**Q:** What is the capital of Taiwan? **A:** Taipei City.
**Q:** What currency is used in Taiwan? **A:** The New Taiwan Dollar (NT$, TWD).
**Q:** What is the primary language spoken? **A:** Mandarin Chinese is the official language. Taiwanese Hokkien (Taigi) and Hakka are also widely spoken, especially in central and southern regions.
**Q:** Is English widely spoken? **A:** English is widely taught in schools. Younger generations and people in major cities or tourist areas generally speak basic to fluent English. Signage is almost always bilingual (Chinese/English).
**Q:** What is the best time of year to visit? **A:** Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May) offer the most pleasant weather, avoiding the sweltering heat of summer and the peak of typhoon season.
**Q:** Do I need to tip in Taiwan? **A:** No, tipping is not customary in Taiwan. Some high-end restaurants will automatically add a 10% service charge to the bill.
**Q:** Can I drink the tap water? **A:** It is generally not recommended to drink directly from the tap. Locals boil tap water or use water purifiers. Bottled water is cheap and ubiquitous.
**Q:** Do I need a visa to visit Taiwan? **A:** Citizens of many countries (including the US, Canada, UK, EU, Japan, and others) enjoy visa-exempt entry for 30 to 90 days. Always check the Bureau of Consular Affairs for current regulations.
**Q:** What kind of electrical plugs are used? **A:** Taiwan uses Type A and Type B plugs (same as the US and Canada). The standard voltage is 110V at 60Hz.
**Q:** How is the internet and Wi-Fi access? **A:** Excellent. Taiwan has widespread 4G/5G coverage, and free Wi-Fi (iTaiwan) is available in many public spaces, train stations, and government buildings.
**Q:** Is Taiwan safe for solo travelers? **A:** Yes, incredibly safe. Taiwan consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world, with very low crime rates. Walking alone at night is generally considered safe.
**Q:** How do I get around the island? **A:** Transportation is highly efficient. The High-Speed Rail (THSR) connects the west coast. The Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) circles the entire island. Major cities have excellent MRT (subway) systems and bus networks.
**Q:** What are the emergency numbers? **A:** Dial 110 for Police and 119 for Fire or Ambulance.
**Q:** When is typhoon season? **A:** Typhoons most commonly occur between July and September, though they can happen earlier or later. Always monitor the Central Weather Administration during these months.
**Q:** What should I do during an earthquake? **A:** Stay calm. If indoors, drop, cover your head/neck under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on. Do not use elevators. If outdoors, move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
**Q:** What is a night market? **A:** Night markets are vibrant, open-air street markets operating in the evening. They are central to Taiwanese culture, offering a massive variety of inexpensive local street food, games, and shopping.
**Q:** Is it easy to find vegetarian food? **A:** Yes, extremely easy. Due to a large Buddhist population, Taiwan is a global haven for vegetarians and vegans. Look for restaurants displaying a swastika (a Buddhist symbol of peace in this context) or the character "素" (sù).
**Q:** Can tourists use Taiwan's healthcare system? **A:** While tourists do not have National Health Insurance, medical care is highly advanced, accessible, and very affordable even when paying out of pocket.
**Q:** Should I carry cash or use credit cards? **A:** While credit cards and mobile payments (Line Pay, Apple Pay) are accepted at hotels, malls, and chain stores, cash is absolutely necessary for night markets, street vendors, and smaller local restaurants.
**Q:** Can tourists rent a car or scooter? **A:** Yes, but you must have a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) that specifies cars or motorcycles. Note that city traffic, especially scooters, can be chaotic for those not used to it.
