Taipei, Taiwan Report of what it's like to live there - 03/06/17
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?
This was my first overseas post!
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?
I am originally from Washington DC. Flying to Taiwan I flew to SFO and then to Taipei. If you want to cost-construct from NYC, you can fly NYC to Tokyo and then to Taipei.
3. How long have you lived here?
I have lived in Taiwan for just about 2 years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
I am working at the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT).
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
I lived in the Dunhua apartments and loved it. As a single, I was given a 3-bedroom 2-bathroom apartment (guest bathroom also had a bathtub) with a large kitchen and living area. The apartments are modern and clean- in my whole time in Taiwan I never saw one bug. There is a gym with basic equipment, and a recreational room that you can reserve for parties. It is close to everything and often served as the meeting point for my friends and I on the weekends before going out in the city. Trash can be placed outside of your door every Monday-Friday for disposal by the building staff (which is actually a big perk since people who do not live in serviced apartment buildings have to go outside at designated times to catch the garbage truck certain day during the week).
Downside: many of the apartments face an office building on one side, so one of my bedroom windows and all of my living room windows look directly into the office building.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries, especially if you like to frequent wet/outdoor markets, are much cheaper than in the US. If you want to buy luxuries from home, they are readily available, but at a higher price. For example, Charmin toilet paper will cost you about 6 dollars/ roll.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
I shipped everything I needed- but for the unsuspecting definitely ship your own feminine products if you have a particular brand you like, and deodorant/toothpaste.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
You can find all different types of food here. It may not taste like the food from home, but you will have a wide array of Western and local options available. There are several US fast food options if you like that kind of food as well (Domino's, Pizza Hut, KFC, Starbucks, etc). There is also a COSTCO. That said, there are hundreds of unique cafes that each sell different variations of western or international food. They are really fun to explore and have way better coffee than any US chain.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Not at all. I never saw a bug in my apartment. However, employees living in the mountains can expect some bugs.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
I used the mail room at post.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
I had a helper to assist with laundry and cleaning once a week, which cost approximately 33 USD. The CLO newsletter typically has information on household helpers looking for employment.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
I used the gym in my building, but I had friends who joined gyms for about 40 USD/month.
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?
Taiwan is largely a cash economy, but nicer restaurants and cafes take credit. I have had no issues with security. ATMs are also plentiful and appear safe.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
I do not have any personal experience with mobility issues, however I have noted that the sidewalks in Taipei tend to have really high curbs and only some sidewalks have ramps to get on or off the curb. Additionally there are some metro stations/ tunnel systems that do not have elevators.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taking the metro or train costs the equivalent of about 30 cents. Both are very clean and efficient. If you prefer taxis, a 4-dollar taxi can get you most places in the city. Very rarely will you pay more than 10 dollars (and that's for a 25 minute ride to a suburb). Taxis to and from the Taoyuan Airport (the airport with the majority of international flights) are about 40 dollars, whereas the bus is about 4 dollars (but only comes at specific intervals). Most taxi drivers also have a fixed price service for popular tourist destinations and airports. If you ask a taxi driver for their card, you can call them to schedule a airport pick up for a fixed fee- typically 1000NTD (about 33 dollars) as opposed to the slightly higher unfixed price.
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?
I did not have a car and got around just fine with public transportation. If you do bring a car, I recommend something small.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Unlimited home internet and cell phone data costs about 60 dollars per month. Most places in Taipei have free internet, and most people do not call or text, but instead use a messaging app called "Line." If you do not use a lot of data to stream music or videos, it probably would make sense to get a more limited plan. But either way, the unlimited plan is only about 30 dollars. This was all set up by my sponsor before arrival at post.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
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?
I did not personally have a pet, but there are a plethora of pet stores and hospitals. Taiwanese people really value their pets and make sure they are well groomed and cared for.
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?
n/a
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
I feel safer than I have ever felt anywhere in the world in Taiwan. I have no concerns about my safety here.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
The weather is damp, so it can irritate your skin depending on if you have dry or oily skin. For the average person, there are little to no health concerns here.
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?
Some days the air quality can reach levels similar to a city like Los Angeles, so if you have asthma you may find it irritating.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Eggs, gluten, and nuts are typically in or near everything. Be sure to only eat at places where you can clearly explain your allergy or to cook most meals.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
The weather is damp and humid all year around.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
There are many expats in Taipei city. If you are interested in meeting other expats, consider looking into social groups on MeetUp or InterNations.
2. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
This is a great post for all since there is a lot of things to do all the time. Dating tends to be more vibrant for foreign men as opposed to foreign women, however if you are willing to put yourself out there you can definitely have a dating life or even find a relationship while here. It takes a little more effort for women, but it's possible.
3. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Taiwanese appear to be very welcoming of the LGBT community. Taiwan has the largest Pride Parade in East Asia. There are also several bars/restaurants/businesses that openly express support for LGBT rights. That said, I have no personal experiences as a member of this community, but my friends who identify as LGBT have never indicated that they felt discriminated against. They have also expressed that there is a vibrant dating scene for LGBT people living in Taiwan.
4. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
I found Taiwanese people to be very welcoming of people from all backgrounds. As a black woman, I have experienced some inquisitive looks and sometimes stares (especially if my hair is out), but never any perceptible discrimination. Typically people who stare are older and have not travelled outside of Taiwan and are looking forward to practicing their English with a foreigner. People here are some of the warmest people I have met.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Of course! Great place to live.
