You’re traveling to Taiwan! This short guide will help you prepare for your upcoming journey with Alluring Asia.

Passports & VisaA passport valid for at least 6 months following the date of your departure in Taiwan is required. A visa is not required for stays up to 30 days.

Click on bullet items below for more information. • Apply for a passport• Renew by mail• Report and replace lost/stolen U.S.

passport• Correct or change U.S. passport

information• Visa information

Immuzinations & VaccinesThere are no mandatory inoculations when visiting Taiwan. It is best to seek the advice of your physician and follow proper recommendations. For additional information please visit www.cdc.gov/travel.

TippingGoods and service charges of 10% are added to bills in most leading hotels and restaurants. Where it is not included, a tip of 10-15% of the bill would be appropriate.

Hotel bellboy: $1.00 - $2.00 USD per bag. Your tour guide: $10.00 - $12.00 USD per person per day. Driver/assistants: $6.00 - $7.00 USD per person per day.

GUIDE

PRE TRAVEL

What to Pack Taiwanese summers (June-August) are hot and humid; pack a variety of loose-fitting, breathable clothing. Fast-drying linen clothing helps to mitigate the heat and humidity, additionally. Shorts and sandals are acceptable for both men and women.

If you’re visiting Taiwan during the Spring (March-May), Fall (September-November), or Winter (December-February), dress in layers to easily cope with the sudden changes in temperature.

Regardless of the season, you may wish to pack a sweater or two. During the warmer months of the year, most public places have their A/C on full strength; coming in from the heat this sudden temperature drop can lead to chills and general discomfort. The additional sweater can be used to cover up at temples for modesty reasons, as well.

Comfortable walking shoes along with beach sandals will be particularly useful.

If trekking is something of interest to you, come prepared with suitable gear for these activities.

Electronic chargers for your camera, phone, iPad, etc. and extra camera memory card(s).

Electrical converter and outlet adapter. Taiwan’s electricity is 110V.

Reading List

Forbidden NationAuthor: Jonathan Manthorpe; 2008, 304 pages.Description: At the heart of Taiwan’s story is the curse of geography that placed the island on the strategic cusp between the Far East and Southeast Asia; it is the story

of the dogged determination of a courageous people to overcome every obstacle thrown in their path as their future is decided.

My Fight for a New TaiwanAuthor: Lu Hsiu-lien; 2014, 344 pages.Description: The inspiring story of a woman whose determination to democratize her country, leaving her studies at Harvard to help and being

imprisoned for doing so, led to her becoming the first elected female Vice President of Taiwan.

Formosan Odyssey: Taiwan, Past & PresentAuthor: John Ross; 2014, 264 pages.Description: Until the early 20th Century, Taiwan was one of Asia’s wildest locales. John Ross captures Taiwan’s economic miracles and its

transformation from a police state to a vibrant democracy through the eyes of Westerners who visited, and lived, on the island - from lighthouse keepers and missionaries to students and WW2 POWs.