1. Do you need visa to enter Taiwan?
A Finnish citizen does not need a visa to visit Taiwan for maximum 90 days in case their passport is valid for at least six months at the time entering Taiwan, in case they do not have any criminal record, and in case they have return passenger tickets with them. As for other nationalities, please contact Taipei Representative Office in Finland, tel. +358-9-6829 3800. You may also find further information in Visas section.

2. Why is Taiwan also called the Republic of China?
The official name of Taiwan is the Republic of China. It was established in 1911 as the Qing dynasty collapsed in China. When the Communists took power in mainland China in 1949 the Republic of China relocated to Taiwan.

3. What languages are spoken in Taiwan?
The official language of Taiwan is Mandarin Chinese, but also Taiwanese is widely spoken. Other languages spoken in Taiwan include Hakka and aboriginal languages. The Taiwanese are usually pleased to practice their English with foreigners. In Taiwan, traditional characters are used in writing unlike in Mainland China, where simplified characters were encoded in the 1950s.

4. What kind of climate there is in Taiwan?
There is subtropical climate in the northern part and tropical climate in the southern part of Taiwan. In the north, the hottest and most humid season lasts from June to August although it is wise to be prepared for rain throughout the year. In the south, the summer is hot and humid and the winter may be sometimes chilly because of humidity. Only in terms of climate, the best season to travel to Taiwan is the spring as it is not so hot yet.

5. What currency is used in Taiwan and where is it available?
Taiwan's official currency is New Taiwan Dollar (NTD = NT$). You may change foreign currency into New Taiwan Dollars at the airport as well as at the biggest banks and hotels. The most frequently used credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard and American Express, are widely used in Taiwan. You may also change travel checks into local currency at the biggest banks and hotels.

6. What kinds of customs regulations there are in Taiwan?
A person who is 20 years old or older and entering Taiwan may bring with them one liter of alcohol, 25 cigars and 200 cigarettes (2019). You may find more information on the Customs Administration's website.

7. What kind of price level there is Taiwan and what is worth buying there?
The price level of the restaurants and hotels varies considerably. Some popular purchases are tea, electronic appliances (please note the guarantee, area codes and language of the handbooks), eye glasses, watercolor paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, jade etc.

8. Is tap water potable in Taiwan?
No, in most part of Taiwan, it is usually enough to boil tap water in order to get it drinkable.

9. What type of electrical voltage is used in Taiwan?
Taiwan uses 110-voltage electricity. Voltage converters can be bought both in Taiwan and Finland at the airports and well-equipped shops and supermarkets.

10. Are there any special customs in Taiwan that could be good to know for a Finn when traveling in the country?
As for colors, red is a color of joy and white of sorrow and death. Red, blue and white are the colors of the national flag of the Republic of China that compose a distinguished whole. Taiwanese generally believe that number 4 that resembles the word "death" in saying also brings bad luck; number 8, in its turn, is believed to bring happiness and 66 success. In business life, the Taiwanese are strict on schedules and more hierarchic than the Finns. Exchanging name cards is very common. Family life is highly appreciated.

11. How to do a tax refund?
For further information, please take a look at the guidelines for VAT Refund on Custom Administration's website.

12. How can I exchange my Finnish driving license for a Taiwan driving license?

Fees: NT$200

Required documents:

1. Identity documents (original and photocopy):
   Nationals with nationality of R.O.C. and have household registration in the Taiwan area should submit national I.D. card or military I.D. card.
   For those who hold formal driving licenses issued by foreign government, Mainland China area, Hong Kong or Macau and obtain staying permit or residence permit for more than 6 months, they can submit the application the next day after entry.
2. Three one-inch color photos with glossy single-color background, without wearing hat, with clear facial features, bust shot, and were taken within past 2 years. Do not use image synthesis.
3. Original passport and its photocopy.
4. Original overseas driving license within the expiration and its photocopy (must be verified by the Finnish notary, Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Taipei Representative Office in Finland step by step).
5. The Chinese translation of Finnish driving license (must be verified by the Taiwanese notary, can be translated by applicants themselves), OR apply "Extract from the Vehicular and Driver Date Register, Right-to-drive detail" from TRIFICOM (the document must be verified by Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Taipei Representative Office in Finland).
6. Automobile (motorcycle) driving license registration form with qualified health examination.
7. Proof of entry/exit record.

For detailed information, please refer to https://www.thb.gov.tw/en/cp.aspx?n=616#