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Taiwan in Brief
Area : 36,000 square kilometers
Population: 23 million
Capital : Taipei City
People : Chinese
Language : Mandarin/Taiwanese/Hakka
Religion : Buddhism/Taoism/Christian
President : Chen Shui-bian
 Taiwan's
total land area is only about 3,6000 square kilometers; it is shaped
like a tobacco leaf that is narrow at both ends. It lies off the
southeastern coast of mainland Asia, 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, helping make it the perfect
travel destination. Taiwan is 394 kilometers (245 miles) long and
144 kilometers (89.5 miles) wide at its broadest point. The Central
Mountain Range bisects Taiwan from north to south and about two-thirds
of the island is covered with forested peaks. The rest of the island
is made up of foothills, terraced flatlands, and coastal plains
and basins. Taiwan includes Taiwan Island, the Penghu Islands --a
group of 64 islands, and 80 other smaller neighboring islands and
islets.
Population
Taiwan has a population of 23 million. The larger part of the island's
inhabitants are the descendants of immigrants from the various provinces
of mainland China, but in particular from the southeastern coastal
provinces of Fujian and Guangdong. Because the different ethnic
groups have fairly well integrated, differences that originally
existed between people from different provinces have gradually disappeared.
Language
The official language of Taiwan is Mandarin Chinese (Guoyu), but
because many Taiwanese are of southern Fujianese descent, Min-nan
(the Southern Min dialect, or Holo) is also widely spoken. The smaller
groups of Hakka people and aborigines have also preserved their
own languages. Many elderly people can also speak some Japanese,
as they were subjected to Japanese education before Taiwan was returned
to Chinese rule in 1945 after the Japanese occupation which lasted
for half a century.
The most popular foreign language in Taiwan is English, which is
part of the regular school curriculum. However, to be on the safe
side, when taking a taxi in Taiwan it is advisable to prepare a
note with your place of destination written in Chinese to show the
taxi driver.
Economy
Taiwan's economy in 2004 is experiencing strong growth, building
upon a robust year in 2003. The 3.2% real GDP growth recorded in
2003 reflects the second-quarter dip caused by the outbreak of SARS,
but export-led growth and swelling consumer demand are contributing
to an expected rate of 5.3% real GDP growth in 2004. Taiwan's economy
is heavily oriented toward the manufacturing of consumer electronics
products. Growing worldwide demand, bolstered by economic recovery
in the United States, as well as growing demand in mainland China
for industrial goods pushed the value of Taiwanese exports up around
22% year-on-year in April 2004.
Taiwan was admitted to membership in the World Trade Organization
(WTO) in November 2001, concurrently with China's admission. Unlike
China, Taiwan has been admitted to the WTO as a "developed
country," which imposes more stringent requirements for reducing
barriers to foreign competition. Taiwan recently has lifted some
restrictions on direct trade with and investment in mainland China,
which is expected to increase cross-strait commercial ties.
Cuisine
The culinary culture of the Chinese people goes back a very long
time; and while Chinese food can be enjoyed in every large city
in the world today, true gourmets know that only in Taiwan is it
possible to enjoy fine authentic cuisine from all the different
regions of China. In Taiwan, where it seems the people live to eat,
it is said that there is a snack shop every three steps and a restaurant
every five. These establishments serve all kinds of Chinese food,
from the roast duck, smoked chicken, lamb hotpot, fish in wine sauce,
beef with green peppers, and scallop and turnip balls of the north
to the camphor-tea duck, salty fried chicken with spices, honey
ham, stir-fried shrimp, dry-fried eggplant, and spicy bean curd
of the south. As the island's economy has developed rapidly in recent
years, its culinary culture has expanded beyond the traditional
Chinese foods to Chinese-style fast-food chains, thus bringing greater
complexity than ever before to the art of Chinese dining. Foreign
foods from all over the world have also made their appearance in
Taiwan, and the island is now filled with eateries serving American
hamburgers, Italian pizza, Japanese sashimi, German pig's knuckles,
Swiss fondue, and just about everything else. All of this makes
Taiwan a veritable paradise for gourmands. Taiwan's own native cuisine
has also become known around the world, and if you try it just once
you will remember it forever.
Visas
Foreign nationals holding passports or travel documents valid for
more than six months may obtain tourist visas if they are in Taiwan
for the purposes of sightseeing, business, family visits, study
or training, medical treatment, or other legitimate activities.
30-day visa-free privileges are offered to citizens of 25 countries
and 30-day landing visas are offered to citizens of 28 countries.
For further information, please visit the website http://www.boca.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=1305&CtNode=109&mp=2
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any problems
applying for Taiwan visa.
Currency and Exchange
The monetary unit is the New Taiwan dollar (NT$), which has five
denominations in paper and four in coin. Paper money is in NT$2,000,
NT$1,000, NT$500, NT$200 and NT$100 notes. Coins are in NT$50, NT$10,
NT$5 and NT$1 denominations.
Each participant is entitled to depart with currency of up to US$5,000
in cash or the equivalent in other foreign currencies. Excess amounts
must be declared to and recorded by the Customs. Also, up to NT$40,000
in cash may be carried. Larger amounts are allowed only if a permit
has been obtained from the Central Bank of Taiwan.
Foreign currency can be exchanged at most banks, hotels and international
airports.
Please visit the Currency Converter website at www.xe.net/ucc
Exchange rate: USD$1=NTD$34.00
EUR 1 =NTD$41.60E
Credit Cards
All major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, shops and restaurants.
The most widely accepted credit cards are Visa and MasterCard. Restaurants
and shops generally display signs indicating which cards are accepted.
Banking and Business Hours
Banking hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Office hours for government agencies are from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30
p.m. on weekdays. Private companies are usually more flexible with
working hours, and often decide their own schedule.
Please be informed that there are no public holidays on the dates
of our conference.
Electricity
Taiwan uses electric current at 110 volts AC/60 Hz. Many hotels
also provide outlets for 220-volt appliances.
The type of plug is Type A, same as US and Japan.
Drinking Water
Taipei�fs tap water in Taipei is soft, chlorinated. Tap water is
drinkable but drinking unboiled water is not recommended. Most hotels
provide boiled drinking water. Bottled spring water is easily available
at convenience stores and supermarkets.
Time Zone
Taiwan is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+0800). There
is no daylight saving time in Taiwan.
Tipping and Taxes
Tipping is not customary in most places in Taiwan. A 10% service
charge and a 5% value-added tax are added to room rates and meals.
Other tipping is optional, but rare, including for Taxis.
Insurance
Participants are advised to carry adequate travel and health insurance,
as the organizer cannot accept liability for accidents, illness,
or injuries that may occur at or during the Conference.
Climate
Taipei has a subtropical climate, with an average temperature of
22 degrees centigrade (72 degrees Fahrenheit). Autumn, from October
to November, is probably the most pleasant time to visit Taipei,
with average temperatures of 23�𠵾 (73�𢱕). The island is affected
by typhoons during summer, but they do not have a long-term impact.
For more information on Taiwan's climate, please refer to the website
of the Central Weather Bureau at http://www.cwb.gov.tw/
Earthquake Survival Tips
Taiwan is located in a seismically active region. We would like
to remind in the case of an earthquake, the following measures are
recommended:
1. Stay where you are and do not panic. Most quake injuries occur
as people enter or leave buildings. The greatest danger is from
falling objects just outside of doorways and walls.
2. Stay away from windows, mirrors, or glass that might shatter.
3. Stay away from stoves, heating units and fireplaces.
4. If you are indoors, get under a sturdy desk or table.
5. If you are outdoors, be sure to stay clear of electricity lines
and poles, trees or branches, external stairs or anything that might
fall.
6. DO NOT try to use the elevators or stairs during a quake.
Airport
Taiwan Taoyuan Airport (TPE) is the international airport closest
to Taipei. For further information, please visit the website http://www.taoyuanairport.gov.tw/CKSeng/
From Airport to Conference hotels
Airport Limousine Bus & Taxi  
Five coach companies now provide frequent service between CKS International
Airport and Taipei. You may take KUO-GUANG Airport Limousine bus,
which offers a direct route to Taipei Main Station. From Taipei
Main Station, you can take a taxi directly to the conference Hotels
in 10 minutes.
1. Ticket counters are located in the arrival reception areas of
both terminals.
2. Airport Limousine bus bound for Taipei Main Station departs every
20 ~ 30 minutes.
3. Adult single fare is NT$120 (around US$3.5).
4. The journey time is about 1 hour in moderate traffic.
5. You may take a taxi to the conference hotel for under NT$100
(US$3).
Taxis
Taxis queue outside the Arrival Halls of both terminals. The service
is also provided 24 hours a day. Airport Taxis charge according
to the meter plus a 50% surcharge (highway tolls not included) and
typically costs around NT$1,200(around US$36) to Taipei. It takes
approximately 50 mins in moderate traffic.
**Please do not hesitate to call us if the information provided
is unclear or you have any problems on the way to the conference
venue.
Transportation
Taxi
There are many taxis operating in and around Taipei. All are yellow
and display a light on the roof when vacant. The rate for taxis
in Taipei is NT 70 for the first 1.5 kilometers and NT 5 for each
additional 350 meters. A 20% surcharge is added between 11p.m. and
6 a.m. and a "waiting surcharge" for each 3 minutes is
added when the taxi is stopped or is traveling at less than 5 kilometers
per hour.
Most taxi drivers cannot speak or read English, so providing the
destination in Chinese characters or a map is helpful. Toll Free
Taxi Hotline: 0800-055850.
MRT 
The mass rapid transit system (MRT) in Taipei, along with the metropolitan
area's dedicated bus route network, form a convenient transportation
system. The MRT currently has five lines in operation: the Brown
Line (Mucha), the Red Line (Tamshui), the Orange Line (Chungho),
the Green Line (Hsintien), and the Blue Line (Kunyang to Hsinpu).
The five lines pass by a variety of attractions and scenic spots,
and visitors can take a leisurely journey around Taipei and its
suburbs by using the MRT system. Auto ticketing machines can be
found in MRT stations, and all stations are equipped with change
machines. Single-journey ticket prices range from NT$20~NT$65 depending
on the distance traveled. A 150-dollar "One-day pass"
purchased from service booths will allow unlimited travel along
all MRT lines within one day.
Please Note:
�� MRT operating hours�|06:00~24:00
�� To provide passengers with a comfortable and safe ride, smoking,
drinking & gum chewing are strictly prohibited in the paid area,
and food consumption is only permitted in designated areas.
�� Using a cellular phone is prohibited in the first and the last
cars of the train.
�� Tickets are valid on the day of purchase.
For more information, please check Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation
(Metro Taipei) at http://www.trtc.com.tw
Bus 
Buses are one of the most important means of transportation in Taipei,
with almost 200 routes stretching throughout the city. They run
every 5-10 minutes and operate on an express lane grid system, making
transfers easy. The fare for traveling within one section is NT$15
per section. Buses do not provide change. Most bus services run
until 23:00.
EasyCard 
Since 2002, all local buses and MRT stations accept EasyCard, a
stored-valued smart card used for all modes of transit. An EasyCard
is sold for NT$500, which includes $400 stored-value and $100 refundable
deposit. EasyCard can be bought and added value at MRT stations
and convenience stores throughout Taipei City and Taipei County.
Insurance
Participants are advised to carry adequate travel and health insurance,
as the organizer cannot accept liability for accidents, illness,
or injuries that may occur at or during the meeting.
Useful Phone Numbers
Tourist Service Center: (02) 2717-3737
Bureau of Consular Affairs (MOFA): (02) 2343-2888
Chinese Operator: 104
English Operator: 106
Fire and ambulance: 119
Police: 110
How to dial international
calls
International Direct Dialing from Taiwan
�𦎾nternational dialing prefix 002, 009, 019
�𥟟ountry code
�䨝rea code (omit "0")
�鞛hone number
International Direct Dialing to Taiwan
�𦎾nternational dialing prefix
�巁aiwan country code (886)
�巁aiwan area code (omit "0")
�鞛hone number
For more country code search and rate information please visit :
www.eyp.com.tw/rates/index.php?lang=eng
Telecommunications
In Taiwan, mobile phones are under the GSM system. When you travel
to Taiwan and if you are using the same system, you will be able
to make and receive calls to/from abroad with the international
roaming service. However, another option for making calls while
in Taiwan is to purchase a local SIM card. These are widely available
throughout Taiwan from telecom companies and convenience stores.
If you prefer the traditional method, public phones are also conveniently
located. Public phones in Taiwan are divided into two types, coin
and card. Coin phones accept coins in denominations of NT$1, NT$5,
and NT10. For local calls, NT$1 buys one minute of phone time. Phone
cards are divided into magnetic strip stored value cards and IC
stored value cards, and can be used all over Taiwan. Magnetic strip
cards sell for NT$100 each, and IC cards are available in NT$200
and NT$300 versions. The cards are sold in railway stations, bus
stations, scenic spots, and convenience stores. For English directory
assistance, dial 106.
Taipei in Brief
 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.
Taipei is nestled in a basin with mountains on all sides and covers
an area of 271.77 square kilometers (27,177 hectares). The city
is divided into 12 districts. The population has reached to 2,624,858
(July 2004), making it one of the most crowded cities in the world.
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. The first settlements were
in present day Wanhua and Datong. These two western districts, being
the first permanent settlements of Chinese migrants, retain many
of the old customs, as evidenced in the architecture, sculptures,
and ceremonial activities that take place in the old streets and
temples.
A more recent cultural focal point in the city is the National Palace
Museum, which houses hundreds of thousands of Chinese antiques and
art works. The museum is located in the north of the city and is
a must see for lovers of ancient Chinese culture.
The eastern section of the city was largely underused fields until
the 1970s when the city began to develop the area as a financial
and commercial district. This area reveals the modern face of Taipei
with its glass and steel skyscrapers, wide boulevards and the World
Trade Center.
Taipei also boasts dozens of world-class performance venues to enjoy
some of the best theater and concert events. The city also offers
a wide range of other diversions, with shopping malls, nightclubs
and music bars, high-quality hotels and exotic restaurants.
With the wealth of interesting and fun activities available in Taipei
and the city's warm reception extended to guests, foreign visitors
are certain to have an unforgettable experience in this remarkable
city.
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