What budget for activities and outings Taiwan?

Throughout Taiwan, access to many monuments (historical or natural sites, temples, night markets...) is free. Museums are usually fee-paying (up to NT$350 for the National Palace Museum).

The majority of sports activities in Taiwan are free of charge, whether it is hiking in the forest or in the mountains, running courses or the many bicycle paths in the country. On the other hand, most marine activities (diving, surfing, sailing, etc.) must be carried out by a professional agency.

The cost of living is quite high in Taiwan, although some products are competitively priced compared to Europe (especially electronics and textiles).

Admission to Taipei clubs costs between NT$500 and NT$1,000 (usually with one or two free drinks). Lady's Nights (free drinks and admission) are common on Wednesday nights.

What budget to eat Taiwan?

There are restaurants for all budgets in Taiwan, from small neighbourhood canteens where one can eat for a few hundred Taiwanese dollars to luxurious establishments that can charge several thousand dollars for a meal. International credit cards are generally accepted, but it is preferable to pay in cash in low-end establishments.

Alcohol is relatively expensive in Taiwan, but there are cheap bars (around the Red House in Ximen among others). For example, for two beers accompanied by a snack, the bill is around NT$500. In the smallest establishments, the international CB will not be accepted.

What is the budget for accommodation Taiwan?

For low-end, but well-run hotels, it costs between NT$600 and NT$1700 for a double room. Youth hostels offer dormitory beds for a small fee (NT$600-1000). Mid-range hotels offer quality service in the vast majority of cases, for at least NT$2,000. Rooms in the most luxurious establishments can reach astronomical sums, foresee at least 3 500 NT$.

Travel budget Taiwan and cost of living

Compared to the prices in Europe, life is cheap in Taiwan. By settling down on a table corner, in an unpretentious snack bar, one can indeed eat very well for NT$ 80 (€ 2.4), and an entrance ticket to a museum rarely exceeds NT$ 100 (€ 3.3). Public transportation, even air travel, is not expensive. On the wallet side, no cash hole to be expected, except for the accommodation budget. There are plenty of hotels in Taiwan, but the world-class hotels, where the staff speak English, are quite expensive - proportionally speaking, of course - compared to the rest of the prices. On the other hand, if you don't pay attention to where you sleep, the price of your stay should remain reasonable.

A few prices as an indication: One liter of fuel (gasoline): 30 NT$. A newspaper in English: NT$15, in Chinese: NT$10. A packet of cigarettes (American brands): NT$90.

Change. Banks, hotels and exchange offices accept all foreign currencies, but if you have a scarce currency, prefer airport exchange offices to city centre exchange offices. Beware, Taiwanese currency is not convertible, so you have to make your pocket money before leaving

Find a distributor. Please note that if ATMs are not compatible with all European cards, Visa® or MasterCard® holders should not have too many problems

Use of an English-speaking distributor. Generally speaking, the way ATMs are used is identical to that in France. If the French language is not available, select English. "Withdrawal" is then called "withdrawal". If you are asked to choose between withdrawing from a checking account, a credit account or a savings account, choose checking account. Enter a debit or credit transaction, select "debit". (However, if you make a mistake in these different options, don't worry, the only risk is that the transaction will be refused). Enter the desired amount ("amount") and confirm ("enter"). To the question "Would you like a receipt? ", answer "Yes" and keep your receipt carefully.

Withdrawal fees. As the euro is not the country's currency, a commission is charged on each withdrawal. Withdrawal fees vary from bank to bank and generally consist of a fixed fee of an average of EUR 3 and a commission of between 2 and 3% of the amount withdrawn. Some banks have partnerships with foreign banks or let you benefit from their network and offer you advantageous fees or even free withdrawals. Ask your bank advisor for more information. Also note that some distributors may apply a commission, in which case this will be mentioned at the time of withdrawal

Merchandising. Prices are fixed in Taiwan, with the exception of market prices.

Taxes. In luxury hotels and restaurants, the customer is charged 10% of the service to amortize the service and taxes. But this concerns a small number of addresses.