iSEE DESIGN BOOK OF IDEAS
VISA
Before visiting Taiwan, please check your visa requirements and make sure you have a valid visa. A passport with validity of at least six months is required upon entry to Taiwan. Visa information – Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs at https://www.boca.gov.tw/np-137-2.html
Customs Regulations
Up to US$10,000 in foreign currency (NT$100,000) may be brought into the country but there is a limit on goods (clothes, furniture, dried goods) brought in from China.. The following duty free may also be brought into Taiwan: 200 cigarettes, 25 cigars or 450g of tobacco, one bottle of liquor (up to 1L) goods valued at up to NT$20,000 (not including personal effects).
Weather
The average temperature in Taipei during October is around 25 °C. Taiwan enjoys a subtropical climate with warm weather all year round. Taiwan is extremely suitable for traveling, as the annual average temperature is a comfortable 25 °C. It will be around 19-21 °C in Taipei during November.
Earthquake
Taiwan is located on the circum-Pacific seismic belt where more than 70% of all earthquakes in the world take place. The Eurasian plate and Philippine Sea plate come into contact in the Taiwan region. Due to the convergence of the Eurasian plate and Philippine Sea plate in eastern Taiwan, earthquakes are more frequent on the eastern side and the number of earthquakes that take place here is also a lot higher than in other areas. Earthquakes in central and western Taiwan are less frequent than those in the east and their scales are also slightly smaller than those occurring on the east side. Further information can be found below:
Earthquake FAQ – https://www.fdkc.gov.tw/en/file/Earthquake_Information.pdf
Latest Earthquake Information – https://www.cwb.gov.tw/V7e/earthquake/
Typhoons
Typhoons are a yearly occurrence in Taiwan from June through October, and these storms can create dangerous conditions that affect the whole island. Further information can be found below:
Typhoon FAQ – http://focustaiwan.tw/news/asoc/201509280010.aspx
Latest Typhoon Information – https://www.cwb.gov.tw/V7e/prevent/typhoon/ty.htm
Time Zone
Time Zone: UTC/ GMT +8 Hours
Currency
The official currency in Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$). Major credit cards such as American Express, Master Card, and Visa are accepted.
Electricity
Taiwan electric of 110 volts at 60 cycles, appliances from Europe, Australia or South-East Asia will need an adaptor or transformer. Taiwan has the same electrical standard as the US and Canada: 110V, 60Hz AC. Electrical sockets have two vertical slots. If you bring appliances from Europe, Australia or Southeast Asia, you’ll need an adaptor or transformer.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Taipei, but some hotels and restaurants automatically add a 10% service fee to the bill.
Tax / VAT
Foreign travelers holding non-ROC passports are eligible for a Tax Refund. Foreign travelers who make purchases of at least NT$3,000 (USD100) on the same day from the same Tax Refund Shopping(TRS)-posted store, are eligible for a refund of the 5% VAT paid on those purchased goods. To claim the refund, they must apply at the port of their departure from the R.O.C. within 30 days following the date of purchase, and they must take the purchased goods out of the country with them.
Transportation- Mass Rapid Transit System (MRT)
Tickets can be purchased at automatic-ticket machines in all MRT stations. “Single-journey Tickets” costs between NT$20 to NT$65 depending on the distance.
A NT$180 “Taipei one-day Pass” purchased from a service booth will allow unlimited travel among all MRT lines within one day. The MRT runs from 6 am to 12 midnight seven days a week. Smoking, eating, drinking or gum chewing are strictly prohibited on all MRT trains.
For further information, maps and passenger services – https://english.metro.taipei/
iSee Design is a platform to support the development of design talent and realize design value in industry. After 5 years of tireless effort to support design, we have created a 5 continent, 21 country global network with the TISDC becoming the largest competition of its kind.
We believe that design opens up valuable opportunities for businesses and is a constant source of new ideas. Its importance is often underestimated, but good design and new ideas can bring significant business benefits. The research and prototype stages of the design process can generate new ideas and allow the discovery of customer’s needs and preferences.
The iSee Design Book of Ideas is a presentation of new ideas sourced globally from young design talent. Expertly reviewed and chosen from the world’s leading design organizations and professionals.
Bridging design, talent and industry is always a challenge, the iSee Taiwan Foundation is committed to the realization of our vision. We are open to work together with likeminded individuals, organizations, and industry to create more opportunity, support talent development, and bring global best practice to Taiwan.
| Contact | Telephone No. |
|---|---|
| Emergency Numbers(Free Service)-Police | 110 |
| Emergency Numbers(Free Service)-Fire, Ambulance | 119 |
| Emergency Numbers(Free Service)-Emergency Call (For Bad Cell Phone Reception) | 112 |
| English-language Directory Assistance | 106 |
| 24-Hour Toll-Free Travel Information Call Center | 0800-011-765 |
| Ministry of Foreign Affairs | 886-2-2348-2999 |