Taiwan: What I REALLY Wish I Knew Before My Trip!
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Sure, here's the translation:
Absolutely, no problem! I'm prepared to help you rewrite and convey your travel experiences and insights to foreign friends in an accessible way!
Although this is not my first trip to Taiwan, traveling around alone truly provided me with a deeper understanding of the city.
Here are some of my personal observations and feelings. Even if you disagree, I welcome feedback with comments!
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Alerts on Accommodation!
- Avoid booking a stay at the Regent Hotel next to Taipei 101! I later came to know that it was voted as one of the "Top Ten Haunted Hotels" globally online.
- Unaware of the situation back then, I casually booked the hotel. Only afterwards did I get informed by an indigenous Taiwanese friend about the negative remarks regarding this hotel; they noted that local residents would not choose this place normally.
- With two nights left before the check-out date, I truly worry thinking about how I spent the last night... horrifying!
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Thoughts on Taiwan:
- Affordable Prices! I was amazed by the living costs in Taiwan, which seemingly explains the perceived happiness derived from a frugal lifestyle there. It's generally enough for a lunch price ranging approximately from a couple or tens of Renminbi (about $1-2 US) each time.
-(Of course, not everything is cheap, but basic daily expenses such as meals give me an impression of ease) - Distinct Religious Culture! The feeling I got is that Taiwan tends to be quite traditional, with extremely open religious beliefs. Temples can be found everywhere, many quite old and quaint-looking. At a certain junction on the way to Hualien Town, I ran into a grand temple parade (a very ornate vehicle paraded through the streets), the person driving said some people make money just by doing those activities.
- Taiwanese People’s Sense of Contentment! Taiwanese seem more satisfied with life, showing high levels of happiness. Despite a lack of significant urban-rural differences, they seldom work towards big houses or luxury cars, focusing more on their daily routines.
- Exceptional Attentiveness and Warmth! Considering my travels across many cities, Taiwanese hospitality undoubtedly ranks number one! They speak very patiently, affectionately, warmly and genuinely.
- Lottery Ticket-Invoice System! When shopping in Taiwan, stores generally ask if you wish to preserve a purchase receipt (called “Unified Invoice”) for possible cash prizes. There are collection bins for donating receipts to charitable causes. A taxi driver who transported me shared his own success story where he frequently hit the jackpot, winning around NT$3000 (equivalent to roughly RMB 700)!
- Important Tip: Carry Cash!
- Even in modern-day Taiwan, it’s a good idea to carry some cash just in case. For instance, cabs and night street markets often don’t accept card or digital payment.
- Not all cabs take credit cards or mobile payments, so carrying cash ensures convenient transactions whenever required.
- Are Taiwanese Men More Frugal? Hehe, following my solo journey to Taipei, I have slightly sided with the belief that Taiwanese men tend to be more prudent in their spending.
- Prior to this, I dated two Taiwanese guys who were indeed unaffordable. That’s to say, they were pragmatic, unlikely to spend unnecessarily just for you. However, when they felt a purchase necessary for you, they were calculative yet generous in planning.
- Naturally, with relatively cheaper living costs in Taiwan, they probably practice cautious spending when abroad.
- Last but not least, many Taiwanese families have multiple children (usually two to three). As resources from parents have to be divided among children, those kids might grow up habitually self-reliant and less expecting inheritance.
- Affordable Prices! I was amazed by the living costs in Taiwan, which seemingly explains the perceived happiness derived from a frugal lifestyle there. It's generally enough for a lunch price ranging approximately from a couple or tens of Renminbi (about $1-2 US) each time.
#TaiwanFoodCulture #TaiwanTrip #TaiwanVlog #TaipeiVisit #TaipeiCuisine #VacationAdventure
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It's highly unlikely to find places in Taiwan where you can eat a meal for just 1-2 USD, especially in cities like Taipei. We call receipts 'unified invoices' (統一發票), which have a prize draw every two months. For a driver to frequently win 3000 NTD is also extremely rare; he must be incredibly lucky. Usually, prizes are around 200 or 400 NTD at most; winning thousands regularly is pretty much unheard of. Also, these days, Taiwanese families typically have one or two children; having three or more is uncommon. And Taiwanese men aren't generally stingier; it's probably just the ones you've encountered.
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As a Taiwanese person myself, I do think Taiwanese men tend to be a bit stingier. And it's not just me; quite a few of my friends feel the same way. Of course, you could argue it's just the ones we've encountered, and that's fair. But I wouldn't generalize; there are a few generous ones out there – just not many.
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I don't think what you see in Taiwan should be called 'feudal superstition.' If that were the case, then all the churches in Europe and America would qualify as well. It's simply the continuation of traditional religious beliefs, much like you see in regions such as Guangdong and Fujian.
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I think you have a lot of misunderstandings.
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So, are you saying that Taiwanese people being enthusiastic, providing good service, and appearing to be full of happiness are also misunderstandings?
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For the few days I was there, I kept thinking 'zàijù' (載具 - digital invoice carrier) meant they were asking if I had a shopping bag. Every time they asked, I'd say 'yes' and then silently pull out my own plastic bag.
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Hahahahahaha, you're so adorable!
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Feudal?!
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Perhaps 'feudal' wasn't the right word. I was just trying to describe the large number of temples, both big and small.
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Let me respond: 1. Prices in Taiwan really depend on the item; for example, hair and nail salons are much more expensive than in Beijing. 2. Freedom of belief is real; there are many churches and temples near my home. Temples that generate significant income often have political backing; for ordinary people, running a temple is usually just a side business. 3. We still have an urban-rural divide; some children even have to hike for hours to get to school. As for desires, it varies by person – I, for one, really want a big house. 4. Taiwanese people tend to be especially friendly to outsiders. If you live here longer, you might find that much of it can be a bit superficial (假掰 - jiǎbāi, meaning somewhat insincere or putting on an act). 5. I'm so envious of that driver! I've never won a single cent. 6. You usually need to exchange some cash when visiting any country. 7. We'd rather forgo any 'female privileges' to fight for equal rights. Also, parents' selfless dedication is undeniable, but it's shameful for adults to still take money from their parents. They've raised you your whole life, and then they still have to plan for your future? Parents are individuals too. Filial piety is more than just providing for them financially.
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I think splitting expenses (AA/going Dutch) makes it less likely for women to be manipulated (PUA'd) by men. This way, you avoid situations like, 'I've spent so much money on you, and you're still not satisfied?' or the 'I'll support you, you be a full-time housewife' scenario, only to be resented later.
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It's true. Modern Taiwanese women don't want to rely on men.
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Hahahaha, I just got back from Taiwan! And let me tell you, there's something truly terrifying: Taiwan is a 'pedestrian hell.' People don't walk on the sidewalks, cars don't stay in their lanes, and scooters are everywhere, bumping into things and parking illegally. It's seriously scary! Punishments seem to be a joke; nobody's afraid. They just pay the fines and carry on parking wherever.
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That's definitely a major issue 🥲.
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I'm really curious, what strange things did you experience at the X Yue hotel? Could you share a bit? Of course, more details would be even better, as I'm a very curious person!
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You can find detailed information on Google.
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Freedom of belief isn't the same as superstition, and it's even further removed from being 'feudal.' In Taiwan, especially in northern cities, families generally don't pressure those in their 30s and 40s about marriage. Personal wishes regarding work, marriage, and having children are largely respected.