Currency

The valid currency in Taiwan is Taiwanese dollar (NT;TWD). Before coming to Taiwan, it is better to have some amount of US dollars or Euros as Czech crowns are not exchangeable to NT dollars on the island. I have heard that you can pay by US dollars in case of emergency.

1€=cca 38NT

10Czk= cca 15NT (http://www.xe.com/ucc/)

Living costs

If you're student, I think you might spent around 10 000NT and more monthly (including rent, food, transportation=gas for scooter, traveling).

On Campus Accommodation

They will automatically assign you to a bit expensive Ching-yeh dormitory for exchange students (2ppl per room). I stayed there during my first semester, but then I moved out and rent room on my own. The reason was my boyfriend. Guys' visit to the girls’ dorms and other way around are strictly prohibited. The dorm has nice lobby and rooms. It costs 13700NT for girls and around 9000NT for guys. If you want cheaper accommodation, you can ask for Sheng-li dorm. Sheng-li dorm has got kitchen.

Off campus accommodation

You can rent your own room starting from 3000 NT (best in East and North district around the university). You can search through these websites:

-          www.tainanbulletin.com

-          http://www.6mama.com.tw/root/main.php (agency, agent can speak English, need to pay agency fee)

This is a great website, however you have to ask you're friend, coz it's whole in Chinese. Basically you contact the owners of houses directly in most cases, so an agent is not involved. 

-          http://rent.591.com.tw/

Insurance

There is an "university insurance" provided by NCKU. It’s around 2000NT for one semester. It is quite cheap and I have good experience with it. I had a small accident and they paid me back. However, you need to have a bank account in Taiwan, most students get one in Chungwa post bank- the office on campus.

ATMs for foreign cards:

You would not be able to withdraw from all the ATMs. With Czech or Slovak debit card is possible in 

China Trust bank ATMs available in every 7-Eleven and Far East Int. Bank ATM in Mega.

Study Chinese

All foreign students can get free Chinese classes for 2 semesters. You too! Use them for sure!! It will help you to grasp some of the basics of language and understand the local culture as well. It’s just 3 hours per week and has slow flow of learning! 

Language exchange is another great option. Ask your Taiwanese friends or post note on the board in Chinese language center that you search for language exchange. You can teach English (or possibly any other language you know) and he/she will teach you Chinese. You don’t need to pay anything and can learn Chinese relatively quickly.