◆ Taipei City
      Tourism Bureau, Republic of China
      Taipei City Government

Taipei City, where the “Pacific Neighborhood Consortium 2004 Annual Conference in conjunction with PRDLA” will be held, is the capital and also the political, economic and cultural center of Taiwan. The population of Taiwan is more than 22 million. With population of 2 million, Taipei city covers an area of 271.77 square kilometers. Behind its modern infrastructure and multicultural history background, you will be impressed by its traditional culture and hospitality.

◆ Academia Sinica
      Location of Academia Sinica in Taipei
      Location of Academia Sinica at Nankang
      Map of Academia Sinica (No. 20 --- Center for Academia Activities)

Academia Sinica, the conference venue, founded in 1928, is the most prominent academic institution in the Republic of China. While affiliated directly to the Presidential Office of R.O.C., Academia Sinica enjoys independence and autonomy in formulating its own research objectives. Its major tasks are to undertake in-depth academic research on various subjects in the sciences and humanities, and to provide guidelines, channels of coordination, and incentives with a view to raising academic standards in the country.

◆ Passport and Visa
      Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China

We have 30 days visa waiver policy for following countries: 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.

Requirements:

1. A passport valid for at least six months (unless otherwise stipulated by treaty or agreement)
2. A confirmed return air ticket or an air ticket and a visa for the next destination, and a confirmed seat reservation for departure.
3. No criminal record.

Duration of stay:
30 days, The 30 days' duration of stay starts from the next day of arrival and is not extendable.

Landing Visa
Countries eligible for Landing Visas: Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland

Requirements:

1. A passport valid for at least six months.
2. A confirmed return air ticket or an air ticket and a visa for the next destination, and a confirmed seat reservation for departure.
3. Fill out an application form with two photos.
4. Visa fee of NT$ 1,200 (citizens of countries with reciprocal agreements shall be issued visas gratis) plus a handling fee of NT$ 800; For U.S. citizens: Visa application fee of NT$3,600 plus a handling fee of NT$800.
5. No criminal record.

Duration of stay: 30 days (no extension permitted)

Application:

1. Passengers entering the Republic of China through the C.K.S. International Airport may apply for a landing visa at the Visa Office of Consular Affairs Bureau at the C.K.S. International Airport.
2. The 30 days' duration of stay starts from the next day of arrival and is not extendable.

◆ Taxi

1. Taxis are available at all times from the Chiang Kai-Shek (CKS) International Airport to Taipei City. Costs are approximately NT$1,200 ~ 1,500 (US$34~US$43).
2. Taxis are available 24 hours a day in Taipei city. 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.
3. In Taipei city, the rate for taxis is NT$70 for the first 1.5 kilometers and NT$5 will be added to every additional 300 meters. A 20% surcharge is added from 11 P.M to 6 A.M.

      • Rate of Taxi Fare in Taipei city:

◆ Conference Shuttle Information

Shuttle service will be available between the Academia Sinica Activities Center and the hotels from October 18 to 21, 2004 every morning and night.

◆ Currencies and Credit Cards
      The Universal Currency Convert Website

The currency of Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$). The exchange rate to US$1 varies around NT$34 (updated till May, 2002). The exchange rate to US$1 varies around NT$19. Hotels, department stores, airlines and major restaurants accept international credit cards which include VISA, American Express, and Master Card. The denominations of notes and coins are the follows:
Notes：NT$2,000、NT$1,000、NT$500、NT$200、NT$100
Coins：NT$50、NT$10、NT$5、NT$1

◆ Climate and Clothing
      Central Weather Bureau, Taiwan

October is the enjoying month of Taipei, cool and soothing. The average maximum daily temperature ranges from 25℃ to 28℃ (about 77°F∼82.4°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.

◆ Language

The official language of Taiwan is Mandarin Chinese, though other dialects are also spoken. Many people can speak some English (the most widely studied foreign language), but taxi drivers general speak only Mandarin. Taking name cards of the hotel written in Chinese is recommended.

◆ Mobile Phone Network

GSM 900 MHz/ 1800 MHz

◆ Tipping

Tipping is optional. However, tips are usually given for restaurant services and to hotel porters. A 10% service charge and a 5% value-added Tax are already added to room rates and meals.

◆ Tax

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

◆ Voltage

The electric power is 110 volts, 60 cycles, AC.

◆ Business Hours

Business hours are normally from 9:00 to 17:30 on weekdays. Banking hours are also from 9:00 to 15:30 on weekdays. Stores, shopping malls, restaurants, etc. are usually open from the morning until late at night every day of the week.