Welcome to Taipei
Taipei City Government: http://www.taipei.gov.tw
Taipei Travel Net: http://taipeitravel.net
Taipei 101: http://www.taipei-101.com.tw
TICC: http://www.ticc.com.tw
Taipei International Flora Exposition: http://www.2010taipeiexpo.tw/
Language
Mandarin is the official language in the Republic of China, though other dialects are also spoken. The most commonly used foreign language is English. Taxi drivers, however, generally only speak Mandarin or Taiwanese.
Climate
Taiwan's climate is subtropical with average annual temperatures of 19℃ (66℉) in the north and 21℃ (69℉) in the south. Autumn from September through November, is usually cool with an average temperature from 20℃ to 24℃ (68℉ to 75℉). The weather report of Taiwan can be found at the website of Central Weather Bureau: http://www.cwb.gov.tw
Time Zone
Taiwan is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and does not practice daylight saving time during summer. Local time in Taiwan and the time difference from your home country can be found via this link: http://www.worldtimeserver.com
Electricity Power Supply
The utility power supply used in Taiwan is 110 volts/60 Hz. Appliances from Europe, Australia or South-East Asia will require an adaptor and/or transformer.
Currency
Taiwan's currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$). Bill denominations are NT$2,000, NT$1,000, NT$500, NT$200, and NT$100. Coin denominations are NT$1, NT$5, NT$10, NT$20, and NT$50. The exchange rate is around NT$33 to US$1. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at the airport upon arrival, or at government-authorized banks, tourist hotels, and department stores. Please retain the currency exchange receipt to exchange unused NT Dollars back to original currency. Traveler's checks in major currencies may be cashed at some tourist-oriented businesses and for customs at most international tourist hotels.
Credit Card
Major credit cards are accepted by hotels, department stores, airlines, most stores and restaurants. Cash can be withdrawn from the ATM which has the same logo on your cards. Cash is generally preferred in most places in Taiwan.
Telecommunication Service
A single local call from a public phone costs NT$ 1 for 3 minutes with additional coins insertion for continuing service. If needed, the overseas operator may be reached by dialing "100". Direct international call is available from some phones, after dialing the prefix “002”. Rate for direct international calls is charged every six seconds.
Customs
Personal items are free of duty. Visitors over 20 years old may bring in, duty free, 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 0.5 kg of tobacco, one bottle of liquor and one used camera. Gold cannot be exported without a permit issued by the Ministry of Finance. Passengers arriving with gold and silver and planning to take it out at departure must declare it and leave the items with Customs until they leave Taiwan.
Taipei International Flora Exposition
 The Taipei International Flora Exposition was first held in the late 20th century as a major event for every lover of nature and of gardening.
The 2010 Taipei International Flora Exposition will be held from November 6th, 2010 to April 25th, 2011. This is the first time the event will be held in Taiwan. Taipei is the seventh city in Asia to host such a gardening expo, and this is a chance for Taiwan to show the world its commitment to outstanding gardening and the achievements it has made in the biotechnology sector.
Unlike suburban expositions held in Kunming, Hamanako, Chiang Mai and other cities, the 2010 Taipei International Flora Exposition will take place in the city center as a response to people’s desire for more urban green spaces. The site plans and designs of this year’s show incorporate urban renewal concepts.
It is estimated that as many as six million tourists will visit Taipei City for the 2010 Taipei International Flora Exposition. The Expo will help Taiwan share with the world its achievements in the areas of tourism, catering, gardening and biotechnology.
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