Climate

Temperatures during March in Taipei range from highs of 22°C (71°F) in the daytime to around 15°C (59°F) in the evening, marking it as a transitional month between winter and spring. Lingering chilly weather and a moderate amount of drizzling rain are typical in Taipei during this period. Participants are advised to bring few long sleeves and light jacket and rain gear.

Language

English is the most commonly used foreign language. Please be advised that drivers of public transport vehicles may speak only Mandarin Chinese or Taiwanese.

Tax, Service Fees and Tips

Sales tax is usually included in published prices. An additional 10% service charge may be added to bills in hotels and restaurants. Tipping is not customary in Taiwan. Receipts are issued as proof of purchase upon payment.

Insurance

Travel insurance is not included in the congress registration fees. Foreigners are highly recommended to purchase their preferred appropriate travel insurance following completion of congress registration, prior to arrival in Taiwan.

Electricity

Taiwan operates on an electric current of 110 volts at 60 cycles. Appliances from Europe, Australia, or South-East Asia will require an adaptor or transformer to be used. It’s worth noting that many buildings in Taiwan have sockets with 220 volts, primarily for the purpose of powering air conditioners.

Currency

The official currency of Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD), which is available in the following denominations:
Coins: NTD 1, NTD 5, NTD 10, NTD 50
Notes: $100, $200, $500, $1000
Shops in Taiwan do not accept traveler’s cheques. Visitors holding traveler’s cheques can opt to have them converted into NTD denominations at any local bank.

Banking

Operating hours are weekdays (Monday to Friday), from 9:30 to 15:30. ATM (Automated Teller Machine) may be found throughout Taipei.
The current USD to NTD exchange rate is approximately $1 to $30. This may be subject to change over the next few months.
Foreign currencies can be exchanged at kiosks in any of the following establishments. Be advised to bring your passport for verification.
• Airport
• Bank
• Government-authorized restaurants or department stores

Credit Cards

Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, UnionPay, etc.) are accepted in most shops, hotels, and restaurants.

Getting Around in Taipei City

Taxi

In Taiwan, taxis are in yellow and can be found at taxi ranks in the city and at major locations such as hotels and airports. Taxis can also be hailed in the street in Taipei City.
Uber is also available.

Metro (MRT)

The Taipei metro is often the fastest and most convenient mode of public transport in Taipei. Train arrives on average every 3 to 5 minutes, and the average time between stations in metropolitan Taipei is around 2 mins. Smoking, eating, drinking, and chewing gum are not allowed inside the metro. One-way tickets can be purchased at the ticket machines at the station before passing through the gate. Daily and multi-day passes and EasyCard travel cards (pronounced “yo-yo card”) can be purchased at the information desk or EasyCard customer service center. View more information on the Metro (MRT).

BUSES

Taipei buses cover the whole city and are a good way to explore Taipei in depth. Fares can be paid in coins or with the electronic EasyCard travel card. One trip or segment costs NTD15. If paying by EasyCard, swipe (tap) the card both upon getting-on and getting-off the bus and the bus fare will be deducted accordingly. View more information on bus routes.

YOUBIKE

The YouBike network is integrated with the metro. YouBike stations are located outside every metro station and near most major sites in Taipei.