Travel Cheap, Easy In Taiwan

<B> Travel Cheap, Easy In Taiwan</B>

By Robert Selwitz

Depending upon traffic, getting around Taipei by taxi can be quick and relatively inexpensive. While the run from Chiang Kai-Shek International Airport into the city will cost around US$35, fares within Taiwan are significantly lower than in many other major cities.

For instance, from many major hotels to the Taipei Railway station, the tab should run around US$3.50, and no tipping is required, advised Alex Hsiao, deputy director of the Taiwan Visitors Association.

Still, there is a 20 percent surcharge added to fares between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., and since most drivers do not speak English, TVA suggests that before every trip, you ask a member of your hotel staff to write down both your destination, and your hotel's name and address, in Chinese.

Moving between Taiwan's main cities usually means choosing air or rail. From Taipei, it takes 45 minutes to wing towards Kaohsiung, at a fare of about $50 roundtrip. Flights to Tainan take 45 minutes, and to Taichung, 30 minutes.