Taipei, Taiwan Report of what it's like to live there - 05/13/13
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?
No. Milan.
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?
US, about 24 hours. There are direct flights from Taipei to LAX, but most of the time we connect through Tokyo and then to the west coast.
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.)?
U.S. State Department.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
State Department housing varies from 3-5 bedroom houses with yards on Yangmingshan, to large apartments in TienMu, to smaller (but nice) apartments downtown. I live on Yangmingshan. It is 45 minutes to AIT. From TienMu it is 30 minutes. AIT provides a shuttle and public transportation is easy.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries cost more than the U.S., but they are do-able. We have three Costcos (and I heard more to come), and they have lots of US products. We can't complain.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
I'm picky about makeup and hair products, so I bring both. Bring your own deodorant because it is almost impossible to find. Also, bring a certain unmentionable female sanitary product that most American women prefer, but hasn't seemed to catch on in many other parts of the world. In fact, bring a large supply of the afore-mentioned products if needed. You can order them off Amazon if necessary, but they are nearly impossible to find on the local market. Also bring children's pain relievers and cold medicine.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
McDonald's, Burger King, Subway. Other American restaurants include Chili's, TGI Fridays, and Macaroni Grill, but you pay about twice what you would in the U.S. Local restaurants are cheap. Great dumplings, Indian and Thai food.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Mosquitoes and cockroaches are problems. As are the huge spiders.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We do all mailing through AIT. We have a pouch address, but it isn't a regular DPO. We can't get any liquids.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Readily available. Most domestic helpers are Filipina, but there are also Thai and Indonesian helpers available. Cost is around $10US per hour for part-time or $800US per month for full-time live-in.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes.
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?
Credit cards can be used in many larger restaurants, gas stations, and malls. But most purchases are done with cash. ATMs are readily available at 7-Elevens,, which are on almost every street.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Catholic, Mormon, Baptist, Non-denomonational Christian.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
It helps, but it is not mandatory. I speak only pleasantries and get along fine. Taiwanese learn English in school, so most speak at least some. And they are very willing to step in and help if necessary.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Sidewalks are a little bumpy and uneven, but by and large I think the Taiwanese would be quite accommodating.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Very safe and very cheap. The taxis in Taipei are the cleanest, nicest taxis I've ever experienced. However, most of the drivers don't speak English. But they are very friendly. I usually show them my destination on Google Maps on my iPad, and they can always get me where I need to go. Buses and MRT are safe and clean. My kids use all forms of public transportation, day and night, and have never had a problem. One of my favorite things about Taipei is the freedom my kids have to get around the city.
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?
You can drive almost anything here. There are lots of luxury cars. Smaller cars are easier to park. We drive a minivan and have never had a problem.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Great internet; quite fast. About $30 per month.
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, and it's a bit of a problem.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Many good vets.
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?
AIT jobs for State Department EFMs, some jobs at the international schools, and some English-teaching jobs.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Similar to US.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Only if you drive a scooter; then you take your life in your hands. Otherwise, this is the safest place I've ever been.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Great healthcare, dental, orthodontic, physical therapy. Most doctors and dentists are American trained.
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?
Moderate
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Very wet. Mold is a problem. Spring and Fall are beautiful. Winter is a little cold, and Summer is very hot. It is always humid.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Most State Department families send their kids to Taipei American School. It is a great school that is highly respected in the international school community. We have had a great experience there. However, it is a highly competative school with a lot of homework. We have had to hire tutors for our kids. If your kids are gifted, there is no better place for them. If they are normal, average students, they will struggle. Most of the students come from very wealthy local families who are trying to get their kids into US Ivy League universities. Tiger Moms abound! And the school caters to those families. But the school has lots of money and resources for helping kids catch up to their standards. Quite a few State Department families also send their kids to Taipei European School. Families seem happy with it. There are also a few religious schools. If TAS or TES won't accept your kids, the religious schools usually will.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
TAS and TES don't have the accommodations for kids with more serious special needs. But TAS has a great resource department for kids with mild learning issues. Not sure about TES. Taipei American Adventist School accepts more kids with special needs.
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?
Many to choose from. Some expats send their kids to a local preschool that is all Chinese. Others send them to schools that are half Chinese and half English. TAS and TES also have highly-respected preschools, but they are more expensive.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes. TAS has a huge program at the school called TYPA. They have every class imaginable. TES also has after school programs.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Big.
2. Morale among expats:
Very happy. If you can't be happy in Taipei, then you shouldn't be living overseas.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Fun restaurants, nightclubs, karaoke bars, movie theaters, and baseball games. Lots of American singers and musical groups do concerts in Taipei.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Great for families. Singles and couples also seem happy here. There seems to be a fun nightlife downtown.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
It seems fine. The Taiwanese are very accepting.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
No.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
The people. The Taiwanese are some of the kindest people we have ever met. Also, Taiwan is incredibly safe. Our kids ride public transportation at night, and we never worry. Also, there are great places to visit around SE Asia, such as Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Singapore.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Temples, night markets, beaches, hot springs, shopping for jade, pearls, ceramics, and silk.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Jade, pearls, silk, and pottery.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Lots of great things to do, very friendly people, fun cultural opportunities.
11. Can you save money?
We about break even.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
In a heartbeat. I could live here for the rest of my life.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
wool sweaters and parkas.
3. But don't forget your:
rain gear, umbrellas, mosquito repellant, and deoderant.
4. Do you have any other comments?
The biggest drawback to living in Taiwan is that it is an island, so you have to fly to go anywhere. And flights aren't cheap out of Taipei.
