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Taiwan Travel Information
Bargain Hunting Taiwan's department stores and hotel arcades generally have some clerks who speak English, major credit cards may be accepted, and product quality is guaranteed. Several of Taipei's department stores have been designated "government-approved shopping centers." Boutiques, small stores, and night markets are usually less expensive than department stores. These generally accept cash only. Boutique clerks and vendors rarely speak foreign languages, but shoppers can use pen and paper to bargain. In the cities, the best selections and prices for souvenirs, gifts, and traditional handicrafts can be found in night markets. Taiwan law forbids taking genuine antiques (over 100 years old) out of the country, but vendors and "antiques" dealers offer fine reproductions of porcelains, jade, and paintings. In addition to its night markets, Taipei has several bargain shopping districts. Hsimenting, centered around Chunghua Rd., Sec. 1, has many boutiques with low-priced women's clothing, shoes, souvenirs, and electronics. A short drive away at the corner of Hsuchow and Chungshan S. roads is the Chinese Handicraft Mart, which offers good prices on an array of quality handicrafts. Deals on tailored suits, shirts, dresses, gifts, souvenirs, handicrafts, porcelain and painting reproductions, and English-language books can be found along Sections 1 and 2 of Chungshan N. Rd. The northern suburbs of Shihlin and Tienmu, along Chungshan N. Rd., Sections 5 and 6, have stores offering deals on bamboo and rattan furniture, pottery, and reproductions. Dinghao, sprawling on Chunghsiao E. Rd., Sec. 4, between Fuhsing S. and Kuangfu S. roads, features international brand-name fashions and accessories (generally made in Taiwan under license), export garment shops, art galleries, and jewelry. Street vendors in the maze of alleys near Dinghao sell trinkets and costume jewelry. Established jewelry stores offer gold and other fine jewelry and can give certificates of guarantee. Vendors at the Weekend Jade Market, under the Chienkuo S. Rd. overpass at Jenai Rd., sell a variety of jade and curios. Better bargains on specific types of products can be had with a little bit of traveling. Porcelain makers in Peitou (north of Taipei) and Yingko (to the southwest) allow factory tours and have good prices. In central Taiwan, the town of Sanyi is renowned for its wood carvings; the town of Chushan is known for its bamboo furniture, basket, and other decorative items; and Chiayi is noted for its Oolung tea and bamboo handicrafts. In southern Taiwan, the town of Kuanmiao, near Tainan, is Taiwan's rattan center. Brass handicrafts are Kaohsiung's specialty; the city also has boutiques, night markets, and department stores. Makung, in Penghu, is famous for its coral souvenirs, seashells, and agate jewelry. Hualien, on Taiwan's east coast, has bargains on souvenirs, jewelry, and handicrafts made of marble or jade, as well as aborigine souvenirs.
Telecommunications Services
Domestic Long Distance
City Pay Phones
Telex, & Facsimile Tel: (02) 344-3781 (24 hours) Telegrams may also be sent from these CHT Branch Offices: (1) CKS International Airport Tel: (03) 383-2790 (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) (2) 23 Chungshan N. Rd., Sec. 2, Taipei Tel: (02) 541-7434 (8 a.m. to 10 p.m.) (3) 118 Chunghsiao W. Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei Tel: (02) 344-3785 (8 a.m. to 10 p.m.) (4) Sungshan Domestic Airport, Taipei Tel: (02) 712-6112 (8 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
Useful Phone Numbers
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