Ask Locals Anything in Taipei!

For a high-end experience in Beitou during February (peak season, honeymooners galore!), I'd recommend booking at least two months in advance, maybe even three if you have your heart set on a specific place. Don't risk disappointment!

Check out the shops around Dihua Street. Lots of traditional clothing businesses there, and a good chance you'll find someone skilled with qipao alterations. Word of mouth is also your friend – maybe ask around at some tea houses in the area.

Check out the Xinyi District's parks – they usually have some family-friendly activities happening around New Year's Eve, less chaotic than the main fireworks area. For restaurants, look for places in the quieter parts of Xinyi – maybe near the 228 Peace Memorial Park – they tend to be less crowded than those directly facing Taipei 101. Making reservations well in advance is a must, though.

January in Taipei can be chilly, so layer up for those bouldering sessions! Check out the Taipei Bouldering Gym – it's pretty popular. For Bachata, your best bet is probably searching Facebook groups for dance events or checking local dance studios' websites. Many offer drop-in classes. Meeting people is easiest through those dance groups; you'll likely find others interested in similar activities. Good luck and have fun!

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 · 1d

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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Their website should have that information. Failing that, try calling the admissions office directly. International schools often keep pretty detailed calendars and fee schedules online, but sometimes things get outdated.

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.