About Taipei

Taipei is located in Northern Taiwan and has a population of over two million. From the fine arts to the culinary arts, Taipei is definitely one of the cultural centers of Taiwan. The National Palace Museum exhibits the largest collection of priceless Chinese art, while many antique shops, galleries, jade markets and jewelers offer works of art for sale. The variety of exquisite dishes at thousands of restaurants and eateries enticingly demonstrates why Taipei is famed as the gourmet capital of Asia.

　Time Difference

Taipei Standard Time is 8 hours ahead of GMT.

　Climate

Taipei has a subtropical climate, with an average temperature of 28°C (82°F) during June and July, but there is often a thundershower.
For more information on Taiwan's climate, please refer to the website of the Central Weather Bureau.

　Tipping and Taxes

Tipping is not customary in most places in Taiwan. The one exception is tipping the bellboy when you check into a hotel. A 10% service charge and a 5% value-added tax are added to room rates and meals.

　Electricity

Taiwan uses electric current at 110 volts AC/60 Hz with two- or three-prong USA-type sockets. Appliances from Europe, Australia or South-East Asia will need an adaptor or transformer. Many hotels also have sockets for 220-volt appliances.

　Smoking Regulation

Smoking is prohibited in most public areas and buildings.

　Emergency & Useful Phone Numbers

　Useful Links

Tourism Bureau: http://www.taiwan.net.tw/
Ministry of Foreign Affairs: http://www.mofa.gov.tw/webapp/mp?mp=6
Taipei Travel Net: http://www.taipeitravel.net/