Study In Taiwan :: living

Transportation

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	By Air There are six domestic airlines providing services between major cities such as Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung and Hualien. Prior reservations are always required.
	By Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) If you would like to save time, THSR is another choice. While traveling from Taipei to Kaohsiung takes 5 hours by train and 6 hours by car, the THSR takes only 1.5 hours. Advanced reservations are recommended
	By Highway Bus Long distance highway bus services provided by private transportation companies are very popular. They have an extensive network and a frequent service schedule. Tickets are usually competitively priced and some bus companies even provide 24 hour service.
	By Train The railway network along the coastline is another economic option for traveling around Taiwan. There are four classes of passenger seats: Tze-chiang, Chu-kuang, Fu-hsing and economy Traveling by train is recommended on public holidays because it can avoid the hustle and bustle of the long distance highway bus service. Advanced ticket reservations are recommended.
	By Metro/Subway In Taipei and Kaohsiung, the metro system (MRT) provides convenient and comfortable transportation. There are eight major routes in Taipei and two major routes in Kaohsiung, covering different parts of the two cities. Metro fares range from NTD20-60(USD0.6-1.8).
	By Motorcycle/Scooter & Bicycle Motorcycles and scooters are very popular means of transportation. Most universities provide motorcycle/scooter parking around campus for students. Bicycles are widely used within campuses. Bicycle racks can be found throughout campuses.
	By Bus & Taxi Each major city has its own bus system. Fares are inexpensive and service is frequent. Taxi fares start at NTD 70 (USD 2.1) and increase with the time and distance traveled. It is a good idea to have the name of your hotel or address written in Chinese when you travel by taxi.
	By Passenger Car In Taiwan, cars are driven on the right. Students with international driver licenses may drive in Taiwan. However, driving is not recommended for those who are unfamiliar with the unique road and traffic conditions in Taiwan. Traffic is heavy and car drivers must watch out for slow-moving pedestrians and bicyclists, fast-moving motorcycles and scooters, as well as other cars, buses and trucks. Drivers have to be extra cautious. International or foreign driver license holders can apply for ROC driver licenses at the local Motor Vehicles Office.

Daily Goods

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Taiwan is well-known as one of the countries with cheaper cost and high quality of living. The following is a few examples of goods. The cost of all things may vary depending on the area you’ll be living in.

Exchange of major currencies can be done at banks handling foreign currency exchange.

Services

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Insurance

International students with an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) who have resided in Taiwan for 4 months must enroll in the National Health Insurance (NHI) program at a local administrative office. Before they are eligible for the NHI program, students can purchase their own insurance or participate in a temporary health insurance program offered by the international students’ office at their educational institution. The insurance premium has to be paid monthly once registration is completed. The premium is NTD 7,908(about USD 247) per year. The cost of NHI is included in tuition fee every semester. Once registered with the National Health Insurance, you will only need to pay 30% of the total medical bill.

International students, who enroll in the NHI program, should apply for the NHI IC card. Students can fill in the "NHI IC Card Application Form," and attach a photocopy of your identity document, Mail or bring it in person to a nearby NHI branch office or liaison office. You will need the following documents: application form, passport, ARC, and two one-inch photos.

Bank Accounts

Most banks offer foreign currency exchange and bank services in NT dollars. International students can open bank accounts with their passports and ARC cards. Individual who wants to open an account without an ARC card needs to get a universal identification number at the local police office.

Postage

Chunghwa Post, the postal service of Taiwan, provides international and domestic mail services to the public. There are over a thousand branches, distributed all over the island, providing regular and express postal service. International students can apply for a postal box at the nearest branch. Students who receive Taiwan Scholarship need to open an account at a post office Chunghwa Post.

In addition, most convenience stores serve as pick up locations for international and domestic express services.

Job Opportunities

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International students who have attended school in Taiwan for two semesters or a language program for one year, and who have an excellent academic record, can work in Taiwan when one of the following applies:

．Events of a serious nature have affected their financial ability to support themselves or continue their education, and the student can provide evidence of such circumstances.

．An academic research institution at the student's school requires a foreign student to provide assistance in its work.

．The student needs to take part in an off-campus internship related to his or her field of study.

Accommodations

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On-campus Accommodation

On-campus undergraduate dormitories are divided based on gender and are open to students all yearround. Typically, four to six students share a room. Usually, pets are not allowed. University students usually wear something casual to class. Coin operated Laundromats can be found inside dormitory buildings. At on-campus dining halls meals cost NTD 40-130 (≒USD 1-4). Food stalls, cafes and inexpensive restaurants are usually close to campus, typically within 15 minutes walking. Some campuses have on-campus health centers, which provide medical assistance for minor ailments. Some schools have a post office, a bookstore and a bank on campus. The expenses of on-campus accommodation are about NTD 6,000 to 10,000 (≒USD 190-310) per semester.

Off-campus Accommodation

If dormitories are unavailable or you prefer a different living arrangement, off-campus apartments, including studios and flats, are available. Most Chinese learning centers provide information about local rentals on the internet. Depending on the accommodation’s type, quality and location, rent ranges from NTD 3,000 to 13,000 (≒USD 95-410) per month.

For further information about off-campus accommodation, please go to the Tsuei Ma-Ma Foundation website

Living Cost

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The Taiwan currency is the NTD. The 4 denominations of bills are NTD 2,000, NTD 1,000, NTD 500 and NTD 100 while the 6 denominations of coins are NTD 50, NTD 10, NTD 5, and NTD 1. Cash payment is common in Taiwan though many shops do accept credit cards. Checks are not normally used in Taiwan for payment of everyday expenses. In addition to your tuition fees, your accommodation costs will be your biggest financial burden. It’s worth doing research before you arrive on your accommodation options, and better to research the cost of things such as utilities (electricity, gas, water, telephone), public transportation, food and so on. The cost of all things may vary depending on the area you’ll be living in.