Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hotels
Budget hotels in the NT$600 to NT$1000 range give you threadbare accommodation with
cheap furniture, private bathroom, TV and phone. No English will be spoken. Quality var-
ies greatly from NT$1000 to NT$1600. Above NT$1400 rooms are usually good enough
that you wouldn't feel embarrassed putting family up there.
In the midrange (NT$1600 to NT$4000), you're likely to find a fancy lobby, one or more
restaurants on-site, ADSL, wi-fi, plasma TVs, and a laundry room with free DIY washer
and dryer. Private bathrooms include shower (or bathtub with shower). Decor can range
from a little dated to very slick. Unless you're looking for a luxury experience, most travel-
lers will feel comfortable here. In the big cities usually at least one staff member speaks
some English.
The big cities abound with international-standard, top-end hotels. Typical amenities in-
clude business centres, English-speaking staff, concierge services, and a spa or fitness
centre.
Rental Accommodation
English-language newspapers carry rental listings, usually luxury accommodation catering
to expats on expense accounts. For upscale or even good midrange apartments it's use-
ful to hire an agent; check the newspapers. The usual agent fee is about half a month's
rent. You can also look around the area in which you want to live and ask building guards
or at real estate offices. For mid- to low-range accommodation by area and price in Taipei
check out
Tsui Mama
(
www.tmm.org.tw
) and websites catering to the foreign community.
Basic studio apartments (with no kitchen) in Taipei cost around NT$5000 to NT$10,000
per month. Small three-bedroom apartments start at NT$15,000 to NT$20,000 - in good
downtown neighbourhoods rent is at least double this. You'll find the best value in suburbs
such as Muzha, Xindian, Neihu and Guandu. Outside of Taipei, even in the cities, rent is
cheap. Decent three-bedroom apartments start at NT$8000. Negotiations are usually pos-
sible everywhere.
Temple & Church Stays
Many cyclists stay at small temples and Catholic churches, though you'll need to speak
Chinese if you want to do this. A small donation is appropriate. For proper rooms for pil-
grims and visitors, try Shitoushan or Foguangshan.
PRACTICALITIES
English Newspapers
Taipei Times
(
www.taipeitimes.com
)
