Taiwan generally a safe and peaceful country, and there is a low incidence of serious crime. However, as with any foreign country, it is important to take some precautions to ensure your safety and security. Here are some tips for traveling to Taiwan:
- To protect yourself from petty crime avoid walking alone at night, keep your belongings close
- Don't accept drinks/food or cigarettes from strangers and don’t leave food or drinks unattended.
- Please keep in mind that cash or wallets in pockets, obvious jewellery & swinging handbags may attract unwanted attention. Make sure your valuables and cash are secure & inconspicuous.
- Do not leave any valuables unattended in your hotel room. There are safe deposit boxes available at Reception to lock valuables away as most hotels will not have in-room safes.
- Bring a lock for your main luggage. While sightseeing or travelling between cities, you must carry these valuables with you.
- Respect local laws and customs: Be respectful of local laws and customs, and follow them accordingly.
- Beware of scams: Be cautious of anyone who approaches you with unsolicited offers or requests, especially in tourist areas.
At Wendy Wu Tours we are continually working with our suppliers to maintain and improve safety standards by seeking good practice in health and safety and we will do our best to ensure that your holiday is safe and trouble free. Part of the enjoyment of travelling abroad is experiencing a different way of life and cultures, but it may also mean experiencing different safety and hygiene standards than those we are used to at home. We want you to have an enjoyable holiday so we ask that you take extra care, use your common sense as well as refer to notices and follow the advice from your National Escort and/or Local Guide.
We are continually working with our accommodation and transport providers to endeavour to raise safety standards as much as possible and we will do our best to ensure that your holiday is safe and trouble free, but we do ask that you take that little bit of extra care whilst you are away.
Emergency Numbers in Taiwan
Police: 110
Fire and Ambulance: 119
Emergency Medical Services (EMS): 113
Tourist Hotline: 0800-011-765 (within Taiwan)
Flight Safety
- Do not place flammable liquids, lighters, matches, gasses or aerosols in your suitcase
- Always carry medication in your hand luggage
- Keep your passport safe and have a photocopy with you just in case
- Pay attention and follow any in-flight safety information
- To avoid DVT, drink plenty of water and follow simple exercises or occasionally move around the cabin
Transport Safety
- In vehicles, always wear a seat belt
- In minibuses, never place luggage in the aisles or footwells
- Ensure you know where your nearest emergency exit is
- Check the location of the fire extinguisher, first aid kit and break glass hammer
- Follow any safety instructions provided by your driver/guide
Road Safety
- In many countries vehicles do not automatically stop at crossings; look and wait before you cross
- Pavements are used by both pedestrians and motorcyclists, so please be aware of your surroundings
- If you take a taxi, only use authorised taxis arranged by your hotel and insist they use the meter
Fire Safety
- Ensure you know the location of your nearest fire exit
- Check the location of the nearest fire extinguisher
- Study the fire instructions in your room
- Identify how to raise the alarm if a fire occurs
- Do not smoke in bed – many rooms are non-smoking
- If a fire occurs, leave immediately, do not stop to collect your belongings
- Proceed to an assembly point well away from the building
Glass Safety
- Glass doors and windows may not be toughened glass
- Take care in bright sunlight, it may not be obvious doors/windows are closed
- Check to see if anti-collision stickers are in place at adult and child height
Balcony Safety
- Never lean over, sit or climb on the balcony
- Families with small children should request ground floor rooms whenever possible
- Do not climb or stand on balcony furniture
- Keep all balcony furniture away from the wall/railings
Pool Safety
- Familiarise yourself with the pool and its layout, deep and shallow ends
- Make note of the depth markings and any hazards
- Most pools do not have life guards, so please take care
- Shower before entering the pool
- Do not swim if suffering from an upset stomach
- Observe pool rules and information signs at all times
- Do not swim at night, even if it is lit
- Do not swim immediately after a meal or when drinking alcohol
- Pool surrounds can be slippery, do not run around them
- Observe ‘No Diving’ signs at all times
- Never jump or dive from raised pool features
- In the event of an emergency ensure you know how to raise help
Food Safety
In order to avoid the possibility of stomach upsets:
- Ensure that you wash your hands prior to eating, especially after a day of sightseeing
- Make sure any hot food has been thoroughly cooked
- Please ensure that utensils are provided with every meal
- Hot food should be hot, cold food should be cold
Personal Safety
- Avoid walking in poorly lit areas
- Be aware, stay away from situations where you do not feel comfortable
- Avoid carrying too much money and/or valuables
- Use of a money belt is encouraged
- Ensure your room is left secure when you go out
- Place valuables in your room safe where available, or with reception (often a condition of your insurance policy)
- Never leave windows or balcony doors open
- Ensure your main luggage can be locked when left unattended in rooms, carriages, luggage rooms etc.
- Do not take any valuable jewellery on holiday with you
Sun Care
- Ensure you have adequate protection for your type of skin, high factor sunscreens should be utilised initially
- Re-apply sunscreen frequently
- Stay out of the sun during the hottest time of the day
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
- At the first sign of burning, cover up and get out of the sun
- Beware, you can still burn, dehydrate and get sunstroke in the shade or in the water
- Bring a sun hat, sunglasses and lip balm
Insurance
- Ensure you have appropriate insurance for your holiday and that it covers any activity you intend to undertake
- If participating in any high-risk activity, appraise yourself of the safety standards being operated by the supplier
- Avoid purchasing activities or excursions from anyone not connected to Wendy Wu Tours, they often lack public liability insurance and have unchecked safety standards
- Any accident or injury should be reported immediately to the National Escort or Local Guide, and a report obtained
Online Information
For the latest Health and Safety information for travellers visit www.smartraveller.gov.au
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