For Overseas Visitors

This page summarizes information that participants coming to COSCUP from outside Taiwan may need, including overseas communities, speakers, attendees, sponsorship partners, and accompanying staff. Actual rules may vary depending on nationality, departure location, airline, and policies for the year. Please follow official announcements.

You are welcome to join (English) Getting Started with COSCUP: A First-timer's Orientation on the first day at 8 Aug (Sat) 10:00-11:00. The location is 310-2.

Before Entering Taiwan

Before departure, we recommend checking:

  • Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months.
  • VISA: whether you need a visa, eVisa, or visa-free entry.
  • Invitation Letter: whether you need an invitation letter from COSCUP. For visa and invitation letter application instructions, refer to: Invitation Letter Application Guide for Visa.
  • Arrival Card: fill out your entry information in advance: https://twac.immigration.gov.tw/
  • Flights, accommodation, travel insurance, and emergency contact information.
  • Local internet access in Taiwan, SIM card, or eSIM plan.
  • Taiwan uses 110V / 60Hz electricity, and common outlets are Type A / Type B. If your devices do not support 110V or use a different plug type, please bring your own adapter or voltage converter.
  • Bring your own toothbrush, slippers, and razor if needed. Hotels may not provide them.
  • Consider travel insurance, medical insurance, or baggage delay insurance based on your needs.
  • If you have less travel experience, we recommend preparing a Local Contact for Emergency note just in case.

Arriving in Taiwan

Most overseas visitors enter Taiwan through Taoyuan International Airport or Taipei Songshan Airport. After arrival, choose the Airport MRT, highway bus, taxi, or ride-hailing service based on your accommodation.

From Taoyuan Airport to Taipei, the Taoyuan Airport MRT is usually the most convenient option and accepts EasyCard. If you arrive late at night, you can take a highway bus. Some airport bus routes operate 24 hours.

We recommend keeping enough buffer time on your arrival day, especially if this is your first time in Taiwan, you have large luggage, or you need to buy a SIM card or exchange cash.

Weather and Clothing

Taiwan's summer is hot and it may rain suddenly, so prepare rain gear. Most routes between Session classrooms in different COSCUP venue areas are covered, but you may still need rain gear when moving off campus, going to accommodation, or joining Fringe Events. Depending on your personal condition, you may also want to prepare warm clothing and masks.

Pay attention to sun protection and hydration. Wear light, breathable clothing that is comfortable for walking.

Public Transportation

COSCUP's main venue is at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (Taiwan Tech / NTUST). For transportation to the venue, airport transfers, city public transportation, and related information, refer to: Transportation.

Most map tools work well. The best choice depends on how much information you need and your personal preference. Before departure, we recommend saving your accommodation, the venue, nearby convenience stores, and emergency meeting points in your preferred map tool.

Taxi fares are not expensive compared with many international cities, so taxis can also be a transportation option. When taking a taxi, line up at a designated taxi stand or use an app. Some convenience store kiosks can also call taxis. Please refuse drivers who approach you directly and invite you to ride, because prices may not be transparent. Apps or official taxi queues are usually safer.

In Taiwan's metro systems, including Taipei Metro, Taoyuan Airport MRT, Taichung MRT, and Kaohsiung MRT, eating and drinking are not allowed inside stations or trains, including drinking water. Please finish food and drinks before the fare gate. Taiwan Railways and Taiwan High Speed Rail do not have the same restriction.

If you want to take Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR), we recommend booking early through the official app or website. If reserved seats are sold out, you can choose non-reserved seats and stand inside non-reserved cars or near the car doors.

Traffic Safety

Taiwan's traffic regulations have continued to change in recent years and traffic conditions have improved, but you may still encounter illegal turns, drivers not yielding, or poor visibility at intersections. Watch for vehicles when crossing roads, and pay attention to vehicles or bicycles when walking on sidewalks.

Please cross roads using crosswalks or pedestrian crossings. Pedestrians may be fined for crossing roads improperly.

When riding a bicycle, pay attention to road conditions, keep to the side, or use bicycle lanes. Do not make a direct left turn at large intersections. Usually you need to ride to the waiting area on the opposite side first, then complete the left turn after the light turns green.

Accommodation

We recommend choosing accommodation with convenient access to Gongguan, NTU, Taiwan Tech, or stations along the MRT Green Line. If you want to join the Welcome Party, BoF, or Fringe Events during the event period, you can also consider areas with convenient transfers such as Taipei Main Station, Gongguan, Guting, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and Dongmen.

Luggage Storage

If you arrive on the event day or go directly to the airport after the event, plan luggage storage in advance. Taipei Main Station has many coin lockers, and you can choose one based on luggage size. If you are at the venue, ask onsite staff about luggage storage.

Some flights allow check-in and baggage drop at Taipei Main Station. Use this service if it fits your itinerary.

EasyCard and iPASS

EasyCard or iPASS can be used for MRT, buses, YouBike, Taiwan Railways, convenience stores, and some shops. They are among the most convenient tools for getting around Taiwan.

A normal card costs around NTD 100 on average and does not include stored value. We recommend adding value when purchasing. You can buy one at MRT station counters or major convenience stores. Cards are often placed on racks beside the checkout counter. To buy one, pick the card you want, hand it to the cashier, and tell them how much value you want to add.

Note: purchasing an empty card usually requires cash and cannot be paid by credit card. Adding value also usually requires cash. You can choose a card design you like.

Buying an EasyCard or iPASS does not require an ID or passport; you can buy it directly.

Regular EasyCard or iPASS cards cannot be used to ride Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR). If you want to take THSR, please buy a separate ticket.

EasyCard refunds can be processed at MRT station counters, and the remaining balance can be returned. Actual refund rules and fees depend on onsite announcements.

Payments and Cash

Common payment methods in Taiwan include cash, credit cards, mobile payments, and stored-value cards. Many small eateries, night markets, restaurants, drink shops, and stores around campus may still mainly accept cash.

We recommend preparing:

  • A suitable amount of New Taiwan Dollar cash. Many places in Taiwan are still cash-only.
  • A credit card or debit card that works overseas.
  • EasyCard or iPASS for MRT, buses, YouBike, Taiwan Railways, convenience stores, and some shops.
  • If you use mobile payment, confirm in advance whether your account and payment method can be used in Taiwan.

Almost every convenience store has an ATM. Bank ATMs are usually indoors and monitored for safety.

Most convenience stores in Taiwan operate 24 hours and are very convenient. Ximending also has large 24-hour stores, and night markets may operate late into the night. Supermarkets such as PX Mart usually operate until evening. Actual hours depend on store announcements.

Food Information

Food in Taiwan is convenient and diverse. Convenience stores, student cafeterias, cafes, breakfast shops, bento shops, and night market snacks are easy to find.

This year, COSCUP collected a list of restaurants open in the First Student Cafeteria of the Student Activity Center. We hope that as you enter the Taiwan Tech campus for COSCUP, you can also enjoy student cafeteria meals again.

We also found some content suitable for overseas visitors, hoping to make your food experience in Taiwan smoother:

You can order food in advance through delivery apps and enjoy it at lunch. There is a 7-ELEVEN next to the venue, as well as cafes, so make good use of them.

Everyday foods worth trying in Taiwan include drink shops, instant noodles, breakfast shops, late-night food, bento, beef noodles, Yonghe soy milk, Taiwanese hot pot, mini hot pot, sauerkraut pork hot pot, barbecue restaurants, snacks, and dessert shops. Night markets are also a good way to experience snack culture.

Tap water in Taiwan is not recommended for direct drinking. You can buy bottled water at convenience stores or use water dispensers provided by the venue and accommodation.

Special Limitations on Food and Drinks

Taiwan has many food choices, but if you have religious, vegetarian, allergy, or special dietary needs, we recommend preparing Chinese explanations in advance so you can confirm with shops. If you need to bring special food, medicine, supplements, or drinks into Taiwan, also check Taiwan customs and quarantine regulations in advance.

Chinese sentences you can prepare:

  • 我吃素。（I am vegetarian.）
  • 我不吃牛肉。（I do not eat beef.）
  • 我不吃豬肉。（I do not eat pork.）
  • 我對花生過敏。（I am allergic to peanuts.）
  • 請問這道菜有海鮮嗎？（Does this dish contain seafood?）
  • 請問可以不要加辣嗎？（Can you make it not spicy?）
  • 我不想要加辣。（No spicy, please.）
  • 我不想要加香菜。（No cilantro, please.）
  • 我不想要加芹菜。（No celery, please.）

Language and Onsite Assistance

Traditional Chinese is the main written language in Taiwan. Daily spoken language is mainly Mandarin Chinese as used in Taiwan, and Taiwanese, Hakka, and Indigenous languages are also common. English communication is relatively convenient in Taipei and the capital region, especially in transportation, accommodation, tourism, and large event venues.

The main languages at COSCUP are Chinese and English. Some sessions or community activities may use other languages. If you need help, go to the information desk and ask staff, or ask session track hosts or community booth partners for assistance.

The information desk is located near the stairway on the 2nd floor. Onsite staff will have language stickers on their arms, so you can ask them directly for help.

Preparing for Overseas Community Exchange

We recommend that overseas communities prepare the following information and items:

  • English or bilingual community introduction.
  • Community contact information and QR Code.
  • English summaries for sessions, BoFs, or booth activities.
  • A list of community partners who can help translate or receive visitors.
  • Business cards, community stickers, or other small items that are easy to exchange.

COSCUP has a sticker exchange table onsite. You are welcome to bring community stickers to exchange, or place them on the sticker exchange table so other participants can take them freely.

You are also welcome to apply for Lightning Talk selection and use a short talk to introduce your community, activity, or project.

Useful Words and Phrases

Common daily phrases:

  • 你好 (nee-how). / Hello.
  • 謝謝 (shyeh-shyeh). / Thank you.
  • 不好意思 (boo-how ee-suh). / Excuse me.
  • 請問廁所在哪裡 (ching-wen tsuh-swo zai nah-lee)? / Where is the restroom?
  • 請問捷運站在哪裡 (ching-wen jie-yun zhan zai nah-lee)? / Where is the MRT station?
  • 請問可以幫我叫計程車嗎 (ching-wen kuh-yi bang wo jiao ji-cheng-che ma)? / Could you help me call a taxi?
  • 好，不用 (hao, bu yong). / No, thank you.
  • 我要一個這個 (wo yao yi ge zhe ge). / I want one of this.
  • 我要兩個這個 (wo yao liang ge zhe ge). / I want two of this.

When ordering food or shopping, you can point to the item and use "我要一個這個" or "我要兩個這個" to express the quantity.

Community conversation starters:

  • 你是第一次參加 COSCUP 嗎 (nee shi di yi ci can jia COSCUP ma)? / Is this your first time at COSCUP?
  • 你來自哪個社群 (nee lai zi na ge she qun)? / Which community are you from?
  • 你今天有推薦的議程嗎 (nee jin tian you tui jian de yi cheng ma)? / Do you recommend any Sessions today?
  • 你們的專案主要在做什麼 (nee men de zhuan an zhu yao zai zuo shen me)? / What does your project mainly do?
  • 我可以在哪裡找到你們的社群 (wo ke yi zai na li zhao dao nee men de she qun)? / Where can I find your community?

Travel in Taiwan

If you stay a few extra days before or after COSCUP, you can plan different types of travel in Taiwan.

Train trips are good for people who want to slowly see cities and coastlines. From Taipei, you can take Taiwan Railways to Yilan, Keelung, Jinguashi and Jiufen, Tamsui, and nearby areas. Alishan is also famous for its small train and railway bentos, but it is far from Taipei, so leave enough travel time.

Bike trips are suitable for people who enjoy outdoor activities. If you need to send clothing or supplies ahead, you can use convenience store-to-convenience store shipping. If you send before 17:00, delivery takes about 3 days on average. You can buy boxes at convenience stores for packing.

High Speed Rail trips are suitable for quickly visiting cities in western Taiwan. Taichung offers city walks, Shenji New Village, and nearby mountain towns. Tainan is known for historic sites, snacks, and historic districts. Kaohsiung has the harbor, Pier-2, Cijin, and southern Taiwan city scenery.

In Taipei city and nearby areas, consider Maokong, Longshan Temple, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, National Palace Museum, Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, Huashan 1914 Creative Park, Taipei 101 Observatory, Taipei Zoo, Tamsui, Ximending, Syntrend Creative Park, Guanghua Digital Plaza, and the computer market area.

If you want to hike, consider Yangmingshan or one of the many hiking trails inside Taipei. Yushan is Taiwan's highest mountain. We recommend planning it only after sufficient preparation, permit applications, and equipment.

Taipei nightlife and night markets are also worth experiencing. Taiwan is generally relatively safe day and night, but please still pay attention to personal belongings, traffic, and your surroundings.

If you need to work remotely, Taiwan has many cafes with power outlets, as well as many cafes friendly to digital nomads and remote workers. You can also get free information from the Taiwan Digital Nomad Association to plan cities and locations suitable for work.

For travel in Taiwan, a medium stay of about 2 weeks or a longer stay of about 1 month can both work well. We believe you will enjoy the rhythm of living and traveling in Taiwan.

We will leave the rest of Taiwan travel and food as your little homework. Ask people at COSCUP or the Welcome Party, and you will usually get more local, more varied, and much more interesting answers.

Souvenirs and Traditional Food Hint

As for choosing souvenirs and traditional foods, we also leave that for you to ask people directly at COSCUP or the Welcome Party. You will usually get more local recommendations that are closer to what people in Taiwan actually choose.

Regular Community Meetups

Besides COSCUP itself, Taiwan has many regular open source community meetups, technical gatherings, study groups, and workshops. You can refer to Fringe Events, or check the Open Source Community Promotion Directory. Even when the main language is Chinese, English communication is usually possible.

Taiwan also has many hackerspaces and maker spaces. Refer to:

City Tour

City Tour is suitable for people visiting Taiwan for the first time, people who want to understand Taipei's urban context before or after the event, or people who want more informal exchange with other overseas visitors and Taiwan community partners. If a City Tour is arranged for the year, confirm the registration method, meeting point, activity language, route length, and whether transportation or meals are self-paid in advance.

Local Contact for Emergency

If you encounter an emergency in Taiwan, you can use the following phone numbers:

  • Police: 110
  • Fire department or ambulance: 119
  • National Immigration Agency hotline for foreigners in Taiwan: 1990

If you feel unwell, lose important items, experience harassment, conflict, or need urgent help at the venue, please contact the information desk or onsite staff as soon as possible.

For emergency assistance from the COSCUP exchange team, send an email to coscupengt+105105@gmail.com. You do not need to write a polished message. Please send the information quickly:

  • Subject: Emergency Contact - [Your Name]
  • Who you are: the name you use at COSCUP.
  • When it happened.
  • Where it happened.
  • What happened.
  • How we can contact you.
  • If possible, what kind of help you need right now.

In most situations, you can ask people nearby for help in English or by using a translation app. If you do not have internet or phone access, you can prepare the Chinese note below and show it to someone nearby. The note asks them to help you communicate, send an email to COSCUP, and possibly bring you to a nearby convenience store or police station.

If someone brings you to a convenience store after reading the note, please stay there and wait. COSCUP will try to contact the convenience store after receiving the email.

After the Event

Overseas visitors can use the time before and after the event for community visits, BoFs, contributor gatherings, or exchange activities with Taiwan communities. If you want to publicly invite other participants to join an activity, watch the conference announcement channels.