• THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

  • TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION
  • HEALTH & MEDICAL MATTERS
  • TAIWAN CUSTOMS PROCEDURES
  • MONEY MATTERS
  • BAGGAGE
  • SHOPPING
  • FOOD AND DRINKS
  • LANGUAGE
  • CLOTHING
  • TIME DIFFERENTIALS
  • ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENT
  • INTERNATIONAL CALL & EMERGENCY INFO
  • TIPPING
  • PUBLIC HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS
  • OTHER NOTES
  • CLIMATE

TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION

1. Generally, passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the return date of your trip; Except, U.S. passports (including emergency passport) can be valid for more than the period of intended stay.
2. Resident Aliens need both passport and Alien Resident Card for re-entry to the United States.
3. Carry emergency contact person's name, address and telephone number with you.
4. Keep travel documents, passport, personal necessities and valuables with you at all time and make a copy of them.
5. It is suggested to inform your credit card company of your traveling and to confirm your credit line prior to departure.
6. Be sure you have all the necessary documents and money before leaving for the airport.
7. Taiwan entry visa: Up to 90-day visa-free privileges are offered to U.S. passport holder with confirmed roundtrip air ticket. The duration of stay starts from the next day of arrival and must depart by the end of the said duration. For the most current and detailed passport and entry requirements, all travelers are advised to verify with the Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan before you travel: http://www.boca.gov.tw

HEALTH & MEDICAL MATTERS

1. For your own protection and peace of mind, you are strongly advised to purchase travel insurance prior to departure.
2. It is recommended that you consult your doctor for existing medical conditions prior to departure.
3. If you are taking prescription medication, pack in your hand luggage sufficient quantity for the duration of the trip and make sure it is fully labeled.
4. In case of illness during your trip, please immediately notify your tour manager and local guide for assistance.

TAIWAN CUSTOMS PROCEDURES

Personal belongings and household articles may be granted duty exemption as follows. A passenger 20 or over in age is allowed to bring, free of duty:

1. 200 cigarettes (or 25 cigars, or 1 pound of tobacco), 1500 c.c. or less alcoholic beverage.
2. Foreign currencies: value over US$10,000 should be declared.
3. New Taiwan Currency: no more than NTD 100,000. Passenger may apply for approval to Central Bank for amounts over such value.
4. It is prohibited to bring fresh fruits, soil, plants, any kind of sea productions, drugs, firearms, ammunition, and counterfeit goods.
5. For details of inbound and outbound traveler declaration and duty exemption, please check the Taiwan Customs Administration, Ministry of Finance Official website: https://web.customs.gov.tw/

MONEY MATTERS

1. The currency in Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD or TWD). Notes come in denominations of 100, 200, 500, 1,000, and 2,000 TWD, while coins in everyday use in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 TWD. Foreign currency can be exchanged at airport, bank, and department store all over the city. For the most current exchange rate please visit our website.
2. Credit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) are popular in Taiwan. However, it is more convenient to use cash especially if you are planning to shop and eat in smaller shops.

BAGGAGE

1. Baggage allowance for international flights vary by airline and is subject to change at any time. For up-to-date baggage allowance, please check your air carrier's website. Excess baggage charge and insurance are traveler's responsibility. Cathay Pacific Airways: www.cathaypacific.com China Airlines: www.china-airlines.com EVA Air: www.evaair.com
2. It is recommended that all checked luggage has a lock (TSA approved locks are recommended. For more information please check TSA's website at: http://www.tsa.gov) and a luggage tag showing the name and contact information of the owner. (Use Peony Tours tags for easy identification by our airport staff.)
3. DO NOT pack medicine, valuables or other personal necessities in checked luggage. Keep them in your carry-on bag.
4. Consider packing one change of clothing, one set of underwear and toiletry in your carry-on bag to avoid inconvenience caused by delayed or lost luggage.
5. For more information of US restrictions on baggage, please consult www.tsa.gov.

SHOPPING

Although Peony Tours' guides will be happy to assist you with any shopping requirements, we do not assume responsibility for any items purchased at shops while on tour. You are never required to purchase any items while on tour and must be responsible for your own purchases. Any after sales correspondence must be between the traveler and the shop in question. It is travelers' responsibility to observe US Customs restrictions when bringing any goods to or from the tour.

FOOD AND DRINKS

1. Meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
2. Tap water is safe for drinking only after boiling. Soft drinks and bottled water are sold in all 7-Eleven stores and supermarkets.
3. Most of hotel generally provide free bottled water.

LANGUAGE

1. The official language in Taiwan is Mandarin.
2. To make your trip more interesting and rewarding, we have included a list of the most useful phrases in Mandarin.

CLOTHING

1. We suggest you bring comfortable, casual clothing and good walking shoes for the trip.
2. Check local weather conditions before you go, and pack accordingly.
3. It is not necessary to bring formal clothing.
4. Do not over pack.

TIME DIFFERENTIALS

Taipei is 12 hours ahead of New York, and 15 hours ahead of San Francisco and Los Angeles (PST). All time within Taiwan is based on Taipei time; there are no adjustments for seasons or longitude.

ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENT

Domestic supply in Taiwan is 110 volts at 60 cycles. It is always a good idea to bring an international adaptor with you when traveling. Alternatively, adaptors can be purchased in local supermarkets.

INTERNATIONAL CALL & EMERGENCY INFO

1. Taiwan: international access code is 002, country code 886 USA: international access code is 011, country code 1. To make direct calls: From Taiwan to USA: 002+1+City code+Local number. From USA to Taiwan: 011+886+City code+Local number.
2. Emergency call: 110- Police; 119-Fire/Ambulance.
3. American Institute in Taiwan (AIT): Tel: 886-2-2162-2000 or visit: http://www.ait.org.tw

TIPPING

Gratuities are not included in your tour cost. They are customary, and for the purpose to encourage and reward quality service. Our tour conductors, local guides, and drivers do their utmost to make your trip smooth and pleasant. Gratuities are a way of showing your appreciation. However, tips are NEVER mandatory. Peony Tours suggests tipping in the following manner: US $10 per person per day - to be distributed between drivers and guides.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS

• January 01: New Year's Day
• Last Day of 12th Lunar Month: Lunar New Year's Eve
• 1st-3rd Days of 1st Lunar Month: Lunar New Year Holiday
• February 28: Peace Memorial Day
• April 04: Children's Day
• April 05: Tomb Sweeping Day
• 5th Day of 5th Lunar Month: Dragon Boat Festival
• October 10: National Day

OTHER NOTES

1. Important Note: Peony Tours' representatives cannot enter the luggage claim area. Luggage carts are available, free of charge, at airport. Upon arrival in TPE airport, after the Immigration and Customs, collect your luggage and exit, our local representatives will be waiting for you at the Arrival Hall holding a signboard displaying your name. If you cannot find your driver, please go to tourist service center and have the staffs on duty call Edison Travel 24/7 hotline +886 2 25635313 +886 2 25634621. You may add Edison Travel on WhatsApp +886966550866.
2. Keep any eye on your personal belongs and valuables at all time.
3. Respect other group members, your tour guides and drivers. Refrain from talking when tour guide is speaking.
4. Traveler's safety has always been our number one concern. For your safety, you should notify tour guide ahead of time if you plan to go out at night or roam at free time alone.
5. It is safe to travel in Taiwan. However, you should always be cautious when staying at a hotel. Never allow strangers into your room. It is suggested to carry your tour guide's cell phone number for emergency.
6. For the protection of your own interests, read carefully your itinerary and hotel information prior to the tour. Leave a copy to your family.
7. A nice and smooth trip counts on every group member's high cooperation. It is important to follow the indicated meeting time and meeting point. To make your trip as enjoyable as possible, allow enough time for flight check-in, security screening and boarding: 2 hours for US domestic travel, 3 hours for international travel. For flight delay, cancellation, or any emergency, please contact Peony Tours immediately:
   • USA - Office Hours (Mon-Fri, 9am-5:30pm):
     • Headquarters: (626) 289-2450
     • Los Angeles: (626) 289-1010
     • San Francisco: (650) 259-9983
     • New York: (212) 973-1998
   • USA - After Office Hours: (626) 677-3415

CLIMATE

Being a small island nation, Taiwan's climate does not vary greatly from region to region. Taiwan has subtropical climate. Summers are hot and humid while winters can be cool and damp. The rainy season occurs late summer to mid-autumn.

AVERAGE TEMPERATURES IN MAJOR CITIES (F)

USEFUL PHRASES IN MANDARIN