The amazing cleanliness and security in Taiwan

Arriving in this country, it is not possible to miss it. Whether in public transport, public places or streets, the Taiwanese society is very rigorous on this point. The metro called MRT (Mass Rapit Transit) is the best example. Whether in Taipei, Kaoshiung or elsewhere, the subway is always clean.

At each station, large billboards and screens remind us how to proceed. It is strictly forbidden to smoke, drink, eat and chew gum in the metro on pain of a fine of 7500NTD (212 €). And no Taiwanese deviate from the rule, hence the incredible cleanliness of the Taipei metro.

In addition to their cleanliness, public transport (MRT, train, bus, ...) are very effective and almost never late ... which is surprising when you come from France.

More surprising still, the level of security that must be one of the most impressive in the world. And more than numbers, I propose some anecdotes that support this security perfectly. Very distracted, I learned growing up to pay attention to my business, not to let them hang around anywhere. However, these habits were quickly lost when I saw for example the lack of padlock on scooters and bikes that I could see on the sidewalk. So I started to forget clothes, my wallet, etc. But most of the time a passerby or waiter caught me on the street to get my things back.

Another anecdote, a friend fell asleep on waiting chairs of a restaurant arranged on a sidewalk in the middle of the night. Three hours later, he woke up and surprisingly none of his belongings had been stolen or damaged.