Language

Deciphering Chinese

Noteworthy for: Mandarin Chinese is promoted as the official language for the island, but at least half the population prefers to speak Taiwanese at home.
Word to the wise: Studying English is compulsory, but without the opportunity to practice, students' written skills are often better than their spoken. If you're struggling to communicate, try writing your message down.

Taiwan's approach to Romanisation - the process of rendering non-Roman alphabet languages into a form recognisable by Roman alphabet users - has been somewhat haphazard, which is why you will encounter many different variations of spelling on maps, signs and place names throughout the city. While attempts are being made to standardise it - Taipei now officially uses the Hanyu Pinyin system - it still causes the utmost confusion when navigating.
It is rare to find a taxi driver who speaks English and even rarer to read Pinyin. Therefore, it is essential to bring the address of the place you are going in Chinese with you. Before leaving the hotel, ask the concierge to write it down.

A bundle of 'taxi cards' - laminated business-sized cards with the English and Chinese addresses to Taipei’s most popular spots - are sold at the English-language bookstores Eslite and Page One. Simply show the cab driver the 'taxi card' and you will be set.