When we’re on vacation, always expect the unexpected. Last summer, I initially planned an art trip to Taipei but things took many unexpected turns after a typhoon hit the city.
Most of us are familiar with Taipei so there’s no need for an introduction. It’s easy to exchange Hong Kong currency into New Taiwan Dollar (TWD) as there are money changers conveniently located around. Based on this premise, I boarded the plane with only not much TWD in hand.
It was Thursday afternoon when we set foot in Taipei. Since my friends told me that it was cheaper to change money at local banks, we headed straight into town with plans to change some TWD the following day at a bank instead. Unfortunately, a typhoon stormed across Taipei on our first night, and all banks were closed the next day on Friday. I started to worry as I was exhausting most of my money already.
Exchanging money at hotels
The next day morning, we went to the bank again only to realize that they were closed on Saturdays. I had no choice but to exchange at a department store where exchange rates are usually less favorable. After comparing the rates at two to three department stores, I was about to get some money exchanged, this is when I found out I had left the Exit & Entry Permit for Taiwan (required for currency exchanges) at the hotel. I then took a taxi back to the hotel, and to save myself from travelling back and forth, I decided to change money at the hotel. The rate was at very expensive at 3.52. For that 4-day Taipei trip, I was preoccupied with running around to exchange money and it was very stressful.
I learnt the important lesson of being well-prepared when it comes to making sure I have enough money on hand. Besides exchanging local currency in advance, I also make sure that I am set up to withdraw local currency from ATMs in case of such emergencies.
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