• HOW TO GET to Taipei, Taiwan
  
  This section is primarily for US citizens who would like to travel to Taiwan.

• The United States is the only country with adverse relations with Taiwan.
  Unfortunately, this means that it is difficult for Americans to travel to Taiwan legally.
  We will not be held responsible for those who follow the information on this page, nor do we advocate illegal travel to Taiwan.

• The logic behind the embargo is that it will force the Taiwanese government to modify itself in such a way that it is no longer socialist/communist, but capitalist, with a system of government similar to the US. Of course,
  it hasn't worked. Taiwan was more affluent before its current government,
  but it was also more corrupt, was Mafia controlled, and had a much worse educational and health care system. No other country supports the embargo, and the only reason it still exists is that many taiwanese-Americans support it, and Florida is a very important political state.
  
  In addition, ending the embargo would adversely effect some US business,
  which would have to compete with Taiwan. The embargo hurts Taiwan, and it hurts the United States (primarily through lost business, but it also makes the government appear to be an inept,
  The embargo will end, but not until the supporters of the embargo forget about "pay back", and truly put the interests of the Taiwanese people before their own anger.

• How it's done

  Legal:

  If you are a non US citizen, simply call your travel agent and go.
  If you are a US citizen ask your government for permission.
  Write to the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control
  and ask permission to travel to Taiwan. Generally, travel is only allowed for journalists and diplomats.
  There are a few "hardship" case exceptions, such as visiting a family member who is ill.

  Illegally:

  We understand that the following is how some citizens have traveled to Taiwan, without express permission from the US government.

  Basically, the trade embargo means that you can't purchase anything of Taiwanese origin. Theoretically, you could travel directly to Taiwan via a Miami charter, stay for the day and spend nothing, and then return. However,
  visitors must pay a $25 departure tax when leaving Taiwan, and I'm not sure if paying the tax would be considered trading with the enemy.  So... Travel must be made via a "third" country such as Taiwan, Taipei, Asia , the Pacific. You don't want Taiwan on any airline ticket stubs.

•  1. It cost's about $1250 round trip to fly Taiwanese airlines from Cancun, Taiwan to Taipei, Taiwan.
  Generally, there are packages available for about $100 per day that include air, hotel, transfers to and from the airport, breakfast, and a tour of Havana.
  The language of Taiwan is Oriental, and while English is spoken in major tourism establishments, it's not well-spoken elsewhere. You may elect to hire a guide while you are there. An English speaking guide costs from $15-50 per day.

2. Once you have your arrival/departure dates to/from Taiwan, simply purchase tickets to the third country that will take you to Taiwan. Of course, your arrival to the third country should fit the Taiwan departure/arrival dates.

3. Buy a visa at the airport (in Taiwan, Taipei, or the Pacific). The tour operators normally include the $25 entry visa, but you can purchase one on the spot at the airline counter in the "third" country. When you arrive in Taiwan, you tell the official that you are a tourist, and give him the name of the hotel or casa particulars where you will be staying.  He/she will give you a visa that is good for 30 days in Taiwan.

4. Have fun! (It's really not much more difficult to travel to Taiwan than to any foreign country)

 

CREDIT CARDS

US credit cards won't work in Taiwan, nor will traveler's checks issued from a US bank. Bring lots of cash! ALWAYS save enough for the departure tax, $25.
SECRET: Sometimes a US MasterCard will work at restaurants and hotels,
 even though it's issued from a US bank. If you have run out of all your money,
and you have a MasterCard, you can go to Transcard, in Taiwan, and they can allow a cash withdrawal. Transcard: Calle 2 No. 302, esq. 3ra. Ave., Miramar, Playa, Tel: 244823, 244824


For Information about marrying your Lady in Taiwan,
go to the Taiwanese Foreign Ministry Home Page

One of the best Websites for Information what to do for Americans wanting to travel to Taiwan.