International Joint Conference of APLX, ETRA40, and TESPA 2023

Trip Preparation

Since many of our conference presenters come from abroad, we list information on the weather, what to pack, electric voltage, water, and traffic in Taiwan below. We also provide a list of useful phone numbers. Additional information on travel in Taipei and Taiwan can be found on our Transportation and Lodging page.

If you do not speak Mandarin and would like a printable list of useful phrases, see our Survival Chinese Word document.

Weather / What to Bring and Wear

Taipei is just north of the Tropic of Cancer. October has average highs of 22 C / 72 F and average lows of 27 C / 81 F. Of course, it can be significantly hotter or cooler. You can check the current forecast here (Fahrenheit) or here (Celsius). Annual average relative humidity is 81.6%, and most Taiwanese people carry bottled water with them at all times.

As always when traveling, it is advisable to wear layers; if the day is warm, some buildings and the MRT are kept quite cool. If the day is cool, the building may be warmer. While November is usually drier than most months in Taipei, this November seems to be an exception. We recommend packing an umbrella; they are also readily available at any convenience store in Taiwan.

Electricity in Taiwan

Voltage: 110-120 Volts (Same as U.S./Canada). Please pack a voltage convertor if necessary.

Primary Socket Types: North American Non-Grounded, North American Grounded

Water

It is not advisable to drink unboiled tap water. (Brushing your teeth with the tap water is fine.)

Bottled water is readily available in any convenience store (7-11, Family Mart, OK Mart, Hi-Life, etc.) and bottles are easily recyclable. Many public buildings, including those on the Taipei Tech campus, have water dispensers readily available, and you can refill your bottle or thermos.

Traffic

Do take care when crossing streets or walking in lanes. While pedestrians technically have the right of way, not all drivers are courteous, and it is not uncommon for cars to inch into the crosswalk as you cross or to run through recently changed red lights. You will also want to be on the lookout for scooters, which weave in and out of traffic and may drive brief distances on sidewalks in order to park in designated areas there.