Trip Preparation

Since many of our conference presenters come from abroad, we list information on the weather, what to pack, electric voltage, water, and traffic in Taiwan below. We also provide a campus map, an MRT map, a list of useful phone numbers, and visa information. Additional information on travel in Taipei and Taiwan can be found on our Transportation and Lodging page and our Things to Do in Taipei and Taiwan page.

If you do not speak Mandarin and would like a printable list of useful phrases, see our Survival Chinese Word document.

Weather / What to Bring and Wear

Taipei is just north of the Tropic of Cancer. November has average highs of 25 C / 77 F and average lows of 19 C / 66 F. (The historical average for the dates of November 23–24 is a high of 23 C / 73 F and a low of 16 C / 61 F.) Of course, it can be significantly hotter or cooler. You can check the current forecast here (Fahrenheit)  or here (Celsius).  Annual average relative humidity is 81.6%, and most Taiwanese people carry bottled water with them at all times.

As always when traveling, it is advisable to wear layers; if the day is warm, some buildings and the MRT are kept quite cool. If the day is cool, the building may be warmer. While November is usually drier than most months in Taipei, this November seems to be an exception. We recommend packing an umbrella; they are also readily available at any convenience store in Taiwan.

Electricity in Taiwan

Voltage: 110-120 Volts (Same as U.S./Canada). Please pack a voltage convertor if necessary.

Primary Socket Types: North American Non-Grounded, North American Grounded

Water

It is not advisable to drink unboiled tap water. (Brushing your teeth with the tap water is fine.)

Bottled water is readily available in any convenience store (7-11, Family Mart, OK Mart, Hi-Life, etc.) and bottles are easily recyclable. Many public buildings, including those on the Taipei Tech campus, have water dispensers readily available, and you can refill your bottle or thermos.

Traffic

Do take care when crossing streets or walking in lanes. While pedestrians technically have the right of way, not all drivers are courteous, and it is not uncommon for cars to inch into the crosswalk as you cross or to run through recently changed red lights. You will also want to be on the lookout for scooters, which weave in and out of traffic and may drive brief distances on sidewalks in order to park in designated areas there.

Pollution

While we sincerely hope pollution will not impact our conference, there are a few days in Taipei each year, particularly in the winter, when the air quality is rated as unhealthy for sensitive groups, or, more rarely, as unhealthy for everyone. You may check out the pollution levels in real time at this website. If the pollution level does go higher than moderate, some visitors may wish to purchase a face mask to wear when outdoors. These are available at any convenience store or pharmacy.

Taipei Tech Campus Map

This Taipei Tech Campus Map gives directions from exit 4 of the Zhongxiao Xinsheng MRT to the GIS Taipei Tech Convention Center, where the conference will be held.

MRT

A map of the MRT is available here.

If you plan to use the MRT or public bus for more than two trips, you may want to purchase an Easy Card at an MRT station (200 NT minimum–100 for the card and an unlimited amount for public transportation travel). If desired, you can evidently get a refund on your Easy Card at the end of your trip (for the card and unused money, minus a 20-NT transaction fee).

Important Phone Numbers

Taipei Tech English Department Office: 02-2771-2171 #3902

Emergency Number (Fire/Ambulance, etc.): 119

Taxi Service (Usually it is possible to hail a cab on any major road. However, if you need one at a specific time or place, or if it is late at night, you may call the number below.) From a local landline, dial 0800-055850. From cell phone, dial 55850. For English service, press 2. You may press 2 again for immediate transfer to the taxi fleet operator.

International Phone Calls to Taiwan: Taiwan’s country code for international phone calls is +886. Phone numbers in Taiwan usually begin with a 0. This 0 is omitted when you make an international call to Taiwan.

Visas

Citizens of many countries have visa-exempt status for either thirty or ninety days. This link, posted by another conference, has consolidated useful information about visas for travelers from many countries.

Citizens of the People’s Republic of China who are joining our conference should contact us immediately after abstract acceptance. Our school will then start the process of filling out the forms needed to obtain required travel documents.

Participants who were born in Hong Kong or Macau or who have traveled to Taiwan as Hong Kong or Macau residents in the past may apply for entry permits here.

Food

See our brief list of Places to Eat near Taipei Tech, including two vegan restaurants. There are also multiple good restaurants that are not listed here but that you will see if you are walking through the neighborhoods recommended. You may also like the blog, “A Hungry Girl’s Guide to Taipei.”