Those using public transport have two options in the capital, the bus or the metro. The MRT Mass Rapid Transit System (tel: (02) 2181 2345 (24 hours); website: www.trtc.com.tw) has eight lines covering the major areas of the city. Trains are frequent and run all day until midnight. The system is efficient, cheap and not too crowded, and there are signs in English. A new one-day pass is valid for unlimited Taipei MTR rides valid from first use until midnight. Buses are plentiful and services frequent, reliable and comfortable, although they should be avoided during rush hour (0730-0930 and 1700-1900). Public buses are run by the Taiwan Bus Company (tel: 0800 088 626), while the largest private bus company is Tonglien Bus Company (tel: 0800 241 560). A pre-paid EasyCard can be used on buses and MTR.

Taxis

Taxis are the most convenient way to get around: they are also cheap and plentiful. They can be hailed on the street, picked up outside hotels, or a dispatch taxi may be called via an English-speaking radio calling system from almost any destination. Taxis are all metered. Writing destination addresses in Chinese is essential as many drivers do not speak English. To order a taxi, call the toll free taxi hotline (tel: 0800 055 850, press 2 for English) or Taiwan Taxi (tel: (02) 2192 6688).

Car Hire

Taipei's street numbering system is very confusing and traffic is congested, making driving in the capital difficult. As a result, hiring a car and driver is preferable to driving yourself. It is only worth hiring a car to drive out of Taipei, although traffic congestion means that it takes a long time to get out. Most people prefer to fly, as internal flights are cheap and the domestic terminal is situated at Sungshan, in the heart of the city. An International Driving Licence is required to hire a car, which needs to be taken, along with passport and a passport-sized photograph, to the nearest Vehicle Registration Department to apply for a ‘Driver's Licence Visa'. All vehicles need Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance. Drink driving attracts heavy penalties. Driving is on the left, and speed limits range from 50kph (31mph) to 80-110kph (50-68mph) on freeways.

Major providers at the airport and in the city include Asia Rent-A-Car Service (tel: (02) 2500 6633; website: www.asiarent.com.tw), Easy Rent (tel: 0800 024 550; website: www.easyrent.com.tw), and VIP Car Rental Co (tel: (02) 2713 1111; website: www.vipcar.com.tw).

Bicycle Hire

Because of the heavy pollution, riding a bicycle in central Taipei is not recommended. However, in greater Taipei designated bike paths are gaining popularity. Taiwan Tourist Board (website: www.taiwan.net.tw) has the low-down. Bikes can be hired from Giant Bikes, 159 Bowuguan Road, Bali Township, Taipei County (tel: (02) 8630 4585).

© 2006 Columbus Travel Publishing Ltd. Disclaimer

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