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Important Local Information
About Geneva
Geneva is magnificently situated on the banks of the largest lake in central Europe, at the foot of the Jura mountains. At the gates of the Alps, Geneva has all that is needed to charm you. Allow yourself to be tempted. You will not regret it.
The smallest of the big capitals. The town, whose rich past still comes to life today, is the true international capital and can offer visitors a great number of different aspects. These include its humanitarian commitment, its varied cultural activities, its major congresses and exhibitions and its renowned cuisine, beautiful countryside and opportunities for many different excursions. The beauty of the site, the close proximity, a prestigious Alpine region and its privileged location along the main axes of the West, make Geneva naturally one of the largest European centres of tourism.
Switzerland has one of the lowest crime rates of all industrialized countries. But it is always wise to keep an eye on wallets and luggage in busy areas. Drinking and eating-out is hygienic and the tap water is safe. Immunization for contagious diseases is only required if the traveler has been in an infected area within 14 days preceding arrival in Switzerland. Personal travel insurance is strongly recommended, including coverage of personal accident, sickness, loss or damage to luggage and personal effects and cancellation charges.
For more details on Geneva and available tours, visit www.geneve-tourisme.ch
Address of Congress Venue
CICG Geneva
17 rue de Varembé
CH-1211 Geneva 20
Switzerland
Map: http://www.ville-ge.ch/en/cartes/index.htm
Airport
Geneva International Airport www.gva.ch
Airport Transfers
GenevaInternational Airport offers you a free ticket into town, valid throughout the “Tout Genève” zone of the Geneva Public Transport system / unireso. You can get your free ticket from the automatic distributor, located in the baggage claim area, just before going through customs. It is valid for 80 minutes and is available for arriving passengers only. Bus line number 5 will take you directly to the InterContinental Hotel or the CICG.
To return to the airport, you may use your public transportation pass that was provided by the hotel. You alternative ways of transportation are taxis and limousines.
Car Rental
The car rental desks in Swiss sector are situated at the arrival level. All cars are left-hand steering.
Taxi
Taxis in Geneva can be ordered by phone, hailed in the street or found at about 60 authorised taxi ranks in town, airport and main station.
Fares between airport and city range from about CHF 30.- to CHF 35.- and depend on traffic conditions, time of day and number of passengers. Presently, the fare within Geneva, including airport, is the amount shown on the taximeter.
The driver will request a small extra charge for luggage. Tip and VAT are included.
Basic charge: CHF 6.30 + kilometre CHF 3.20
Kilometre:
• Out of canton: CHF 3.80
• Nights, Sundays, public holidays: CHF 3.80
• 4 or more passengers: CHF 3.80
Waiting time, per hour: CHF 60.-
Luggage/animal: CHF 1.50
Certificate of Attendance
Certificates of attendance will be issued with the registration and information package upon arrival at the meeting. CME accreditation will also be available.
Climate & Clothing
In spring the daytime temperature range is 8 to 15 °C (46° - 59° F). Depending on the altitude the temperature range may vary. It is highly recommended to visitors to pack a sweater, good walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a compact umbrella and/or a light rain coat.
Currency
Please note that Switzerland remains with the Swiss franc, usually indicated as CHF. While Switzerland is not part of the European Union and thus is not obliged to convert to the Euro, many prices are nonetheless indicated in euros so that visitors may compare prices. Merchants may accept euros but are not obliged to do so. Change given back to the client will most likely be in Swiss francs.
The Swiss franc comes in the following denominations:
Coins: 5, 10, 20, 50 Cents and 1, 2, 5 Francs
Bank notes: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 1000 Francs.
(CHF1 = approximately USD 0,65 and CAD 1)
Most hotels, restaurants and shops accept major credit cards. It is recommended to have a small amount of cash on hand upon arrival in Switzerland for immediate expenses, i.e. taxies, city transportation etc.
Disclaimer
The program is correct at the time of publishing, but the organizers reserve the right to alter the program if and as is deemed necessary.
Electricity
The current used throughout Switzerland is 230 Volts (AC), 50 cycles. Most power sockets are designed for three pin round plugs. The standard continental type plug with two round pins, applied for many electrical travel products, may be used without problems. Adaptors are available in most hotels.
Languages
The official language of the Conference will be English. The languge most frequently spoken in Geneva is French. However, you should have no problem conversing in English.
Liability
The Organizing Committee and/or Congress Organizer shall not be held liable for personal accidents or losses or damage to private property of registered participants of the Congress. Participants should make their own arrangements with respect to personal insurance.
Passports & Visa
Every traveler must have a valid passport. Visas are required for a continuous stay of more than three months. If your stay is shorter than three months you only need to bring your valid passport with you. This applies to citizens of the following countries: countries of the American Continent (except Belize, Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Peru), Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
For information on visa, permanent residence as well as on work permits and business matters, please contact the Swiss Consulate General located nearest you.
Restaurants
Geneva is Switzerland's cuisine capital. The food is excellent, varied and international. Swiss specialties like fondue and raclette (another melted cheese dish, served with potatoes and meats) are widely available. Perch is popular, but beware - a lot comes from Estonia and other wet spots in Eastern Europe.
It is worth making a trip to Carouge, Southwest of Geneva, where small quaint restaurant serve interesting cuisine.
Click here for restaurant listings.
Taxes
The VAT you pay on purchased goods in Switzerland is 7.6%. You may ask at the shops for your Global Refund Cheque and reclaim the VAT. The total purchases in a shop must amount to CHF 400.00 (including VAT). The tourist must be resident outside Switzerland and the goods must be exported within 30 days.
3 easy steps to claiming your refund in Switzerland:
- In the store:
Your total purchases in a shop must amount to CHF 400.00 (Including VAT). You must be a resident outside Switzerland and the goods must be exported within 30 days.
- Through customs:
When leaving Switzerland the Tax-free Shopping Cheques have to be stamped by Swiss customs authorities after they have seen the goods.
- Collecting the refund:
You have several choices: immediate cash at a Cash Refund Office, direct crediting to a chosen credit card or bank account, a bank check and even, for certain countries, a cash refund when you return home.
Telecommunications
Before setting off, check that your mobile is activated for telephoning abroad. Your provider will give you information on this. You may need an adapter to recharge your mobile in Switzerland. Travellers from USA and Japan: Phoning in Switzerland requires a triband device that works on both American and European networks.
Tipping
A service charge is included in all hotel, restaurant, café, bar, taxi and hairdressing services by law: further gratuities are not usually required.
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