Categories:
Domestic Operations
Description: Master your environment. From mold prevention and AC deep cleans to the precise chemistry of local cleaning products. Featured Topics: Packing Guide,Taiwan Humidity Survival, Drain Maintenance, The Garbage Truck App (Android) (Apple)
Administrative Intelligence
Description: Navigate the systems. Immigration (you've already gone through this, champ!), ARC renewals, NHI mastery, tax filing, and banking for foreigners. Featured Topics: The May Tax Survival Guide, Opening a Local Account, NHI Benefits You Didn't Know You Had, Taiwan City Guide in case you want to make a move from north to south, east to west or somewhere in between.
The Digital Grid
Description: Tech for residents. Taiwan's website might suck, but their membership game and rewards systems are on fire! Featured Topics: Mastering Shopee, PX Mart point systems, and the 7-11/Family Mart ecosystem. Other must-knows: Pre-paying Coffee on the App, Cloud Receipts & the Lottery system (you're already playing even if you don't know it!).
Professional & Social Growth
Description: Build a life. Navigating local job boards (104/Cake), language acquisition for residents, and workplace etiquette. Featured Topics: Beyond English Teaching, Networking in Taipei, Language Schools for Busy Adults.
The "Taiwan Packing Guide" and "Taiwan City Guide" are part of our Foundation Series for those just starting their journey. For advanced resident protocols, search our Survival Blog. - Your Survival Buddies
The Field Manual: Quick Response Intelligence
This is the entry point for residents facing immediate friction. If you don't find the protocol here, search the full Intelligence Hub.
Urgent & Emergency Protocols
Q: I just landed. What are the first 72 hours of "Intelligence"? A: Priority 1: Get a local SIM. Priority 2: Download the EasyCard/iPass apps. Priority 3: Locate your nearest Family Mart/7-11 for "Ibon" services. See our Arrival post.
Q: There was a massive earthquake. What now? A: Check the [Natural Disaster Briefing]. Do not use elevators. Monitor the Central Weather Administration (CWA) app immediately. Ensure your "Go Bag" is stocked according to the Orange Book standards.
Domestic Operations (The Home)
Q: My apartment smells like a sewer. How do I fix the "Nasty Bathroom Stink"? A: This is usually a dry U-trap or a clogged floor drain net. See our Field Report: Defeat the Stink for the specific chemical cleaners available at PxMart.
Q: It’s raining inside my walls. How do I stop the mold? A: Do not just wipe it with water. You need a specific bleach-to-water ratio or specialized anti-fungal sprays. Refer to the [Mold Treatment Intelligence Report].
Bureaucracy & Residency
Q: My boss says I don't need NHI yet. Is that true? A: Generally, no. If you are legally employed, you are entitled to NHI from day one. Do not let "Administrative Friction" keep you from healthcare. Read the [NHI Rights Briefing].
Q: Can I drive on my home country's license? A: Only for a limited window and usually only with an IDP (International Driving Permit). The [Scooter & Car Licensing SOP] covers how to convert your license at the DMV.
The Digital Grid & Finance
Q: What do I do with these paper receipts? A: Those are lottery tickets. Download the official "Uniform Invoice" app, scan them, and link your bank account for automatic payouts. See the Digital Points and Perks blog post and infographic for more digital literacy tips.
Q: Shopee won't accept my foreign credit card. Workaround? A: Most foreign cards fail on Shopee. Use the "COD" (Cash on Delivery) at 7-11 option or set up a "Line Pay" account. Detailed steps in the Digital Points and Perks blog post.
Still have a gap in intelligence?
If you've encountered a problem we haven't documented, Submit a Field Report and the Collective will investigate.
Magical Moments
Taiwan will make you want to take a LOT of pictures.
