The Taipei City Government plans to set up currency exchange booths at major MRT stations and night markets as part of its efforts to create a friendly environment for the arrival of Chinese free individual travelers later this month.
According to the Department of Information and Tourism Deputy Commissioner Chiu Peng-hsin (邱蓬新) the city will discuss increasing the number of currency exchangers with Taipei Rapid Transit Corp (TRTC) and related government departments as part of its effort to offer the service within major MRT stations and popular night markets, such as the Shilin Night Market.
The department made the comments in response to New Taipei City (新北市) Councilor Wang Hung-wei’s (王鴻薇) challenge over the lack of currency exchange spots throughout the city.
Wang cited an online article written by a Hong Kong blogger, who warned visitors to Taiwan to stock up on New Taiwan dollars because of the difficulty exchanging money in Taipei except at banks and post offices.
As the most popular tourist destination in the nation, she said, Taipei should take a lesson from its Asian neighbors, such as Hong Kong and Singapore, and establish more currency exchange sites authorized by the government.
“Especially with the influx of independent Chinese tourists beginning on June 28, the city government should be better prepared with excellent facilities and services. How can Taipei attract more tourists from China and around the world if it fails to make the city more convenient for tourists?” she asked at a press conference at the Taipei City Council.
Currently, foreign visitors can exchange money at the airport, banks, post offices and major hotels, Wang said. Currency exchange services can be found at some attractions, such as Taipei 101, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and the National Palace Museum, but those services are not available on weekends, she said.
Wang said the Central Bank approved the establishment of money changers at Taipei Railway Station and at MRT stations in 2005, but TRTC never applied for such a service.
Chiu promised to present a plan within three months.
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