Life Helper

Converting ROC (Republic of China) Years to A.D.

In Taiwan, the “ROC Era” (Minguo) calendar is the official standard.

  • Conversion Formula: Year (A.D.) – 1911 = ROC Year
    • Example: Born in 2004  →  2004 – 1911 = ROC Year 93.
  • Note: The month and day are the same as the Gregorian calendar; no further conversion is needed.

Voltage

The standard voltage in Taiwan is 110V. If your electronics are designed for 220V–240V, you must use a voltage converter/transformer.

Postal & Shipping Services

Taiwan offers convenient mail services through Chunghwa Post (the national post office) and various private couriers. You can also drop off or pick up packages 24/7 at most major convenience store chains.

If family or friends wish to send you packages, they can be addressed as follows:

  • To: [Your Dept.] / [Your Name] (Student ID: [Your ID Number])
  • Address: Office of International Affairs (L104), Hungkuang University, No. 1018, Sec. 6, Taiwan Blvd., Shalu Dist., Taichung City 433304, Taiwan. （433304台中市沙鹿區台灣大道六段1018號 L104　弘光科技大學國際處）

Receipt Lottery

Don’t throw away your receipts! In Taiwan, every receipt (Uniform Invoice) doubles as a lottery ticket.

  • Bi-monthly Drawings: Drawings are held every two months, with top prizes reaching up to NT$10 million.
  • Pro-Tip: Download a Receipt Lottery App (E-Invoice). Scanning your barcode at checkout stores receipts digitally. The system automatically checks for winning numbers and can even deposit winnings directly into your bank account.

The All-Powerful Convenience Store

Chains like 7-11 and FamilyMart are found on almost every corner and offer much more than just snacks:

  • Bill Payments: You can pay your tuition, utilities, and phone bills right at the counter.
  • Package Pickup: If you shop online and aren’t home to receive a package, you can have it delivered to a nearby store for pickup.
  • Printing/Scanning: Use the “ibon” (7-11) or “FamiPort” (FamilyMart) kiosks to print reports or scan documents directly from a USB drive.

EasyCard & iPASS

This is an essential “must-have” card for living in Taiwan.

  • Uses: Pay for the bus, MRT (subway), TRA (trains), YouBike rentals, and even purchases at convenience stores and some vending machines.
  • Student Discounts: In Taichung, binding your student card grants you the first 10km free on city buses. Student cards also offer discounted fares in other cities.
  • Topping Up: You can add balance to your card at any convenience store or MRT station.

Tipping Culture

Tipping is not customary in Taiwan.

  • Restaurants: High-end restaurants usually add a mandatory 10% service charge to the bill.
  • Taxis/Delivery: Simply pay the amount shown on the meter or the app. No extra tip is expected, though rounding up the change is always appreciated.

Typhoon day off

Typhoon season typically runs from June to October.

  • Cancellations: If wind and rain levels meet certain criteria, the local government will announce a formal “Work and School Cancellation.”
  • How to Check: Monitor the news or check the Directorate-General of Personnel Administration (DGPA) and the university website. If a “Typhoon Holiday” is declared, all classes (including exams) are canceled. For your safety, stay indoors—do not order delivery or go to the coast to watch the waves.