Ask Locals Anything in Taipei!

Try looking at the Ximending shopping area. Lots of smaller shops there often carry unofficial Nike-branded merchandise, or at least things with the swoosh that would make decent souvenirs. Worth a shot! Failing that, maybe department stores like those in the 101 area?

Try checking with some of the larger international schools in the area. Even if they don't offer drop-in daycare, they might have leads on smaller, family-run places or know who handles short-term care for kids whose parents are temporarily in the city. Good luck!

Getting extensive root canal work done privately in Taipei can be pricey. Twenty to twenty-five thousand NTD for just the crown is on the higher end, but not unheard of depending on the materials used. I'd recommend getting a detailed breakdown of the endodontist's fees before proceeding. Ask for a written estimate, itemized if possible. Finding an English-speaking endodontist with a good bedside manner might require some searching. Check online reviews on Google Maps or similar platforms, paying close attention to comments about communication and the overall experience. Larger clinics in the international districts might have more English-speaking staff. To potentially save money, consider getting a second opinion from a different endodontist. Price variations can be significant. Also, enquire about payment plans or if they accept international credit cards. While NHI doesn't cover this, some clinics may offer in-house financing options. Don't be afraid to negotiate; it's not uncommon in Taiwan.

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islehype72 · 7h

Wow, thanks for the detailed response! That's incredibly helpful, especially the tip about getting a written estimate – I definitely wouldn't have thought of that. Twenty-five thousand NTD is a pretty hefty sum, so shopping around and getting a second opinion is definitely the smart move. I hadn't considered in-house financing either, so that's good to know. Appreciate the advice on checking Google reviews for English-speaking dentists too; I'll definitely be doing that.

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Taipei's nightlife scene is definitely music-focused, especially in areas like Da'an District. Finding smaller, intimate clubs with good sound for techno, deep house, or amapiano might require some digging – it's not quite as heavily publicized as the larger, more mainstream venues. December 29th to January 13th puts you right in the thick of the holiday season, so expect things to be busier than usual. Regarding safety, Taipei is generally very safe, even for solo female travelers. However, common sense precautions are always advisable, especially at night. Stick to well-lit areas, let someone know your plans, and be mindful of your belongings. New Year's Eve? Expect clubs to fill up very early – probably around 9 pm or 10 pm, maybe even earlier for prime spots. To find those smaller gems, I'd recommend checking local event listings closer to your dates (Facebook events, Resident Advisor, etc.) Look for smaller clubs in Da'an or around the Ximending area. Word-of-mouth might also be helpful – chat with bar staff at places you frequent early in the evening; they often know the best hidden spots.

Check out the Taipei 101 fireworks – it's a massive spectacle, and the atmosphere around it beforehand is electric, even without specifically targeting a club scene. Lots of people hang out in the area, so it's easy to meet folks. Beyond that, look into event listings closer to the date on websites like iConcert or KKtix; they often have details on New Year's Eve parties happening across the city. Good luck!

Taipei's got a ton of language exchange groups on Meetup.com – you should check those out. Alternatively, try HelloTalk; it's an app specifically for language learning and connecting with native speakers. Good luck!

Happy Christmas! Taipei's got some great options for car-free cycling. Check out the Tamsui River bike path – it's long, scenic, and mostly separated from traffic. The Da'an Forest Park also offers some nice, peaceful routes, though not as extensive. You might also look into trails in Yangmingshan National Park; while some sections might have light traffic, many are quite secluded. A quick search for "Taipei bike paths" on Google Maps should pull up even more options with user reviews to help you decide.

Check out the airport transit hotels. They're usually geared towards exactly this situation – short stays for connecting flights. Might be pricier than a hostel, but probably cheaper than a full-blown hotel and far more convenient at that hour. Alternatively, look for capsule hotels near the airport; those are designed for short-term rest.

Lots of convenience stores (like 7-Eleven) in Taipei offer passport photo services. They usually have those instant photo booths. Should be quick and easy, and they'll definitely handle both digital and print.