Taipei, Taiwan Report of what it's like to live there - 11/07/16
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?
Small New Zealand town; Bogota, Colombia; Moscow, Russia
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?
Grand Rapids, Michigan. 22 hours with connections in Tokyo, Altlanta and Detroit
3. How long have you lived here?
One year.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Other than a few houses available on Yangmingshan Mountain, it is all apartment living. Apartments are smaller than in many other countries. Housing areas are located downtown, near the schools or near the NOC.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
It may take me a few stops, but I've learned which products are available at which stores. I can find most things locally, especially if I'm willing to pay premium prices. There are several Costcos around Taipei and grocery stores range from Carrefour to local chains. There are some specialty international grocery stores as well. Milk is currently $6.00 USD a gallon and cereal can run $6.00 a box. It is often cheaper to eat at roadside stands than to cook at home.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
I purchase all my tortilla chips and cereal online and have it shipped to post.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Street stands and quick eateries provide a plethora of local cuisine. Night markets are a great place to eat local food on the weekends. International restaurants are plentiful with prices similar to home. Fine dining is available as well.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Not too bad considering the tropical climate. The houses in the mountains have snakes and more bugs. Cockroaches can be a problem if you don't clean well.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
I receive my letters and packages by diplomatic pouch. (Expect mail to take 2-4 weeks to arrive.) We can only mail out letters and the smallest flat rate boxes. I use the local post office for boxes. It is fairly inexpensive to mail internationally and times for delivery are less than what it is taking for mail to arrive via the pouch.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
I have part-time help at $8.00 USD/hr. Filipino maids & nannies are common.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Many apartment buildings have gyms. There are gyms in the city one can join as well, including cross-fit gyms. There are excellent bike and running paths along the river and hiking trails in the hills.
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?
ATMS are available and safe to use. They are a bit confusing so sometimes I have to walk from corner to corner to find one that will take my card on that particular day. In major stores and restaurants they accept credit cards.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Catholic, Non-denominational, Mormon.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
I don't speak any Chinese. It limits me, but I get around fine. Most people take a period of language classes to learn everyday phrases.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
No, excellent public transportation assistance for those with handicaps. Most buildings are well equipped with elevators. Getting around should be assessed before choosing housing.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
The MRT is about $1.00 USD, the bus is $0.50 and bikes are available to rent. Taxis are plentiful and fairly inexpensive. All public transportation is safe, clean and timely.
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?
Not to large or tall. Parking garages have low ceiling clearance.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, it is available.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
We brought unlocked phones and use sim cards. We pay around $25-30 USD/month for unlimited data.
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?
You must begin your shots about 6 months before arrival in country. Be sure to make sure you have the correct paperwork. Your pet cannot arrive before you do. There is a required government quarantine kennel that your pet must stay in for 3 weeks. The care there is excellent and you are able to visit your pet. Excellent veterinarians are available and there are good kennels available in the country side where your dog will have more room to exercise while you are away.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
School, orphanages.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business attire at work. Casual in public places. Very hot summers bring out a lot of shorts and t-shirts. A 70F day will bring out jeans and a down jacket.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Very safe. My high school daughter has the freedom to use the buses and MRT to get around town.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Extreme heat in the summer makes staying in the air-conditioning desirable. A paternalistic view of medicine, so communication and getting questions answered can be difficult. Diagnosis is sometimes off.
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?
The spring has a period of air pollution as it blows in from China.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Lots of nuts here. They love peanut butter.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Summer is extremely hot. This past summer we had 5 months of temps. over 90F and often in the 100's with high humidity. Fall is typhoon season with several going through each year. The city is well prepared. Earthquakes are frequent as well.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Taipei American School; Taipei European School; Morrison Academy. We have a child who is a Jr/Sr. at this post. TAS has been a very challenging academic and social environment. TAS is a local school with an American curriculum making it very difficult for expat students to integrate.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Not much.
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?
Several dual-language or English-language preschools available throughout the city.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Only in Chinese.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Good morale. Smaller expat community than in most places I have lived. The American Institute and schools seem to bring the majority of expats to Taipei.
2. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Good city for all. Something for everyone.
3. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Very accepting.
4. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
This seems to be a very easy city to live in.
5. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Good hiking. Enjoyable concerts. A few good museums. It's easy to get around the island on the train and HSR. Easy to drive the island. Good day trips to the beach.
6. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
It's easy. Low crime. Good public transportation. No one is watching you. Freedom to move about. Accessibility to products.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
The city has been great, but if I could do it again I would not come until my child is out of school.
