Taipei, Taiwan Report of what it's like to live there - 04/07/15
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?
Colorado. There is now a direct United flight to SFO, which is very easy. Otherwise, connections through Tokyo and direct United to Denver. Considering how far away Taiwan is from the U.S., the "commute" really is not bad at all. Also, EVA is a great airline, direct to LAX.
3. How long have you lived here?
2.5 years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing is spread around the city, but there is an effort to find more units near the new office compound, in the Northern part of the city, in Dazhi or Neihu with an easy 30 minute commute door-to-door. Many singles and couples still live downtown. Families tend to be in Tienmu, near the American School. No metro access in this area means you may be more isolated, however, and I wouldn't recommend it for singles. Some families perfer the seperate houses in Yangmingshan, though it's a long ways from work. Most people are happy with their housing, or seem to be. The most common complaint would be size and lack of storage space. Still, the ease of moving around the city in cheap taxis or the Metro make everything accessable. People seem to really like the Dazhi neighborhood becuase it is close to parks and outdoor space, with an easy commute to work or the American School. There will likely be a lot of retail and restaurants in this area soon, but most are still under development.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
You can basically find everything. Cost is reasonable, cheap if you buy at the local wet markets. Wash everything though! There have been a lot of local food safety issues, which is a bit surprising - and scary.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
If there was a way to get good, cheap cheese.... Other than that, you can find most everything you need. There's a local Ikea and Costco. Amazon deliveries are 2-3 weeks.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
McDonald's, Starbucks, TGIF, Chilis etc. Lots of sidewalk noodle shops. Excellent Japanese food. A few options for GOOD western food, though your standards fall quickly. Decent steak houses, some good Italian and Indian. Awesome ramen. Limited Thai.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
No DPO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
We employ a once/week, half day cleaner for approximately US$30/week.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
We belong to World Gym, which is a poor imitation of a Western gym. But, it's convienant. About US$50/month. There's an active local Cross Fit community. AIT has a small gym. There are yoga studios, running clubs, biking, hiking etc.
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?
Totally safe.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Not sure, but it seems there are many services. Taiwan is one of the most religiously diverse places in the world.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None. It helps, obviously, especially outside of Taipei. But, you can survive easily without langauge.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
No, would be a very easy city. Except for the hills in Tienmu and some uneven sidewalks.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taiwan has the best metro in the world, without compare. It's cheap, clean, fast, and reliable. Taxis are honest and cheap. This has also been a highlight of our time here, the incredible public transportation.
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?
I think most anything would be OK. What's a carjacking?
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
We pay US$30/month (I think....) for moderatly fast internet. We use a VPN and are often uploading or downloading major files, streaming videos etc, so some of the issues may be in-house.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Taiwan basically invented cell phones. About US$30/month for 3 or 4G.
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, long quarantine - three weeks. It's expensive, but seems to be high quality. They let you visit your animal while the pet is in quarantine. Good pet care on the island. Many dogs around; many dogs in baby carriages (strange but true). Surprisingly lots of stray mountain dogs though! Taiwan could do more to promote spaying/neutering.
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?
Eh. Not really. You could probably substitute at the American School. Otherwise, langauge is a barrier. There are a few EFM jobs, though many require Chinese.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Probably quite a few, though langauge might be a barrier. There are a lot of animal welfare and rescue groups.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
At work is business, for Americans. The "rules" for the local staff is less strict with some interesting results. Men wear suits and jackets to meetings.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Ha, no. I hear of more people getting lost items back, than I do of theft.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
No health care concerns. To the contrary, most people with any medical issue would be well take care of on the island. Medical care is good and cheap. Most doctors are U.S. educated and there are enough that you can shop around until you find one you like.
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?
Seems to be getting worse! Just walking to work from the metro (about 5 minutes), you feel the pollution. Still not near as bad as most other Asian big cities. Most houses are away from down town where pollution is worse.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Maybe some seasonal allergies?
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Great except for summer which is truly miserable.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
The American School is amazing. The facilities are out of this world, better than some U.S. colleges. Still, the academics are intense and some parents are put off to find their previously "gifted" student isn't in the highest level math class, for instance. All the local parents are convinced their kid is going to a school in Boston, and have 2-3 after hour tutors lined up to help make that happen. I think TAS recognizes this and seems to have increased the number of "normal" classes, support staff, sports, activities etc, to support those 13 year olds who aren't in Calc II, for expample. Still, this intensity sees some families choose the European School, which also has a good reputation.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Increasingly more so. Still, these are private schools and some families may need to do extra research to ensure their kids are going to thrive.
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?
Not sure, though it seems like most people have to interview many places before finding a good fit.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
TAS has a wide variety of sports or after school activities, most all of which cost money.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
The U.S. presence on the island is about 10x that of the next major "diplomatic" partner. So, you miss the larger expat community. But, people living/working at AIT seem to be very happy, especially families. Most everyone tries to extend.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Well..... Taiwan is not a (alcohol) drinking culture. There are very few bars for a city this size, you end up going to the same five places over and over. Most young Taiwan singles and couples seem to go to cafes and restaurants to hang out, drinking juice and taking pictures of their desserts for hours on end. Many American singles and couples lament the lack of casual drinking establishments, sports bars, happy hours, etc. Still there are some night clubs, plenty of outdoor activities, great restaurants etc.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Families like it the most. Some couples may get bored, especially if they aren't outdoor types. Singles, also might be bored at the lack of after-hours activities. The locals grow up very slowly, the local 20-year old Taiwanese is socially equal to a 16 year old American. So, socially, it can be a very quiet place. The dating scene would be very difficult for anyone not interested in dating locals. But, the quality of life is excellent, just a lot quieter than you would expect for such a large city.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Absolutely. Taiwan is incredibly gay friendly, in my opinion. First gay pride parade in Asia. It may even be the first to legalize gay marriage.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
The only issue I've heard of is with Asians who don't speak Chinese, that always surprises the locals. Still, they are too friendly and passive to do/say anything offensive. To the contrary, they give foreigners a lot of deference which is sometimes a little odd.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Taipei is great, really a perfect little Eden. We've loved living in such a safe place. Everyone is very friendly and will go out of their way to help you. Unlike so many places, they love Americans and really want you to love Taiwan. The regional travel has been a real highlight too. The Japanese food has been a great surprise. Not sure how I will handle not having access to cheap, high quality sushi.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Lots of little neighborhoods to explore - Huashan, YongKong, Ximending, the streets around Zhongxiao Dunhua. Tiapei seems to be undergoing a lot of changes, there is always a new restaurant or area to explore. Silks Palace in Taroko is amazing for a few days. The weekend flower market is one of my personal faves.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Nothing. Taiwan doesn't really make anything besides semi-conductors. There are fun teas, local ceramics etc, but there isn't really a typical Taiwan product or gift.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Safe! Taiwan is incredibly safe and friendly. It's like a larger, Asian Mayberry. There is basically no crime; they don't even jaywalk! Day trips around Taipei, into Yangmingshan are easy and gorgeous. Touring around Taiwan is limited, however. Taroko Gorge is truly amazing, and....that's about it. The mid-mountain range is beautiful, but not really established as a proper tourist destination, yet. Sun Moon Lake is a lake. But, excellent regional travel. It can be expensive to get off the island during major holidays, but you can't do anything about that. The weather is great, except in the summer which is wretched - hoooot and humid. Stay inside or plan to leave the island. You can save money here; the cost of local food, goods and services is very reasonable.
10. Can you save money?
Yes, we've traveled a lot and managed to save money and pay off debts.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Taiwan people are SO friendly, but with that also SO passive and a bit naive. You need to be very patient as it can be a bit like dealing with children! They won't make a difficult decision or do anything that would "rock the boat." Very timid people. But kind, considerate, (Very!) well educated, amazing people.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Totally.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Snow gear, unless you want to go skiing in Japan!
4. But don't forget your:
Tampons. Seriously.
5. Do you have any other comments?
In the end, you'll find the things you complain about are incredibly trivial. Taiwan is awesome.
