Taipei, Taiwan Report of what it's like to live there - 09/12/13
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?
No, Baghdad, Iraq and Bern Switzerland.
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?
Home based in DC, travel takes about 18-20 hours transiting through Tokyo Narita airport.
3. How long have you lived here?
2 years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
U.S. Government.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing is downtown (singles and families without school aged children)- 5 minute commute 80NT cab ride, Dazhi (singles and some families) -20-30 minutes ride on the MRT for 18NT, Tienmu (4-5 family members) and Yangminshan (big families) both use the AIT shuttle for US$2.70 each way.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries are about 1.5 times more expensive than USA, but there is Costco where you can stock up on U.S. goods.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Not much, everything is available.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
American chain restaurants of Chilis, TGI Fridays, Gordon Biersch, Macaroni Grill, Outback Steakhouse, KFC, McDonalds, and a few others are all over the city. They are more expensive than in the USA, but delicious. All local restaurants are safe and delicious.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Mosquitos are out there. I kept a bug zapper in my apartment, which would find many flying victims every week.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
I have sent a few packages through the local post office easily and cheaply to the USA. Receiving packages from the USA through AIT takes 2-4 weeks. Letters oddly were taking 5 weeks.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Many Filipino, and a few Thai maids available for 250-300NTD an hour. Most singles hire a maid for 4 hours a week. Easy to find.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There is a smallish gym at AIT, but there are a few American style gyms throughout Taipei. I used to go to the World Gym in Taipei 101, it was really nice, had fitness classes and a great view.
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?
This is a cash culture, but ATMs are abundant and safe.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Protestant services are available. Mormon church is large and has a strong following.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
I had Chunghwa MOD tv service for 1,100 NTD a month. Most programs were in Chinese and English, with many American TV series and sports available. Taipei Times is a pretty good news paper.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Knowing Mandarin is very helpful, but I know many expats who never bothered to learn any Chinese and have lived in Taiwan for over a decade without a problem.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Sidewalks are mostly paved with marble which gets extremely slippy when it rains and not all businesses are accessible by anything other than stairs.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
All are cheap, safe and reliable. Get a smart phone with a maps program to help figure out the bus system, but once you do, it is extremely easy to get anywhere in the city, cheaply.
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?
No issues. I brought a very large American sedan. It was hard to park, and parts weren't available. Toyotas are everywhere, which would make it easier for parts and repairs.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Available and CHEAP! Cost is about 800NTD for 20mpbs.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Chunghwa Telecom covers the city really well.
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?
3 weeks and a lot of paperwork.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Great, Taiwanese treat their pets very well.
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?
English teaching jobs are available for anyone who speaks English. Other than that, not many jobs on the local economy for expats.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business at work, but in public shorts and a battered white t-shirt with flip flops is the standard for Taiwanese men. For women, super short shorts are ok, but cleavage is frowned upon.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
It is very, very safe crime wise. But, I have had some issues with persons with mental issues getting excited about seeing a foreigner.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is outstanding! Most doctors are U.S. trained, speak English, and costs are very low. Dentists and Opticians seem to be more prevalent than Starbucks.
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, there are some scooters that pollute, but this isn't Beijing. If you need cleaner air, the mountains are close.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Very hot and humid in the summer. Grey and cool, not cold, in the winter. It rains a lot in Taipei, so having a sturdy umbrella is a very good idea.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Taipei American school and Taipei European School are the go-to places. I don't have kids yet, so no direct experience, but both schools are very well respected.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
There are few other diplomatic expats outside of AIT, but numerous English teachers.
2. Morale among expats:
Very High! Taiwan is a fantastic assignment.
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?
Famous bands (i.e. Megadeth, Lady Gaga), traveling shows (i.e. Cirque Du Solei) all make a stop in Taipei. There are bars, KTV, and a bunch of night markets to keep you entertained.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
This is a good city for all groups, but, it is not Bangkok. Nightlife is somewhat tame for singles.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Very Good! My gay friends have not experienced any issues and there is a large and vibrant gay scene.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Nope. Taiwan is very accepting of most foreigners. I have heard some stories from darker skinned or Asians from other countries receiving some difficulty with service, but in comparison to what I saw in Europe, it is not that bad.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Traveling outside of Taipei (Taroko Gorge, Kaoshiung, the mountains surrounding Taipei, etc.) The drive down the east coast from Taipei to Hualian was the most beautiful and engaging road trips I have ever done.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
FOOD! Great food available all over the city. National Palace museum, artist village, Taipei 101, shopping, night markets and some great parks. Day trips outside the city to the coast are easy and a great way to get out of the city.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Tea, there is some amazing tea available.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
The safety and friendly people. I have had people run out of their house to give me an umbrella when I was caught in a rain storm. I have gone out at 2am and never worried about safety. It really is a great place to live.
11. Can you save money?
Yes, eating can be cheaper than cooking. Avoiding western food and goods makes living super cheap.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, I would move back if I could.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Weapons, love of open space, impatience.
3. But don't forget your:
Electronics (very expensive in Taiwan).
