The official language is Mandarin, but many people speak Taiwanese and English is widely understood.
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The official currency is the New Taiwan dollar. Money and traveller's cheques can be exchanged at some hotels and banks. Keep your receipts handy so you can change money back before you leave. Major credit cards are usually accepted, and ATMs are easy to find, however only some accept international cards.
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The international country code is 886. To call another country from Taiwan, dial 002 followed by the appropriate country code - 002 44 for the UK for example. Most hotels provide Internet access for their guests, and Internet cafes are easy to find in towns and cities.
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Tipping is customary; 10 per cent is acceptable in hotels and restaurants.
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Taiwan is very safe to visit, and most travellers don’t have any trouble. There are low rates of petty crime. Natural threats are a bigger problem, with typhoons, tropical storms and earthquakes, although they are usually moderate.
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If you’re coming from a country infected with yellow fever or cholera, you’ll need a vaccination certificate to enter the country. It’s a good idea to get vaccinated against typhoid and hepatitis A. Protect yourself against mosquitoes which can carry dengue fever. Stick to bottled water and be careful with food to avoid stomach upsets. Medical facilities are very good, but make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance.
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