Asia

Taiwan

Location

Eastern Asia, islands bordering the East China Sea, Philippine Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait, north of the Philippines, off the south-eastern coast of China.

Sensitive to political discussions regarding China. Strong military presence resulting in very low street crime. Personal security, general travel, navigation, climate injuries, personal hygiene, sanitation / sterilisation, clothing & equipment, emergency first aid, cultures / customs. Red light districts of Taipei and Kaohsiung breed their own violence with drug trafficking and prostitution.

Use bottled water only.

Eastern two-thirds mostly rugged mountains; flat to gently rolling plains in west.

Tropical; marine; rainy season during south-west monsoon (June to August); cloudiness is persistent and extensive all year.

Earthquakes, typhoons and tropical storms (May to November).

Cholera, dengue fever, hepatitis A, polio, rabies, typhoid, yellow fever. Extremely poisonous snakes.
Hospital: Cathay General hospital, 280Jen Ai Road, Section 4, Taipei. Tel: 2-7082121

Air pollution; water pollution from industrial emissions, raw sewage; contamination of drinking water supplies; trade in endangered species; low-level radioactive waste disposal.

Be alert when crossing roads, even on protected crossings. If you wish to drive in Taiwan you will need an International Drivers Permit.

For more in-depth general information please download our Preparation and Training document.