The appreciation of the Taiwan dollar is putting pressure on people receiving salaries in US dollars, with many reporting a real reduction of 10% in their paychecks. Additionally, there are growing concerns about being unable to meet mortgage payments. Tour guides working with American groups are also seeing a reduction in tips, with losses nearing ten thousand dollars a month, while flight attendants’ overseas allowances are similarly impacted.

On May 5, the exchange rate hit 30.1 TWD, and Mr. Zhang needs to remit 10,000 TWD to Taiwan monthly, but due to changes in rates, he now needs more USD to achieve the same amount in TWD. He reflected on the time when rates ranged from 27 to 28, stating it was much better back then. However, many clients are now worried about the rapid changes in rates, leading to concerns about future budgets.

For tour guides, assuming a daily tip of 10 USD for an 8-day tour, their earnings are also reduced. The industry suggests waiting for a stabilization of rates.