Formosa - beautiful island
Formosa is what the Portuguese called Taiwan when they came here in the 16th century and saw the island's verdant beauty.  Taiwan is an island about 36,000 square km located off the coast of southeastern China, southwest of Japan and north of the Philippines. It lies off the southeastern coast of mainland Asia, across the Taiwan Strait from Mainland China. Taiwan is one of the most unsung tourist destinations in all of Asia, its modern emergence as an economic and industrial powerhouse still overshadowing the staggering breadth of natural, historic and culinary attractions this captivating island has to offer. A fascinating mix of technological innovation and traditional Chinese and aboriginal cultures and cuisines, Taiwan is one of the only places on earth where ancient religious and cultural practices still thrive in an overwhelmingly modernist landscape.

Time
Taiwan is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Tipping
Tipping is not customary in most of places in Taiwan since a 10% service charge is automatically added to meals.

Electricity
Taiwan uses electric current of 110 volts at 60 cycles, appliances from Europe, Australia or South-East Asia will need an adaptor or transformer. Many buildings have sockets with 220 volts especially for the use of air conditioners.

Language
The official language of Taiwan is Mandarin Chinese and the native Taiwanese tongue, alternatively called taiyu or minnan hua, is still widely spoken as a first language by the island's dominant ethnic group, which originally hails from China's southern Fujian province. The most popular foreign language in Taiwan is English, which is part of the regular school curriculum.

Religion
“Folk religion” - a blend of ancient animist beliefs with the traditions of Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism - forms the core beliefs of most Taiwanese. Purer forms of Buddhism are also on the rise, along with Christianity.

Currency and Banks
The Country’s currency is the New Taiwan dollar (NT$). The exchange rate in recent months is around NT$32~33 for US$1. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at hotels, airports and government-designated banks. Major credit cards are widely accepted, and traveler’s checks may be accepted by tourist-oriented shops and at most international tourist hotels and banks.  Banks open whole day from 09:00 to 15:30, Mon-Fri and closed at weekend and public holidays.

Weather
Taiwan enjoys a subtropical climate with warm weather all year round. The annual average temperature is 22 degrees Celsius with lowest temperatures ranging from 12 to 17 degrees Celsius (54-63 Fahrenheit). It will be around 26 degree Celsius during May in Taipei. Light- to medium weights, with rainwear advised.

Current temperature in Taipei:

Visa
Citizens from over 30 foreign nations can enter Taiwan with visa-exempt status or with landing visas. For further information regarding on how to obtain a Republic of China（Taiwan）Visitor Visa, please refer to the Visa Information page.

If you have any question about your visa, please contact the AAMAS 2011 Registration Office.
Email:aamas2011reg@elitepco.com.tw | Tel: +886-2-8502-7087.

International Airlines
There are three international airports in Taiwan: Taoyuan International Airport (located about 40km from Taipei City), Kaohsiung International Airport (located in southern Taiwan), and Taipei SongShan Airport (only certain international airlines from China and Japan could arrive here). 

If you were traveling from China or Japan you may inquire the possibility to take direct flight to the Taipei SongShan Airport for the most convenient access to the conference venue.  If you are traveling other countries besides China and Japan, your will arrive at the Taoyuan International Airport instead.

From Taoyuan International Airport to Taipei, you may access the following transportation options:

1. Airport Express Bus
Provider: Air Bus – East Line
Price: NT$145
Frequency: 20~30 Minutes
Duration: 70 Minutes
Route: East Line

2. Taxi
There are Taxis queues outside the Arrival Halls on both terminals. Airport Taxis charge according to the meter plus a 15% surcharge (highway tolls not included). Typical fare to Taipei is around NT$1,200.

3. Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR)
Visitors may also take shuttle bus to the HSR Taoyuan Station to access Taiwan High Speed Rail from Taoyuan to Taipei.  The fare for shuttle bus is NT$30 and traveling time is 20 minutes.  Cost for THSR is NT$160 and traveling time is 20 minutes.

For more information, please visit the Taoyuan International Airport website.

Useful Links
Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs http://www.boca.gov.tw/mp.asp?mp=2
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, R.O.C.  http://www.mofa.gov.tw/webapp/mp?mp=6
Taiwan Travel Information http://eng.taiwan.net.tw/
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport http://www.taoyuan-airport.com/english/index.jsp
Taipei City Government http://english.taipei.gov.tw/MP_100002.html
Tourism Bureau http://eng.taiwan.net.tw/