Shida NTNU Taipei Budget Guide
Emergency Numbers: Police:
110| Medical / Fire:119| Local Currency:TWD(1 USD ≈32.5TWD)
Map of Budget Spots
Section titled “Map of Budget Spots”Cheap Beds & Emergency Accommodation
Section titled “Cheap Beds & Emergency Accommodation”| Name | Type | Cost / Night | Address | Tips & Rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Hostel Taipei Main Station (Area Border) | Hostel | 800 TWD | No. 50, Section 1, Chongqing South Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City | Closest budget-friendly reputable hostel near the northern edge of the district. |
Cheap Groceries & Free Meals
Section titled “Cheap Groceries & Free Meals”- Supermarket Discount Hours: PX Mart often discounts bento boxes and bakery items after 8:00 PM.
- Best Cheap Eats: Braised pork rice (Lu Rou Fan) at local stalls in Shida Night Market.
Discount Supermarkets
Section titled “Discount Supermarkets”| Supermarket | Best Budget Buys | Address (Google Maps) |
|---|---|---|
| PX Mart (Shida Store) | Store-brand bread, seasonal fruits, and instant noodles | No. 10, Lane 39, Shida Road, Da’an District, Taipei City |
Free Meals & Food Banks
Section titled “Free Meals & Food Banks”No free meal centers or food pantries located directly in this district.
Free Water & Public Restrooms
Section titled “Free Water & Public Restrooms”Free Drinking Water Points
Section titled “Free Drinking Water Points”| Location | Address (Google Maps) | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|
| NTNU Main Campus Library | No. 162, Section 1, Heping East Road, Da’an District, Taipei City | Water dispensers available on every floor for students and visitors. |
Free Public Toilets
Section titled “Free Public Toilets”| Location | Address (Google Maps) | Hours & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Taipower Building MRT Station | No. 198, Section 3, Roosevelt Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City | Clean, accessible, and open during MRT operating hours. |
Free Wi-Fi, Workspaces & Showers
Section titled “Free Wi-Fi, Workspaces & Showers”Places with Free Wi-Fi & Power Outlets
Section titled “Places with Free Wi-Fi & Power Outlets”| Place | Address (Google Maps) | Wi-Fi & Desk Details |
|---|---|---|
| Taipei Public Library (Longquan Branch) | No. 1, Lane 96, Shida Road, Da’an District, Taipei City | Free Wi-Fi (iTaiwan), study desks with power outlets available. |
Note: Public Wi-Fi here is unencrypted. If accessing bank or work portals, keep NordVPN on. Grab the student rate (via Student Beans verification), or lock in the 2-year plan to save the most.
Cheap Showers & Public Baths
Section titled “Cheap Showers & Public Baths”| Location | Cost | Address (Google Maps) | How to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Da’an Sports Center | 50 TWD | No. 55, Section 2, Xinhai Road, Da’an District, Taipei City | Public shower facilities available for a small fee with gym entry. |
Getting Around Cheaply
Section titled “Getting Around Cheaply”- Best Way to Move Around: YouBike (Shared Bike) and MRT
- Standard Fare:
20TWD - Transit Scams to Avoid: None
SIM Cards & Internet
Section titled “SIM Cards & Internet”- Best Budget Carrier: Chunghwa Telecom / Taiwan Mobile / FarEasTone
- How to Keep Data Costs Low: Prepaid 4G card; recharge NT$100 or minimal data packet once every 180 days to extend line validity indefinitely.
Safety, Scams & Areas to Avoid
Section titled “Safety, Scams & Areas to Avoid”Common Local Scams
Section titled “Common Local Scams”| Scam | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|
| Fake Charity/Religious Donation | Politely decline and keep walking; do not sign any petitions. |
Areas to Avoid at Night:
Section titled “Areas to Avoid at Night:”None