Upcoming trip to Taipei – Advice welcome on things to do, transport, food and accommodation options

[aspro2]

Was there about 6 weeks ago About 1% speak a form of english, food, electronics as expensive HK, the markets are like HK, full of Chinese goods, the food markets not for us, booze is expensive in hotels and bars, some hotels are not what they look online to be. We saw about 20 Caucasians in 10 days, and lots of temples and museums packed to the rafters everyday and very noisey.

I guess you didn't enjoy it! The 1% comment seems harsh. I would say a very broad range of Taiwanese speak at least a few words of useful English, and some significantly more. Conversational, not as often, but still... Even in the night (food) markets, many stallholders have had, in my experience, at least enough English to take an order or clarify whether you want chilli

 

[Dr Ralph]

For those that have been to Taipei, I'm tossing up between the Easy Card and 2 x 5 day passes (around 700 NTD) whilst I'm there. Which would be the best to get? Can you get both at train stations and or 7 11 stores and buy with a credit card or is it cash only for purchase?

Am I reading correctly that if I get the Easy Card I can get a refund of funds that I don't use on it before I leave? If so, how easy is this to get? And I assume refund is in cash?

 

[stm1sydney]

About 1% speak a form of english

We flew SYD/TPE/SYD China Airlines A350 in J, ... food so so

lounge at TPE departure had about 50 steps down, it was like a long canteen, had one drink and left.

1. Few English speakers is a positive not a negative!

2. I found the food in CI J excellent. But you must select the chinese (local) option. Brilliant five course dinner.

3. That sounds like the T2 lounge. The T1 lounge is their flagship lounge and worth the slight detour. Not much of a walk (10 min) or Skytrain.

 

[jase05]

1. Few English speakers is a positive not a negative!

2. I found the food in CI J excellent. But you must select the chinese (local) option. Brilliant five course dinner.

3. That sounds like the T2 lounge. The T1 lounge is their flagship lounge and worth the slight detour. Not much of a walk (10 min) or Skytrain.

Agree re the CI J menu. Choose the local option, brilliant food and wonderful service. Really comfortable seating also. Just all round good from our experience.
The first time we visited Taipei our son was only about 7 or 8 for memory which was 13 years ago. We wandered the streets and hardly saw another foreigner and it was strange at first to see strangers come up and want to take photos of our blonde haired, blue eyed son. The elderly especially were fascinated by him and although most spoke zero English they were just so kind. We took him to the National Aeronautical Museum which was fantastic and there were a couple of school groups touring and it was like they had never seen a foreigner before such was there inquisitiveness. The younger kids actually spoke some English so I wonder if it had been introduced into schooling at this time as we found most adults had very little to no English.
We stayed at the Landis Hotel which was excellent and one of the staff had perfect English and helped us with translations, maps etc. We loved our time in Taipei so much we went back again a few years back and this time explored more of the country. Personally have nothing but positive things to say about it and would love to get back again one day

 

[tizey]

Dr Ralph, if you've not yet arrived in Taipei as yet, are you able to give a view on duty free alcohol on your way in available at TPE, particular attention of there is any Japanese whiskey?

 

[Dr Ralph]

Dr Ralph, if you've not yet arrived in Taipei as yet, are you able to give a view on duty free alcohol on your way in available at TPE, particular attention of there is any Japanese whiskey?

I'll see what I can do.

 

[tizey]

Thanks Dr. Safe flying now the typhoon has passed!

 

[Dr Ralph]

Thanks Dr. Safe flying now the typhoon has passed!

Apologies. Significant delay with the flight due to the typhoon, so arrived very late and no chance to check for you on Japanese products. I did see many stores open even late at night though. Oh and worth noting that it's a 1 litre limit for duty free.

 

[tizey]

No probs at all. We know the effects of the typhoon all too well... A 2.5hr direct flight became a 12.5hr beast getting to Ishigaki yesterday.

Enjoy Taipei!!

 

[joyjoy22]

Most of the activities that I did in Taiwan last year were purchased from Klook. Only a few people know and understand English so there's definitely a language barrier but some locals were nice during our stay. We decided to book accommodation from Airbnb since it is way cheaper the studio that we booked is only 5mins away to the MRT and is located at Ximending.

 

[Dr Ralph]

Only a few people know and understand English so there's definitely a language barrier

Ive been in Taiwan less than 24 hrs and so far my experience is the opposite. I haven't, yet, come across someone who doesn't have a fair grasp of English.

 

[pagingjoan]

Ive been in Taiwan less than 24 hrs and so far my experience is the opposite. I haven't, yet, come across someone who doesn't have a fair grasp of English.

Agree, Dr Raplh.
On my numerous visits to Taiwan, and with substantial time spent outside Taipei in smaller places, it was almost always possible to find someone with more than adequate English.
Wish my language skills were as good!

 

[Dr Ralph]

Agree, Dr Raplh.
On my numerous visits to Taiwan, and with substantial time spent outside Taipei in smaller places, it was almost always possible to find someone with more than adequate English.
Wish my language skills were as good!

So far from what I have seen they don't use English much unless forced to. That is, when you say something you can see them processing it in their first language, think about their response in their first language and then translat that response to English. So it's not exactly fluent or highly articulated or nuanced English, but it's more than functional. The English ability is there but likely not practised I think.

 

[pagingjoan]

So far from what I have seen they don't use English much unless forced to. That is, when you say something you can see them processing it in their first language, think about their response in their first language and then translat that response to English. So it's not exactly fluent or highly articulated or nuanced English, but it's more than functional. The English ability is there but likely not practised I think.

Possibly the case. I know we were frequently approached for general conversation by locals who wanted to practise their English.
Not, I hasten to add, in the pursuit of the scams that often accompany those approaches in some parts of the world. We found honesty to prevail at all levels.

 

[Dr Ralph]

I have the return flight in a few days time with China Airlines. Departing from terminal 2.

Do I understand that the better lounge is in terminal 1?

If so I can check in at terminal 1 and stay in the lounge until the flight? And how to get between terminals? Or would I be better off checking in at terminal 2 and staying there?

And the best late checkout I could get was 2pm. But flight not until 11.30pm. Think that there will be a problem checking in very early for the flight?

 

[AIRwin]

And the best late checkout I could get was 2pm. But flight not until 11.30pm. Think that there will be a problem checking in very early for the flight?

Try in-town check-in?

Taoyuan Airport MRT A1 Taipei Main Station IN-TOWN CHECK-IN SERVICE

www.taoyuan-airport.com

 

[Dr Ralph]

Try in-town check-in?

Taoyuan Airport MRT A1 Taipei Main Station IN-TOWN CHECK-IN SERVICE

www.taoyuan-airport.com

Thanks, but not staying 'in-town'. Now in New Taipei City. Transport will be direct to the airport.

 

[tizey]

Similar to the Yamato takk-q-bin of Japan, hotel to airport using Taiwan's equivalent? Luggagent

 

[tizey]

After the last three days exploring the city, I'd certainly come back for an extended trip of Taiwan and explore further south - mountains and beaches. Taipei gave us a great three days at the end of our trip, even Mrs tizey agrees which surprised me a little.

If nothing else, than I'd be coming back for pepper buns and the best cold noodles from Shilin market (still not sure what the brown goop and clear liquid that was dumped on them, by my god were they good!).

Dear China Airlines - please allow Qantas redemptions on the entire network! I'd be much happier with a stopover here than Singapore on the way to/from Europe!

 

[Dr Ralph]

I have the return flight in a few days time with China Airlines. Departing from terminal 2.

Do I understand that the better lounge is in terminal 1?

If so I can check in at terminal 1 and stay in the lounge until the flight? And how to get between terminals? Or would I be better off checking in at terminal 2 and staying there?

And the best late checkout I could get was 2pm. But flight not until 11.30pm. Think that there will be a problem checking in very early for the flight?

To assist anyone in the future:

I checked in at the airport 5 hours before the flight at terminal 2. Seems the China airlines desks are open all the time (at least for F and J passengers) similar to QF desk at SYD.