Taipei Visitor Guide

New Zealand passport holders can stay in Taiwan for up to 90 days without applying for a visitor visa before travelling.

For other passport holders, or to find out if you need to apply for a visa to visit Taiwan, go to: https://www.roc-taiwan.org/nz_en/post/94.html

Most international flights arrive at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), approximately 40 km west of central Taipei.
Getting into the city is easy:
•    Airport MRT: Fast, clean and reliable. Approximately 35–40 minutes to Taipei Main Station.
•    Taxi: Around 45–60 minutes depending on traffic. Typical fare: NT$1,200–1,600.
•    Private transfer: Available through most hotels and online booking services.

Taiwan’s currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$ or TWD).
•    Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, department stores and larger restaurants.
•    Cash is still useful for taxis, night markets and smaller retailers.
•    ATMs are plentiful and generally accept Visa, Mastercard, Plus and Cirrus cards.
•    Currency exchange is available at the airport, banks and major hotels.

Taiwan has one of Asia’s best telecommunications networks.
•    Free Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafés and shopping centres.
•    Visitors can purchase affordable tourist SIM cards or eSIM packages at the airport.
•    Mobile coverage throughout Taipei is excellent.
•    Electricity is 110V, 60Hz, using Type A and Type B plugs (the same as North America). New Zealand travellers will require a plug adaptor.

Taipei has one of Asia’s safest and most efficient transport systems.
•    Metro (MRT): Fast, inexpensive and easy to navigate with English signage.
•    Taxis: Clean, metered and inexpensive. Most accept cash, with many now accepting credit cards or mobile payments.
•    Ride-hailing: Uber operates widely throughout Taipei.
Most taxi drivers have limited English, so carrying your hotel name and destination written in Chinese can be helpful.

The Joint Business Councils Meeting is being held at the Regent Taipei in Zhongshan District. This area provides convenient access to business meetings, restaurants, shopping and the MRT network.

Zhongshan District offers accommodation to suit every budget, from international luxury hotels to boutique and business hotels.

Taipei offers everything from luxury brands to traditional markets.
Popular shopping areas include:
•    Xinyi District (department stores and international brands)
•    Zhongxiao East Road
•    Taipei 101 Mall
•    Ximending shopping precinct
•    Raohe and Shilin Night Markets for local products, gifts and street food
Tax refunds are available for eligible overseas visitors at participating retailers.

Taiwan is internationally renowned for its cuisine.
Specialities include:
•    Beef noodle soup
•    Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings)
•    Braised pork rice
•    Bubble tea
•    Fresh seafood
•    Tropical fruit
Taipei caters well for vegetarian, halal and international dietary requirements. Tap water is safe for brushing teeth, although bottled or filtered drinking water is generally recommended.

September is warm and humid, with occasional afternoon showers.
Typical conditions:
•    Daytime: 28–32°C
•    Evening: 24–26°C
Business attire is generally lightweight, although meeting rooms are often air-conditioned. Pack:
•    Lightweight business clothing
•    Umbrella or light rain jacket
•    Comfortable walking shoes
•    Sunscreen and hat for outdoor activities