Efficient Sightseeing with Taxis in Taiwan: Tips for Travelers
Living in Taiwan, I’ve found that while I don’t often need to use taxis, they become incredibly useful during trips, especially when visiting sights outside of Taipei, like Jiufen. Taxis can save time and enhance efficiency when exploring distant attractions, allowing you to enjoy sightseeing without wasting time. Opting for a taxi on your return journey can often be a strategic choice to maximize your travel experience in Taiwan.
Essential Tips for Taking Taxis in Taiwan: Affordable Rates and More
When taking a taxi in Taiwan, it’s crucial to be aware of the initial fare and subsequent charges. The starting rate is approximately 70 TWD (around 230 JPY), with an additional 5 TWD (about 17 JPY) added for every 200 meters traveled. Compared to Japan, taxi fares in Taiwan are quite reasonable. For instance, traveling from Taipei city center to Jiufen costs around 1000 TWD, and from Taoyuan Airport to downtown Taipei ranges from 1000 to 1200 TWD. Shared taxis can offer even lower rates. In Taiwan, taxis are referred to as “計程車 (ji chen cha)” in Mandarin and “Keilincha” in Taiwanese. Additionally, Uber is available in Taiwan, making it a convenient option if you prefer to plan ahead. Just register using a local SIM card to get started.
For more on Taiwanese terms, check out this guide on Taiwanese language.
Navigating from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei: Taxi and Ride Options
When catching a late-night flight from Japan to Taoyuan Airport, your transport options to Taipei are limited to buses and taxis. Waiting for a bus can be time-consuming, but shared taxis available at the airport offer a quicker, though slightly pricier, alternative. For those preferring a solo ride, yellow taxis provide a direct route to downtown Taipei for about 1000-1200 TWD. This is a reliable service with metered fares, unlike in some Southeast Asian airports. For an even cheaper option, some locals offer private pick-up services around 800 TWD, though the legality is unclear.
Communicating Your Destination in Taiwan: A Tip for Taxi Rides
Many taxi drivers in Taiwan navigate by addresses rather than maps. Showing a map might not help, so it’s best to communicate the destination address verbally in Mandarin. Prepare by researching your destination’s address in Chinese beforehand, ensuring smooth communication and a hassle-free ride.
Essential Mandarin Phrases for Taxi Rides in Taiwan
Traveling in Taiwan and planning to use taxis? Here are some invaluable Mandarin expressions that you should remember. For those less confident in their pronunciation, writing these phrases down and showing them to your taxi driver can be equally effective. This simple preparation can help ensure that your travel directions are understood clearly, making your journey smoother.
“Please take me to ~” and “I want to go to ~”
Navigating taxis in Taiwan becomes easier with a few key Mandarin phrases. Start with a greeting, “你好 (nǐ hǎo),” which means “hello.” Then, use “麻煩到 (má fan dào) ~” or “我要到 (wǒ yào dào) ~,” meaning “Please take me to ~” and “I want to go to ~,” respectively. These phrases help ensure that the taxi driver understands your destination clearly. Remember to thank the driver by saying “謝謝 (xiè xiè),” pronounced “shee-eh shee-eh,” not “shey shey,” to show your gratitude properly after reaching your destination.
Receipt Requests
Navigating Taiwan by taxi? Knowing some Mandarin can significantly ease your travel. Say “不好意思 (bù hǎo yì si)” for “excuse me” or to apologize. If you’re on a business trip, you’ll likely need a receipt. To ask for one, use “可以給我收據嗎? (kě yǐ gěi wǒ shōu jù ma?)” or simply state “我要收據 (wǒ yào shōu jù)” which means “I need a receipt.” Make sure to ask before you exit the taxi as receipts are not always automatically provided. “收據 (shōu jù)” means receipt, and knowing how to request it can be crucial for business travelers. Remember, “司機 (sī jī)” is how to refer to your taxi driver in Mandarin.
Common Taxi Conversations in Taiwan: What to Expect and How to Respond
When riding in a taxi in Taiwan, it’s common for drivers to ask “你是哪裡人啊？(nǐ shì nǎlǐ rén a?)” meaning “Where are you from?” A simple response would be “我是日本人 (wǒ shì rìběn rén)” for “I am Japanese.” If pronunciation is tricky, saying “Japan” in English works too.
Other frequently heard terms include “旅行 (lǚxíng)” for travel, and “觀光 (guānguāng)” for sightseeing. As you approach your destination, drivers might point and ask where to stop. Knowing phrases like “這邊 (zhè biān)” for “here” and “那邊 (nà biān)” for “over there” will be helpful.
Be responsive if called “先生 (xiānsheng)” for men or “小姐 (xiǎojiě)” for women, as it could be something important like a forgotten wallet or phone.
Navigating Taiwan’s Traffic: A Caution for Travelers
In Taiwan, many drivers prioritize vehicles over pedestrians, which can be challenging for visitors. It’s essential to be cautious, especially when crossing streets, as turning vehicles may not yield to pedestrians even at green lights. Be wary of scooters and motorcycles, particularly when exiting taxis, as they can approach unexpectedly from behind. Traffic incidents are frequently reported in local news, often depicted with real-time footage from surveillance and dashboard cameras, aiming to deter reckless driving by showing the consequences. Travelers to Taiwan should familiarize themselves with these conditions to ensure safety.
For a detailed look at Taiwan’s traffic conditions, check out this article: Taiwan’s Traffic Situation.