Taiwan
TaiwanEveryday basics
The numbers to save, and the voltage nobody warns you about.
Can you drink the tap water?
In Taipei, yes — the city's water department certifies it directly drinkable. That certification is Taipei's own, and it does not travel with you.
What number do I call in an emergency?
110 for police, 119 for fire and ambulance. If your phone has no usable signal, 112 still connects.
Do I need a plug adapter here?
Taiwan runs on 110V with flat two-pin sockets — the American pattern. European and Australian plugs need an adapter; some devices need more.
Why can't I find a trash can anywhere?
Because household trash here goes hand-to-truck: collection happens at designated hours and locations, so the city does not run on public bins.
What happens if there's an earthquake or a typhoon?
You get warned, in English, by the state. The weather agency's app pushes an earthquake alert 10–15 seconds ahead of shaking and issues typhoon warnings every six hours.