Fringe Benefits and Currency Issues

• Money and Cost
• Currency
• Credit Cards & Traveler's Checks
• Tipping

Money and Cost

Budget meal: AUD$2-6
Moderate restaurant meal: AUD$20-30
Top-end restaurant meal: AUD$60-200

Budget room: AUD$20-40
Mid-range hotel: AUD$60-200 (double)
Top-end hotel: AUD$3000 and upwards

Costs in Taiwan for the traveller are on a par with a good number of European countries, reflecting the rise in the standard of living on the island. However, Taiwan is still cheaper than Japan (which isn't saying much). If you stay in youth hostels, live on noodles and travel by bus, you could get by on AUD$30 to AUD$40 a day. If you want a bathroom of your own, a few souvenirs, a couple of taxi trips and a decent feed or two a day, budget AUD$70 to AUD$100 a day. Staying in Taipei will cost you more than heading out into the country.

Travellers' cheques and cash can be changed at international airports and large banks, but you'll have trouble with travellers' cheques in rural areas. Stick to US dollars for cash and cheques if you can - other currencies will cause you problems. When changing cheques, shop around, as commission costs can vary widely. There are no legal private money changers in Taiwan, but some jewellery shops will change cash. Major international credit cards can be used at big hotels and flash restaurants or to get cash advances at your card's offices.

Tipping is not the done thing in Taiwan. The only people who really expect you to shell out are hotel bellhops and airport porters, who will expect about AUD$2 a bag. Big hotels and restaurants will stick 10 per cent service charge and 5 per cent value added tax on your bill. Taiwan is not a third world country, so don't expect to haggle yourself a bargain - you may be able to get a slight discount (around 10 per cent) in street markets and small shops.

Currency

As the Australian Dollar is generally not accepted in most places on the island exchange some money at the airport bank on arrival. While shops won't exchange Australian Dollars is available through most banks and major hotels.

Major credit cards are valid in Taiwan. Nevertheless, some small shops and restaurants don't accept cards. This is especially true in the countryside. Ensure that you carry some cash when venturing into rural areas. While traveller's cheques can be exchanged for NT Dollars in banks or international hotels in rural areas stores and restaurants generally will not exchange money.

Use the Currency Converter to check the exchange rate that corresponds to your local currency.

Credit Cards & Traveler's Checks

Tipping