Learning Taiwanese: A Window on Taiwan
If you’re only going to learn one of Taiwan’s languages, then learn Mandarin. But if you fancy a challenge, learning Taiwanese will push your limits and open new doors. Taiwanese is spoken by around two…
Author Archives: Michael Cannings
The Iron Man of Asia, Taiwan’s First Sporting Star
When it comes to sport in Taiwan, the famous names that spring to mind are probably Yani Tseng, the LPGA golfer with five majors under her belt, or Wang Chien-ming, a pitcher formerly with the…
The Languages of Taiwan: An Introduction
On my travels outside Taiwan when I meet people and tell them where I spent more than a decade of my life, they sometimes ask what language is spoken in the country. The easiest answer…
Money
Cash is still king in Taiwan, though credit cards are accepted in ever more places The currency in Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$). Most establishments do not accept US dollars or other currencies,…
Getting Help
A number of different support services are available to foreign residents, and the government is also becoming more aware of the needs of the expat community Emergency Services There are a few different telephone numbers…
Security
Most foreign residents in Taiwan experience a trouble-free stay, and, excluding the traffic, the island is generally a safe place to live Crime and Personal Safety Taiwan is in general a very safe place to…
Recreation and Leisure
Taiwan offers superb opportunities for hiking and biking, plus a vibrant cultural scene in the performing arts Outdoor pursuits Taiwan is a superb place to experience the natural world, though you might not suspect this…
Healthcare, Insurance, and Dentistry
The national health service is comprehensive and cheap, and quality of care is generally good; dentistry is likewise reasonably priced and of a good standard Medical insurance Taiwan has excellent general health care. Created in…
Television, Telephones, Internet, and Media
The Taiwanese media is both free and boisterous, and there are a large number of competing newspapers and cable channels, though unfortunately quality is somewhat lacking; internet and telephone service is easy to arrange Mobile…
Driving
In many areas outside the big cities, having a motor vehicle is important for getting from A to B. This section will help you understand what is involved in driving in Taiwan. Getting a License…