I’ve been asked by Americans back home and after looking around it doesn’t really seem so. Why does the media make out as if this is all aid for Taiwan when the bill title doesn’t even mention Taiwan? Maybe I’m misreading things but isn’t this basically funding for submarines for the US Navy? Here’s some things I’ve found: the Guardian – 26 Apr 24 What does Taiwan get from the foreign aid bill and why is the US economy... The sweeping foreign aid package passed by congress has drawn the ire of China, but billions of dollars will actually stay in the US And this I think is a basic breakdown of ..read more

We’re planning a trip to China and, based on our last trip there, I think I’d better bring a phone. I have an old one I can use, so I’d like to get WeChat up and running for going through Immigration and find an electronic payment method. Can I just pop my Taiwan SIM into my phone and use that number for WeChat registration, even if I plan to leave my SIM in Taiwan? Or does my SIM always have to stay in my phone to use WeChat? What electronic payment app works smoothest for tourists in China? I know both WeChat and Alipay are popular, but what have your experiences been? Any other app suggesti ..read more

Will need to obtain a China Touriist VISA while in HK next month. Can anyone recommend a reputable company to help me expedite the processs? Does anyone have experience with the travel Co. at the HK Airport? Thanks 35 posts - 10 participants Read full topic ..read more

Ive been working as an assistant professor at a small college since september. I came from another country in Asia, and have a gold ARC card because i have a phd. I was told when i was hired that i would need to bring my original phd which seemed weird but i did it. Then, a few months later, i was told i would need the phd notarized. I spent several days travelling back and forth to the Mofa to have the degree notarized, and then i paid to have my phd transcripts sent from my school to the “embassy” in the US. Now im being told that i need to pay to have the notarized copy sent to the usa with ..read more

This segment from Jaw Shaw-kong’s Situation Room reflects my experience of contemporary usage. You will note that the two older Chinese nationalists (Jaw and Fei) use ‘dalu’ almost exclusively. Shen Fu-hsiung (former DPP very light green) says ‘Zhonguo’. Kao Chia-yu (DPP, light green) says Zhongguo. Ching Nai-ching (born 1967 blue 49er) mainly uses ‘Zhonggguo’. But context is also important. Even Jaw uses ‘Zhongguo’ at least once in the context of discussing US-China relations where the focal point may be the US’s perspective. In any event, I think this segment supports my proposition: among e ..read more

Over the past couple of months, I have been knocking on many governmental/semi-government doors trying to get relevant rules, regulations and general information for a startup project bringing in new technology and investment. Compared to experience from neighboring island economies the response to the same project has been surprisingly evasive so far. Does anybody have some good links into entrepreneur/startup organizations or events here in Taipei? 1 post - 1 participant Read full topic ..read more

Hello! I was wondering if people had any recommendations for buying 20-30 mattresses and bedding (pillow, sheets etc)? Additionally, if the store offers delivery, or reccs for delivery services that will help move the mattresses up several flights of stairs into a dormitory? Thank you! 1 post - 1 participant Read full topic ..read more

Hi Everyone! Recently heard about Realizing Counseling Center’s (知心心理諮商所) English-language counseling. They can do sessions online/in-person (clients don’t have to be Taichung!) and just started providing the first session for free. Just thought someone might need this piece of info Here’s the link to their website: https://realizingcounseling.com/eng/ 1 post - 1 participant Read full topic ..read more

Hey, I live at taipei near gongguan and I’ve been wanting to go to a gym for a while now. Im 18 and underweight and looking forward to going to the gym to gain some weight for the first time. Do you guys have any suggestions on which gym I should go, particularly beginner friendly and cost wise as I don’t have a lot of money. A place where it doesn’t have a lot of people might be nice too since im quite shy, any suggestions is much appreciated thanks. 2 posts - 2 participants Read full topic ..read more

Many issues in Discrimination in Taiwan boil down to that foreign residents can not have household registration. Taking action against Taiwan's definition of domicile/residence relating to foreigners Take action against Taiwan bank tax residency tax certificates Long term care for when we are old Taiwanese legislators tied down many regulations and laws to household registration. Making it impossible for foreign residents to access services, subsidies, getting certain legal status, be it from central or regional government agencies. Issues with banking, disability, permanent domicile in Taiwan ..read more