Welcome to Snowbirds Taiwan
A Concierge Service to the Canadian Boomer generation looking for a more adventurous winter escape in beautiful Taiwan.
You make all the decisions about what your experience will look like, and we are here to help you achieve your dream.
We are not a travel agency or a reseller of services. We are simply your ‘friends’ in Taiwan ready to help and remove anxiety that might inhibit you from enjoying a world-class experience.
Follow our blog and get a peak at life in Taiwan from a Canadian Snowbird’s perspective.
A Whole New World
You have already decided to escape winter and become a Snowbird, or you’ve been a Snowbird in the traditional places. While there are fantastic golf courses in Taiwan, there is so much more to experience.
Let us help you see and feel this incredible island’s many attractions and get the most from living in a whole new world surrounded by friendly people, incredible natural beauty, and everything a ‘foodie’ could desire.
Your Winter Home
You decide if you want to reside in a bustling city, a small coastal village, or a combination of both during your stay. We are here to help you find your perfect winter home(s).
If you have found a desirable location through an online agency, an accommodation search, or a real estate ad but want reassurance it is accurately displayed, we’ll check it out and send you more photos and information. Don’t worry – we’ve got you!
Overview
It’s easier than you imagined to see a whole new world!
Our ‘Shares’
Follow our Blog and see what we have checked out and learned during our travel around the island.
It’s hard to imagine anything to be avoided in Taiwan, but we’ll make sure our Blog posts share our experiences, provide insight into what you can expect, and show you the cost in Canadian Dollars.
Our ‘Fees’ Aren’t Really Fees
No fear of wondering if you are wasting money or being scammed.
All we ask is reimbursement of costs incurred on your behalf and whatever you estimate our value to be at the end of your stay.
Your Budget
The flights might cost more, but the lower cost of living in Taiwan more than compensates for it and should be less than spending the winter in a place like Florida or Arizona.
If you can see the other side of the world for the same (or less) cost as traditional snowbird destinations, why wouldn’t you?
Local costs will be mentioned throughout our Blog to give you good information for your budget.
Fantastic Sights
Check out the Taiwan Tourism Bureau website (below) for details. It’s a great resource to help you with your personal ‘To See & Do’ list while you escape those winters.
https://eng.taiwan.net.tw
There is so much to see, and getting around the island is fast and easy by air, car, rail, or bus. In Taipei you can easily navigate your way on one of the world’s best mass transit systems.
Foodie Paradise
Taiwan is world-famous for its Night Markets and Street Food where you can find a vast array of food at very reasonable prices, but there are also more than 300 restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide throughout Taiwan. Check our Blog for more details and descriptions.
For those that want the Asian cuisine but still want Western food, you’ll be fine. There are many steak houses and fast-food chains including McDonald’s, KFC, Pizza Hut, Starbucks and many others.
Language
Taiwan Mandarin is the prominent language, but the signs you need to navigate the transit systems and streets are also in English.
The Taiwanese people are very accommodating once they realize you cannot speak the language and will help you get what you need. Many will try their hand at English given the opportunity.
A translation app on your phone will be very helpful, too.
Taiwan Visa
Canadians are allowed to enter Taiwan on a visa-exempt basis for tourism.
You are allowed to extend your visa-exempt stay to a total 180-days, which is also the allowable absence from Canada.
Medications
You can obtain a six-month supply of prescription medications from your pharmacist with a request from your doctor. A copy of the prescription will be required for Taiwan Customs upon arrival.
While recreational use of marijuana/cannabis products is legal in Canada, it is not legal in Taiwan and can result in serious consequences.
Pet Travel
If you plan on bringing your pet there is a strict protocol regarding rabies because Taiwan is rabies-free and making sure it stays that way. This may require testing in Canada six months prior to arrival so plan accordingly.
Remember to check with your airline for pet travel requirements.
Travel Asia
Flights to other Asian destinations are relatively inexpensive, especially compared to domestic airfare in Canada.
Although there is always something to enjoy in Taiwan, why not take advantage of taking quick trips to other Asian destinations while you’re in the ‘neighbourhood’?
We’re here for you!
We’ll provide as much information as possible, and if you wish, make arrangements on your behalf AT COST pre-approved by you. Our goal is to share our experiences and give you the opportunity to write your greatest chapter ever.
Our ‘Fees’ are designed to provide trust, and our reward, beyond the joy of sharing, will be left to you!
Accommodation Vetting
Travel & Time Cost Only
Arranging Guides or Car & Driver
Cost Only
General Concierge Info
Donations at YOUR discretion.
Your Concierge Team
Our joy comes from your satisfaction and we can’t wait to help make your experience in Taiwan a fantastic story.
Rob Thorndyke
Taiwan Office Concierge & Blogger
Rob is a Canadian Boomer that brings his unique perspective as a resident blogger sharing real-life experiences in Taiwan.
Angela Pai
Canada Office Concierge
Angela is a bilingual Taiwanese-born Canadian. Located in Toronto, she is able to provide a blend of both cultures and assist in preparation for your trip.
Snowbird-To-Concierge
If you enjoyed your previous Snowbird Taiwan stays, why not consider becoming a Concierge next time? It not only gives you a chance to make new friends, but you will feel the joy that comes from sharing with others! Ultimately, we hope to form a community within Taiwan.
Vendor Reviews
Our job includes letting our followers know all the great places we’ve seen, the wonderful food we have enjoyed, and the exceptional places we’ve stayed.
If your business wants to be noticed by the ever-growing number of Canadian Snowbirds, please contact us. We believe in the adage “If you can’t say anything positive, say nothing at all” so only positive reviews will be posted.
Gallery
Our latest and best photos!
We love to take pictures and show them to the world.