Preparing for a new teaching journey in a foreign country can be an exciting yet daunting experience. As you embark on your teaching journey in Taiwan, there are certain things that you need to bring or consider to ensure a smooth and successful transition. From necessary documents to adaptors, careful preparation and research can help you settle in quickly and feel more comfortable in your new environment. We will explore some of the essential items you need to bring or consider before starting your teaching career in Taiwan.
Before departing to Taiwan
- Appropriate Clothing
Taiwan has a subtropical climate, so you’ll want to bring light and breathable clothing suitable for warm and humid weather. You’ll also want to bring a rain jacket and comfortable walking shoes as Taiwan can be prone to typhoons and heavy rain during certain seasons. It’s also recommended to bring some winter clothes to Taiwan, especially if you plan on staying for an extended period. While Taiwan is known for its warm and humid climate, the winter months (December to February) can be quite chilly, particularly in the northern regions of the country.
- Important Documents
Bringing essential documents with you on the plane when traveling to Taiwan is important to ensure that you have everything you need during your journey and once you arrive in the country.
These documents might include:
- I.D. ( Passport, Driver’s License, Government issued I.D. cards, etc.)
- Accommodation Information
- Emergency Contact Information
- Visa
- Pocket Money
Here are a few factors to consider when determining how much money to bring:
- Housing: This is likely to be one of your largest expenses in Taiwan. The cost of rent will depend on the type of housing and location. Renting a small studio apartment in a major city can cost around 10,000 to 15,000 NTD per month, while shared accommodation or living in smaller cities can be less expensive.
Take note:
-Not all apartments are furnished and some might be semi-furnished. You might also want to take into consideration your expenses for laundry and other appliances you might need.
-You might need to pay 2 months worth of rent as a deposit and pay the rent for the month you start living in your condo/apartment.
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Food: Taiwan has a wide range of delicious and affordable food options, from street food to restaurants. You can expect to spend around 100-300 NTD per meal in a restaurant, and much less for street food. Cooking at home can be a more affordable option.
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Transportation: Taiwan has an efficient and affordable public transportation system, with buses and metro systems available in most cities. The cost will depend on how often you use public transportation and your location, but a monthly transportation pass can cost around 1,000 NTD a month.
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Utilities: This includes electricity, water, gas, and internet. Utility bills will depend on your usage and location, but can range from 1,000 to 3,000 NTD per month.
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Entertainment: There are plenty of entertainment options in Taiwan, including movies, concerts, and night markets. You can expect to spend around 500-1,000 NTD per event.
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Travel: Taiwan has many beautiful places to explore, and you may want to take trips around the country or to neighboring countries. The cost will depend on your destination and mode of transportation.
As a general guideline, it is recommended to bring at least a few months’ worth of living expenses with you, including rent, food, and other necessities. This can range from around 50,000 to 100,000 NTD or more depending on your personal circumstances. You may also want to consider bringing or getting a credit card, debit card, and ATM card that you can use internationally for extra precaution.
Other Essentials Items
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Adapter for your electronics: Taiwan uses a Type A/B/C electrical outlet, which may not be compatible with the plug of your electronics. Bringing an adapted plug or a universal adapter can save you the hassle of finding one in Taiwan.
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Medications: If you’re taking any prescription medications, you’ll want to bring enough to last you for several months. You should also bring a copy of your prescription and a note from your doctor in case you need to refill your medication while in Taiwan.
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Toiletries and personal care items: While you can find most toiletries and personal care items in Taiwan, you may prefer to bring your own preferred brands or items that are difficult to find.
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Snacks and food items: While Taiwan has a rich culinary scene, you may still crave your favorite snacks or food items from your home country. Bringing a few of your favorite snacks or spices can help you feel more at home in a foreign land.
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Language resources: While many Taiwanese people speak English, you may want to bring language resources such as a phrasebook or dictionary to help you communicate more effectively with locals.
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Comfort items: Moving to a new country can be stressful, so bringing some comfort items such as a favorite pillow, blanket, or stuffed animal can provide a sense of familiarity and comfort in your new surroundings.
It would be highly appreciated if you can give us any feedback or own experiences that can make this article better. Feel free to also point out any mistakes or corrections in this article. Thank you! 