep" the tomb clean. This festival coincides with a civic holiday to allow family members the time off to visit the grave sites.
• Youth Day - The event takes place at the Martyr's Shrine, where the president of the Republic of China holds a lavish ceremony that honors the fallen heroes and martyrs of Taiwan's history. This festival is intended to energise Taipei's youth with stories of heroes and their accomplishments.
• Taiwan Culinary Exhibition - Held annually in August, this Taiwanese food festival features some of the best regional food available. Critically acclaimed chefs come to prepare their best dishes for those coming to taste at this fun food event.
• Double Ninth Festival - Held on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, this festival is also called "Height Ascending Festival". This celebration includes the drinking of chrysanthemum wine, the climbing of a mountain or tower, and eating a special cake called "Chongyang".

Weather

The weather is generally hot and humid, although winters can get cold, with temperatures occasionally around 0 °C. Still, Taipei generally has mild winter weather with temperatures normally around 20 °C during the day from December to February and around 12 °C at night. In summer, temperatures average around 30 °C (but well over 35 °C is possible) and this is also the time when the typhoons can hit the island, leaving an enormous amount of rain in some parts of the country as well. The period from October to April is a better time for a visit, compared to the hot and muggy conditions in summer.

Getting There

By Plane

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) near the capital Taipei is the busiest in the country and therefore receives most international flights. In fact, it's in the top 15 of busiest airports in the world when it comes down to handling international passengers. Until 2006 it was called Chiang Kai-shek International Airport.

The national airline is China Airlines which has international flights to many destinations in Asia, North America, Europe and Oceania. Another major international airline in Taiwan is EVA Air, serving slightly less destinations to the same continents mentioned.

To/from the airport:

• Rail: until the Taoyuan International Airport Access MRT System opens in 2013, the only option is to get a shuttle bus to the Taiwan High Speed Rail Taoyuan Station (THSR), about 8 kilometres away.
• Bus: Frequent buses link the airport to Taipei, Taoyuan City, Jhongli, Taichung, Banqiao, Changhua, and THSR's Taoyuan Station.[37] Bus terminals are present at both terminals.
• Taxi: available at both terminals.

By Train

Intercity Trains and Highspeed Trains arrive at and depart from Taipei Railway Station on Zhongxiao West Road, Sec 1.

Taipei Main Station is a huge facility. Ticket counters are on the first floor and platforms on B2. There is also a food court on the second floor, several underground shopping malls, and directly connects to Taipei Main Station on the Taipei Metro which is served by Tamsui (Red) line and Bannan (Blue) line. In addition to ticket counters, the first floor also has a tourist office, a post office, stores selling aboriginal handicrafts and several booths offering head and neck and full body massage (NT$100 for every ten minutes).

There are also three other train stations in Taipei city. Wanhua Station (萬華車站) is in the south-western part of the city and is within walking distance of MRT Longshan Temple Station and is only served by local trains. Songshan Station (松山車站) is close to Raohe Street Night Market and all trains operated by the Taiwan Railway Administration stop at the station. Nangang Station (南港車站) is on the eastern end of the city and is currently served by local trains and some express trains. It is directly connected to Nangang Station on Taipei Metro's Bannan (Blue) line and the Taiwan High Speed Rail is expected to operate into the station by the beginning of 2015. All train stations in Taipei city accept Easy Cards to enter the station in addition to tickets bought at the vending machines or counters.

The THSR stations and platforms are wheelchair-friendly and all trains include a wheelchair-accessible car (wider doors, ample space, accessible bathroom). Note that the official English guide for online reservations distinguishes between "senior or disabled tickets" and "handicap-friendly seats"; while it's possible to buy a ticket for the former online ("correct passenger ID" required), a ticket for the latter has to be reserved by calling the ticketing office on the phone.

By Car

Renting a car is not only unnecessary, but not recommended in Taipei unless you are planning to head out of the city. Traffic tends to be frantic, and parking spaces are expensive and difficult to find. Most of the main tourist destinations are reachable by public transport, and you should use that as your main mode of travel.

By Bus

Intercity buses arrive and depart from the Taipei Bus Terminal, which is located on Chengde Road, behind Taipei Main Station. Almost every city on the island is served, but trains are usually faster and more comfortable on the longer journeys.

Generally speaking, the buses operated by private companies are more comfortable and sport such amenities as wide reclining seats and individual game and video monitors. The government run buses are blue and white and are called guóguāng hào (國光號). All intercity buses are known as kèyùn (客運) and can be distinguished from the local city buses called gōngchē (公車) by the fact that they do not have a route number, but only the name of the destination.

Getting Around

By Car

Taxis are the most flexible way to get around, and are extremely numerous. They are expensive in comparison to mass transit, but are cheap when compared to taxis in the rest of the world. Taxis are metered, which meter starts at NT$70(an additional NT$20 is added over the meter for the taxi rates at night ). Most taxi drivers cannot speak English, and it will be necessary for non-Chinese speakers to have their destination written down in Chinese. Tipping is neither necessary nor expected.

Since 2012, all passengers are required to buckle their seatbelt. Women and/or children traveling at night are advised to use one of the reputable taxi companies. The toll free taxi hotline is 0800-055850 (maintained by Department of Transportation).

Taiwanese taxi drivers tend to be more honest than in many other countries. They are notorious for their strong opinions on politics. A large majority of them support Taiwan independence as they spend all day listening to talk radio. They will probably be unable to share any of this with you if you do not speak Chinese. Avoid any potential political discussion.

It is not advisable for lone women at night to hail a random taxi from the street - it is best to have the number of one of the bigger taxi companies and to call for a cab. Taking a taxi at night in Taipei is more dangerous than walking.

By Public Transport

Taipei's Mass Rapid Transit System (also known as MRT or Metro Taipei) provides public transport by metro/rail in the Taipei metropolitan area, mostly between 5:00am and midnight. One-way tickets are in the NT$20 and NT$65 range. Stations and trains are clearly identified in English, so even for those who cannot read Chinese, the MRT system is very accessible. All stops are announced in four languages: Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka and English. All stations have information booth/ticket offices close to the ticket vending machines. There is no eating or drinking while in the stations or on the trains. There are priority seats. If you need a seat, there are stickers offered at the information booth that allow passengers to identify those in need.
In addition to single journey tickets, the Taipei MRT also sells value-added cards/smartcards called EasyCard or youyouka (as in 'yo-yo-ka', also 悠遊卡). These cards hold amounts up to NT$5,000, and one only needs to "touch" (sensor) them past the barrier monitor to gain entry and exit from paid areas. Value-added cards can be purchased at station ticket offices or at vending machines, and can be recharged at the stations or convenience stores. To purchase a new EasyCard you will need to pay NT$500 (including a deposit of NT$100 and NT$400 usable credit).

Additionally, buses provide efficient transport in Taipei as well. Because all buses display information (destination and the names of stops) in English, the system is very accessible to non-Chinese speaking visitors. Payment can be made by cash (NT$15) or EasyCard (see "metro" listing) for each section that the bus passes through. For local buses (all local buses have a number, so do long distance buses) the maximum will be two sections with a total cost of NT$45. The confusion, however, arises by not knowing where the section boundaries are located and the fact that there is often a buffer zone to prevent people who get on one stop before the boundary from overpayment.

By Bike

Even though motorized traffic is very heavy in Taipei, bicycles are still legitimate vehicles to get around. There are long cycle paths beside most rivers in the city. Bicycles can also be carried on the Taipei metro but only at Saturdays, Sundays, and National Holidays and via certain stations - bicycles aren't permitted in larger interchange stations such as Taipei Main Station and Zhongxiao Fuxing, and bicycles are only permitted in the first and last carriages. Properly packaged folded bicycles are exempt from the restrictions upon ordinary bicycles. There are not many segregated bike lanes but on some busy streets cycling on the pavement (US English: sidewalk) is permitted where signed or marked, as in Japan.

Taipei has a great bike sharing system - YouBike. It is very cheap if you register through their site - first half hour is NT$5, which is enough for most every ride you need. You use EasyCard (the same as for the subway and buses) to rent them. It's all very easy and the bikes are modern and convenient. Check each bicycle for defects before you use them; bike seats are turned backwards to signal some form of maintenance is required.

Eat

Taipei probably has one of the highest densities of restaurants in the world. Almost every street and alley offers some kind of eatery. Of course, Chinese food (from all provinces) is well-represented. In addition, Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean and Italian cuisines are also popular. Basically, East Taipei, especially around Dunhua and Anhe Roads, and also the expat enclave of Tianmu are where to clash chopsticks with the rich and famous, whereas West Taipei offers more smaller, homey restaurants.

Nights Markets

Several night markets (夜市) are located in each district. Some are open during daytime, and all are open until around midnight. Night markets consist of restaurants and stores at the permanent locations and little booths along the center. Every night market has a huge variety of food, so a visit to any one is a good bet for good food.

A lot of Taiwanese street food hasn't actually originated from Taipei, but any popular xiaochi (small snack) eventually makes their way up to the capital. Some of the best known night market snacks are: oyster vermicelli (蚵仔麵線; ô-á mī-sòa), oyster omelet (蚵仔煎; ô-á-chian), fried chicken fillet (雞排; jīpái), stinky tofu (臭豆腐; chòudòufǔ) and aiyu jelly (愛玉冰; ài-yù-bīng) among a long list of others. Because of the vast selection, the recommendation is to go with a few people and share the food. Otherwise, honestly the best way to eat is to join the longest queue in the market, or just buy whatever catches your eye! Vendor food is generally safe to eat, but use common sense though if you have a sensitive stomach.

The most famous one in Taipei is the Shilin Night Market (士林夜市). It is easily accessible via the MRT at either the Jiantan (劍潭) or Shilin (士林) stations. Locals in Taipei view Shilin as touristy, with food catering to the tastes of mainland visitors. Another excellent option is Ning Xia Night Market (寧夏夜市) in Datong located near the Taipei Circle (建成圓環) and accessible via the MRT at Zhongshan (中山) station. Raohe Street Night Market (饒河街觀光夜市) is also a viable option. It is a mere stone's throw away from the TRA-administered Songshan (松山) railway station.

Restaurants

While it might be possible to spend all your dinners at night markets, Taipei also has plenty of sit-down restaurants with more substantial dishes. For upmarket Taiwanese cuisine, which revolves around the mild yet flavorful trio of basil, garlic and chili, in addition to white rice or sweet potato congee (no wheat-based products for example), try Ching-yeh Aoba in Zhongshan or Shinyeh Table in Daan. But for more down-to-earth experiences, don't forget to go to one of the many "hot fry" (熱炒) restaurants in Taipei where the locals go to eat Taiwanese food and drink beer and kaoliang. Be prepared for a noisy atmosphere, tiny seats, lots of empty beer bottles and excellent food at a low price.

The influx of KMT migrants perhaps makes Taipei one of the easiest places to sample a quality spread of Chinese provincial cuisines. Xiaolongbao (小籠包) or soup dumplings is a Shanghainese dish made famous by Din Tai Fung, whose first storefront at Xinyi Road remains heavily patronised by fans of the world-wide franchise. They have many branches all over the city too, though their branch at Taipei 101 is also extra crowded. Around the corner from Xinyi Road is Yongkang Street, which boasts quite a mix of old and new restaurants like Kaochi or Jin Ji Yuan. Both serve xiaolongbao, along with other dishes such as fried chicken, good alternatives for when the queue to Din Tai Fung is an hour long.

Beef noodle soup is a national icon; Taipei even holds a yearly judging event every September to appraise competitors. There are two main types: hongshao (紅燒牛肉麵), a strongly flavored dish derived from Sichuan spicy bean paste and soya sauce braised beef, and qingdun (清燉牛肉麵), a clear light broth, although there are even tomato varieties popping up around the city. On Yongkang St alone, there're already two beef noodle shops, Yongkang Beef Noodle and Lao Zhang, which have their own regulars. Those more game to get to hard-to-find places can reward themselves at Lin Tung Fong in Zhongshan or the one at Taoyuan Street near Ximending.

Vegetarian food (素食) is also common fare, with the city boasting more than two hundred vegetarian restaurants and vendor stands. Another Taipei specialty is vegetarian buffets. They are common in every neighborhood, and unlike the 'all-you-can-eat' buffets listed below (which charge a set price, usually ranging from NT$250-350 including dessert and coffee/tea), the cost is estimated by the weight of the food on your plate. Rice (there is usually a choice of brown or white) is charged separately, but soup is free and you can refill as many times as you like. NT$75-120 will buy you a good-sized, nutritious meal. Many of these veggie restaurants are Buddhist in nature and so meals do not contain garlic or onion (which traditionalists claim inflames passion).

Minder Vegetarian. This is a restaurant chain offering the above-mentioned vegetarian buffet. Aside from the usual line of vegetarian dishes, contemporary cuisine such as rice rolls, tempura and a range of desserts, all entirely vegetarian, are offered as well. Major branches in Taipei are available at Taipei Main Station 2F, Breeze Taipei Branch, No. 3, Beiping North Road, Eslite Bookstore B2, Xinyi Branch, Xinyi District, No. 11, Songgao Road and Eslite Bookstore B1, Dunhua South Branch, Da-an District, No. 245, Dunhua South Road, Sec. 1.
Lotus Pavilion Restaurant, 153-155 Xinyi Rd B1, Sec. 4 (entrance in alley behind Changhwa Bank), ☏ +886 2 2703-5612. An upscale all-you-can-eat buffet. edit
King Join, No 18 Shin-Wei Rd, ☏ +886 2-2701-3225. Traditional Chinese setting. edit
For a special Taipei street experience, check out the veggie vendor outside No. 30, Lane 216, Zhongxiao East Road Sec. 4 (in the alleys behind the Dunhua South Road Eslite Mall and book store). The rice noodles are especially delicious and cheap and a plate of their dougan (dried tofu) makes a great side dish.

Drink

The nightlife in Taipei runs from boisterous night markets to equally exuberant clubs and bars, and indeed the city comes alive with glittering lights after the last rays of the sun leave the grey buildings.

Xinyi is where the biggest and most flashy clubs are, especially the ATT4FUN Building which has an excellent view of Taipei 101, while smaller shophouses around the Taida and Shida university areas host live music gigs (although lessened after noise complaints). The "Combat Zone" in Zhongshan used to be the go-to district for US soldiers in the Vietnam War and remains fairly gritty with quite the collection of dive bars. The area around Red House Theater near Ximending has a large number of outdoor bars which are generally known to be gay-friendly. Visit the Taiwan Beer Bar, also known as Taipei Brewery, in Zhongzheng if you fancy trying cheap and fresh brews of the local favorite Taiwan Beer.

While traditionally a nation of tea drinkers, in recent years the Taiwanese have really embraced the cafe culture, and all the usual chains can be found here in abundance. For cafes with more character, roam the back streets near National Taiwan University between Xinsheng South Road and Roosevelt Road in Gongguan. More cafes are located in the area around Renai Road, Section 4 and Dunhua South Road. There are also some interesting and characterful places between Yongkang Park and Chaozhou Street, and in the alleys around Shida Road. However, for a particularly impressive range of styles, visit Bitan in Xindian, where all the cafes offer restful views over the river and mountains beyond (though can be noisy during weekends).

Taiwan's speciality tea is High Mountain Oolong (高山烏龍, a fragrant, light tea) and Tieguanyin (鐵觀音, a dark, rich brew). The mountainous Maokong area of Muzha in the Wenshan district of the city has dozens upon dozens of teahouses, many of which also offer panoramic views of the city. Its especially spectacular on a clear evening. A Maokong Gondola (cable car) system services the Taipei Zoo MRT station to Maokong. The S10 bus comes up from the Wanfang Community MRT station.

Coffee

GaBee, No 21, Minsheng East Road, Section 3, Alley 113. Probably the best cafe in Taipei for coffee lovers. Winner of the 2008 Barista championships, they take coffee and latte art very seriously. The waffles are excellent too.
Libo Cafe, 12, Lane 42, Section 2, Zhongshan North Road (a two minute walk from exit R79 at Zhongshan MRT Station - close to the Taipei Zhongshan Sports Center), ☏ +886 02 2567 1237. M-F 07:30-19:30, Sa 09:00-19:30, Su 09:00-19:00. A rustic and cool cafe. Excellent coffee and cakes. Fast and friendly service.
Recall Cafe (芮可餐廳), No 34, Lane 42 Zhongshan North Road, Sec 2, ☏ +886 2 2523 0302. 11:00-22:00. A pleasant cafe offering standard cafe food, desserts and coffee. Friendly and helpful staff.
Wooden Sounds and Garnet Cru (響板), 23, Lane 26, Section 2, Zhongshan North Road (From exit R7 of Zhonshan MRT, turn right. The cafe is a two minute walk from the exit.), ☏ +886 2 2511 9949. 14:30-22:00. Excellent no-nonsense coffee. Warm ambiance and distinctive decor set to electronic music. Simple, straightforward cakes available, but no meals. Good selection of teas.
Cafe Moda Taipei, 1F, No 11, Lane 49, Sec 1, Anhe Road, Daan District (Zhongxiao Dunhua MRT Station exit 3, turn right on the first lane, after 4 blocks you will find it on your left side)), ☏ +886 2-8771-7608. 11:00-23:00. For people who prefer the new concept of a boutique cafe, the specialty of this place by far are the 100% Organic Guatemalan quality coffee beverages they offer in a cozy ambient mixed with art fashion and great music. A small but fancy terrace is perfect for enjoying beverages on a fresh day. They also have imported beer, wine, tea, juices and other snacks in their menu, including cheese and Italian fruit cake. They have a multicultural staff fluent in Chinese, English, and Spanish (German and Japanese depending on the day you go), so feel relaxed if Chinese is not your mother tongue as this place is geared for expats and locals that prefer a stronger kind of gourmet organic coffee. Coffee beverages between NT$120 and NT$200.
Green Steps Cafe (永康階), No27, Lane 243, Jinhua Street (From Yongkang Street, walk through the left side of Yongkang Park and enter the lane in front. The cafe is a one minute walk the left.), ☏ + 2 2392 3719. A pleasant and airy cafe in the Yongkang Street area. Good coffee and desserts. Outdoor seating.
Minimal Cafe, 106台北市Taipei泰順街2巷 Tai4Shun4 Jie1 Lane 2, #42, Daan District, ☏ +886 2-2362-9734. This cafe is famous for having many resident cats living inside of it (49, according to the wait staff). In fact, the owner of this cafe loves cats so much, stray ones are adopted, spayed/neutered, then allowed to live in the cafe. Thus, as you drink your beverage, don't be surprised if cats are checking you out. This cafe is indeed clean despite all the cats, and has tasty mid-range priced desserts and coffee, as well as salads/meals. The cats are friendly, if not always looking for a warm lap to sleep on. The younger cats might jump from lap to lap, just to find a playmate, even if the wiser, older cats do not care for such shenanigans.
Salt Peanuts (鹹花生), No.197-1, Section 1, Dihua Street, ☏ + 2 2557 8679. 09:00-17:00. A cozy little cafe in a restored 19th century building. Great coffee, delicious desserts, sensitive decor. Best seating located in open courtyard area. Serves healthy and innovative brunches.
Aura Cafe (微光咖啡), No9, Lane 269, Roosevelt Road, Sec 3, Gongguan. (Exit 2, Taipower Building Station MRT. Cross Highway in front - Xinhai Road. Still on Xinhai Road, turn left. Take first right. The cafe is a few minutes walk on the left.), ☏ + 2 8369 3577. noon - 11PM. A chic and stylish cafe. Excellent coffee, including drip. Friendly and helpful service.
Coffee Lab, No. 6, Lane 64, Section 2, Zhōngxiào East Road. This small coffee shop roasts their own beans on site. 3 resident cats keep patrons company as they sip carefully crafted lattes.
Imperfect Cafe, 2F, 95-6 Xinsheng South Road, sec 3, Gongguang (After passing the Gongguan branch of Eslite Bookshop - directly opposite the main gate of Taiwan National University. - , turn into the second lane on the left. The entrance to the cafe is immediately on the left.), ☏ +886 2 2362 6663. 11:30-22:30. A very contemporary cafe, with rough concrete walls, wooden tables and industrial lights. Ample facilities for laptop connections provided. Serves good quality coffee, a variety of teas, and light meals.
Trilobite Cafe, No. 64-2, Section 2, Jìnán Road,. Serves excellent coffees offering a wide selection of espresso. The two resident dogs are very friendly too.

Alcohol

Standing Room, 508 Changchun Rd. M-Sa. It is the standing style bar and restaurant with a traditional Japanese hors d'oeuvres, with world wide classic beverages. Its perfect location to have the quick dinner and drink for a busy business person. "Happy Hour" everyday open-20:30.
My Place Bar & Restaurant, No.3-1 Lane 32 Shuang Cheng St, ☏ +886 2 2591-4269. Still going strong after 30 plus years. Serves great food, has two bars, pool table, and shows live sports on multiple screens. There is outside seating for smokers. One of the premier bars in Taipei for watching the upcoming World Cup. Happy Hour selected beers $100, special draught beer $100 all night.
The Brass Monkey, 166 Fuxing N. Rd, ☏ +886 2 2547-5050. Great atmosphere with live sports shown on big screens. There’s always something going on - it’s never a regular night. Friendly staffs are ready to serve you with good food and a wide selection of drinks. Go have a dance on their famous Thursday ladies nights.
Carnegies, 100 Anhe Rd Sec 2, ☏ +886 2 2325-4433. With an outdoor patio, it's perfect for those who prefer a quieter and less smoky atmosphere. The scene is geared toward the 30+ expats and locals.
Club Myst, No. 12, 9F, ATT4FUN Building, Song Shou Rd, Xinyi Dist (near Taipei 101 station), ☏ +886 9 5891 4777. Su-Tu 22:00-02:30; W-Sa 21:00-04:30. One of the hottest night club in Taipei. Often cited as having the best view of the Taipei 101 building. Large and active dance floor. Open all nights, Wednesday night is ladies night with free entry. NT$700.
Elektro, 6F, ATT4FUN Building, Song Shou Rd, Xinyi Dist (near Taipei 101 station). W-Sa 22:30-04:00. Another large and popular nightclub, previously was called Spark but was closed down due to some police controversy.
Fourplay Cuisine, 67 Dongfeng St (台北市大安區東豐街67號), ☏ +886 227083898. M-Th 18:00-01:00; F Sa 18:00-02:00. A quiet bar/restaurant with creative drinks. Your shot may include a helium balloon, a water pipe, fire or dry ice.
Luxy, 5F, 201 Zhongxiao E. Rd Section 4, Daan District (near the Zhongxiao Dunhua MRT station). One of the most well-known clubs in Taipei. Luxy has two levels: the lower level has a side room playing house/techno and a main room playing hip-hop; the upper level is a lounge with a small dance floor overlooking the main room. Cover charge goes up after 23:00. Get there early to avoid a line.
Ziga Zaga, No.2, Song Shou Road Grand Hyatt Taipei. This club specializes in cocktails and Italian cuisine - both the service and food are excellent. It's popular with locals and expats. Ladies Night is on Wednesday nights.
Taipei Brewery (Taiwan Beer Bar), 85 Bade Rd Sec. 2 (Zhongxiao Xinsheng MRT, entrance on Weishui Road just around corner). 09:00-21:00. A godsend for the thirsty budget traveler in a city of pricey bars, this is most certainly the cheapest bar in town. This is a great place to find the rare Taiwan Draft Beer, which has a 2-week expiration and usually can only be found in a few restaurants and stores in the same city as the brewery. It's attached to the brewery where Taiwan Beer is made, close to the intersection of Bade and Jianguo Roads. The restaurant is located in an inconspicuous warehouse deep inside the brewery entrance. What it lacks in ambiance it more than makes up for in value. The draft beer 500 ml is NT$60, but you might want to opt for a bottled 600 ml malt beer for NT$55. Interior and exterior seating are available.
The Wall Live House, 200 Roosevelt Road B1, Sec 4, ☏ +886 2930-0162. The biggest venue for independent live music - Taiwanese bands playing everything from rock to reggae.

Sleep

Taipei offers an important number of various accommodations ranging from basic dorms to 5-star luxury hotels. Tourists sleeping one night in Taipei might want to stay in Zhongzheng, near the Main Train Station, where many budget accommodations can be found. Hotels around the Ximending area would be convenient for those wanting to eat, shop and party all in one area. Business travelers would probably prefer to stay in Xinyi, the financial district, where many luxury hotels are located. The Grand Hotel in Zhongshan, built back when Chiang Kai-shek decided there wasn't a suitable hotel in which to welcome foreign dignitaries, may appeal to those interested in classical Chinese architecture and history. 10% service fee and 5% VAT are usually not included in the top end hotel rates. If you're staying a bit more long-term in Taipei, do as some daily commuters do and get cheaper rooms outside city boundaries, in places such as Xindian and Yonghe, which are still somewhat accessible through the Taipei MRT network.

Homey Hostel (紅米青年旅館), 7F, No. 180, Changan West Road, Taipei City, Taiwan (MRT Taipei Main Station), ☏ +886 2 2550 4499, ✉ [email protected]. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. We are an award-winning hostel located in the heart of Taipei. We love nothing more than to see you making new friends and enjoying our wonderful city together. You can relax and play games in our comfortable, spacious common room, join us for one of our weekly activities, or speak to our knowledgeable local staff about the best things to see and do in Taipei. There’s always something fun to do at Homey Hostel! double room NT$1,040-1,240, dorm NT$450-600.
Guest House TaiwanMex, 2F, No.18-1, Lane 18, Nanjing West Road (1 minute walk south of Metro Zhongshan Station), ☏ +886 2 2550-1938, ✉ [email protected]. Clean rooms, multiple bathrooms, internet PCs and showers. Spanish and English spoken. NT$300.
Taipei Backpackers Hostel, No. 58, 56, Sec 2, Hankou St., ☏ +886 2 2311 9559, toll-free: 0800 222 702, ✉ [email protected]. Check-in: 13:00, check-out: 12:00. 5 minutes from Ximen MRT station, one of the famous shopping areas in Taipei. From NT$500.
New Continental Hotel (中源大飯店), No.73 Section 1, Chongqing North Road (near the Taipei Circle, Ning Xia Night Market and equidistant from the Zhongshan (中山) and Taipei Main Station (台北車站) MRT stations (about 10-15 min walk to either station)), ☏ +886 2 2550-5799. Decent price given the accessibility that the hotel offers, especially for those on a free-and-easy trip and intending to commute by public transport. Staff are generally courteous and friendly. Rooms are generally mid-sized to small depending on the number of people staying in one room (rooms with 1 double bed or 2 twin beds are generally smaller). Limited selection of television programs, however, with most channels offering Chinese language programs only. Rooms are decently cleaned and amenities (complementary drink packets and towels etc.) replenished day-to-day. Rooms facing the main road can be a bit noisy at night and rooms situated in the center have no windows. Breakfast is complimentary but do not expect much; most dishes offered are Chinese and very limited selection of Western cuisine (toast, salad and some meat-based dishes).
Eight Elephants & Dreaming Dragon, JinJiang Street, Lane 48, Alley 4, No. 6, 1F (near Shida, 3 min walk from Guting Metro station exit 2), ☏ +886 2 2368 0301, ✉ [email protected]. Rated best hostel in Taiwan for 2010 by HostelWorld.com. A very clean and stylish hostel. Helpful info for travelers and job-seekers. From NT$550 per night. edit
Camels' Oasis Hostel, 2F.-1, No.78, Ningbo W. St., Taipei city, ☏ +886233936749, ✉ [email protected]. Cheap but decent, clean hostel in a good location, only 5 mins walk from MRT C.K.S. memorial hall station. NT$300/night.
Taipei Hostel, 6F, No. 11, Lane 5, Linsen N. Rd, ☏ +886 2 2395-2950, +886 2 2395-2951. Well-known for its numerous facilities, helpful staff, and excellent rates. Ideal location near the MRT station and several restaurants. Dorm: NT$300 (NT$1500/week). Single bed room: NT$500 (NT$2500/week).
World Scholar House, 10-4, Guangzhou Street, ☏ +886 2 2371-0005. A clean hostel. Dorm and private rooms available, with the rates running NT$350-NT$500.
Taipei Key Mall Traveler Hostel, 15F-2, 50 Zhongxiao W. Rd. Sec. 1, ☏ +886 2 2331-7272. This hostel is opposite the Taipei Main Station on the 15th floor of the building where the K-Mall is located, next to the tall Mitsukoshi building. NT$490 per night per person and includes breakfast, NT$250 for children under 12.
See You Hotel (喜苑旅店), 18 Chongqing South Road, sec 1 (10 minutes walk west then south from Taipei Main Station), ☏ +886 2 2388-7269, fax: +886 2 2388-2983. Modern, clean and well appointed, with features such as flat screen tvs and air conditioning in rooms, as well as spacious bathrooms. Staff are very friendly. From NT$1,980.
New Mayflower Hotel, 1 Chongqing South Rd, Sec. 1, ☏ +886 2 2311-0212. Large and comfortable rooms and with modern amenities.
Guest House Taiwanmex, No 18-1 Lane 18 Nanjing West Road. (5 min walk from Taipei main train station), ☏ +886-2-2550-1938. Check-out: 12:00. Air-con 2-bed dorms, single and double rooms. Free Wi-Fi, free laundry. from NT$350.
Cosmos Hotel (天成大飯店), 43 Zhongxiao West Road, sec. 1, ☏ +886 2 2361-7856. In front of Taipei Main Station. The dated decor brings down the tone in this otherwise comfortable hotel. Service standard in the hotel was good with staff being responsive but not very knowledgeable.
Hotel Flowers, 19 Hankou St, ☏ +886 2 2312-3811, ✉ [email protected]. Decent value for money, take note that the rooms are extremely small.
YMCA (Y Hotel), 19 Xuchang St (near main station), ☏ +886 2 2311-3201. English speaking staff is friendly. Has in house restaurant. Rooms on the street side have a balcony.
Caesar Park Taipei (台北凱撒大飯店), 38 Zhongxiao West Rd, Sec. 1, ☏ +886 2 2311-5151. Walking distance to the Presidential Palace, the hotels location is its biggest drawcard. Rooms are rather soul less and the breakfast buffet is standard, though edible.
Sheraton Grande Taipei Hotel (台北喜來登大飯店), 12 Zhongxiao East Rd, Sec. 1, ☏ +886 2 2321-5511. An older hotel in an area isolated from shops and other amenities. However, it offers a high overall standard in the rooms and the service.
Fu-Hau Hotel (富濠飯店), No.9, Sec. 2, Fuxing South Rd (close to Da-an MRT Station), ☏ +886 2 2325-0722, ✉ [email protected].
KDM Hotel, No.8, Sec. 3, Jhongsiao E. Rd., Da-an District, ☏ +886 2 2721-1162. Decent, standard budget hotel without trimmings, but in a desired location, near all the commercial businesses and entertainment avenues.
Les Suites Daan Taipei (台北商旅大安館), 135 Daan Road Sec. 1 (short walk south from the Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT station), ☏ +886 2 8773-3799, fax: +886 2 8773-3788, ✉ [email protected]. Calming ambiance is felt throughout this hotel, with soft lighting and muted colour palette adding to the mood. Staff are helpful and professional, and a complimemtary afternoon tea is served downstairs in the internet terminals, making it a perfect stay for the business traveller. edit
Royal Best Suites (Royal Best Hotel), 385 Xinyi Rd, Sec. 4 (5 minutes walk west of Taipei 101 MRT station), ☏ +886 2 2729-5533, ✉ [email protected]. Spacious and comfortable rooms decorated in a Victorian style decor.
Taipei Fullerton Fu-Xing South (台北馥敦), 41 Fuxing South Road, sec. 2 (short walk from the Daan MRT station), ☏ +886 2 2708-3000. Tastefully decorated and geared toward business travelers. Very polite and attentive staff. Free wifi in the lobby only, not in the rooms (but rooms do have ethernet ports and cables for laptops, and there is a good business center in the lobby). Surrounded by restaurants and convenience stores.
Le Meridien Taipei (台北寒舍艾美酒店), 38 Songren Rd, ☏ +886 2 6622-8000. One of Taipei's newest international hotels.
Grand Hyatt Taipei (台北君悅大飯店), 2 Songshou Rd, ☏ +886 2 2720-1234, ✉ [email protected]. Next to Taipei 101 and Taipei World Trade Center, at the very heart of the New Taipei, a burgeoning business, shopping and entertainment district. Stunning, top end hotel with sleek and modern furnishings. Room service is prompt and delicious. From NT$9000.
Howard Plaza Hotel (台北福華大飯店), 160 Renai Rd, Sec. 3, ☏ +886 2 2700-2323. Centrally located and convenient for MRT. Rooms are spacious with walk in closets and fresh fruit and water is provided for daily. Internet access is fast and free.
Shangri-La Far Eastern Plaza Hotel (香格里拉台北遠東國際大飯店), 201 Dunhua South Rd, Sec. 2., ☏ +886 2 2378-8888. Asian-inspired interior design that impresses with the attention to detail. 5-star hotel.
W Taipei (台北W飯店), 10 Zhongxioa East Road, Sec. 5, ☏ +886 2 7703 8888. Opened in 2011.
Donghwa Hotel, No.156, Sec 4, Nanjing East Rd, ☏ +886 2 2579-6162, ✉ [email protected]. Good value hotel that provides guests with a warm and homey experience.
Happy Family Hostel 1 & 2, 2, Lane 56, Zhongshan North Road Sec. 1, ☏ +886 2 2581-0716, ✉ [email protected]. Happy Family is an old favorite in the city and it's managed by the very friendly and helpful John Lee. Dorm: NT$400, Single: NT$700, Cheaper rates are available for long term stays.
Homey Hostel (紅米青年旅館), 7F, No. 180, Changan West Road, Zhongshan District (Exit R4, Zhongshan MRT Station, double back. Walk along Lane 18, Nanjing West Road. Turn right on Changan West Road. The hostel is a few minutes walk on the left.), ☏ + 2 2550-4499 (09:00-21:00), ✉ [email protected]. Check-in: 15:00 - reception desk open from 08:30-22:30. Outside these times, self check-in, check-out: 11:00. A clean and modern hostel. Friendly and enthusiatic staff. Free wifi. Free breakfast.
Jiantan Overseas Youth Activity Center (劍潭海外青年活動中心), 16 Zhongshan North Road, Sec.4, Zhongshan District (nearest MRT 'Jiantan' on red line, take Exit 2 and walk south for 500m), ☏ +886 2 2885-2151. A pleasant HI-accredited hostel with gardens and the best view of the Grand Hotel in town, also convenient for Shilin Night Market and the Fine Arts Museum (both within walking distance) and the National Palace Museum (a 15 minute journey by taxi/bus). Coin laundry, Internet access, convenience store on site. The facility is primarily a youth activity center catering to groups, so it is often full during school vacations and at weekends — book ahead. Twin room: NT$2,200-2,500, Double room: NT$3,200, Six single beds: NT$4,500.
Travel Talk Taipei Backpackers, 2F, No.96, Sec.2,Minquan E. Rd., Taipei city (5 minutes from Hsing Tien Kung MRT station.), ☏ +886-918319868, ✉ [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00-21:00, check-out: 11:00. The international airport bus stop & city bus stop is just right in front of the hostel. There are famous temple (Hsing Tien Kung), traditional morning market, local food shops, future teller shops and foot massage & spa stores around. From NT400/night.
Check Inn, 253 Songjiang Road, Zhongshan District (A one minute walk from Xintien Temple MRT Station.), ☏ +2 7726 6277, ✉ [email protected]. A minimalist and chic hotel in the centre of Taipei. 24 hour reception. Cafe. NT$5,000 +.
First Hotel (第一大飯店), 63 Nanjing East Road, sec. 2, ☏ +886 2 2541-8234. Ten story hotel that has received mixed reviews due to the poor customer service and somewhat shabby rooms.
Hotel B (台北碧瑤飯店 - Baguio Hotel), 367 Bade Road, sec. 2, ☏ +886 2 2771-8996. Cozy and well equipped hotel at a reasonable price, located at the heart of Taipei. Renovated in 2009 with brand new rooms and friendlier services.
Les Suites Ching-Cheng Hotel (台北商旅慶城館), 12 Chingcheng St (one minute walk from Nanjing East Road MRT Station (Muzha line)), ☏ +886 2 8712-7688, fax: +886 2 8712-7699, ✉ [email protected]. A small and very comfortable hotel. Excellent service - the manager is very kind and will help you find good local restaurants and places to visit.
The Leofoo Hotel (六福客棧), 168 Changchun Rd, ☏ +886 2 2507-3211. Aging, although solid choice for those on a budget with clean and comfortable rooms.
The Riviera Hotel, 646 Linsen North Rd., TaipeiI, 104, ☏ +886 -2-2585 -3258. The Riviera Taipei hotel is a boutique hotel adjacent to Taipei Expo Centre.
Ambassador Hotel Taipei (台北國賓大飯店), 63 Zhongshan North Rd, Sec. 2, ☏ +886 2 2551-1111. While the outside façade may look old and dated, the interior sparkles with fresh, modern colours and features. The bathrooms are big and clean and tiled with marble while the room is well equipped and maintained. Although there are non smoking floors, there is the distinct smell of cigarettes in the air so be aware.
Grand Victoria Hotel (維多利亞酒店), 168 Jingye 4th Rd, ☏ +886 2 8502-0000. Near the Miramar Entertainment Park.
Regent Taipei (晶華酒店), No 3, Lane 39, Section 2, Zhongshan North Road, ☏ +886 2 2523-8000. Sophisticated top end hotel that displays elegance throughout its rooms and building. Large rooms, helpful staff and wonderful amenities.
The Grand Hotel (圓山大飯店), 1 Zhongshan North Road, sec. 4, ☏ +886 2 2886-8888. US$100 up.
The Landis (亞都麗緻大飯店), 41 Minquan East Rd, Sec. 2, ☏ +886 2 2597-1234. One of the city's most luxurious hotels, the Ritz has a comfortable sophistication that everyone can enjoy. Each of their 100 rooms is equipped with the most modern technology like temperature and humidity control, phones with dataports for fax or modems and voice mail service and cable TV. Guests can also dine in two of the most famous restaurants in the city at their hotel, the Tien Hsiang Lo and Paris 1930, both serving fresh, tasty cuisine.
The Sherwood Hotel (西華飯店), 111 Minsheng East Road, Sec. 3, ☏ +886 2 2718-1188. Five star European hotel situated in the business district. Staff can be overly attentive but speak good English. The gym, pool and sauna are open until 22:00 each night and are very clean.
The Westin Taipei (台北威斯汀六福皇宮), 133 Nanjing East Road, Sec. 3, ☏ +886 2 8770-6565. Great for business travellers, this 5 star hotel is well equipped for business functions with expansive meeting space and a business center offering secretarial support and translations. Eight restaurants and a hotel piano bar are the perfect way to unwind after a day of busy meetings.

Work

Teaching English (or to a lesser extent, other foreign languages) is perhaps the easiest way to work in Taiwan. Work permits will be hard to come by and will take time. Consult your local Taiwan consulate/embassy/representative as far in advance as possible.

It should be noted that anyone staying in Taiwan for an extended period of time can FIND English teaching work, albeit technically illegally. If you are staying as a student or for some other long term purpose, it should be noted that many people are teaching English (or some other language) for pay without a permit in Taipei and elsewhere in Taiwan.

Learn

• National Taipei University
• National University of Arts
• Taipei University of Education

Keep Connected

Internet

Internet cafes are plentiful, although you may have to wander around before finding one. Rather, Internet cafes in Taiwan should be called gaming cafes. These are often found on the first or second floor of a building, and equipped with very comfortable chairs and large screens. Each hour of Internet access/game play is cheap, coming in at around $20. For free internet access in big cities, try out the local libraries. In addition, a wireless internet accessing net covering all of Taipei City is available and Kaohsiung City is currently under construction. There is also a common wifi network available at every McDonald's.

Phone

See also: International Telephone Calls

The international calling code for Taiwan is 886. The emergency numbers include 110 (police) 119 (medical, fire) and the standard GSM emergency number 112 is supported in mobile networks. Numbers starting with 0800 are commercial toll-free numbers. Mobile phone coverage is generally excellent in Taiwan, with the exception of some remote mountainous areas. Among the major providers are Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, Far EasTone and Vibo. Taiwan has both GSM 900/1800 and 3G (UMTS/W-CDMA 2100) networks and roaming might be possible for users of such mobile phones, subject to agreements between operators. If you bring your own cellphone, buy a local SIM-card for the lowest prices and be sure your phone is unlocked.

Post

Chungwa Post is the national postal service of Taiwan. It offers fast and reliable postal services, both domestic and internationally. Post offices are generally open from 8:00am to 5:00pm during weekdays, though some keep longer hours or are open on Saturday (morning). Prices for sending postcards or letters (up to 20 grams) start at NT$5 within the country, while postcards by airmail to other countries start at around NT$10-12 per item, and letters are slightly more expensive. There is a wide range in prices regarding international parcel sending, and other companies like DHL, TNT, FedEx and UPS offer similar services.

External Links

• Official Governmental Website
• Taipei Travel Website