Arriving to Conference
There are two airports in Northern Taiwan: Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (Airport Code: TPE) and Taipei Songshan Airport (Airport Code: TSA). Most international flights land in TPE which is situated 40km (24.8 miles) southwest of Taipei. TSA is a domestic airport in Taipei downtown but now it has flights between Mainland China, Japan and Korea. For transportation suggestions, please look at the Transportation tabs.
The venue of the conference is the GIS NTU Convention Center, just next to NTU main campus. Please find a map with relevant locations here. The easiest way to reach the city and the conference venue from the airport is by Metro Taipei (MRT).
Arriving to GIS NTU by MRT
Take MRT Songshan-Xindian Line (Green Line) to G07 Gongguan Station (as indicated on the MRT route map below), at the station exit 2, take the left turn to Roosevelt Rd. Here you will find the GIS NTU Convention Center on your left-hand side. (2 minutes walking)
We will have registration tables each morning before the Plenary sessions, outside the Forum Auditoriun. There will also be an early registration table on Sunday, May 4, 4-6PM outside the Forum Auditoriun.
For those who need to register outside of the schedule times above, you may pick up your registration materials at a registration table we will maintain outside the Forum Auditoriun.
At these registration tables you will be able to retrieve your badge and conference bags.
Other Useful Information
Currency
The local currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (currency code: TWD; common abbreviation: NT$). As of Feb 2025, the exchange rates are approximately:
- 1 Euro (EUR) = 34.04 TWD
- 1 US Dollar (USD) = 32.88 TWD
Foreign currencies can be exchanged at airports, major hotels, and government-designated banks. Major credit cards (MasterCard, VISA) are widely accepted, and traveler's checks may be accepted by some tourist-oriented shops and most international tourist hotels and banks.
For the most up-to-date exchange rates, you can use currency converter websites such as XE Currency Converter.
Electricity
Taiwan's electric current is 110 V, 60 Hz, which is the same as in the U.S. For equipment from Europe, a wall plug adapter is required. There are two types of receptacles:
- Type A: http://electricaloutlet.org/type-a
- Type B: http://electricaloutlet.org/type-b
Time Zone
Taiwan is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+8). For current local time and time conversions, you can visit [Time and Date].
Climate
In early May, Taipei experiences warm temperatures and increased humidity as it transitions into the plum rain season. Average high temperatures reach around 29°C, while lows are approximately 22°C. Rainfall could be significant for short period of time. Here are some recommendations:
- Clothing: Opt for light, breathable fabrics such as shorts, T-shirts, skirts, dresses, and sandals. Evenings can be cooler, so consider bringing a light jacket or long-sleeve top.
- Rain Gear: Given the likelihood of rain, it's advisable to carry an umbrella or raincoat. Waterproof clothing can be beneficial due to potential sudden downpours.
- Sun Protection: Due to the high UV index, use sunscreen with a high SPF, wear sunglasses, and consider a hat to protect against sunburn.
Business Hours
- Government agencies: Typically operate from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm on weekdays.
- Banks: Generally open from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm, Monday to Friday.
- Private companies: Often have flexible working hours.
- Retail stores: Most remain open until late on both weekdays and weekends.
- Convenience stores: Numerous 24-hour convenience stores are available throughout the city.
Taxes
A 10% service charge and a 5% value-added tax (VAT) are typically added to room rates and meals. Tipping is not customary in restaurants unless you feel exceptionally compelled.
