Welcome to Taipei
   Taipei City Government http://www.taipei.gov.tw
   Taipei Travel Net http://taipeitravel.net
   Taipei 101 http://www.taipei-101.com.tw/index.htm
   Taipei International Convention Center http://www.ticc.com.tw

Language
        Mandarin is the official language in the Republic of China, though other dialects are also spoken. The most commonly used foreign language is English. Taxi drivers, however, generally only speak Mandarin or Taiwanese.

Climate
         Taiwan's climate is subtropical, with average annual temperatures of 19℃ (66℉) in the north and 21℃ (69℉) in the south. Autumn, from September through November, is usually cool, with average temperature from 20℃ to 24℃ (68℉ to 75℉). The real-time weather report of Taiwan can be found at the website of Central Weather Bureau http://www.cwb.gov.tw/
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Time Zone
         Taiwan is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and does not practice daylight saving time in summer. You can check Taiwan's local time and the time difference from your local time via this link: http://www.worldtimeserver.com/

Electricity Supply
          Taiwan uses electric current of 110 volts at 60 cycles, appliances from Europe, Australia or South-East Asia will need an adaptor or transformer. Many buildings have sockets with 220 volts especially for the use of air conditioners.

Currency
          The Republic of China's unit of currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$). Bill denominations are NT$2000, NT$1000, NT$500, NT$200, and NT$100. Coin denominations are NT$1, NT$5, NT$10, NT$20, and NT$50. As of January 2007, the exchange rate was quoted around NT$32.7 to one US Dollar. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at the airport upon arrival, or at government-authorized banks, tourist hotels, and large department stores. Receipts are given when currency is exchanged, and must be presented in order to exchange unused NT Dollars before departure. Traveler's checks in major currencies may be cashed at some tourist-oriented businesses and for room guests at most international tourist hotels.
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Credit Card
          Hotels, department stores, airlines, large stores and restaurants accept major credit cards, however, you can still withdrawing in the ATM which has this sign.
   

Cash is generally preferred elsewhere.
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Telecommunication Service
          One local call from a pay phone costs NT$1 for 3 minutes, after which additional coins are needed or the line will be automatically disconnected. On private phones, the overseas operator may be reached by dialing "100." Direct dialing is available to some phones, after first dialing the prefix “002.” International direct dialing rates are calculated every six seconds.
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Customs
          Personal items are free of duty. Visitors over 20 years old may bring in, duty free, 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 0.5 kg of tobacco, one bottle of liquor and one used camera. Gold cannot be exported without a permit issued by the Ministry of Finance. Passengers arriving with gold and silver and planning to take it out at departure must declare it and leave the items with Customs until they leave Taiwan.
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Helpful Phone Numbers
English Speaking Police: ..................... (02)2555-4275 or (02)2556-6007
Emergencies/Fire Department: ....................................................... 119
Police:  ........................................................................................ 110
English Speaking Directory Assistance: ............................................ 106
English Speaking Telephone Operator (local): .................. (02)2311-6796
International Operator Assistance: .................................................. 100
Taxi Service: ...................................... (02)2301-4567 or (02)2746-9988