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4. Transportation Getting around Taiwan can at first seem a bewildering task. Most of the street signs are written in both Chinese and English, but this might be of limited help, as many Chinese words sound very different in Chinese, but are spelled very similarly in English. Nevertheless, the streets of all the major cities of Taiwan are laid out in generally straight grid patterns, and finding your way around can become easy once, once you orient yourself. The city of Taipei is divided into four quadrants, north, south, east and west, and the name of each major road will tell you what general part of the city you are in (eg., Minsheng East Road). Road names often refer to virtues that are extolled in Confucian philosophy, or to ancient landmarks, political figures or major geographical areas of China. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system is making the city easier to move through than ever before. But for many different locations all over the island, the most ubiquitous form of transport are buses. Unfortunately, they are the hardest system to decipher. Once you do crack the code and find out which routes go where, however, they can be the cheapest and most convenient way of getting around. If you do lose your patience waiting for the bus, a taxi is always easy to hail. Cabs abound in every major city, and are a reasonably affordable form of transportation. If you're looking to explore the whole island, or move around quite a bit during your stay, car rental services are widely available. However, if you are going to visit a number of places in Taiwan but don't plan to stray too far off the beaten track, the fastest and most convenient method is the domestic airline. Flights are available to and from all of Taiwan's cities, and seats are usually available within the hour. If you're staying for a longer period of time, you may want to consider getting your own vehicle. As always, if you're thinking of picking up a used car - caveat emptor. But do bear in mind that scores of carmakers are in hot competition to sell new cars, and good offers from name-brand dealers are frequently available. Taiwan does have one domestic car brand, the Yueloong. But many Japanese, American and European car models are now actually "Made in Taiwan." If possible, it is best to get a model that is locally manufactured - this is the most important factor determining the price and availability of replacement parts. While driving your own car can be the most comfortable way to travel, some people find it the most exasperating to park. Circling around downtown areas for an hour or more in search of that elusive patch of curb space is a perfectly common occurrence in Taiwan, so you may want to think twice before laying down the cash for a sedan. Many foreign visitors decide to opt for a motorcycle or scooter. These are infinitely more convenient to park, but have their downside too, as Taiwan is well known for its luxuriant quantity of rain. Cycles both new and used are available at the many specialty sales shops in every town. As with housing, there will be negotiation and paperwork in Chinese, so bring along a Chinese-speaking friend. Some people have been duped into buying stolen vehicles, so make doubly sure that the title, registration and license plate are in order. Purchasing either a car or a motorcycle in Taiwan requires an Alien Resident Certificate. And if you decide to ride a cycle or scooter, spend the extra money to get a top-quality set of rain gear and an excellent helmet. Next Page | Top | Back to Index