Entry Regulations:

Passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the Republic of China. An entry visa is not necessary for stays up to 30 days.  If you passport is valid less than six months from the date of entry, you will need to apply for an entry visa at the airport for a few of NT$4,400. 

Please check with your country’s Foreign Affairs office to find out about entry requirements for non-Canadians and Americans.

Climate:

Taiwan has a tropical climate, varying from hot and humid in the south, to cooler temperatures in the north and inland mountainous region. Winters are short and tend to be mild, while summer is usually hot, with plenty of humidity. Throughout the country, sudden rain showers occur frequently and visitors are advised to travel with raingear. In July and September, typhoons from the South China Sea bring heavy rains.  The monsoon period is between September to October.  The temperature in the summer can reach up to 90ºF (35ºC) at the coast.

Currency:

The New Taiwan Dollar (TWD) is the basic unit of currency in Taiwan.  At present, the exchange rate is TWD26.08 to CAD$1 and TWD32.51 to USD$1; As exchange rates fluctuate each day, please check the current exchange rate near your date of travel.

Electricity:

The current used in Taiwan is 110AC 60Hz.

Tip: This system may differ from the one you use at home. If it is different, please purchase an adaptor from a travel store near you, to take advantage of the power ports in your hotel room.

Language:

The official language in Taiwan is Mandarin Cantonese, however Taiwanese is often spoken and English is generally understood.  

Health Requirement:

Normally, vaccinations are not longer required unless one travels from or via an infected area. Check with your local health authority for further requirements.

Airport Facilities and Tax:

There are two international airports.  The Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei and Kaohsiung International Airport in the southern part.  There is an International Departure tax of NT300.  

Shopping:

Taiwan is a shopper’s dream.  There are Asian department stores, that are based in Japan.  The Daiso department store offers well-priced gifts, stationery, kitchen and cosmetics items at discounted prices.  There are also night markets.

Cuisine:

Taiwan offers some of the best Chinese cuisine in the world and Kaohsiung offers the best Taiwanese food.  Typical Kaohsiung specialities include beef noodles; oyster omelette including local chrysanthemum leaves with a sweet red sauce; and aiyu jelly. Aiyu jelly has local fig seeds in it and is great on a hot day as it is usually served on ice.

For more information please visit: 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaohsiung