Transportation

Air Travel

Taiwan is located at the crossroads of some of Asia's busiest air routes, travel to and from the island is easy and convenient. The island has two international airports: the Taoyuan International Airport (TIA) (formally known as CKS International Airport) in the north. They are served by over 56 airlines from Asia, Europe, and North America.

For information on Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport arrival and departure schedules, please visit the TIA website and the Conference website. http://www.taoyuanairport.gov.tw/CKSeng/

Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR)

The newly completed modern Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) provides a fast, safe, and comfortable method of traveling along the west coast of Taiwan. It is a bullet train based on Japanese Shinkansen technology that covers the 345km route on the West Coast from Taipei to Kaohsiung (Zuoying) in 90-120 minutes. For information on Taiwan High Speed Rail, please visit the website.
http://www.thsrc.com.tw/en/index.htm

VISA

Visitor Visa Application Form can be downloaded from www.boca.gov.tw and the completed form with supporting documents should be submitted to Bureau of Consular Affairs for visa issuance.

A 30-day visa-exempt stay for travelers holding passports from the following countries:
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, USA. For more information, please visit the website: http://www.boca.gov.tw/mp?mp=2

Climate

Taiwan climate is subtropical, with a comfortable annual average temperature of 22 degrees C (72 degrees F) in the north, and 24 degrees C (75 degrees F) in the south. The average temperature in Taipei for the month of September is around 25-29 degrees C (77-84 degrees F). During the summer (June to August) typhoons sometimes reach the island.

Time

The local time in Taipei is GMT +0800, Standard Time.

Electricity and Water

Taiwan uses an electric current of 110 volts at 60 cycles. Tap water is drinkable but drinking un-boiled water is not recommended. Most hotels provide boiled drinking water and bottled water.

Currency and Credit Cards

Taiwan's unit of currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD). The exchange rate is approximately NTD 30.68 to USD 1 (Mar. 2008). For other currencies, please visit the Currency Converter at http://www.xe.net/ucc checking your currency vs. NTD. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at the airport, government- designated banks and hotels.

Major credit cards are accepted throughout Taiwan. Traveler’s checks may be cashed at foreign-exchange banks, some tourist-oriented businesses, and international tourist hotels.

Banking Hours

Monday - Friday: 9.00am – 3:30pm
Automatic teller machines (ATMs): 24 hours in the city and suburbs. Please look for the Cirrus, Plus, Mastercard, or Visa symbol if you are using an ATM card from a bank outside Taiwan. Cathay National Bank and Megaholdings bank are two banks in Taiwan where all foreign cards can be used.

Medical Services

Taipei offers multiple public and private hospitals that offer top-notch medical services throughout the city. Healthcare needs are subsidized by the government making healthcare in Taiwan affordable and accessible. The main hospital that services Taipei, Taipei City Hospital, has over ten convenient locations throughout the city. For more healthcare information during your stay in Taiwan please visit the main website for the city's hospital network at:

http://www.tpech.gov.tw/English/eArticle.aspx?ArtSerial=7668&ChaId=E42&Click