CONGRESS LANGUAGE

All Scientific sessions will be conducted in English.

CLIMATE

Taiwan, a mountainous island with abundant natural resources, is situated within three major climatic zones. The climate in Taiwan is generally subtropical, and the average temperature is 22°C (72°F) in the north and 24°C (75°F) in the south. Summers, which last from May through September, are usually hot and humid with average daytime highs from 27°C to 35°C (81°F to 95°F). Winters, from December I the website one week before the meeting.

TRANSPORTATION

There are two International Airports in Taiwan. The Kaohsiung International Airport (KIA) is relatively close (one hour drive) to the venue. We suggest the overseas delegates fly to The Chiang Kai-Shek (CKS) International Airport and, then transfer to KIA, or directly to KIA. It is about 80 minutes drive from KIA to the venue in Tainan. The Secretariat will arrange Shuttle Bus (August 31 afternoon and September 1 morning) from KIA to Tainan. The shuttle timetable will be announced on the website one week before the meeting.

Taxi fare from KIA to Tainan City is about NT$1,500 (US$46). Taxi fare in Tainan city is NT$70 for the first 1.5 km, and NT$5 for each additional 250 m. For every three minutes of waiting, an additional NT$5 is charged, and a 20% surcharge is added to fares between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.. The price of radio cars, and carrying luggage in the boot requires additional NT$10. Most drivers do not speak English, so it is a good idea to bring both your designation and your hotel"2;s name and address in Chinese, along with the projected cost of each one-way trip.

The Kaohsiung International Airport (KIA)
http://www.kia.gov.tw/english/e_index.asp

The Tainan City
http://www.tncg.gov.tw/kdefault.asp

Information for foreigners
http://iff.npa.gov.tw/enfront/index.php

Address Card
Please show the following address (in Chinese) to the Taxi Driver.

Click Here To Download Address Card

CURRENCY

The unit of currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$). The exchange rate, around NT$33 to US$1, has fluctuated greatly in recent years. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at government-designated banks and hotels. Please keep the receipts, if there is a need to reconvert unused NT Dollars before leaving Taiwan. Major credit cards are accepted in most of the establishments; traveler"2;s checks may be used at some tourist-oriented businesses. The standard tip is NT$50 per luggage. A10% service charge and a 5% value added tax (VAT) are automatically added to room rates and meals. All other tipping is optional.

ELECTRICITY AND WATER

Electricity current in Taiwan is 110volts AC. 60Hz. Water served for guests at hotels and leading restaurants is either distilled or boiled. Because of the sub-tropical and tropical climates, people are advised not to drink ordinary tap water.

VISAS

Tourist visas may be obtained from embassies, consulates, or designated representative offices in foreign countries, and may be valid for stay for 30days. The privilege of Visa-exempt entry is offered to citizens of 31ountries. 30-days landing visas are offered to citizens of 3 countries. Please visit the Website of The Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taiwan for detailed information:http://www.boca.gov.tw/mp?mp=2

Countries eligible for Visa-exempt entry

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, U.K. and U.S.A.

Countries eligible for Landing Visa

1.Nationals of Czech Republic, Hungary , Poland and Slovak

2.Holders of USA passport with validity less than six months.



Photos provided by Sean & Carol