Living in Taiwan


Geography and the Weather
The main island of Taiwan is situated approximately 100 miles off the SE coast of mainland China, south of Japan and north of the Philippines.  Taiwan resembles the look of a sweet potato and it covers an area of about 14,000 square miles.  READ  MORE     
 
Language
Taiwan’s language is Mandarin Chinese and most people can use or understand.  After Mandarin Chinese, Taiwanese is the second most used language with about 80% of all population being able to speak it.  Other languages exist, such as Hakka (about 10% of the population) and also several native aboriginal languages.  Some of the older generations also speak Japanese, dating back to the years of the Japanese occupation.      READ MORE        
 
 
Political Status

Taiwan has a very interesting history and any teacher thinking of working in Taiwan will benefit from having a basic understanding of the main events of the past 60 years. Taiwan is a very peaceful and safe country to live in, but there remains some non-aggressive political tension between Taiwan (ROC) and mainland China (People’s Republic of China). 
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Culture
When imagining Taiwan you could be forgiven for thinking that its culture is purely of Chinese origin.  While Chinese culture and its long traditions are certainly dominant throughout the island, Taiwan’s cultural footing dates back a long way.  Over the years Taiwan has been home or port to people from all over the region, including Japan, Korea, Indonesia and of course its own indigenous aboriginal tribes.  Wherever you travel in Taiwan, you will see these various influences shining through in the different foods, music, beliefs, languages, religions, museums, architecture, arts and crafts that make up Taiwan.  READ MORE        

Food

Taiwan caters for the needs of most people.  Whether you prefer vegetarian, seafood or meat, you will be equally spoilt for choice as great food is a very important part of life in Taiwan.  A lot of people choose to eat out most meals as it is convenient, tasty and cheap.  READ MORE

Cost of Living

Taiwan’s excellent cost of living ranks high as a major attraction.  If you want an enjoyable lifestyle in Taiwan and to still have money left over at the end of the month, then Taiwan could well be the place for you. Whether it’s rent, food, utilities or transport, the cost of living is very favourable.   READ MORE

Heathcare

Taiwan has an excellent health service.  Whether you need to see a doctor or specialist, the outpatient service is efficient and thorough.  All  teachers are entitled to the national health services and as the health service is heavily subsidized by the government,most teachers only pay a minimal cost for prescriptions.  READ MORE

Shopping

Taiwan is famed for its lively night markets. They are noisy and great fun places where you will find hundreds of food stalls, clothes shops, games and stalls selling everything from mobile phones to pots and pans!  These markets offer a cheap night out and are fun to explore.   READ MORE

 
 


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TAIWAN Visitors with passports (valid for at least six months from date of entry) from the countries listed below who intend on staying in Taiwan for no more than 30 days may apply for the non-extendable visa-free entry. Visa-free Entry - non-extendable Eligible to passport holders from Australia, Austria, Belgium,Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, U.K. and U.S.A. Requirements for visa-free entry include: 1. a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry (Japanese passport holders need only to have a passport valid for at least three months) 2. a confirmed return air ticket or an air ticket and a visa for the next destination, and a confirmed seat reservation for departure 3. no criminal record Visitors from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland with passports valid for at least six months from the date of entry and from United States with passports valid for less than six months, and who intend on staying in Taiwan for no more than 30 days, may apply for a Landing Visa at the port of entry. Landing Visa - non-extendable A "Landing Visa" is actually a kind of special non-extendable Visitor Visa for eligible passport holders from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and the United States. Requirements for a Landing Visa include: 1. a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry; or, if from the United States, a passport valid for less than six months 2. a confirmed return air ticket or an air ticket and a visa for the next destination, and a confirmed seat reservation for departure 3. completed application form with two photos (white backgrounds) 4. no criminal record Those entering Taiwan from the C.K.S. International Airport may apply for a landing visa at the Bureau of Consular Affairs' Visa Office at the airport. Passengers entering Taiwan through the Kaohsiung International Airport must apply for a "temporary entry permit" at the Kaohsiung Aviation Police Station and then exchange this temporary permit for a landing visa at the Bureau of Consular Affairs or its Kaohsiung Office within three days; failure to do so is subject to an administrative penalty. Fees: Visa fee of NT$1,200 (citizens from countries with reciprocal agreements will be issued visas gratis) plus a handling fee of NT$800. Holders of USA passport with validity less than six months that apply for a landing visa at an ROC Overseas Mission will be charged a special handling fee equal to US$100 (NT$3,600); those applying for visas upon arrival at the ports of entry in the ROC will be charged a special handling fee equal to US$100 (NT$3,600) plus an additional fee of US$24 (NT$800). Visitor Visa - single-entry and multiple-entry Foreign passport holders not eligible for visa-free entry or those who intend on staying longer than 30 days in Taiwan to conduct business should apply for a Visitor Visa. Requirements for a Visitor Visa for business purposes include: 1. Completed and signed application form -- Can be downloaded from BOCA Website (see links below) or provided at counter. 2. Two passport-size color photographs taken within the last 6 months (photo background should be white) 3. Passport (original and photocopy) -- Must be valid for 6 months and contain blank pages 4. Evidence of business activities: job assignment letter from company; letter of invitation; business correspondence, trading records (e.g. letters of credit, remittance receipts...etc.) 5. Details of contact person in Taiwan: name, address, telephone number...etc. 6. Other additional documents as required during processing: airline ticket, electronic ticket Procedures 1. Applicants should submit their applications with required documents and application fee to a Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs overseas office (For contact information for ROC missions and visa offices around the world, please see the information on ROC embassies and missions around the world. 2. Interview may be required. Fees Single-entry visa: USD36 (NT$1,200); Multiple-entry visa: USD72 (NT$2,400); Reciprocal processing fee: USD100 (NT$3,600), currently only for US passport holders. Period of Validity 1. The period of validity for Visitor Visas for foreign nationals from countries with which the ROC has entered into reciprocal visa agreements shall be decided in accordance with such agreements. 2. For other foreign nationals, a Visitor Visa is generally valid from three months up to one year. Duration of stay 1. Fourteen days 2. Thirty days 3. Sixty days 4. Ninety days Extensions Visitor Visa holders who are permitted to stay in Taiwan for sixty or ninety days and whose visas do not bear the remark "no extension will be granted" may apply at the nearest city/county police headquarters to extend their stay for a maximum of 120 or 90 days. VISA INFORMATION IN TAIWAN