After a 15-days journey around Taiwan, it’s not hard to spot a few interesting aspects of the Taiwanese and their lives. Read: free bus rides and car rides?! Although different counties may have different cultures, they have quite a few things in common!
1. Many cities don’t have a metro system, only buses.
Some cities are not as well-connected as Taipei by public transport (only a few have metro systems), so you might find yourself stranded for hours before the next bus comes, especially when trying to get to ulu natural attractions. Taxi rides are definitely much more comfortable and time-saving, also being cheaper than our local counterparts.
2. The people are so friendly they might even give you a ride.
We were standing in the rain while waiting for a bus that seemed like it was never going to arrive (read number 1) when a Taiwanese woman stopped her car right by us. She actually went out of her way to bring us to our destination, and we even had to politely decline her generous offers of a return journey, umbrellas and even food! Paiseh mah.
3. Taichung’s bus services are free.
Free bus rides?! You read that right. SMRT and SBS really have some catching-up to do. The rides are completely free for the first 8km, which is more than enough to bring you to many destinations around the city.
4. There are so few dustbins you’d be better off carrying your own rubbish bag.
Even a Taiwanese taxi driver admitted this and told us that many Singaporean tourists asked him about this. You’ll never see a dustbin for miles and miles until you are tired of holding the litter in your hand. Despite this, Taiwan is super clean!
5. The rubbish collection truck plays music.
In every city, the rubbish collection truck announces its arrival by playing the same music. The first few times we heard it, we thought it was the same car playing the music passing by us.
6. There are many themed cafes in Taiwan.
In Singapore, we have hipster cafes and in Taiwan, you have themed cafes. In Chinese, they are called “主题餐厅” and these cafes are highly popular with the young crowds. Taipei’s modern toilet bowl restaurant is an example.
7. Many people wear face masks.
We went to Taiwan with the aim of spotting celebrities (who are usually wearing face masks) but then realised that many Taiwanese wear them. It’s probably because of the air quality, contributed by their many scooters. Seriously, you see as many scooters as people on the street.
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