Currency: New Taiwanese Dollar (NTD)
Notes: NTD2000, 1000, 500, 200, 100
Coins: NTD50, 20, 10, 5, 1
Credit cards: While international credit cards are accepted at most large hotels and upmarket restaurants, cash is still used for the majority of transactions and you may find you can't pay by card for a lot of services.

Exchange

Traveller's checks and cash can be changed at international airports or banks. US dollars are the most easily exchangeable currency, especially in rural areas. American Express branches can be found in Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung.

Costs

Below are approximate costs for the following items:

Bottle of beer - NTD45-47
Bottle of wine (supermarket) - NTD300
Can of Coke NTD18
Short bus journey (Taipei) NTD15
Litre of petrol NTD19.50
Packet of cigarettes NTD60

Tax Refund

There is a sales tax of 5% on goods and services in Taiwan. Tourists can avoid paying taxes and duty at Duty Free Department Stores on production of a valid passport.

Taiwan does not operate a tax refund scheme for foreign tourists.

Service Charges

It is not customary to tip in Taiwan. Hoover some of the larger international hotels will include a service charge in your bill.