Getting Around

Family outing--five people on one scooter. © Martin Moos. Lonely Planet Images

With Taipei's airport on the north-eastern fringe of the city area, getting to town is easy and relatively cheap. Taxis are available at the airport, though the drivers rarely speak English--a good idea is to have your destination written in Chinese on cards. Driving in Taipei is hectic at the best of times. Unless you've been there six months, it's best to let someone else do the driving.

Along with local buses and taxis, Taipei residents can thrill you with stories about their beleaguered MRT (Metropolitan Rapid Transit) system. First planned in 1975, construction didn't begin until 1988. They're still building. If you're willing to brave the shonky maintenance, the cracked concrete pillars and the 'creative' routes, there are a couple of lines open that might get you somewhere near your destination.