2025 Local Information

SSLW 2025 will be held at Howard Civil Service International House in Taipei, Taiwan.

福華國際文教會館
Howard Civil Service International House
No. 30號, Section 3, Xinsheng S Rd, Da’an District
Taipei City, Taiwan 106 [map]

The map of key locations for SSLW

The conference venue is located near Da’an Park (大安森林公園), National Taiwan Normal University (國立台灣師範大學 aka 師大 Shi-Da), National Taiwan University (國立台灣大學 aka 台大 Tai-Da), and Shi-Da Night Market (師大夜市) and Yonkang Street (永康街).

The nearest MRT station is Taipower Building Station (台電大樓) on Songshan-Xindian Line (松山新店線—the Green Line).

The venue features a hotel, a cafeteria, and a Chinese restaurant as well as a convenience store where you can purchase some snack, instant noodles, rain gear, and some toiletries, including toothbrush. Other amenities include: ATM, coin laundry, pool tables, ping pong tables, a gym, and a swimming pool.

Due to Taipei City regulations, hotels are not permitted to provide disposable toiletries in guest rooms. Please remember to bring your own toothbrush and other personal items. Basic amenities such as soap, shampoo, and towels are typically provided.

Internet Access

  • Taipei offers free public Wi-Fi in many areas, including MRT stations and airports.
  • Some convenience stores and restaurants provide WiFi access.
  • Free Wi-Fi is available at the venue.

Arrival Information

Getting to Taipei

Airports. Taipei is served by two major airports:

Online Arrival Card. A few days before arrival, international visitors will need to submit Taiwan Arrival Card online. (If you forget, you can complete the form at the airport using Airport Free Wifi.)

Recommended Airport Transportation

From Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE): Take the MRT Airport Line (Express) from the airport to Taipei Main Station. Follow the underground path toward MRT Beimen Station (about 12-minute walk). Take MRT Songshan-Xindian Line (Green Line) for Xindian Station to Taipower Building. Walk to Howard Civil Service International House (about 13-minute walk). [Google Maps Directions]

From Songshan Airport (TSA): Take the MRT Brown Line (Wenhu Line) from Songshan Airport Station to Technology Building. Walk to Howard Civil Service International House (about 23-minute walk). [Google Maps Directions]

You can also take a bus from Taipei Songshang Airport to Wenzhou St. Intersection (Bus number 254 bound for Zhongzheng Huanhe Rd. Intersection) and walk from there (about 8-minute walk).

Local Transportation

Forms of Payment

EasyCard (a pre-paid transit card) at the airport MRT information desk. EasyCards are also available at convenience stores, and they can be recharged at MRT stations and convenience stores. A round trip MRT fare between TPE airport and the conference venue is about 400NTD.

Another option is FunPass, which can be purchased online and picked up at airport MRT information desks. If you are planning to use MRT and buses to get around, 5-Day Transportation Pass is available for 730NTD. If you are planning to do some sightseeing in Taipei, the Unlimited Pass includes access to MRT (but not busses) as well as admissions to various tourist attractions. Please note that the FunPass does not work on Airport MRT, and validity is counted by days (not hours).

Airport MRT has started accepting ApplePay, Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet this October. It also accepts QR code payments via Line Pay, AliPay, EasyWallet, iPass Money, iCash Pay, Jkopay, Taishin Pay, E.Sun Wallet, PxPay Plus and PlusPay. The new system is not yet available at some of the MRT lines, including the Green Line.

Public Transportation

Taipei has an efficient and affordable public transportation system, including the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), buses, and YouBike (bike-sharing system).

  • MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)
    • The closest stations to the venue are Taipower Building (Green Line) and Technology Building (Brown Line).
    • The MRT operates from 6:00 AM to midnight and is the best way to get around the city.
    • Every MRT stations provide a public restroom and public WiFi.
  • Taipei Bus System
    • The extensive bus network connects all parts of the city. Use the FunPass or EasyCard for quick and easy payment.
  • YouBike (Bicycle Sharing System)
    • Taipei’s YouBike system allows visitors to rent bicycles at various docking stations. You can rent and return bikes at different locations, and the first 30 minutes are free with an EasyCard.
  • Taxis & Ride-Sharing
    • Taxis are readily available and relatively affordable.
    • Uber operates in Taipei and can be used for cashless rides.
  • High Speed Rail (HSR)
    • If you are planning to take a side trip to Hsinchu, Taichung, Chiayi, Tainan, or Kaohsiung, you can take the High Speed Rail from Taipei Main Station. WiFi is available on HSR.
  • Taiwan Railway
    • If you are planning to visit Hualien and Taitung, you can take a train from Taipei Main Station.

Parking

Limited paid parking is available at the Howard Civil Service International House. Additional parking options are available at nearby public parking lots.

Dining Options

Some snack will be available during refreshment breaks, but no meals are provided at the conference, and outside food is not allowed at the venue. Here are some options on site and within walking distance of the conference venue.

At the Conference Venue

  • Breakfast: Garden Cafeteria (7:00-10:00).
  • Lunch: Garden Cafeteria (11:30-14:00); La Mode Cafe (11:30-14:00).
  • Afternoon Tea: La Mode Cafe (14:30-17:00).
  • Dinner: Garden Cafeteria (18:00-21:00); La Mode Cafe (17:30-21:00).
  • Convenience Store: There is a convenience store in the basement of Howard International House selling instant noodles and light snack (6:00-22:00).
  • Coffee Stand: Howard Café (6:00-21:00) in the basement serves Americano, latte, cappuccino, and black tea latte.
  • Boxed Lunch: The hotel may prepare some boxed lunch for sale at the venue. You can use the second floor classrooms to eat.
  • Vending Machine: There is a vending machine (coins only) for water and soft drinks in the basement near the convenience store.

Nearby Food Options

There are many small local restaurants along Taishun Street (泰順街), just a few blocks east of the conference venue.

Carrefour Market Taipei Xinsheng South Store is within 3-minute walk from the venue, selling a variety of food and drinks.

Taipei is known for its incredible food scene, including Michelin-starred restaurants, night markets, and casual eateries. Here are a few food areas near the venue:

  • Shida Night Market (師大夜市). A night market near National Taiwan Normal University, where you can enjoy Taiwanese street food like scallion pancakes, beef noodle soup, and bubble tea.
  • Yongkang Street (永康街). A walking street known for various local food restaurants.

Local Attractions

Cultural and Historical Sites

Nature and Outdoor Activities

  • Daan Park. Taipei’s largest urban park, just a short walk from the venue.
  • Elephant Mountain. A popular hiking spot offering panoramic views of Taipei 101.
  • Beitou Hot Springs. Natural hot spring baths in northern Taipei, perfect for relaxation.
  • Maokong Gondola. A scenic cable car ride from Taipei Zoo Station leading to tea plantations and mountain cafés.

Night Markets

Additional Information

Currency & Payments

  • The local currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD).
  • Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, UnionPay but not American Express) are widely accepted, but not at small vendors or night markets.
  • ApplePay, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet are also widely accepted at some convenience stores, chain restaurants and shops.
  • EasyCard can be used for payment at convenience stores as well as some restaurants and shops.
  • Currency can be exchanged at major banks. (Bring your passport.)
  • ATMs are available throughout the city.
  • Tipping is not customary in Taiwan.

Languages

  • Over 20 languages are actively spoken in Taiwan today.
  • The official language is Mandarin Chinese (國語 Guóyǔ).
  • The Development of National Language Act (2019) also recognizes indigenous Formosan languages and Taiwan sign language as national languages.
  • There are 16 officially recognized indigenous languages, including Amis (阿美語 Amîs), Atayal (泰雅語 Tàiyǎ), Paiwan (排灣語 Páiwān), Bunun (布農語 Bùnóng), and Rukai (魯凱語 Lǔkǎi).
  • Other major Sinitic languages include Taiwanese Hokkien (臺語 / 閩南語 Tâi-gí / Minnányǔ), and Hakka.
  • English is commonly spoken in hotels, major attractions, MRT stations, and university campuses.

Electricity

  • Taiwan uses 110V/60Hz power outlets (Type A), the same as the U.S.
  • Visitors from Europe and other regions may need plug adapters.

Drinking Water and Bathrooms

  • Hotels typically provide drinking water for guests. Although water in Taipei is treated, drinking tap water is not recommended, especially in older buildings.
  • Many buildings have old, narrow drainage pipes that clogs up easily. Do not flush toilet papers or other trash. Instead, use the trash bin provided.
  • Every MRT station has a public restroom.

Packing Suggestions

  • Taipei has a subtropical climate. Dress in comfortable, light-weight clothing. Quick-dry fabric is recommended.
  • Bring some rain gear such as an umbrella or a light windbraker. October marks the beginning of the dry season, but occasional showers are still possible.
  • Be sure to pack your toothbrush and other essential toiletries—under a Taipei City ordinance, hotels in the city do not provide toothbrushes or vanity kits. Soap, shampoo, and towels are generally available.
  • To help protect the environment, please consider bringing a reusable water bottle with you.