Taipei, Taiwan Report of what it's like to live there - 07/07/13
Personal Experiences from Taipei, Taiwan
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Yes
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
It's always about a 24 hour trip from Asia to the US, no matter what. United is the contract carrier, and most all connections are through Tokyo. United is supposed to open a Taipei - San Francisco route, but it keeps getting delayed. A new Tokyo - Denver route was opened June 2013.
3. How long have you lived here?
11 Months
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government - Foreign Service
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
AIT is working to move more people towards the New Office Compound in the Neihu neighborhood. So they are placing more singles and couples in the Dazhi neighborhood, whereas they had previously been assigned downtown. Commute time from Dazhi to either new or old AIT is 20-30 minutes. Families live in Tienmu or on the mountain, Yang Ming Shan. There is an AIT shuttle for these, but the commute is still an hour, one way.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Western style groceries and grocery stores are increasingly popular. Still, some "familiar" goods may be more expensive. You can find most everything you need if you hunt or ask around.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
We can find most everything we need here. And Amazon is so useful for any cosmetic particulars, for instance.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
In Taipei, people tend to eat out more than they cook at home. Thus, there are thousands of restaurants at every price point. McDonald's, Burger King, Subway etc. Though I'm not sure why anyone would eat there with so many other options.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
We are in a highrise apartment and have no bug issues.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We are more limited than other posts in what we can send because there is no diplomatic pouch. But recieving goods is no problem.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Many families employ a full-time "helper." Part-time help costs appx $250 NTD/hour, or just under $8/hour. Many singles and couples will hire someone to come over and clean for a half day, once a week. No problem.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes. AIT has a very small gym, as do many of the apartment buildings. Large Western-style gyms are increasingly popular.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Very safe. I've never even heard of anyone having an issue.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
We do Hulu and Netflix via VPN.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
It obviously helps, especially as you get out of Taipei. In Taipei, all public transportation and street signs are in english. Many people speak enough english to help you get by.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Everything is fairly handicap-friendly. Lots of escalators, good sidewalks etc. Certain areas of the city, like Tienmu, are very hilly though.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
YES! Such great public trasportation - metro, buses, cabs etc. All are very reliable and cheap!
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
People have all kinds of cars of various makes and models. No problems.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Obviously. I think about $30/ month?
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
AIT will help you set up a plan with one of various Smartphones including iPhones. Very common and useful here.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Yes, three weeks. And there is a significant amount of paper work.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Yes, pet ownership is increasingly popular in Taipei.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
There are plenty of jobs for someone who wants to teach English. The American School, however, only hires "real" teachers or people with a teaching degree and experience. Other than that, I'm not sure.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Ties, suits, heels.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
No. None. Zero.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Great medical care. Most doctors are U.S. trained. We've had equal if not better care here than we had in the U.S. -- and at a minimal cost.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Moderate. Some air pollution resulting from the scooters, but otherwise OK.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Summer is HOT and HUMID. It's a sub-tropical climate, so lots of humidity and rain. But spring and fall are very nice. The humidity makes the winter feel colder than it actually is, but still not too bad.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
No kids, but hear great things about the Taipei American School.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
I have heard that TAS is doing more to make accommodations for special-needs kids, such as hiring special-ed or experienced teachers.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
This is a mid-size post with approximately 150 AIT American FSOs.
2. Morale among expats:
High, people seem to like living here.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
My only complaint would be the fact that it's not a huge drinking culture. Drinks are served at dinners or at night clubs, but there aren't many casual bars, or dive bars here. The lounges and cocktail bars can be fun, KKTV isn't too bad. Beyond that, there is still lots to do. You can have as much fun as you want -- you might just have to look harder than at other posts.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes, Yes, Yes. As with most Asian posts, women looking to date may be disappointed. Still, there are a lot of fun things to do here: decent bars and nightclubs, good restaurants, etc. Great for couples and families.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes, especially for Asia. There are several fun gay bars.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
There is a strong emphasis on the beauty of pale skin, so some African-American colleagues have felt a bit uncomfortable.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
We love the fact that from our apartment we can be in the heart of Taipei or up in the mountains, either way in 20 minutes. Taiwan is incredibly diverse with mountains, beaches, cities etc. The people are some of the friendliest in the world.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Markets, hiking, biking, massages, restaurants, etc. All the convienences of a big, modern city.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Hmmm, most interesting products here are imported. But we have beautiful flowers (orchids) around the house for 1/5th of what they cost in the states.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Taipei is the safest place I have every lived! It's incredible. I've heard of more lost purses and wallets being returned than stolen. Also, the public transportation is fantastic.
11. Can you save money?
Yes, if you don't spend it all on regional travel and expensive restaurants.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Totally. Without question.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
winter gear. It gets cold(ish), but a medium-weight coat and sweater are fine.
3. But don't forget your:
umbrella, rain boots and rain coat.
