My Two Cents on Taiwan Province

[Ms. Wanda Kilback]

Sure, no problem! I'll make sure it's well translated to English and easy to understand, with the key points highlighted!

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Taipei Business Trip Diary: Tips for Foreign Friends and Rants

Hey, I'm back in Taipei for business, this is my second visit! Here are some tips to share:

• From Airport to City Center:

  • Last time, from Taoyuan Airport, I took the Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station which was super convenient, costing only $150 TWD.
    • Tip: Taoyuan Airport is Taipei's main international airport, and the MRT is just like our subway; it directly takes you to the major transportation hub downtown—Taipei Main Station.
  • Warning: Beware of Troublesome Taxi Experiences!
    • After leaving Taipei Main Station, I hailed a taxi to my hotel. For only $270 TWD, the driver actually let us down!
    • On a heavy rainy day, he abandoned us at the opposite side of my hotel, making me drag all my belongings in the rain and waited for traffic lights before walking another 5 minutes to reach my door. What a terrible experience!
    • How to avoid:
      • Most taxis are reliable, but if you encounter such a problem, consider using ride-hailing apps like Uber, or insist that the driver directly drop you off at the hotel entrance.
      • By contrast, I always encountered amazing drivers during my first trip to Taiwan, they seemed so eager to ensure I found the way around!

• Impressions of Taipei & Dining:

  • This time I stayed in Xinyi District, the central business district of Taipei, where the bustling and vibrant environment surrounded me. The famous Taipei 101 tower would appear just a couple of blocks away from the hotel gate.
  • When I got a chance to work less, I wandered into Linjiang Street Night Market close by.
    • Tip: Night markets in Taiwan are full of delicacies. So get out of the comfort zone and have a look!
  • Unfortunately due to my terrible appetite these days, I just had a piece of affordable steak in this night market. However, it was pretty amazing with fresh ingredients!
  • Because of the cold weather, I didn't have the shaved ice I craved for!
    • Tip: Shaved ice is such an iconic delicacy in Taiwan! It's made up of fruits, beans, jellies and more, and taste pretty tasty in summer!
  • Beef noodle soup is my absolute love! I had this most meals in Taipei. Just like its name, there are lots of beef and well-cooked soup in each bowl costing about $200 TWD with lemonade and small dishes as a complimentary bonus; it is really cost-effective!
  • Most people in Taiwan are friendly, willing to aid you when you ask the direction!

• Leaving Taipei:

  • I took off from Songshan Airport this time.
    • Tip: Songshan Airport is located downtown, closer than Taoyuan Airport to the heart of the city. It might be more convenient if you're about to visit other parts of Taiwan or certain Asian cities.
  • Before one day, I booked the Uber car for the early morning hours of 5:15, my Uber driver was extremely nice without impatience towards such a short trip.
  • When I got down from the ride, besides the fare, I gave him all coins around $100 TWD to show thanks for arriving so early, and to get him some breakfast with.

• Some Personal Impressions (Complains Only) :

  • Honestly speaking, apart from that day's special case in tax, all others were super kind during my second time in Taipei.
  • I've traveled for business to many countries before:
    • In South Korea, some locals may show unfriendly attitude towards Chinese visitors.
    • In Japan, although people are extremely polite, there's a certain distance.
    • In Singapore, I was rolled eyes at by locals.
    • In Thailand, a convenience store clerks accidentally shortchanged me, but fortunately my smart mind revealed it on spot.
    • In Hong Kong, if you cannot order food with Cantonese, some service personnel may show reluctance about it.
  • Taiwan is really the friendliest place of all I've visited!

• Future Expectations:

  • Currently I hold a business visa. Personal travel visa for Taiwan has not been opened yet for people like me.
  • I am eager for this change to realize in the near future so that bring parents with their grandchild to enjoy another round!
  • Just like my first trip to Taiwan, starting in Taipei, I would love to head southward, visiting Taichung and then Kaohsiung, as soon as possible!