Savage

Hey there,

I'm going to taiwan for at least 1 month during the summer months. I tried a search but came up with nothing. Has anyone vacationed there or better yet does anyone live there?

I'm looking for travel tips, and any information that might help a 6'10" guy out in taiwan.

Thanks.

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Cogito ergo sum.

KirStang

Well, 6' 10", you're going to be noticed. Alot. Hahahaha that's about all i can tell you...Well, maybe there's also alot of cool places like mountain springs you can visit, and that the food is really good. =)

BTW, there was thread about taiwan a while back, perhaps you could search for that too.

FngKestrel

6'10"? If it rains, you're going to get poked in the eye. A lot.

I went back there last year to visit some family. It's pretty hot and humid there. Where in Taiwan are you going? Taipei?

Skettios might have some info for you. He asked for some advice awhile back in this thread: http://www.tfproject.org/tfp/showthr...ghlight=taiwan

Savage

I don't have access to that post for whatever reason.. I didn't even know there were different levels of access on the forums?

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Cogito ergo sum.

FngKestrel

Sorry bout that. Didn't notice the ranking. But yeah, try contacting Skettios for info.

jorgelito

Ahhhh....Taiwan, one of my favorite places in the world.

First, what do you want to know, what is your purpose there and do you know anyone there?

I've spent years, yes that's right, years living in Taiwan and I was just there over Christmas. It is a dynamic, electric place that is bursting with energy. It has it's flaws too of course but focus on the good.

1. Go to your local library or just buy: "Lonely Planet Taiwan", and "Culture Shock! Taiwan". Both books are really good guides and include alot of off the beaten path stuff.

2. Tell us what you need and I'll do my best to provide you with the pertinent info.

For starters:

A. That place has made huge improvements over the years. Taipei has a fantastic subway and bus system. Cabs are also cheap when you just want to be alone.

B. Food is AWESOME!! Everywhere! Try everything and just put up with the diarhea. It's worth it (or Pepto and Immodium is good)

C. Plenty of historical sights etc.

D. Fun shopping. Lots of street vendors and what not. After all, it's "Made in Taiwan".

E. Visit the tallest building in the world: Taipei 101

F. Bring an umbrella or just buy one there.

Let me know what you need bub.

FngKestrel

Lol, yeah, the previous time I was there (aside from my visit last year) was 14 years ago and that was harrowing. Open sewers and whatnot.
No comment. But it's definitely a place to tease your palate. If you get a chance at Snake Alley or one of the other night markets, try out some roasted corn on the cob. The guy grills it up for you right on the spot.
that's true. Bring your camera.
Try Snake Alley and Guang Hua for some fun. One's kind of freaky, the other is geek haven. Try haggling.
Very cool building, it has numerology integrated into the design. It's got a Sony store/kiosk in one of the main areas.
Yeah.

Things to note about medicine. It's pretty much a shotgun methodology. I was sick over there and needed some medicine (nothing serious). I don't normally take a lot of medication in the States, unless it's serious. We were over there, and the doctor dispensed out something like 5 pills to take daily for 4 days. After the first day, I wasn't fighting the sickness anymore, I was fighting nausea from the medicine. I actually had to call the doctor and ask him what each pill did and which ones were absolutely necessary because I was getting side effects from each one.

So...try not to get sick.

jorgelito

Kuang Hua is a mega-mallish type of marketplace that specializes in electronics stuff such as computer parts etc. Kind of like a Radio Shack on steroids and cocaine.

The Night Market in Shi Lin is really cool and has a variety of wares. And good food too.

happyman

If you have time, try to get out of Taipei. Head down south to Kenting, it's a beautiful beach area, or head to the east coast to Hualien/Taroko Gorge. Taroko is an amazing place.

Charlatan

I was just going to recommend both of these places as well...

You should also try to get out of town and go into the country side... there is some half decent beaches on the south east side of the island...

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Skettios

Don't forget Nova for electronics.

As FngKestrel (thanks for remembering me bud) mentioned I"m over here now. I recommend spending some time in Taipei, going to Hualien, renting scooters to see Taroko gorge, heading down to Kenting (it only deserves a weekend). Also get to Kaohsiung, in my opinion it's the most fun city in Taiwan. You can also try some other forums like Tealit.com for information. You can also message me and I'll make an effort to answer any of your questions.

metalgeek is also over here...

Good luck!

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sashime76

If you are't used to Chinese food, bring some Tums or Pepto with you. You might get drafted to play in "Jones Cup".

Savage

Hey Everyone,

Thanks for the replies. This post is ancient, I'm surprised to see it's been dug up.

I now know more details about my stay in taiwan. I'm on the island for two months. For the first month I will be staying at Tzu-Chi University in Hualien while working in the hospital there. The second month I plan to travel the entire island and possibly one or more of the offshore islands.

I'm looking forward to the trip.

I do have one question (for now):

How does the whole scooter thing work? Do I need to go through any licencing to be able to drive in Taiwan? Will my Manitoba (Canada) licence be sufficient (it's for normal cars)

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Cogito ergo sum.

jorgelito

It's best to get an International License. It's fairly easy and cheap I think, and you don't need to have a driving test, just some minor paperwork; just "google" it. Your Intl. Driver's License should be for an automobile which will cover any scooter (50 ccs). Helmets are required.

Seriously, cabs are cheap, the buses are nice and the subway is awesome. I live in LA now which is a third-world country by comparison.

In the countryside, rules and laws are more lax so you may get away with not wearing a helemt but it's best to respect the laws of other countires. Please be mindful of that and don't commit "Ugly American or Canadian" acts. That made life difficult for me in the 6 years I lived there. Assholes who didn't respect the locals and made us Westerners look bad. Anyhoo, remember that it's a crowded country so personal space will be limited. You'll notice people bumping into you constantly while walking around and if you do get a scooter, you'll notice that the law of the road is the bigger vehicle has the right of way and that everyone will cram to fill every nook and cranny. So as a pedestrian, be careful too.

I would check out Lonely Planet's Taiwan and Culture Shock: Taiwan for a loose reference.

I kept an open mind, respected the locals and enjoyed the 6 years I lived there. Just remember, "When in Rome..." and "Do unto others..."

I'm sure you'll have a blast!

*Edit: add - here are the links for Intl. driver's Permits etc. watch out for scams.

http://www.caa.ca/indexm.asp - Looks legit, I linked it from your government's site.

Here's another useful link too- http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/pubs/taiwan-en.asp I don't know what you're doing there but the basic info is ok.

sashime76

My cousins started riding them things when they were about 10 or 12, pretty much you when can seat yourself without falling out. I can't picture a 6'10" guy riding one of those, but I don't see cops pulling you over - they can't communicate with you!

Hualien is a beautiful place, you might meet some gorgeous girls there. Have fun!