GENERAL INFORMATION

LANGUAGE

The official language in Taiwan is Chinese and Taiwanese, however some can speak English and Japanese normally at the airports, large hotels, research institutes and universities etc.

CLIMATE

Tainan, with an average annual temperature of 28^oC, enjoys winters and hot summers. You can check the weather including monthly average temperature and rainfall here (http://www.cwb.gov.tw/eng/index.htm).

TIME DIFFERENCE

In relation to Greenwich Mean Time, Taiwan is + 8 hours.

VISA

Please visit: http://www.boca.gov.tw

 SAFETY

Although we are proud of the low rate of crime in Taiwan, it is our responsibility to remind you that burglary, pick-pockets, and robbery are not unknown. It is wise to take some precautionary measures during your stay in Taiwan, especially when you are in a crowded area or when you are alone in a remote area. Be prepared by keeping photocopies of your passport, other identification, and credit cards. You should exercise caution when crossing streets because some drivers might overlook your right of way.

EMERGENCIES

In case of emergency, you can call 110 for police; 119 for ambulance. No coins are required in using public telephones for these two numbers.

SHOPPING HOURS

Shops, departmental stores, supermarkets and shopping malls are generally open from 10 am to 10 pm everyday and do not close for lunch. 7-Eleven and some stores open for 24 hours. The 5 % sales tax is included in the sale price.

BANKS

Banks generally open from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 3 pm. Almost every bank has a 24-hour cash machine.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Public transportation network covers most of the Tainan city. Shuttle buses and taxis are available at reasonable price.

RESTAURANTS

In most restaurants, the evening business hour is from 5 to 9 pm during the conference, and members of the Secretariat will gladly provide information on restaurants, shows, services, etc.

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

Electricity is supplied at 110 V with American norm plugs. 220 V can be found in exceptional cases.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE

The current exchange rates are around 1 USD @ 32.5 NTD and 1 EUR @ 45 NTD. Major foreign currencies can be exchanged at Taoyuan International Airport (CKS) or Kaohsiung International Airport (KIA). The foreign currencies can also be exchanged at the Postal Office inside the Kuan-Fu Campus of National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), Tainan, Taiwan, about 80 m from the Congress venue (International Conference Hall of NCKU). Paper money is currently available in NT$100, 200, 500, 1,000 and 2,000 bills. Coins have NT$1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 denominations. Major credit cards are accepted in many shops, but traveler's cheques might be accepted only in tourist-oriented shops and hotels.

TIPPING

In general, you don’t have to tip waiters and taxi drivers. However, in some international hotels, tipping hotel porters and maids will be appreciated. In some restaurants a 10 % service charge is automatically included. All other tipping is optional.

FOREIGN CONSULATES IN TAIWAN