A few days in Kaohsiung, Taiwan (Preparation)

I did not know much about Taiwan as a travel destination. However, when I learned Rene is going to have a training there for a week (in Kaohsiung city in particular), I got interested and started to read more about this place.

Surprisingly, I did not find a lot of information about Kaohsiung. Considering it is the 2nd largest city in Taiwan, it is relatively unpopular as a tourist destination. I liken Taiwan to be a lot like Singapore in many ways but they did not acquire the same tourism development that Singapore has. In a few months though, Kaohsiung is sponsoring the World Games 2009 and hopefully this will put a spotlight on this harbor city which has a lot of potential as a tourist destination.

Since Rene has his training for a whole week, I planned to join him after that so that we will have a few days to go around the city. Of course, I had to immediately check how much this will cost us. The general considerations I always have for travel expenses are the airfare and accommodations. 

For the airfare, the cheapest and most convenient is through Cebu Pacific. The fare I got for a direct flight from Manila to Kaohsiung roundtrip was around Php7,500. Rene's was even cheaper. It of course varies depending on the timing. If you book months ahead, it's even as low as around Php2,000 roundtrip. Another option would be to go through Taipei first and then take a bullet train to Kaohsiung. Of course this is more expensive and a longer way but worth it if you're going to check out Taipei as well.

In addition to the airfare, there is also the travel tax amounting to Php1,620 and terminal fee of Php750 for international destinations to be paid at the airport. 

Travel to Taiwan also requires a visit visa. The single entry visa (for business or pleasure) costs Php2,400. The release of visa for normal application is after 3 business days. If you prefer to expedite (released after 1 business day), it costs Php3,600. 

Applying for a visit visa should be easy. However, the Taiwanese embassy requires a lot of supporting documents. First of all, bring an extra ID (apart from your passport) when going to the consulate. You will leave this at the reception where you will also be given your queue number. Secondly, bring an original and photocopy of all supporting documents required. The list can be found at their website. In addition to those listed at the website, you should also have a photocopy of your passport and all pages with entries. Take note of the business hours for visa application and release.

My visit to the Taiwanese embassy took half a day instead of just an hour that I expected. There are very few counters (I think only about 1-2 for the visa applications) and add to that had to photocopy the passport as they instructed (which I did not find in any requirements list) from another floor which was quite a hassle (This is in RCBC building wherein you have to go back to ground floor and transfer to the other elevator servicing the adjacent building). The photocopier is in that other building floor. It would be best to go immediately to the Information counter of the consulate and inquire if you already have the complete documents while waiting for your number to be called. 

Claiming your passport and visa release will also be queuing where your number will be given at the reception. It took me an hour of waiting to finally get our passports with visa.

I hope in the future Filipinos on a travel visit to Taiwan will be exempt from the visa requirement. I find it quite expensive for a single entry and the process quite a hassle.

Related posts:

A few days in Kaohsiung, Taiwan (Day 4 - March 10, 2009)
A few days in Kaohsiung, Taiwan (Day 3 - March 9, 2009)
A few days in Kaohsiung, Taiwan (Day 2 - March 8, 2009)
A few days in Kaohsiung, Taiwan (Day 1 - March 7, 2009)