Taipei, Taiwan...getting around with English?

[slowtyper]

Just curious if anyone knows how easy/difficult it is to get around Taipei using English?

[Arrgh]

The transit system is quite good. Have English on the maps. When taking the subway, the PA system would announce the stations in Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka, and English. The displays will also have English.

All the large hotels will have people who speak English. Most medium size and even small size hotels too.

A lot of people there speak English, maybe not too well, but ok enough. People are fairly helpful. If you begin to ask, soon somone who speaks English will come and try to help you out.

You can buy rail way tickets, as well as high speed rail tickets, from the web sites, paying credit card.

So all in all, it's not difficult to get around Taipei and other urban centres speaking only English.

[pablonutribar]

You should be fine. If you need help, it might be easier if you ask someone under 35 or 40 - they will be more likely to speak some English. The level of English in Taipei (although not outside the big cities) has improved dramatically in recent years.

[Saadsack]

Taiwan in general is funny, the street signs and signage on buildings are all bilingual in Chinese and English but hardly anyone there speaks English fluently. Most people on the street can say a few words only. There are maps and brochures in English only at metro stations so getting around is fairly easy.

I guess it's the same here with French & English, you would be hard pressed to find someone who speaks French fluently in all Provinces with the exception of Quebec.

[Aznsilvrboy]

There's English signs everywhere and the metro system does announcements in English as well. Taxi's are everywhere, you will have no trouble flagging one down. Most people in Taipei can more or less speak some English. If you really want to go somewhere and you don't understand each other, just show them your map or the name of the place you want to go. People might even call a taxi cab and tell the driver where you want to go for you. There's also government tourist information centres in the metro stations (usually in the underground mall/walk way that connects to another station). The people there definitely speak English and can help you with where you want to go.

[Aznsilvrboy]

Taiwan in general is funny, the street signs and signage on buildings are all bilingual in Chinese and English but hardly anyone there speaks English fluently. Most people on the street can say a few words only. There are maps and brochures in English only at metro stations so getting around is fairly easy.

I guess it's the same here with French & English, you would be hard pressed to find someone who speaks French fluently in all Provinces with the exception of Quebec.

French is an official language of Canada. English is not an official language in Taiwan. How is it funny that Taiwanese people don't speak English fluently?

[Johan Liebert]

Those lonely planet books will help out if your stuck on getting around. At the back of the book has those phrase for pinyin and English help guides. Get a gps will help out a lot.

[Elina1231]

Just curious if anyone knows how easy/difficult it is to get around Taipei using English?

Taiwan is a good place to visit . English is not their official language, and they also like to say their local language. A little hard to understand but it's not Mandarin Chinese. So don't try to get help from these people over 45-year-old . :lol: Just try to ask those in fashion apparels . Maybe they can't speak fluent English , but they can understand you and help you find the way .

[ilovefood520]

The subway system is fairly good, and that definitely makes your travel easier.
As with any travel, I would recommend you to do your research and have a good idea where you're going!

This site may help you:
http://eng.taiwan.net.tw/