How much cash should I bring to Taiwan?

Many students asked me how much cash they should bring with them to Taiwan. Well that’s a hard question. I normally answered it depends on how serious the shopping you would. Indeed how much you need for this two week trip really depends on what you would do or what you would buy. So, how do you make the decision? You can use your ATM card. Your bank may charge you a couple bucks, but it may be cheaper than the surcharge of the currency exchange at O’Hare. If you wanna bring cash, here are some references you can use.

A ‘Lunch Box” locally called “Bendon” costs between 50 and 80 NTD at the 7-11. A sandwich costs between 30 to 50 bucks at the same place

A bowl of beef noodle soup costs between 80 to 120 NTD, wanton noodle soup, 50-80 bucks
Big Mac (you think I am going to forget this? no way!) cost 79 NTD for the sandwich and 109 for the meal, 129 for a delivered (yes, they deliver)

Matro (subway system) at Taipei costs from 15 NTD (one stop) to about 70NTD (all the way through to Tamsui)  

High Speed train from Taipei to Taichung costs 765 NTD

Bus in the city costs 15 bucks for one segment, or 30 bucks for two (at Taichung city bus service will be free if it’s shorter than 8 km, or 4.8 miles).

A cup of freshly brew 7-11 Americano coffee costs 50 NTD

Starbucks costs as ridiculous as it does here at the States

85^oC, the very popular Taiwanese bakery/coffee shop charges you for 65 NTD for a cup of cappuccino or 70-100 NTD for a cup of Latte, depends on the size.

A steak meal costs from 200 NTD at small restaurant/ night market to 700 NTD at a high end chain
restaurant.

Clothing will be more expensive over there, so don’t even think.
Visiting Taipei 101 observation deck, 500 NTD.

So, you like to make a living here? get a moped (or Scooda, depends on where you are from) they cost 35,000 NTD for a 50CC, or 50,000 to 60,000 NTD for a 100 or 125 CC.

In case, just in case you really want, the rent costs at least 10,000 NTD for two or three bed room app. Or 8,000 at least for a studio. Your English teaching salary 55,000 NTD a month will cover it really well.