International Organizing Committee
Scientific Organizing Committee
PASSPORT AND VISA
Foreign citizens who wish to stay in the United States temporarily—whether for tourism, business, study, or medical reasons—must generally have a visa issued by the U.S. Department of State.
Because travel requirements continually change, the ICIEM Organizers recommend that attendees contact their local embassy to ensure they have the proper documentation or visit the following websites that do contain up-to-date information on travel requirements:
LETTER OF INVITATION
On request, the Congress Organizer will furnish a letter of invitation to participate in the Congress. The Letter of Invitation is extended specifically to assist participants in obtaining travel funds or appropriate visas and does not imply any commitment on the part of the Organizer to provide financial support. Please contact ICIEM 2009 Congress Organizer (iciem2009@jrdaggett.com) to request a letter. The letter will be forwarded to you after your registration has been processed. Foreign attendees will need to apply for visas at least 3 to 4 months in advance, so the Congress Organizers recommend applying for visas as early as possible. Please check with your local U.S.
LIABILITY AND INSURANCE
The ICIEM Organizing Committee and the Congress Organizer shall not be held liable for personal accidents or losses or damage to private property of registered delegates of the Congress. Delegates should make their own arrangements with respect to personal insurance.
The 11th International Congress of Inborn Errors of Metabolism Organizing Committee and the Congress Organizer shall not be held liable for personal accidents, losses or damage to private property. Delegates should make their own arrangements with respect to personal insurance. It is strongly recommended that delegates take out adequate travel and health insurance before traveling.
CLIMATE
San Diego enjoys beautiful weather year round with an average daily temperature in September of 77° Fahrenheit/25° Celsius and sunny days. A marked feature of the climate is the wide variation in temperature within short distances due to the topography of the land. You can enjoy coastal, mountain and desert environments all in the space of one day. Evening temperatures may be cool and a jacket may be needed. Since low temperatures often prevail in hotels, a sweater or jacket is suggested for meeting sessions.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE AND BANKING
The U.S. Dollar is the currency used in the United States. Banks in the United States are open from 0930 - 1600 – Monday to Friday. Most banks are closed weekends and public holidays. Automatic Teller Machines are open 24 hours and are located throughout the city. Facilities for exchange of currency are available at the airport, larger hotels and banks.
TRAVELER'S CHECKS AND CREDIT CARDS
VISA, MasterCard, Diners Club, American Express and Traveler’s checks are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops, restaurants and nightclubs.
TIPPING
In the U.S. tipping is common and an expected practice to offer a tip on top of the bill in restaurants. Additionally common tipping guidelines for travelers is as follows:
Waiters/Waitresses: 15-20% of bill before tax (Some restaurants will add a service for a large group, so be sure to review the bill to make sure gratuity is not included.)
Airport Skycap: - $1-2 per bag
Taxi Drivers: 15% of total bill, no less than 25 cents
Hotel Bellman: $1 - $2 (when bags are brought up and down from your room)
Hotel Doorman: $1 - $2 (for hailing a cab)
Hotel Concierge: $2 - $20 (depending on the level of attention)
Hotel Room Service: 18% of the bill or at least $2 (not required if gratuity is included)
Hotel Housekeeper: $1 - $5 per night
ELECTRICITY
The electrical supply is 110-120V, 60Hz. The connection is a two-leg plug only.
SHOPPING
Shops and other sales outlets in the United States are generally open seven days per week.
CAR RENTAL
Cars can be rented in the United States from local or international companies. Average cost per day for a medium sized car is $50.00 USD. All cars are left-hand drive.
SECURITY
All tourists must consider the security measures that are recommended worldwide for their own tranquility and comfort. For example: the use of safety boxes in the hotel rooms to keep documents and valuables, be careful with video and photo cameras, carry the proper identification when boarding any kind of transportation, avoid going out alone, avoid taking walks at night, etc.
DISABILITY/SPECIAL NEEDS
If you require disability specific facilities or assistance please make note on the registration form and hotel reservation form where indicated.
VACCINATIONS
To find out about current U.S. Department of State travel warnings and public announcements, go to: http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_2796.html
TAXES
A tax to the purchase of both goods and services is common in the United States. Goods and services including hotel rooms, meals and other items may be subject to a city and/or state tax.
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