Before arriving at IOI 2014, there are some important things we need to tell you. Please ensure all attendees from your country are aware of those too.

Visa

Some participants may be qualified for visa exemption to enter Taiwan, Republic of China. For those requiring a visa, visa application must be submitted to local Embassy/Overseas Mission of the Republic of China (ROC) office. Or if the participants qualified for Landing Visa, application must be submitted online, in which case, please inform the Organizing Committee to assist with the Landing Visa application. Please be aware that the application may take up to 45 days to process. Participants should plan ahead accordingly.

Check the Visa Classification and Application Details.

Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROC (Taiwan)

Currency

Foreign currencies can be exchanged at government-designated banks and hotels. Receipts are given when currency is exchanged, and must be presented in order to exchange unused NT dollars before departure.

For different currencies, please visit the Currency Converter at Currency Conversion 1 and Currency Conversion 2 .

Major credit cards such as American Express, Master Card, Visa, and Diners Club are accepted and traveler's checks may be cashed at foreign-exchange banks, some tourist-oriented businesses, and (by room guests) most international tourist hotels.

※For further information about New Taiwan Dollar notes, please visit the Central Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan) website.

Weather

July in Taiwan is hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and occasional typhoons. Average low and high temperatures are 26 °C (78 °F) and 28 °C (83 °F), but temperature often hits 35 °C (95 °F) during the day.

Check the weather on http://www.accuweather.com/en/tw/taipei-city/315078/weather-forecast/315078

Clothing

Bring summer clothes such as shorts, skirts, and T-shirts. Sunshine in Taiwan is very strong so bring sunglasses and sun block. Umbrella and mosquito repellant are also needed. If you plan to visiting mountainous areas, you need to bring a sweater.

One of the excursions will visit LihPao Land Water Park. In addition, there is a swimming pool in the hotel so anyone wishing to swim should bring suitable swimming gear. Nude bathing is not permitted.

Power Adapter

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Taiwan usually supply electricity at between 110 and 120 volts AC which are very similar to the electrical outlets found in the United States and Canada. If your appliance has a North American plug, it's possible that you won't need any adapter at all in order to plug in there. If your appliance is from another part of the world, and it is built only for 220-240 volt electricity, or a Japanese appliance built for 100 volts, then a travel plug adapter by itself won't be sufficient. The voltage will have to be changed from 110-120 volts at the socket, to whatever voltage your appliance requires.

Travel Insurance

We hope that no one requires medical attention while attending IOI 2014 but nevertheless we recommend you should be covered by travel insurance for medical situations, as you may find that medical bills are high. 

Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Publicity

The IOI may be recording, at its discretion, parts of the event for publicity purposes. By attending the IOI, you grant us permission to use, reproduce, and distribute (in full or in part) any photographs, videos taken of your team and/or sound recordings for publicity purposes or for educational use.

Regulations in Taiwan

Foreigners who are seeking for medical treatments in hospital are required to show their identification such as (original or photocopy) passport or Exit & Entry Permit.

Smoking Regulations: Smoking is prohibited in all public in-door areas, including hotels (also within the rooms), restaurants, and TICC (the competition site). Designated smoking areas will be clearly marked. IOI 2014 will not meet the cost of any such fines – they will be the personal responsibility of the guest. For further information see the Information Tables on arrival.

According to the Protection of Children and Youths Welfare and Rights Act in Taiwan, people under the age of 18 are prohibited from doing the following activities:

1. Smoke, drink, and chew betel nut.

2. Use drugs, illegal controlled medicines or other material that might damage their mental health.

3. Watch, read, listen to, or use media relating to violence, blood, sex or obscenity.

4. Go to the sites that involve gamble, sex and violence, etc. confirmed to damage their mental health.

Special Notes for the Contestants

Going Out

The student guides are instructed to report the where about of all the members for each team at 22:00 each night. Therefore, please inform your student guide if you are going out.

At the quarantine nights (7/14 and 7/16), the contestants are limited to stay in the hotel from 18:00 to 6:00 the next day.