Index
繁體中文
Organizing Committees
Organizers & Sponsors
Speakers
Programs
Contacts

Call for Papers
Details

Registration
Details
On-Line Registration

Other Information
Venue
Accommodation
Tour
About Taiwan
Home
Photos

About Taiwan

Welcome to Taiwan

Taiwan's total land area is only about 3,6000 square kilometers; it is shaped like a sweet potato that is narrow at both ends. Taiwan is located along the southeast coast of the Asian Continent, across the Taiwan Straits from Mainland China-- a solitary island on the western edge of the Pacific Ocean. To the north lies Japan and Okinawa, to the south is the Philippines. Many airlines fly to Taiwan, making it a perfect travel destination.

Taiwan lies on the western edge of the Pacific "rim of fire," and continuous tectonic movements have created majestic peaks, rolling hills and plains, basins, coastlines, and other wonders. Taiwan sees climates of many types: tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate, providing clear differentiation between the different seasons. There are about 18,400 species of wildlife on the island, with more than 20% belonging to rare or endangered species; among these are the land-locked salmon, Taiwan mountain goat, Formosan rock monkey, Formosan black bear, blue magpie, Mikado pheasant, Hsuehshan grass lizard, and many more.

Taipei - The heart of Taiwan

The city is situated in a basin in the north of Taiwan that was originally inhabited by aboriginal peoples until settlers from China moved into the area about 300 years ago.

As the capital of the Republic of China, Taipei is a vibrant blend of traditional culture and cosmopolitan life. Taipei is the political, economic, educational and recreational center of the country with large numbers of significant cultural sights located throughout the city.

With the wealth of interesting and fun activities available in Taipei and the city's warm exception extended to guests, foreign visitors are certain to have an unforgettable experience in this remarkable city.
 


Airport Transportation (CKS International Airport)

Taxi is available at all times from the Chiang Kai-Shek (CKS) International Airport to Taipei City. Costs are approximately NT$1,200(US$34~35).

There are 6 shuttle-bus companies that provide transportation between the CKS International Airport and the Taipei Train Main Station everyday in every 30 to 40 minutes. Costs are approximately NT$110~140 (US$4~5), takes about 60 to 90 minutes. Then take a taxi to hotel or venue.
 


Getting to Taipei Downtown and Shopping Areas by Taking MRT

The nearest MRT station is Taipei City Hall station. You can go there either by walking or taking a taxi, approximately cost NT$100 (US$3).

For further MRT route information, please check out the website listed below. http://www.trtc.com.tw/indexc.htm (Chinese) http://www.trtc.com.tw/englishnew/index.htm (English)
 


Taxi in Taipei

Taxis are available 24 hours a day in Taipei. It is recommended that you have the name of your hotel written in Chinese on a piece of paper before you leave your hotel, as few taxi drivers speak English. In the CKS International airport, you could go to the information desk of Tourist Information Desk right in the lobby to ask for assistance or any further information. In Taipei city, the rate for taxis is NT$70 for the first 1.65 kilometers and NT$5 will be added to every additional 3rd kilometers. A 20% surcharge is added from 23:00 to 6:00 next morning.
 


Business Hours in Taiwan

Banks: Banks are open 9 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. on weekdays.

Government offices: Government offices are open 9 A.M. to noon and 1:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M. from Monday through Friday.

Shops: Shops shopping malls, restaurants, etc. are mostly open 10:00 ~ 11:00 to 21:00 ~ 22:00.
 


Currency and Credit Cards

The New Taiwan Dollar (NT$) is the national currency of the Republic of China. Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10 and 50; bills come in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000. While exchange rates vary from day to day, the NT$ has been valued for approximately at around 34 ~ 35 to the US dollar.

Hotels, department stores, airlines and major restaurants accept international credit cards, which include VISA, American Express, Diner's Club and Master Card.

Tax

Value Added Tax (VAT) is levied on most goods at a standard rate of 5% and is included in the price. In major tourist hotels, a 10% service charge is sometimes levied on rooms, meals or other services, and will be added to the bill.

Tipping

Arial, Helvetica, sans-serifTipping is optional. However, tips are usually given for restaurant services and to hotel porters.

Voltage

Arial, Helvetica, sans-serifThe electric power is 110 volts, 60 cycles, AC.

Mobile Phone Network

Arial, Helvetica, sans-serifGSM 900MHz/1800MHz

Language

The official language of Taiwan is Mandarin Chinese, though other languages are also spoken.  Many people can speak some English (the most widely studied foreign language), but taxi drivers general speak only Chinese and Mandarin.

Passport and Visa

We have two week visa waiver policy for following countries:  Australia, Austria, Belgium, Costa Rico, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, UK, American, Greece, Singapore, Switzerland, and Norway.

Requirements:

1.      A passport valid for at least six months (unless otherwise stipulated by treaties or agreement.)

2.      A confirmed return air ticket or an air ticket and a visa for the next destination, and a confirmed air seat reservation for his (her) departure.

3.      No extension after 14 days.

For further information and regulation of Passport or Visa, please check out the website listed below.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China

Taipei Economic and Cultural (Representative) Offices Abroad

Climate

The average maximum daily temperature ranges from 28°C to 30°C (82°F ~ 86°F).  Light clothing is advisable.  However, as most of the buildings are air-conditioned, it is suggested that you bring a light jacket for long sittings.

For further information regarding weather condition, please check the website list below.

http://www.cwb.gov.tw/V4/index.htm (Chinese)

http://www.cwb.gov.tw/V4e/index.htm (English)

Insurance

The Organizing Committee is not responsible for the insurance of participants against personal injuries, sickness, and theft or property damage incurred during the conference, exhibition, and satellite meeting hours. Concerned participants should obtain insurance coverage for protection.

Traffic:

CKS International Airport Terminal and airline information
Airlines in Terminal I
Airlines Reservations Lines Service Lines

Air Macau (NX)

(02) 2717-0377

(03) 398-3121

Cathay Pacific Airways (CX)

(02) 2716-6654

(03) 398-2388

China Airlines (CI)

(02) 2715-1212

(03) 383-4106-7

Continental Airlines (CO)

(02) 2719-5947

(03) 383-2404

Far Easterm Air Transport (EF)

(02) 2361-5431  080-053-351

(03) 398-3169

KLM Asia (KL)

(02) 2772-2188

(03) 383-3034

Japan Asia Airways (EG)

(02) 2776-5151  080-065-151

(03) 398-2282

Malaysia Airlines (MH)

(02) 2514-7888

(03) 398-2521

Mandarin Airlines (AE)

(02) 2717-1230

(03) 398-2620

Northwest Airlines (NW)

(02) 2772-2188

(03) 398-2471

Pacific Airlines (BL)

(02) 2543-1860

(03 )398-2404

Philippine Airlines (PR)

(02) 2506-7255

(03) 398-2419

Royal Brunei Airlines (BI)

(02) 2512-6868

(03) 398-2451

Thai Airways (TG)

(02) 2509-6800

(03) 383-4131~4

TransAsia Airways (GE)

(02) 2972-3999  080-066-880

(03) 398-2404

United Airlines (UA)

(02) 2325-8868

(03) 398-2781~2

Viet Air (VN)

(02) 2517-7177

(03) 398-3026

Garuda Indonesia Airline (GA)

(02) 2560-2349

(03) 398-2977

Airlines in Terminal II

Air New Zealand (NZ)

(02) 2516-9025

(03)398-3018

Air Nippon (EL)

(02) 2501-7299

(03)398-2968

Air Canada (AC)

(02) 2503-4111

(03)398-3580~1

EVA Airways (BR)

(02) 2501-1999

(03)398-2968

UNI Airways (B7)

(02) 2518-2626

(03)398-2968

Qantas Airways (QF)

(02) 2522-1001

(03)398-2619

Singapore Airlines (SQ)

(02) 2551-6655

(03)398-3988

Dragon Airlines (KA)

(02) 2517-6955

(03)398-5888

The floor plan of Terminal I

The floor plan of Terminal II

After completing the arrival procedure, please go to A point (refer to the map above) to take a taxi.

Please link to http://www.cksairport.gov.tw/english/transportation/taxi.htm to check detailed information about taxi.

MRT Route in Taipei


Please refer to http://www.trtc.com.tw/englishnew/index.htm for the complete map. Passengers can take the orange line or green line toward the north from Taipei Main Station to Yuanshan Station. It will take approximately 10 minutes to walk from Yuanshan Station to the Grand Hotel. You can check the location of MRT Yuanshan Station and the Grand Hotel by the following map:

Useful Websites

1.      Taiwan Online-Guide to R.O.C.

http://www.roc-taiwan.org/

http://www.roc-taiwan.org/taiwan/2-visitor/index.htm

2.      Taipei City

http://www.taipei.gov.tw/English/

3.      Tourism Bureau of Taiwan

http://www.tbroc.gov.tw

4.      Ministry of Foreign Affairs, R.O.C. http://www.mofa.gov.tw/newmofa/emofa/index.htm

5.      Passport and Visa Information

http://www.boca.gov.tw/english/index.htm

6.      CKS International Airport

http://www1.cksairport.gov.tw/english/

7.      More Public Transportation Details for CKS International Airport

http://www.cksairport.gov.tw/english/transportation/

8.      Central Weather Bureau

http://www.cwb.gov.tw/V4e/index.htm

9.  OANDA, the currency Site

http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic

10.  Metro Taipei (MRT System)

http://www.trtc.com.tw/englishnew/index.htm

Useful Phone Numbers

CKS Int'l Airport Tourist Service Center   886-3-383-3666
Tourism Bureau's Tourist Information         886-2-2717-3737

Directory Assistance in English                  886-2-2311-6796

Foreign Affairs Division, Taipei Office               886-2-2381-8341

Government Information Office                 886-2-2322-8888

International Operator Assistance                      100