Taiwan

Situated off the coast of mainland China, the mountainous island of Taiwan teems with people in massive urban developments, but at the same time hides some picture-perfect breathtaking vistas behind the scenes. Jet into the airport at the capital, Taipei, and the island below greets you with majestic peaks, rolling hills and plains, basins and inlets, tropical beaches and green forests.

At the foot of the mountains cluster the crowded industrial cities and towns. Modern, high-rise buildings play backdrop to numerous traditional folk festivals, and ancient temples sit alongside glass-fronted boutiques in the bustling streets. Old and new live in harmony in Taiwan, and visitors will be enthralled as much by the bustling metropolis of Taipei as with the array of natural attractions throughout this relatively small island.

In the six national parks there are thousands of species of wildlife, 20 percent of which are rare or endangered species, including the Mikado pheasant, the Hsuehshan grass lizard and the Formosan rock monkey. Unique experiences include taking a ride on the Alishan train, one of only three mountain railways in the world, and hiking up northeast Asia's highest mountain, Jade Mountain, and taking in the spectacular sunsets above a sea of clouds. With its volcanic origins, tropical climate and Polynesian flavour Taiwan has often deservedly been dubbed the 'Hawaii of Asia'.

Taiwan has long had an uneasy relationship with its larger neighbour, China. In 1684 the island became the refuge for the remnants of the deposed Ming Dynasty and when Mao's Communists forces took control of China in 1949 the nationalist leaders, and over one million supporters, fled to Taiwan. Economically the island quickly became an Asian success story but its independence from China was never recognised by many governments - primarily due to the Republic's greater political and military firepower. Many Taiwanese would like an eventual reuniting with Mainland China, but not on the terms suggested by their communist cousins and major trading partner. In the meantime China continues sabre rattling with regular military exercises off the coast of Taiwan.

Climate

Taiwan is sub-tropical but the climate varies from hot and humid in the south tempering to cooler in the north and inland mountainous region. All over the country sudden rain showers frequently occur, making rainwear an essential part of a visitor's luggage. The driest time of year is autumn (September and October), which is followed by a short generally damp and chilly winter with snow on the island's mountain peaks. Summer temperatures can reach 90ºF (35ºC) at the coast. Summer is also typhoon season.

Money

Taiwan's currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD), which is divided into 100 cents. Foreign currencies and travellers cheques (American Express, Citibank or Thomas Cook) can be exchanged at government-designated banks and hotels. Receipts are given when currency is exchanged, and must be presented in order to exchange unused NT dollars before departure. Major credit cards such as American Express, Master Card, Visa, and Diners Club are accepted. Banks are open Monday to Friday. US dollars are the preferred currency. ATMs are plentiful but not all accept international bank cards.

Passport Visa

All travellers entering Taiwan require confirmed return air tickets or proof of onward travel. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US nationals may stay in Taiwan for up to 30 days without a visa and require a passport valid for at least six months from entry. If passport is valid for less than six months then a visa is required, although a 30-day visitor visa can be obtained on arrival at Chiang Kai Shek or Kaohsiung International Airport for NT$4,400.
• British citizens may stay in Taiwan for up to 90 days without a visa. If passport endorsed with other than British Citizen, a visa is required. Passports should be valid for at least six months from entry.
• Canadian nationals may stay in Taiwan for up to 30 days without a visa and require a passport valid for at least six months from entry.
• Australian nationals may stay in Taiwan for up to 30 days without a visa and require a passport valid for at least six months from entry.
• South African nationals require a visa for travel to Taiwan and a passport valid for six months after intended travel.
• Irish nationals may stay in Taiwan for up to 90 days without a visa and require a passport valid for at least six months from entry.
• New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for at least six months from entry. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.

Health

Taiwan health regulations require that travellers arriving from infected areas carry vaccination certificates for yellow fever. Travellers are advised to have up-to-date jabs for hepatitis A and typhoid, and it is advisable for most long-term travellers to be inoculated against Japanese encephalitis. Due to recent outbreaks of dengue fever, insect repellents and other measures to prevent mosquito bites are recommended for those travelling to the southern part of the island. Visitors should only drink bottled water and should be wary of potential food poisoning. Taiwan's medical facilities are first-class, but health insurance is recommended for travellers.

Embassy Consulates

• Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Washington DC, United States: +1 202 895 1800.
• Taipei Representative Office, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7881 2650.
• Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 231 5080.
• Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Barton, ACT, Australia: +61 (0)2 6120 1022.
• Taipei Liaison Office, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 430 6071/2/3.
• Taipei Representative Office, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 678 5413.
• Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Auckland, New Zealand: +64 (0)9 303 3903.

Foreign Embassies

• British Trade and Cultural Office, Taiwan: +886 2 8758 2088.
• Canadian Trade Office, Taipei: +886 2 2544 3000.
• Australian Commerce and Industry Office, Taipei: +886 2 8725 4100.
• Liaison Office of South Africa, Taipei: +886 2 2715 3251/4.
• Ireland Institute for Trade and Investment in Taiwan, Taipei: +886 2 2725 1691.
• New Zealand Commerce and Industry Office, Taipei: +886 2 2757 9514.