Useful Information
From Taoyuan International Airport
If you are landing at the Taoyuan International Airport near Taipei, the most convenient way is to take the metro to the Taoyuan High-Speed Rail (HSR) Station (桃園高鐵站). Then, you can take the high-speed rail which will bring you directly to Kaohsiung (Zuoying HSR Station，左營高鐵站). Detailed steps are as follows:
Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)
Taoyuan International Airport -> Taoyuan High-Speed Rail (HSR) Station (桃園高鐵站)
If you arrive at Taoyuan International Airport, there is a MRT stop at Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Please take the Commuter Train towards Zhongli Raiway Station (中壢車站). Alight at Taoyuan HSR station (桃園高鐵站).
- Ticket price: Single journey ticket full fare at NTD 35(0.98 € or 1.17 USD). Tickets are sold at the Taoyuan Airport and the THSR Taoyuan Station and tickets can be purchased at the ticketing counter at the airport.
- Intervals: 5 – 10 minutes intervals during peak hours.
- Trip length: 20 minutes
- Timetable and fares can be found here.
From Taoyuan HSR Station to Zuoying HSR Station
High Speed Rai (HSR)
High-Speed Rail (HSR) is one of the fastest ways to travel to/from Kaohsiung to other cities. Tickets and timetable information are available on-line or at the station.
Taoyuan HSR Station (桃園高鐵站) -> Zuoying HSR Station (左營高鐵站)
- Early bird discounts (35% off, 20% off, or 10%) are offered with limited quantity no later than 5 – 28 days before the departure date (including the departure date). For more information on tickets and fares, please visit the official website here.
- Tickets are sold at the Taoyuan High-Speed Rail station.
- Trip length: about 1.30 hours
- Timetable can be found here.
- Click here to book the tickets online.
| Ticket price | Full-fare | Children/Disabled | Group tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Standard seats |
1,330 NTD (37 €, 43 USD) |
665 NTD
(19 €, 22.20 USD) |
1,260 NTD
(35 €, 42 USD) |
|
Business seats |
1,980 NTD
(56 €, 66 USD) |
1,100 NTD
(31 €, 37 USD) |
1,880 NTD
(53 €, 63 USD) |
|
Non-reserved seats |
1,290 NTD
(36 €, 43 USD) |
645 NTD
(18 €, 22 USD) |
– |
HSR Tickets & fares
From Kaohsiung International Airport
Kaohsiung International Airport is located in the Siaogang (Xiaogang) District of Kaohsiung City, about 10 km from the city center. The most convenient way to travel around is with the Kaohsiung Mass Rapid Transit (KMRT). Otherwise, travelers could also opt for the bus (Number 12 takes you directly to the Kaohsiung train station) or a metered-taxi. Otherwise travelers can opt to take a taxi to desired destination.
At the courtesy of the City of Kaohsiung, the use of public transportation will be free for one month for all Congress participants with the use of iPass, a public transport card.
iPass
During registration, the participant’s kits will include iPass, which allows you to use all public transportation including MRT, LRT, bus, ferry and other forms of shared transportation including bicycles and cars. One can top-up their iPass at the nearest convenience stores including 7-Eleven, Family Mart in order to allow using this card also for purchase of food and similar.
For additional information on directions to the Congress venue, please visit here.
Please also consult the website for public transportation in Kaohsiung, where you can find timetables, ticket prices, and network information.
Kaohsiung Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)
The Kaohsiung Mass Rapid Transit is air-conditioned and has a relatively extensive coverage of Kaohsiung. Some of the famous metro stations are Siziwan, Formosa Boulevard, while almost all metro stations offers eateries, shops, and public toilets. One way ticket price ranges from NTD20 to NTD60 while a one-day pass for unlimited travel costs NTD150 one day pass. Auto ticketing machines are available at all metro stations for commuters to purchase new tickets or top up transit pass. Smoking, drinking, eating and gum chewing are strictly prohibited. Detailed MRT maps can be found here.
Kaohsiung Light Rapid Transit (KLRT)
The Kaohsiung Light Rail System is a 22.1-kilometer (13.7 mi) circular light rail line which will be commenced in June 2017. The southern part of the LRT line replaces the defunct railroad, Kaohsiung Harbor Line. More information here.
City Center Ferry
The public ferries have long been one of the main transportation modes used by locals to travel from and to Cijin (or Qijin). These ferries transport people, motorcycles, and bicycles.
Kaohsiung Public Bike
One can enjoy the city’s beautiful scenery on Kaohsiung’s public bike, also known as C-bike. Cyclist can hire a C-bike with an iPass card or credit card. C-Bike station map is available here.
Kaohsiung Double Decker Bus
Unlike the usual bus, the Kaohsiung Double Decker Bus has an open and air-conditioned upper deck. This tall large-sized vehicle is also friendly to disabled passengers. The front and back bus doors are equipped with an infrared sensor system which prevents passengers from being hurt by closing and opening doors. To ensure the road safety, the bus is even equipped with Lane Departure Warning System and Collision Warning System.
Tourist Cruise Ship
The Kaohsiung Port is one of the biggest ports in the region and is pivotal for Kaohsiung’s economy. Take a trip on the tourist cruise ship and the guide will introduce you through the past prosperity and present sophistication of the port.
Taxi
Kaohsiung City Government has specially planned tourist taxi services to allow visitors to enjoy service from dedicated taxi drivers and even high-quality local guided tours. This is also an opportunity to interact with local Kaohsiung-ers. The list of legally-recognized tourist taxis licensed by Kaohsiung City Government ensures travelers to commute around Kaohsiung with ease and peace of mind. More information here.
Nationals of the following countries are eligible for the visa exemption program, with a duration of stay of up to 90 days: Andorra, Australia (effective from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2017), Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, USA, Vatican City State.
Nationals of the following countries are eligible for the visa exemption program, with a duration of stay of up to 30 days: Malaysia, Singapore.
Nationals of Thailand (effective from August 1, 2016, to July 31, 2017)—except those holding diplomatic or official/service passports—are eligible for the visa exemption program, with a duration of stay of up to 30 days.
Nationals of Brunei (effective from August 1, 2016, to July 31, 2017)—except those holding diplomatic or official/ service passports—are eligible for the visa exemption program, with a duration of stay of up to 30 days. In addition, effective from December 1, 2016, to July 31, 2017, those holding a Brunei Certificate of Identity are eligible for the visa exemption program, with a duration of stay of up to 30 days.
Please visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs for further details.
If you are a EcoMobility World Congress participant, please indicate your need for visa support when you register.
Language
Mandarin is widely spoken in Kaohisung. Click here to have a sneak peak of the language.
Weather
Kaohsiung enjoys warm weather all year round and is extremely suitable for travelling. The average temperature in October is 26.4℃. For more weather information, please visit the Central Weather Bureau.
Credit card
Most credit cards are widely accepted throughout the island. ATM machines are common.
Exchange rates
The currency used in Kaohsiung is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD). The exchange rate is around USD 1 to NTD 30.
Currency exchange service is available at the airport, banks, hotels, and large departmental stores. Please visit the currency exchange website for up-to-date currency exchange rates.
Electric supply
The local power supply is AC 110 Volt / 60 Hz with type A outlets, similar to the USA and Japan. Even though most hotels provide outlets for 220 volt appliances, travelers with electrical appliances that run on a different current from 110 volts are advised to bring your own converter.
Wi-Fi
Free indoor public WiFi service is available. The SSID for WiFi access is i-TAIWAN. Visitors with a valid passport number can set an an account and use the service. Free public WiFi service in Kaohsiung can be found here.
In addition to the free WiFi access, paid WiFi access is also available at most of 7-11 convenient stores, coffee shops, and restaurants such as Starbucks or McDonald’s across Kaohsiung. Prepaid access cards can be purchased over the counter at the stores with varying costs.
Tipping and Tax
Tipping is not customary, but is welcomed if guests wish to show their appreciation for satisfactory service. A 10% service charge and a 5% value-added tax may be included in room rates or meals. Most taxes are already included in prices of products or services.
Useful Phone Numbers
| Contact | Telephone No. |
|---|---|
| Emergency Numbers(Free Service)-Police | 110 |
| Emergency Numbers(Free Service)-Fire, Ambulance | 119 |
| Weather | 166 |
| Traffic | 168 |
| Tourist Information Hotline | +886-2-2717-3737 |
| Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1 Service Counter, Tourism Bureau | +886-3-383-4631 |
| Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 2 Service Counter, Tourism Bureau | +886-3-398-3341 |
| Tourist Service Center, Kaohsiung International Airport, Tourism Bureau | +886-7-805-7888~9 |
Hospitals
Business Hours
Most restaurants and stores in Kaohsiung are open 7 days a week.
| Banks Weekdays: 09:00 – 15:30 Weekends and Public Holidays: Closed | Department Stores Daily 11:00 – 21:30/22:00 |
| Restaurants & Retail Shops Daily 11:00 – 22:00 | Convenience Stores (e.g. 7-Eleven, Family Mart)
Daily 24 hours (some stores open at 07:00 – 23:00) |
| Government Offices and Organizations, Foreign Diplomatic Missions Weekdays: 8:30 – 12:00, 13:30 – 17:30 Weekends and National Holidays: Closed | Post Offices Weekdays: 08:30 – 17:30 Weekends & Public Holidays: Closed |