Taipei, Taiwan - 5 Things You Should Know Before You Visit

[@barryinthepi390]

Hi John, I lived in various parts of Taiwan for 5 years. I agree that the subway system in Taipei is really good. I always found that if I stood with confused look on my face at a bus stop, some University student would always stop and ask if they could help. Wonderful people and the kids were always a lot of fun.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Yes absolutely!!! Thanks for sharing your experience!!!

[@OOOUZ]

I second that❤ lovely people

[@kuohsienwang7094]

Thank you for promoting Taiwan in such a positive way.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

kuohsien wang it's my pleasure, thank you!!! Loving Taiwan is easy!!!

[@redcar9949]

Much thanks to you too. We don't need commies taking over the world...

[@taikhoancongcong4126]

I like Taiwan!

[@berndblabla4249]

Taiwanese people are very nice. We all should learn from this.

[@FocusedOnJapan]

I found Taipei to be quite English friendly. Even when I met those who didn't speak English, they were quite friendly and tried to communicate with me in some type of way. And I agree, the morning breakfast shops can be quite challenging, as there's virtually no English whatsoever.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Lindo Korchi no question about the friendliness of the Taiwanese. Taipei is the most English friendly of all of the cities in Taiwan. The language barrier is more away from the commercial and tourist areas. Still lots of restaurants and services with no English.

[@FocusedOnJapan]

I found Tainan to be a bit more challenging.

[@annielin4069]

it really depends on who you talk to, If u talk u people age range under 30 or even better, 20, they are most likely to be able to speak and understand English well. I live in Taipei

[@KimiKitty-rp7li]

k

[@logictd567]

Learn Chinese then, stoopid

[@cathychien]

Thanks a lot! Visit again someday! 🇹🇼

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Thank you! I most certainly will!

[@dealstogo2649]

Safe food, friendly people, great scenery and clean air. Wonderful city!

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Feel the same way, thanks for sharing!!!

[@MarilynRose]

Awesome video and tips! Thank you for promoting Taiwan. Am a filipina and a taiwanese now. I live in Taiwan since year 2000 and counting. I love Taiwan with all my heart. Peace to the world.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Thanks very much!!!

[@melygiron3227]

yes i agree Taiwan is beautiful and clean I had been thet ladt year !!

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Thanks for sharing!!!

[@traveller6355]

i m from malaysia, i found Taiwan is the best to visit..clean,efficient transport and friendly people there... event immigration staff,i can said the best among other contry ,only halal food quit problem to get there anyway i`m sure ill come again

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Thanks very much for sharing! I know the best noodle place in Taipei that is also halal! For your next visit!

[@shapnuna9136]

@@iamjohnsaboe Hi, I'm going to Taiwan next month. Would appreciate if you could tell me the halal noodle place. Love your video :)

[@iamjohnsaboe]

SHAP NUNA here is the Google Maps location near the Taipei Beimen North Gate. There’s another Halal noodle restaurant next door but this one is my favorite! 清真黃牛肉麵館 No. 23, Yanping South Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100 [phone] goo.gl/maps/9qiUvc5BtzNJvdaW8

[@shapnuna9136]

@@iamjohnsaboe Omg you're amazing. Thank you so much :)

[@stormi62]

Hi john. Well I’m a 56yr old Male and flying to Taiwan in late August for the first time and your videos have been so amazingly tutorial for me and I can’t wait to experience Taipei where I’m staying. Thank you sooooo much and keep up the good work. Mark from England 👍

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Thanks so much Mark!!! Hope you have a great time and I’m really glad you found the videos helpful!!!

[@junkydoodles1264]

John Saboe! Im in Taipei now and I want to thank you for videos which I watched before I came here. They are truly helpful!! :) Wishing you more success!

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Jinky Gomez I’m so glad you found them helpful! Thanks again for watching the channel!!!

[@annebelleza1250]

very beautiful country... i’ve been there too!!!

[@sheripeterson7788]

All of these tips (except the VAT tax) is true for Japan as well. More people speak English in Taiwan than in Japan, especially if you are lost or need help. I love Taiwan and was impressed by their MRT train system when I visited Taipei last year.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Yes I think you’re correct in the observation about the frequency of people willing to speak English in Taiwan compared with Japan. Japan is very aware of this and is upping their game in the public school system to increase English proficiency. They especially want to be prepared for the upcoming Olympics.

[@YuanJane]

Born and raised in Taipei, I appreciate your effort in promoting my country. The morning (farmer's) markets and the night markets are the essence of our economy. Also remember to get out of the city to be in nature. Driving can be dangerous but taking a taxi or bus or train is fun.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Thanks for sharing! I lived in Taipei for more than five years and I have to say that visiting the morning markets and night markets were always the highlight along with the festivals of my time there. Public transportation in Taiwan is world class so either of these ways of getting around are highly recommended along with the MRT systems in Taipei and Kaohsiung!

[@YuanJane]

John Saboe, I lived in Taipei for more than 25 years and every now and then local friends will take me to some new spots I've never visited before. Me too enjoy being a tourist and hanging around.

[@willchu]

Country 😂

[@scottiecher8992]

Cool! I can speak a little bit Chinese. I hoping will visit Taipei one day!! Thank you for sharing ....this video is really helps!

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Scottie Chernofsky that's awesome! You will have a huge advantage over other foreign visitors!!! Hope you will visit soon!!!

[@scottiecher8992]

Yippee!!

[@Takocat123]

I’m half Taiwanese-Half American and I’m planning to possibly live there in the future and become a citizen, since I’m biologically Taiwanese. I haven’t been to Taiwan in a very long time, so this video helped me out a lot. Thanks!

[@iamjohnsaboe]

You’re welcome!!! Taiwan is pretty cool with a sweetness like no other place. Hope you love living there, I did!

[@goqsane]

Biologically Taiwanese. I love and support Taiwan. But you do know that it's a little bit of a stretch? DEATH TO CCP!

[@kellysu423]

Now that students start learning English since they are little like kindergarten or elementary school.They learn hard but most of them are shy to speak or afraid to make mistakes.But even they can't speak or don't understand what you are saying,Taiwanese people are very kind and would find ways to solve your problems. :)

[@reallybadviolinist]

As a Australian born Taiwanese, I would like to offer my thanks to you for educating the English speaking world about Taiwan. 謝謝您！

[@iamjohnsaboe]

You’re very welcome! I hope to make more videos in Taiwan, the beautiful island soon!

[@musicadamjay4465]

哈囉~謝謝你介紹台灣!這些資訊真的非常有用~ 另外台灣最美的是自然美景~~ 推薦你阿里山(Alishan) 八斗子(Badouzi )等等!希望你會喜歡~~

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Adam Jay thanks so much and thank you for sharing these other wonderful places!!!

[@NataliaColman]

Beautiful city I have visited twice. Last time I have also visited Tainan and Kenting. I stayed at I-Staytion over Qsqare and Main Station.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Natalia Colman Eriksson Nice!!! That's a great place to stay in Taipei! I'm just putting together another video this week on my favorite districts to stay in Taipei. Main Station is one of my top picks!

[@frankte8884]

Natalia Colman Eriksson u

[@franknattyventuresinternat2115]

Hi, What is required from a foreigner to visit Taiwan?

[@followthepinkline]

Great vid. Im here now. I love taiwan.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Cool, enjoy your trip!!!

[@君愷范]

pro tip extra...you can also add money into the easy card in any of the major convenience stores in Taiwan, besides that you will also be able to purchase those cards in the convenience stores across the island

[@arymonem]

Beautiful county,and very friendly people.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Agreed!

[@tenminutevacations3261]

Great tips. After spending some time in Taiwan last year I can't think of anything I would add. Subscribed

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Ten Minute Vacations thank you so much! Appreciate that!!!

[@christianjlevesque]

I was in Taipei in April, 2017. Going back in February, 2018. Wonderful city. Wander off the "beaten path" and you will be amazed.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Christian Levesque great! Yes I agree!!!

[@shoootzzz]

I live here for a month every year and it’s always great! All the information you gave is awesome and is still valuable. A little advice, if you plan to be in the city for about a month and use public transportation (busses, metro) a lot, get the t-pass it will save a lot of money

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Thanks very much and yes that’s a great idea!!!

[@lightsky1]

Thank you for introducing Taiwan Taipei in a tourist way and complement. Middle of Taiwan going to have our own MRT system too, and please come to Taichung which have more nature surrounding environment and latest architecture technology opera house. Wish you enjoy and have great time in Taiwan.😃

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Si T thank you so much! Yes I have been to Taichung before and it's lovely! Birthplace of bubble tea(Pearl milk tea) great night markets and in the future a much needed MRT!

[@bulakstravels]

Very informative! Got more excited for my trip on the 20th of July!

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Cottnie Pld great! Check out these videos too! kzbin.info/aero/PLqTUz1nnqrdtS5UH7U4mHihW1n2EQTaeS

[@rosiepadua9467]

Thank you! My Taiwanese friend was telling me how wonderful Taiwan is. Now this city is in my bucket’s list 😊.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

You’re welcome! You won’t be disappointed!!!

[@rosiepadua9467]

John Saboe looking forward to it 😊

[@fredneil4235]

Good tips. Thank you .

[@iamjohnsaboe]

My pleasure!

[@johnmmm]

Taiwan is also very safe at any times of day

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Yes that’s true!

[@kevinoh1733]

Hi John ,welcome to Taiwan , my friend.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

kevin wang thank you so much!!!

[@Maverick0813]

Hi Thanks for bringing the friendly hints! You remind me that one day I was taking MRT to work. When I was walking out the gate, an English-speaking grandpa pat my shoulder and asking my help to use the machine to buy a Easy Card for him. I was curious that the machine has the English instructions so why he can't use it, he said "because I know you can help me!" lol Funny old man must saw my office badge and think me a MRT employee.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Maverick Liou that's a great story! All of the machines have English as an option but I guess he didn't check. Thanks for helping him!

[@Luther84695]

Hi, this is an excellent short tutorial for a tourist. I have lived here for almost 7 years, but I never knew about the tipping thing. I thought tipping in general is totally unnecessary, non whatsoever. I have lived in 5 stars in a few places outside of Taipei but don't recall seeing anyone tipping.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Joseph Studley thank you! I can only surmise that it's expected with this level of service in particular with bell staff and cleaning personnel. I have seen some modest places leave tip jars out but this is rare and yes not expected.

[@sorry_not_sorry6410]

omg so cool! I will spend a month in Taiwan this summer and I am super excited!

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Great, hope you have an awesome trip!!’

[@georgeemil3618]

Taipei is so much cleaner than Hong Kong.

[@zivartproduction1751]

I'll go to taiwan alone ...thank you for your video ...great information

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Elysa Littrell you’re welcome!!! You’ll have an awesome time!!!

[@FlyingPigNJ]

From what I can tell, English works pretty well in Taiwan. It's "English friendliness" is between Japan and some of the more English friendly southeast asian countries. Like Japan, English is a required second language. If you speak slowly, almost everyone can understand......even in the night markets. However, like Japan, France and Germany, good luck getting them to speak English back to you unless its in their job description:-D Again, like Japan and France, if you learn to greet in one of their languages, they'd be more willing to take the plunge:) (doesn't quite work in Germany, sorry) Remember, this is a developed country with GDP per capita on par with Germany, so mutual respect goes a long way in earning that famous hospitality they provide.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

FlyingPigNJ you made some pretty good points particularly extending an olive branch and trying to speak a little Mandarin. However after living here and traveling through Asia now for several years I can tell you that Taiwan is not as English friendly as Southeast Asia. It just isn't. Although the British were here for a short time as merchants and tax collectors and the US was here for military and humanitarian support the impact was just not the same as the effects of British colonialism in Malaysia, which includes a portion of Borneo, and Singapore. Taiwan also doesn't get the same visitor numbers from Western countries that Southeast Asia gets including Vietnam, and Thailand so the people here are not exposed to English speakers with the same frequency that people are in Southeast Asia. Taipei City would be the most English friendly city but once you venture out into the smaller towns you will have much more difficulty communicating in English. Plus factor in the shyness of the culture and people will notice a difference. Also if you are just hanging out in tourist spots than of course you'll have better luck communicating in English. But I do agree with you if you try speaking a little mandarin it can help give someone the courage to use their limited English skills.

[@FlyingPigNJ]

Like I said, it's a bit better than Japan, but it's not quite as bilingual as Philippines, hong kong, singapore, malaysia or even parts of indonesia. Some English signs are hilarious too:-D At least they try....... I have a quick overnight stopover in TPE on my way to Vietnam for the first time next month. I'm looking forward to a night of good food.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

FlyingPigNJ yes that's true it probably is a little better than Japan. Enjoy your layover and trip to Vietnam!

[@akonvano]

GDP of Germany is 4x higher and 2x higher if to compare the GDP per capita.

[@FlyingPigNJ]

@@akonvano yes, so is the cost of living😁 I even had to pay just to use a toilet!

[@KanekiKen-os6yy]

I am planning to visit Taiwan. Thanks for the vid. Love Taiwan💮🌸

[@iamjohnsaboe]

You’re welcome! Me too!

[@33988]

Soon...

[@jayemilla5143]

Thank you kindly for this super informative video! I'm visiting for the first time in November 2018 & the info you provided is helping to settle my anxiety about visiting ^-^

[@iamjohnsaboe]

That’s great and you’re very welcome! Taipei is a very friendly city. Most visitors I meet immediately feel comfortable and safe walking around the city!

[@freemason6750]

Quite accurate

[@vincent820906]

介紹的很棒，我是外國人的話也會想來走走。 Great introduction.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

張一文 thanks so much!!!

[@danielhsu8142]

Wowoww!!!! I love your videos!!!!!! Thank you for making this video for all the people around the world!!!! :)

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Daniel Hsu thank you! It's my pleasure!!!

[@jessicaramirez6492]

Thanks John! I'll use this video for one of my lessons.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Pleasure, thanks!

[@mr84476258]

really enjoying your video!! thanks for sharing your travel experience of Taiwan hope to see you somewhere in Taiwan there are lots of things you have to try in Taiwan :)

[@iamjohnsaboe]

TJia Liu thank you so much! I'm very tall! You can't miss me-haha! I love Taiwan!!!

[@vandamme6379]

I live in Taipei. Of course it’s better to know the Chinese language, but I find them friendly and sometimes you can find English speakers. Just don’t expect them to understand everything you say. It’s very limited, but learning Chinese Mandarin is the way forward. 👍🏻

[@iamjohnsaboe]

The question is definitely not if people are friendly, they’re the friendliest! Yes some do speak basic English. You’re absolutely correct that it’s very helpful to know some Mandarin, especially if you’re planning on staying for an extended period of time.

[@vandamme6379]

@@iamjohnsaboe I ended up staying for 12 years. Haha

[@justinhu6414]

Thanks you for the nice intro of Taipei, Taiwan.

[@jodimuse18]

Can't wait to get there and experience it!

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Awesome! Hope you have a great time!!!

[@jucos_visage3207]

it helps a lot.. thank you John Saboe

[@iamjohnsaboe]

You’re welcome!

[@jamescc2010]

Very nice detail tips especially no tipping required. Thanks

[@iamjohnsaboe]

James Chuaycham ป้อม ศักดิ์ชัย you’re welcome!!!

[@Chef_Paul1]

Hi John Saboe! We will be going to Taiwan and we are glad we came across your video which is very informative. :) Thank you!

[@iamjohnsaboe]

You’re welcome! Hope you have a great time!

[@szhmoe]

I did not know about the VAT reclaim. Thanks!

[@iamjohnsaboe]

No problem!

[@mysteriousGE]

One more tip, you can use the MRT restroom inside station without tickets. Just ask staff for assistance.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Great tip, thanks!!!

[@charlesdenman9052]

Great place and people in Taiwan. I go often. It is my second home country.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

You are blessed!

[@lmgaishere]

Thanks for the informative vlog!

[@simplyme9694]

hi john! new sub here from the philippines. . . . .thank u for such a very informative video. . . . GOD BLESS!

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Thank you!!!

[@memmener]

My personal tip is, don't eat too much in one place. There are so many good street food and small restaurants, it's best to eat small portions and frequently, to try many things.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Totally agree! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@warrenlauzon5315]

Easier to find English speakers in Taiwan than in Japan. Easy Card can be used at many places besides just transport and convenience stores. Even a very few in the Night Markets now take it.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Warren Lauzon depends on the city plus Japan is massive compared to Taiwan. Yes you are right, Easycard can also be used at convenient stores as well as some longer bus routes, and local trains.

[@panguspon4846]

You can also use super Easy card to purchase items in many convenient stores such as 7-11, circle k, family mart or wasons....

[@iamjohnsaboe]

pangus pon thank you for sharing!

[@robin0941]

Easy card can also be used in convenient store and some other stores

[@AmiBhabaghure]

Great

[@cmc2680]

Best city in the world

[@lcia_lciani]

I have a Taiwanese friend in Hungary. He is very friendly and kind. I think they all are kind as Mr.Saboe said in his video. But unfortunately I haven't had this chance to go to Taiwan.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Hope you can visit one day!

[@lcia_lciani]

Thank you Sir

[@roserickman21]

Thank you for this it helped a lot

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Great, me pleasure!

[@falconsplendid3534]

Thank you for the tips. I'm leaving for Taipei from Manila on November 23. This is really helpful :)

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Falcon Splendid awesome glad you found it helpful!!!

[@akieang]

Very informative video good job

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Thanks very much!!!

[@db2able]

Great tips. Thank you so much.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

My pleasure! Thank you!

[@benlex5672]

Note: Easycard also provides you a discount when you use public transportation systems

[@narenkong5572]

Cambodia love taiwan

[@iamjohnsaboe]

NaRen Kong Great!!!

[@dspotterid]

Thanks. useful information. Simple n nice trip report👍🏼👍🏼😊

[@iamjohnsaboe]

You’re welcome and thanks!

[@zeezee7311]

Wow!!! Your video helped me so much!!! I am moving to Taiwan soon!! Take Care. Bye :)

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Zehra Haciismailoglu great, thanks so much!!! Good luck with everything!!!

[@taikhoancongcong4126]

I like and support Taiwan. I love Taiwanese goods, Taiwanese brands...

[@chanj8426]

very helpful, thanks for informing us.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

You’re welcome!

[@chanj8426]

@@iamjohnsaboe tomorrow I'm gonna take plane to Taiwan :)

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Great, hope you have a wonderful visit!!!

[@RaulMartinez-iz4rf]

Awesome video! I am planning on visiting Taiwan on December but am living in the US, I am a community college student and would like to know if I need a Taiwanese visa to stay for at least 5 years? As I am not familiar how to register for a visa or what the requirements are to travel from the US to Taiwan. Please reach out to me!😃

[@iamjohnsaboe]

If you’re studying in Taiwan for a longer period than 3 months then yes you’ll need a student visa. You will have to renew it periodically but I’m not sure how often. You won’t be able to get a 5 year visa however you could stay that long with renewed visas. You can contact a Taiwan(Republic of China) trade office nearest you to find out the details.

[@jerryseow1735]

6

[@Chimpangel]

Great advice

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Chimpangel thanks so much!!!

[@andres3725]

Great Video!

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Andres Ramos thank you very much!!!

[@heyjojo1998]

Great video! Keep the good work.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

jojo 1998 thank you!!!

[@a9707033]

The master piece of Vincent Callebaut are already under construction!! Nice~

[@vinniesbucketlist8363]

I'm watching all these Taiwan and now, Taipei videos to get some ideas on what to do, see and eat (especially what to eat 👀) for my trip there in march! Any tips of what is worth while to vlog??

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Nightmarkets, anything food, motorbikes, ocean escapes. All good for vlogs!

[@antonv.]

great video about Taipei, thanks so much for sharing it!! I am looking forward going there next month :)

[@donnellhicks]

Very great video, I was only at the airport 6 hours. I went to Thailand. It is not as English friendly in most cities. I will make sure to visit longer in Taiwan. Thank you!

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Thanks very much!!! Hope you can stay longer next time!!!

[@donnellhicks]

@@iamjohnsaboe Yes me too, any suggestions for staying longer? I may visit 1 or 2 months. How is the room rentals there. Thank you.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

If you want an inexpensive place to stay longer term try the hostels.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Also watch this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWrCaXabf92jl9k

[@hung-yuchuang]

Welcome to Taiwan ! Have a great time!

[@Canexm]

Very helpful! Thank you very much :)

[@sindychen6586]

Hey, Great video! It's a shame that many Taiwanese have already learned English for many years in school, but most of them are still afraid of using it to communicate with foreigners.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Sindy Chen thanks so much! Yes I totally agree with you! Also they have it the toughest as there are not as many English speaking foreigners living or visiting here as frequently as in Southeast Asia.

[@陳查理-c2c]

It's NOT a shame for not speaking english well or feel embarassed to speak a foreign language.

[@sindychen6586]

@陳郁璟 你可能誤會了 It's a shame在英文是「很可惜」而不是羞恥的意思。 我表達的是「台灣人學了很多年的英文，但卻害怕使用它來和外國人溝通，這是件很可惜的事。」

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Sindy Chen yes I understand what you mean. It’s perfectly understandable the way people are and it is not a negative criticism on my part. It’s just the way things are but I’m encountering more people that have the courage to try!

[@陳查理-c2c]

Sindy Chen 都是好可惜的意思，但是it's a shame在語感上隱射該行為不恰當。而且不會說英文也沒什麼好可惜的，人本來就需要累積到一定程度才有可能開口說一個語言。你可以去google關於沉默期的學術文章來看。會說英文很好，但不會說也不會怎麼樣，別的國家的人到一個國家本來就被期待至少可以說一點那個地方的語言。現在那麼多人學中文，你到英語系國家旅遊也很難找到非華人背景又能說清楚中文的人啊!!

[@flacosinthehouse]

Nice video John. Do yourself live in Taipei? My wife and I are planning a trip to Taiwan, but not sure where... do you recommend any particular cities? We will be in Taiwan coming Oct and staying 3night or 4 depends on what we can do there... thanks!

[@iamjohnsaboe]

flacosinthehouse hi yes I do. If it's your first visit you should of course stay in Taipei and use it as a base to visit some smaller towns in Northern Taiwan. Easy days trips include Jiufen, an old mining town with beautiful views of the north coast. Next to it is another little mining town with some beautiful Japanese houses and buildings. Also Pingxi is also a nice town to visit, home of the world famous sky lantern festival.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

flacosinthehouse if you take the tourist train from Ruifang to Pingxi you can also stop in Shifin, and walk to the waterfalls from the train station.

[@b何彩華]

Thank you!

[@iamjohnsaboe]

You’re welcome!

[@juang.sanchezguevara9410]

Nice tips! Cheers!

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Thanks!

[@carolecota9625]

Wow so many changes since I was there 40 years ago lol

[@iamjohnsaboe]

I can imagine!!!

[@wanitatangguhRA]

taiwan verry nice

[@iamjohnsaboe]

wanita tangguh R&A yes I agree!

[@Barillaa]

Didn't know that about u bike, thought I had to get a Taiwanese phone number, awesome info!

[@huangcc72]

Easycard can also be used to pay in all convenient stores like 7-11 and many other stores.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Brian Huang thanks for sharing!!!

[@hkgogo2751]

Nice video !!

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Hao n Kay Love travel thank you!!!

[@oscarlu7709]

The rule concerning foreigner's VAT refund in Taiwan just adjusted last year, as long as your purchase is over NTD$2000 accumulatively in the same refund shop during the same day, you can claim the VAT refund. Just remember to claim VAT refund the same day your purchase invoice is issued; otherwise the shop would be unable to give your the VAT certificates for later refund collection.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Oscar Lu yes I think until recently many shops were still requiring a purchase of NTD$3000 or more but you are correct it's now NTD$2000. Thanks for the update!

[@happycat0411]

Actually most convenience clerks at 7-11 in Taiwan speak English very well. If you ever need some help and don't speak Mandarin Chinese just go into a 7-11 and ask them for help.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Appreciate you sharing your experience . I would agree that they are usually very helpful and try hard but having lived and traveled around the island extensively for five years coming across staff that spoke basic, let alone proficient English working at 7-Eleven locations was certainly not my experience. Some staff can communicate with basic English, if you’re near the tourist centers in Taipei like Taipei 101 you might have better luck but there are many locations where the staff are reluctant to speak English, especially in smaller towns or they just lack English language skills. There are over 5000 7-Eleven locations in Taiwan! Actually it mostly comes down to lack of confidence, and the education system itself, mostly focused on written, not verbal practice and testing as well as a lack of exposure to English speakers. Actually by far the famous Din Tai Fung dumpling chain of restaurants in my opinion have the best English speakers working in the service industry in Taiwan. They always seem eager to speak English immediately with foreigners. As well they also usually have staff on the floor at anytime that can speak Japanese and Korean.

[@lifamvlogs]

Nice video thumbs up 👍

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Thanks very much!!!

[@southedinburgh1971]

Tipping isn't necessary but people don't mind at all.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Simon Chiu you must work in the service industry.

[@southedinburgh1971]

Used to, a wee while ago. I work in higher education.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Simon Chiu cool!!!

[@Michael9-23-15]

Use easy card to buy food in machines

[@jimbondoc2530]

Will be visiting taipeh soon

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Have a nice stay!

[@jimbondoc2530]

@@iamjohnsaboe ...hi sir john...where can i find levi's store and New Era caps in taiwan ? By the way new subscriber here..

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Sorry don’t know anything about New era caps, maybe someone else knows that’s reading this? There are Levis stores everywhere almost in every city in Taiwan!

[@jimbondoc2530]

@@iamjohnsaboe ...thanks for d reply sir john...

[@darknexx1]

Thank you so much!

[@ayahbasco2036]

Great Video! Since I will visit Taiwan this coming month. Just a question, regarding the vat, what vat? I mean like any purchase?

[@iamjohnsaboe]

ayah basco yes it now must be a minimum purchase of NT$2000 in one place. With the proper receipt you can get 5% back at th airport. Ask about it where you decide to buy something.

[@ayahbasco2036]

Thank you very much John! I'll take note of it! :)

[@criskity]

In Taiwan, younger people are more likely to speak English than older people.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

CNVideos yes I agree younger people are likely to know some English but I also find some of the older people in their 60's and older can also speak a little. Perhaps they were exposed to more Americans during the Vietnam war when they took leave in Taiwan and also during the American military and Air Force support in the 60's,70's. I believe people were exposed to more English speakers on a daily basis then today.

[@warrenlauzon5315]

That goes in Hong Kong (especially), Korea, and Japan also.

[@iamjohnsaboe]

Warren Lauzon I'd disagree with you on Hong Kong. There are way more expats living in HK than Taipei and more English speaking offices. Plus there are way more English speaking foreigners that visit HK than Taipei and the influence is obvious.

[@gjk-arts5855]

John Saboe I was born in Taiwan I live in America Meh 10!