Traffic in Taiwan is perhaps one of the worst in the world. If you plan to ride a scooter or bicycle which is the fastest and most convenient means of getting around, then it is important to always keep in mind the dangers of Taiwan traffic and to be extremely careful. Traffic in Taiwan is no joke.

BY BICYCLE

Be careful where you leave your bike because even if you lock it up, they are easily stolen. Even if you are a champion cyclist, bicycles just dont have the power, acceleration or mass that the other mechanised beasts on the road have which makes you an enticing target. However, they are still cheap, and, above all, environmentally compatible.

ON FOOT

The city has everything pretty conveniently located within walking distance, given enough time, that is. There are also conveniently located convenience stores on almost every corner, as well as supermarkets that are usuaally located nearby. Getting around on foot is perhaps not only the safest way, but also the most interesting, especially when you first arrive in Taiwan. You can peer into the various shops that you would otherwise speed by. However, without alternative transportation other than your own two feet, you will probably be missing out on the cooler spots and other places that may be further walking distance from your residence. And if you are going to be working and/or studying then you will have a schedule to follow and appointments to meet where having faster transport will be important.

SCOOTERS AND MOTORCYCLES

The easiest and most convenient way to get around is still the scooter or motorcycle,especially since Taichung lacks adequate public transport. Purchasing a scooter is easy - there are one or two local shops that will sell the bike to you and then buy it back from you when you leave. This will be the case if you are not in possession of a residents visa and ARC [Aliens Resident Visa]. If and when you do have an ARC, you may buy a bike and have it registered in your own name. Motorcycles are not as maneuverable as scooters and are not as convenient to park, or when used to carry things.

A second-hand scooter costs between NT$8,000 - NT$25,000 depending on age, condition and engine size.

License and Registration:

To be fully legal, you will also need an International Driving Permit, which can obtained at an AAA Office in your own country. However, most police in Taichung do not seem to stop [foreign-looking] foreigners very often which might be that they are afraid to speak English. An International driving permit only entitles you to drive a 50cc scooter or an automobile.

TAXI

Many taxi drivers cannot speak much,if any, English. Even if they did, you would still have to give the address in Chinese anyway. If you want to go back to a place that you had been before, such as a restaurant, your home or school, its a good idea to take a business card from that place or have a friend write it down in Chinese for you. Also, as your Chinese ability improves, study how to give directions.