Taiwan Life

Cash is widely accepted, especially at small shops and night markets, but many stores and restaurants also accept credit cards. To ensure flexibility and convenience during your stay, we recommend carrying both cash and a credit card.

Taiwan has numerous 24-hour convenience stores like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart located throughout cities. Supermarkets such as Carrefour and PX Mart are also easily accessible for purchasing daily necessities.

Taiwan offers a diverse range of cuisines, including local street food, Chinese dishes, and international options like Korean, Western, and Southeast Asian cuisine, available at street vendors, night markets, and restaurants.

Vegetarian options are widely available, particularly at restaurants labeled “素食” (sùshí), which serve fully plant-based meals.

To help you navigate life in Taiwan, here are some key cultural and etiquette tips:

• Public Transportation Etiquette:

Eating or drinking is prohibited on Taiwan’s MRT (subway) system. Passengers are expected to keep noise levels low, but friendly and open communication is common in public spaces.

• Time Expectations:

Taiwanese culture tends to be flexible with time, and slight delays are often acceptable in casual settings. However, it’s best to confirm expectations for formal or program-related events.

• Food Culture:

Street food and night markets are central to Taiwanese culture, offering a variety of dishes. Sharing food is common, with dishes often served family-style for everyone to enjoy together.

• Greetings and Politeness:

A warm smile and friendly demeanor are appreciated when greeting others. Taiwanese people are generally approachable and welcoming.

• Eating in Public:

It’s normal to eat or drink in public spaces, especially from takeaways at street stalls or night markets.

• Bicycles and Scooters:

Scooters and bicycles are very common, and traffic can be busy. Stay alert as a pedestrian, especially at intersections.

• Personal Space:

Taiwanese people are friendly but may maintain a polite distance with strangers. As you build connections, interactions often become warmer.

Taipei’s public transportation system is efficient and user-friendly, including the MRT (subway), buses, and public bicycles. The MRT connects major attractions, and fares are easily paid using an “EasyCard” (悠遊卡), which can be purchased and topped up at MRT stations or convenience stores.

If you fall ill or get injured, program staff and Taiwanese student counselors are available to assist you.

However, please note that the program’s insurance covers only accident-related medical treatment, not general illnesses like colds, which would require out-of-pocket payment. We strongly recommend obtaining comprehensive travel insurance to cover medical expenses for illness, injury, or hospitalization, ensuring peace of mind during your stay. Feel free to contact staff immediately if you have any concerns.

If you face any issues, please reach out to the program staff or Taiwanese student counselors, who can assist you in English.

• Program Coordinators:

ICEP3: Saki Chen (陳冠蓉)

ICEP7: Sonia Lai (賴怡萱)

ICEP8: Saki Chen (陳冠蓉)

• Contact Information:

• LINE: https://lin.ee/eIkJPsT (English support available, voice calls possible)

• Emergency Phone: +886-9-10234198 (English support available, active only during the program period)