Forget the Rumors! 🇹🇼 Taiwan is NOT What You Think (AT ALL!)
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Sure, here is the translated text tailored to make it easier for foreign friends to understand your travel tips for Taiwan:
Here are my "True Confessions and Big Challenges" for friends planning a trip to Taiwan:
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First Impression vs. Reality:
- Hey, when you first arrive in Taiwan, you might think, "Hmm? It looks kind of worn-out?" Don’t rush to judgement!
- Take a stroll around, and you will find, wow, the streets and lanes are unbelievably clean! Much more impressive compared to some old districts in our regions.
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Taiwanese People? Angels!
- Let me tell you, Taiwanese are incredibly friendly!
- I remember several times when I was confused and couldn't find a way out on the street. Before I could even ask for help, a passer-by would come over and say, "Sis, have you gotten lost? Where are you heading?" These people provided patient guidance like angels, it was really touching.
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"Anihasayyo" (Korean greeting) Everywhere?
- Now, here’s a little critique from me, I feel that more than half of the tourists in popular tourist spots were Korean friends!
- Especially at the famous Fire-Work Balloon Town - Shifen’s vintage and wish-making lantern festival street, all you can hear is Korean! I felt like I was back in Korea, hee hee.
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Language Barrier? No worries!
- Don’t worry about feeling unfamiliar with the surroundings or not being understood.
- Taiwan is not at all close-minded or xenophobic (I mean very welcoming towards us). Speaking Mandarin Chinese when you're here won’t pose any problem. They’re all very nice!
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Pay attention! Important Warning Below!- Cash! Cash! Cash! (Repeat three times for emphasis!)
- Mobile payment services like Alipay or WeChat Pay are far less commonly used here than in mainland China!
- Some street food vendors, night markets, even Family Marts could accept cash-only.
- What should you do? Make sure you carry enough Taiwanese cash, or withdraw from local ATMs (note the possible withdrawal fees). Otherwise, seeing delicious food but not being able to buy could end up making you shed tears of regret!
- Cash! Cash! Cash! (Repeat three times for emphasis!)
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Eco-Friendly Challenge:
- The garbage bins on the streets in Taiwan are just so few!
- After enjoying an entire night market feast, you might find yourself holding onto your sticks, paper cups, and wrappers for quite some time trying to find a bin.
- Suggestion: If you bring a small bag with you to hold your trash, it’ll be much more convenient!
Hope this helps – Enjoy your trip!
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There are many types of mobile payments, and credit cards are almost universally accepted. I personally don't carry cash anymore, just my phone. I think the issue is that you can't use our local payment systems, much like how we can't use Line in mainland China. Both regions have comprehensive payment systems; they're just not mutually compatible.
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Right, it's not that they're undeveloped, just incompatible. But you can use Apple Pay.
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Actually, there used to be a lot of trash cans. But then people started stuffing their household garbage into them, making a mess, so many were removed.
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No wonder I couldn't find any trash cans! I often end up carrying used tissues or empty bubble tea cups around for ages.
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Excuse me, are public restrooms readily available?
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Some convenience stores (like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life) have restrooms.
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Every photo brings back memories of my trip there last November.
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Come on, post some pictures!
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For mobile payments, there's Apple Pay and Line Pay.
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Line? That's the first I've heard of it.
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You're great at photography! Even the rundown streets look so charming in your pictures.
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Haha, Taiwan might look a bit rundown at first glance. But then you discover it has a unique charm. It really grows on you and leaves a lasting impression after you've left.
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Comparatively, electronic payments aren't as widespread here. You definitely need to carry cash. Street food stalls and some great local eateries or cafes still prefer cash.
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That's right! And the ride-hailing apps seem different too. Apart from Uber, our usual ride-hailing apps don't work there.
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Trash cans... you can just use the ones in any of the convenience stores all over the place.
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Basically, the trash cans in convenience stores are meant for customers who've eaten there. Most people feel a bit awkward just walking in to throw away their outside trash.
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For a sweet and fair-skinned girl like you, even if you weren't lost, I'd offer to help you cross the street.
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You're so sweet!
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There are many mobile payment options, just not Alipay which you guys might be used to. You could try Apple Pay next time.