Taiwan

Even though the Chinese feel Taiwan is part of China, many Taiwanese disagree. Be careful in talks about politics with locals.

You may find yourself with a layover in Taiwan. There's lots you can do in Taipei in just a short time.

Visas:

No visas are needed for Taiwan for people from most countries.

Money:

New Taiwanese Dollar - NTD.

Taipei:

getting around (from the airport):

Bus - There are many buses you can take from the airport into central Taipei, including Taipei main train station. They cost about 300-400yen and takes 40-90 minutes to get downtown depending on the traffic and where you get off. Taipei train station is also the main stop for the subway which is really cheap too. You can take a bus to get back to the airport - stops are located sporadically throughout the city or the main terminal is next to the train station, opposite the Shin Kong Tower. Buses run between 5am and 11pm. http://www.cksairport.gov.tw/CKSeng/transportation/taipei_e.jsp

Taxi - A taxi will cost you about 5,000 yen. There's no train between the airport and Taipei city.

to stay:

Chien Tan Overseas Youth Activity Center - A youth hotel/conference centre near the Grand Hotel and Shirlin Night Market (the biggest night market in Taiwan). It's in Chinese but call them up or fill out the online reservation form in English. They have English speaking staff.

http://www.cyh.org.tw/center/center_bu.php?loginno=1655210&buid=B

to see:

Closer to the airport is The National Palace Museum - one of the must do things.

On the MRT (subway) Bannan Line (indicated in blue on MRT maps):

Longshan Temple Station

Longshan Temple - translated as the Dragon Mountain temple, it is one of the

most famous and most visited temples in Taipei. If you go during the morning look out for the Shanshui Traditional Market, one of the oldest of its kind. You'll probably be able to smell it from across the street! You'll see live chickens, pigs' heads (and other parts) etc for sale.

Huaxi Street Tourist Night Market - a series of arcades that have been done up but still reflect somewhat the old, west side atmosphere. Lots of weird and wonderful things on display. Open during the day too.

Ximen Station

The exits of the station walk you right into the 'Shibuya' of Taipei, otherwise known as Ximen Ting. Bargaining here is the norm – never accept a first offer! Most bustling after about 2-3pm as that's when the street vendors come out, but try to avoid weekends as it can get very crowded. Wander into the department stores too: this is the west side and almost everything is cheaper.

Taipei City Hall Station

Taipei 101 - used to be a huge area of open space on the far east side, now filled with fancy department stores and the tallest building in the world. Take Exit 3 and you'll see huge buildings next to an open field. About 4 of the department stores are owned by Mistukoshi so prices are almost as ridiculous as Japan. However, the basements are usually filled with reasonably priced food courts. If you take the open-air walkway it'll take you to the end of the block where theTaipei 101 Tower is. There's a viewing platform on top, but if the weather isn't great then probably all you'll see is smog.

Transit

Transit Hotel - If you just have an overnight in Taipei, you may want to stay in the transit hotel in the airport, the Evergreen Transit Hotel (not to be confused with the Laurel Evergreen in Taipei city centre). The hotel is not the cheapest (around 9,000-10,000yen a night) but is well worth it. They have a gym and shower rooms you can use even if you don't stay in the hotel (paying by the hour). It's well signposted in arrivals/transfer area. As it is inside immigration you can only stay while you are transitting through the airport. You will only have your hand luggage. There are loads of restaurants, cafes and shops around, though they don't open 24hours.

To book try online or calling. They speak English. You can also book at the aiport if you want to stay on your return trip. To be certain, don't expect to get in without a reservation.

http://www.evergreen-hotels.com/Web/index.php?L=E - The website seems to be having some problems at the moment, but the phone number is 886 (0)2 2504 8800; fax: 886 (0)2 2509 8754.

Hotels - you may leave the airport and stay in a hotel in town. This will be classed as a stopover and you may be charged for this by your airline. Allow yourself plenty of time to get back to the airport and check in for your flight.

Tours - Because so many flights have extended layovers, the airport runs a half day bus tour of the city. It's free and takes you to the National Palace Museum amongst other places around Taipei. The tourguide makes cheesy jokes that are so bad you can't help but laugh. The buses often have serious ventilation problems, with smoke collecting in the back even if all the windows are open. You'll meet lots of foreigners in the same situation as you. You'll easily be able to see the tourist counter and sign up for the tour. The last tour is about 2pm.

...or...if you can't book the hotel, you may find the airport staff want to 'encourage' you to stay in a hotel in town and people have been asked to surrender their passports while they leave the airport. If you are happy to do this, go ahead. Many others decide to sleep in the airport lounges or play area, though it can get cold in winter.

Links:

http://www.cksairport.gov.tw/CKSeng/index.jsp - airprt website with details of flight schedules, transport links and facilities.

http://www.asiatravel.com/taiwan/taiinfo1.html#top - Taipei Travel Information - lots of details