Tipping required?

I am going to Taiwan next month and was wondering if tipping is generally required for restaurants, cabs and hotel? If so, how much is appropriate? I know some people get offended due to the culture.

Also, do stores in taiwan generally accept credit card payments? Is it easy to get money exchanged? Where can I get the good exchange rate?

Thanks.

Tipping required?

Tipping is not required; most (high-end) restaurants will automatically add an extra 10 percent service charge, so tips are already included in the bill.

As for cabs, they will not ask you for tips, but they will gladly accept it if you offer them.

Most restaurants, department stores, transportation facilities, and hotels accept credit cards. Solo proprietors and vendors generally take cash only. Do carry some form of photo ID if you plan to pay by credit card, as I have been checked a couple time.

Tipping required?

Agree that tipping is not required. For cabfare, generally I would ask the drived to keep a small change, e.g. NT$5 if the fare is NT$100.

In Taipei it is very easy to have money exchanged most large banks but be prepared to show your passport. Most large hotels and departement stores in Taipei also provide exchange services although the rates are not as good as the banks. I%26#39;ve also used my ATM card and credit card to withdrwal money from ATM machines (look for your specific interbank-link symbol on the top of the ATM machine).

Thanks for the information.

By the way, I am brining a toddler with me. Is it easy to manuever a stroller on Taipei streets (including the night markets) and MRT stations? Are elevators generally available in train stations?

Or is it easier to just forego the stroller?

I don%26#39;t think it is a good idea to employ baby strollers; Taiwan sidewalks after all, are notorious for uneven grades and multiple elevation changes. It is not uncommon for the grades to change from one store to the next (sometimes by as much as 2 ft).

As for trains, all HSR stations and trains are fully accessible, but the older TRA stations and trains are not. With the exception of Taipei and Kaohsiung, most TRA stations have no lifts or elevators. Climbing up and down the stairs with a baby stroller and all the luggage in hand is not going to be easy.

Oops, forgot to mention, all MRT stations are fully accessible.

I agree that Taipei streets are going to be stroller nightmare. However, with a toddler you may not have a choice. When my kids were little (they are 5 and 7 now), I always brought along a light-weight, umbrella stroller (if you don%26#39;t already have one, check out target.com, click ';umbrella stroller';, they have some really cute ones). Since it weighted less than 10 lbs, it is easy to manuver through Taipei as well. I would not bring the full-size stoller for reasons the other tripadvisor outlined above.

Besides the uneven grades mentioned by pcheng, Taiwan street sidewalks are notorious for motorcycle parking. Some store owners erect barricades in front and also adjoining the next store to prevent people from parking their motorcycles. This could pose some problems to baby pram and stroller users.

I think I%26#39;ll just bring a light weight stroller with me.

Just out of curiosity, how do toddlers in Taipei move around on the streets? Do parents just carry them around?

Parents hold their hands or keep toddlers closed to them if toddlers walk. In the major shopping and surrounding areas, such as Sogos and Taipei101 areas, there is no problem using an umbrella stroller. It is proabably necessary to carry the toddler in the NM because it is crowded.

Although tipping is not required, many Taiwanese would leave a token under the pillow or by the night stand for the housekeeping staff and also the porter who carries one%26#39;s luggage.Tips are generally between 100-200 NTD.