Taiwan: Shopping and People

The night of our first full day in Taiwan we stayed in the city of Hualien (pictured on the right side of the map). In the few travel articles we read, it was noted as being easy going and one of the most desirable cities to live in.

This also marked my first encounter with the splendor of Taiwanese people and shopping.

Shopping: Taiwan is roughly 1/3 the price of Japan and the states. A nice hotel costs $30 a night and a luxurious one would cost $60. Before coming, I thought of Taiwan as a hub for exports. "Made in Taiwan" is something I had seen on many products, most notably computers.

I got an adorable Japanese brand handbag. The Japanese price tag was $110 USD but the Taiwanese price was $25. A bargain buyers paradise! Unlike other south-east Asian countries, I didn't see many rip-offs being sold. More like the real deal being sold for less.

The Taiwanese people are collectively some of the friendliest people I have ever met traveling. Ranging from salesmen to anyone in the service industry, their intentions are genuine. This is a welcomed relief from other countries I've been to. The worst being the Philippines. In the Philippines, if you are a tourist then you are subjected to getting ripped off everywhere. Even in Thailand, S.E. Asia's most popular destination, you have to be careful with over charging. In Japan, people are polite, but you can never be sure of a person's true feelings of a situation unless you truly know the person.

But in Taiwan, there are no hidden agendas. Absolutely everyone we met and sought out for help went above and beyond our expectations, and thereafter continued to do so. There was David, the owner of our small hotel. David was 58, clad every day in a well-worn NY cap with a jersey-tee and a bulging gut. He spoke broken English and was the first Taiwanese person we befriended. He drove us places, helped us arrange anything we wanted, and always wanted to sit down and chat. We quickly realized, by our third day, that Taiwan is full of "Davids."