Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Public Holidays
Founding Day/New Year's Day
1 January
Chinese Lunar New Year
January or February, usually four to nine days
Peace Memorial Day
2-28 Day; 28 February
Tomb Sweeping Day
5 April
Labour Day
1 May
Typhoon holidays
possible from May to October
Dragon Boat Festival
5th day of the 5th lunar month; usually in June
Moon Festival
5th day of the 8th lunar month; usually September
National Day
10 October
Safe Travel
Taiwan is affected by frequent natural disasters, such as earthquakes, typhoons, floods
and landslides. Avoid going out during typhoons and avoid mountainous areas after earth-
quakes, typhoons or heavy rains.
Urban streets are very safe, for both men and women, and while pickpocketing occa-
sionally happens, muggings or violent assaults are almost unheard of. If you forget a bag
somewhere, chances are very good it will still be there when you go back.
Bars and clubs are generally safe but especially outside Taipei it's best to get a recom-
mendation. In some areas we specifically avoid listing clubs and bars for this reason.
If you feel trouble is brewing get away before it escalates. And avoid making people
lose face. When people become violent in Taiwan, they go to extremes and it is common
to call a dozen friends to help in a fight even against a single opponent.
Telephone
The country code for Taiwan is 886. Taiwan's telephone carrier for domestic and inter-
national calls is
Chunghwa Telecom
(
www.cht.com.tw
). For information on rates and ser-
vices, visit the website.
