13th EARC in TAIWAN INFO PACK # 5 (For Other Nationalities)

13th EAST ASIA REGIONAL CONFERENCE INFO PACK #5 (For Other Nationalities)

Dear bros and sisters from other nations,

We are so pleased to know that we have participants from other nations on our Taiwan conference. We also celebrate your inclusion to our Access 2 Mission Training.. The four Info Packs that we released would be useful as you navigate your way to and in TAIWAN for the conference. However, we do recognize that it is lacking in the areas that could fully address the needs of those coming from other countries. So, we will try to cover those at this Info Pack, specially designed for non-Filipino nationals.

Here are some useful info …

A. ENTRY VISAS to TAIWAN: We leave it up to each foreign nationals to determine Taiwan entry visa requirements for visiting foreigners from their country. For Filipinos, the Taiwanese government have extended the visa free privilege this year which means they can just enter Taiwan simply with a Philippine passport at hand. . Formal invitation documents coming from International Teams Phils detailing the event will be sent to you should you request for one.

B. LANGUAGE TRANSLATIONS

1. Language: We could only provide English translations of Tagalog (Filipino) messages. The translators will only be able to provide the gist, or the substance /essence of the message being conveyed and not a word for word translation. The translators will not be standing up on the stage with the speakers. They will be at the back row portion of the hall and will speak thru a wireless translation equipment to talk to the non- Tagalog/Filipino participants.

2. Translators: We have a team of missionaries who are assigned to take turns in providing the translation service. The lead translator is: Nicole Aguinalde. She will be assisted by the following: Shirley Ramirez, Edith Sison, and Juliet Brines.

3. Designated Area: The last row at the back will seat all foreign nationals who will need translation service, since it will be the closest to the translator and will offer less audio signal distortion. Headphones and receiving devices will be entrusted to each one and must be returned immediately to the translator after use. Our wireless transmitters are limited and we can only serve 12 individuals at a time.

C. INVITATIONS & OTHER DOCUMENTS for IMMIGRATION USE:

A set of documents for immigration purposes will be supplied to all participants - Filipinos and other nationalities.. For the foreign nationals, our conference organizers will provide the documents to the email address that you'll provide. The Filipino participants will be given instructions on how they would receive their set of documents. If you have not received the documents at least 3 days before your departure, please contact Kathy Merencillo at her FB Messenger.

D. ACCOMMODATIONS: The registration fee does not include hotel accommodations. Please read the INFO PACKS for more information on the various accommodation options while in Taiwan. Please be sure to have a definite hotel booking upon arrival for a worry-free stay in Taipei.

E. VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS: We have provided a thorough explanation on the most recent TAIWAN Covid requirements and protocol for travelers to Taiwan. Please check Info Pack # 1 on the subject matter. We believe that the same protocols and requirements apply to all nationalities.

F. POST CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES There will be meetings and side huddles on the conference to discuss plans on what to do after the conference. Many will proceed to Christ College Taipei for their Access 2 training. The rest will have an option to enjoy everything Taipei city has to offer or travel to the many beautiful go to places outside of the main city. Please feel free to mingle and fellowship with your fellow missionaries and take part in their planned activities. You will always be a welcome addition to any group. We are all brothers and sisters in the faith!

G. CURRENCY EXCHANGE: We advise that you have your local currency changed to NEW TAIWAN DOLLAR (NTD) as soon as you set foot in the Taipei Songshan airport. You will be needing the NTD when you travel to your initial destination in Taipei. There are many Currencies Exchange counters all over the airport. Not all of them accept all type of currencies though. They would normally have the list of currencies that they could change to NTD and the prevailing rates as well, on the board facing the travelers. ATM Machines are also everywhere. If your DEBIT cards have the international service providers logo like Mastercard, Plus, Maestro and Cirrus at the back of your card, then most likely you will be able to make withdrawals easily. The ATM machine will bring out NTD equivalent to the money withdrawn. Credit cards are widely accepted even by taxi’s.

H. MORE CONFERENCE INFO … please go to the MISSION BLOGS page on our website and look for the Seminars and Conferences section. You will find there all the INFO PACKS (1-4) providing information source on everything related to the conference. Read them, print the documents, and bring them with you as your travel reference and guide while in Taiwan.

We are looking forward to getting to know you more and serve alongside you in the mission field. The event would be a wonderful place for us to chat, fellowship, pray and even plan for what could be our future mission ministry together as International Teams missionaries.

Looking forward to seeing you in Taiwan,

Ptr Gani Sion