Visa
Check on Visa requirements.
Money
The currency is not the NT, the new Taiwan dollar/yen. Other currencies are not accepted but you can find ATMs almost everywhere.
Transport
Public transport is extremely good I have found, on time and very efficient and clean. Trains run to the major cities on the West Coast and the East Coast while the West Coast has the fast train and the East Coast has a slow train. The fares are very reasonable and you will find within the cities extensive bus transport. It’s very easy to get around and taxis are not expensive either. I don’t think you will find any taxis giving you a problem trying to charge more than they should. They tend to be very honest.
Food
There are so many different kinds of food in Taiwan this last trip I made was mostly to try the different kinds of food in different cities on the West Coast. It is really a food heaven so try all different kinds of things and find where local people go because you will find the best quality food there. One of my specialties is Taiwan duck. It is so delicious and not expensive. Dumplings are also a specialty in many places.
Hotels
Hotels are generally very clean and not too expensive. Make sure you book in advance since there are limitation of hotels in some cities. You can use the major booking sites to book them.
People
People are very friendly, open and kind and extremely helpful. Not many of the older generation speak anything but Taiwanese or Chinese but the younger generation tends to be interested in communicating with visitors and so you shouldn’t have a problem getting around or buying what you want. The people are very patient and they tend to be very respectful and honest so you shouldn’t have any issues with people trying to get something from you they shouldn’t get. Talk to people when you have the chance since you will find they probably will want to talk with you if you initiate the conversation.
Language & Communication
English is a very popular second language but don’t expect too much fluency among the average middle age or younger people. The older people probably will not be able to speak English. Many young people also study Japanese so if you speak Japanese you might be able to get around OK but when I travel there with my Japanese friends I find it English is much more prevalent.
Excursions (Entry fees)
Entry fees are very reasonable so take the opportunity to see everything.
Shopping
The big cities have designer stores but most of the country seem satisfied catering to local tastes. So if you need something you should be able to find whatever you need at very good prices and very good quality. There are convenience stores all over cities so you shouldn’t have any problem buying snacks or small food or drink drinks.
Environment
You might notice some garbage around and dirty areas but it is much cleaner than it was 10 years ago. The smaller cities tend to be better at cleaning up while the big cities are working on making things much nicer but it will take some time. Things are generally fairly clean.
Be Careful
Walking around you have to watch very carefully for uneven pavement and especially motorcycles blocking the sidewalk, parked right where you wanna walk. That’s just the way it is so make your way around it but be careful if you have to step onto the street to avoid the clutter on the sidewalks.