Pro tips to experience Taipei in the most remarkable way

Things are slowly but steadily getting to normalcy and flying to Taipei-the capital city of Taiwan is now easy as Cathay Pacific has resumed its flights. But do you know how to make your trip in this amazing and unique place a memory? Here are a few pro tips to experience this city that has everything but feels like your hometown.

Getting ready:

If you plan to stay there for more than 3 days then you should purchase an EasyCard at one of the MRT stations. These cards will make your travel expenses economical. Using this card makes it cheaper and easier to travel using a bus, metro or for that instance the U-Bike sharing program.

Try avoiding getting into taxis as public transport facilities are at their best in this city. To be precise you will reach your desired destination sooner and safer by using them instead of hiring a taxi.

In traditional and local restaurants don't be in a hurry to tip the server as in most cases the service amount is included in the bill without any further mention.

Get accustomed to using spoons and chopsticks as they are the primary utensils in the majority of Taiwanese restaurants. However, Western chain hotels will have knives and forks. Make sure you visit little "mom and pop" places although they don't have western-style and also ensure you visit the renowned night markets not to miss all the tasty street food that the city has to give you.

Getting there:

What’s the finest way to reach?

Flying:
The main airport of Taiwan is Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) situated about 45 minutes west of the city in Taoyuan county.

Bus:
The most economical means to reach Taipei from this airport is the bus. You have plenty of buses at the airport to drop you at Taipei Main Station with numerous drop off points all through the way at key metro stations and main hotels.

Train:
On the other hand, if you sense intense traffic catch the U-Bus to Taoyuan High-Speed Rail station (around 20 minutes) and get into a High-Speed Train to Taipei. Prefer getting down and boarding an MRT either at "Taipei" HSR Station or "Banqiao".

Taxi:
Until and unless you reached late night or you are having heavy luggage hiring a taxi isn’t advised. However, if you prefer, the fare from the airport to the city would cost you about NT$1,200 based on traffic.

Is a visa needed?
Majority of the short duration visits don't ask for a visa but still check the list of visa exempted nations from the Taiwanese official website or tourist website.

When is the best time to visit?
Fall (September to November) is the best time to fall into Taipei as it has a subtropical climate. During the fall, the weather isn’t harsh and is a little cooler and less rained.

Getting around:

Train & Bus:
The city’s train organization is known as Metro Taipei and the usual prepaid Metro Easycards' cost is NT$500 in addition to a refundable deposit of NT$100 and NT$400 stored value that’s good enough for a 7-day stay. It can be used on the majority of the buses and will save you nearly 20% of one trip tariffs.

Key takeaways on the ground:

What’s the time zone?
Taipei Standard Time (GMT+8).
What’s the currency?
New Taiwan dollar (NTD).
Can we find ATMs often?
Yes.
Is credit card widely accepted?
Yes.
How about finding a bank?
Yes, you find all the major banks here.

Other local customs to know:

How much to tip?
Save for service workers and bellhops in intercontinental hotels, tips are not expected by others. Restaurants (particularly in big hotels) will habitually come with 10-15% gratuity on the bill. But these days even small restaurants are charging it so if you are concerned about this better know first.

Dining:

• Remember not to stand the chopsticks up in the rice bowl — in Taiwan doing so means you’re leaving the food for the dead. Usually, chopsticks are placed in standing position in funerals.
• When signaling a waiter face the palm downward and make little sweeping motions towards yourself and don't palm up as you do in western nations. Palming up is a rude sign here.
• Also, don't tap thumbs on tables and if you wish to tap, tap only if you like the food and are showing a compliment sign.
• Use zjay zjay (Xie xie)-the local thank you after you complete dining.

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