Do You Tip in Taiwan?

Do you tip in Taiwan?

Tipping in Taiwan is not customary and generally not expected. In restaurants, taxis, and everyday situations, no tip is required, and good service is simply the standard, already included in the price. Trying to tip can sometimes cause mild confusion, since it is not part of the culture. The main exception is upscale restaurants and hotels, which often add a 10 percent service charge to the bill automatically, so check for that, but you do not add a personal tip on top. For tour guides on private tours, a small tip is appreciated if you wish, but even that is optional. In short, you can enjoy Taiwan without calculating tips.

What currency is used in Taiwan?

Taiwan uses the New Taiwan dollar (TWD), often shown as NT$. Taiwan is fairly cash-oriented for smaller purchases, so carry NT dollars for night markets, small eateries, temples, and local shops, though cards are accepted at hotels, department stores, and larger restaurants in cities. A stored-value card called EasyCard is very handy for public transport, convenience stores, and small buys, so getting one early is worth it. Withdraw New Taiwan dollars from a bank or convenience-store ATM for a fair rate, and use a card with no foreign transaction fees for larger purchases. Having cash on hand keeps you covered at the many cash-preferred spots.

What power adapter do you need for Taiwan?

Taiwan uses Type A and Type B plugs, the same flat two- and three-prong shapes as the United States, on a 110-volt supply, effectively the same as the US, so American travelers do not need an adapter or converter and their devices work as they do at home. Visitors from Europe, the UK, Australia, and elsewhere will need a plug adapter for Type A and B outlets and should confirm their devices accept the roughly 110-volt input, though most phone and laptop chargers are dual voltage and adjust automatically. A basic US-style setup is all you need in Taiwan, which is convenient for travelers coming from North America.

Can you drink the tap water in Taiwan?

Tap water in Taiwan is treated and considered technically safe by official standards, but it is not commonly drunk straight from the tap; the local practice is to boil it first, and many homes and offices have water dispensers or filters. For travelers, the safest approach is to drink bottled water, which is cheap and everywhere, or to boil tap water before drinking. Tap water is fine for brushing your teeth. Hotels often provide a kettle or bottled water. If you have a sensitive stomach, stick to bottled or boiled water for drinking. Following the local habit of not drinking straight from the tap is the simple, safe choice.