General Congress Information
Congress Language
The official language of the 28th World Congress on Endourology & SWL is English.
Passport, Visa and Border-Crossing Information
At the time of writing, to enter the USA, a valid passport is required for citizens of all countries. Visas are required for residents of certain countries; please contact your local US Embassy, Consulate or High Commission Office for the specific requirements for your country of origin.
For more information, please refer to:
http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov
http://usembassy.state.gov/http://usembassy.state.gov/
Letter of Invitation for Visa Policy
An official Letter of Invitation to obtain a Visa and authorization to attend the 28th World Congress on Endourology & SWL will be issued ONLY after the Registration Form and full payment have been received.
Travel and Health Insurance
It is strongly recommended that participants take out insurance to cover loss incurred in case of cancellation, medical expenses and damage to or loss of personal effects. The organizers of the 28th World Congress on Endourology & SWL will not be responsible for any medical costs incurred by participants. The Organizing Committee will not accept liability for personal injuries or for loss or damage to property belonging to Conference participants, either during or as a result of the Conference or during any tours.
Destination Information
Chicago
Chicago looks great from every angle, whether you’re exploring the city’s astonishing architecture during a guided tour (on foot or aboard a Chicago River boat, lakeshore cruise or sightseeing bus) or you’re enjoying the birds-eye view from the 103rd floor of Skydeck Chicagoin the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) and the 94th floor Hancock Observatory. The city’s 29 miles of lakefront paths are just one reason Chicago is one of the world’s most walkable and beautiful cities.
You’ll find magic in such sparkling Chicago attractions as Navy Pier – the Midwest’s top tourist destination – and its boardwalk, 150-foot Ferris wheel, boat and segway tours, and countless dining or shopping options. Millennium Park offers dazzling music, art, landscape design and architecture – including the mammoth stainless-steel Cloud Gate sculpture – plus ice skating in the winter, splashing around in the interactive Crown Fountain during summer, and alfresco dining from spring to fall.
Chicago Weather
Though Chicago’s nickname is “The Windy City”, it is not significantly breezier than other American cities. Average wind speeds range from 8 mph (13 km/h) in late summer to 12 mph (19 km/h) in spring months. During the summer, expect moderately high humidity and occasional thunderstorms. Daily high temperatures in Chicago usually stay between 78°F and 92°F (26°C to 33°C).
Chicago Airport
Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD) is one of America's best-connected airports and for many years was the USA's busiest before Atlanta Airport took over the mantle.
Over 70 million people a year travel through Chicago O'Hare International Airport, voted "Best Airport in North America" in 2000 by international travelers surveyed in Business Traveler magazine.
Located 20 miles (32 kilometers) northwest of downtown Chicago, O'Hare International Airport provides excellent transport links to Chicago by public transport, hire car or shuttle service. ORD Chicago Airport currently has four terminals, equipped with extensive and modern facilities and services.
Chicago Time Zone
Chicago time zone (CST) is six hours earlier than Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Banks and Currency Exchange
1 USD $ = 100 cents
American banknotes (bills) are all the same size and the same colour. Bills come in denominations of 1, 2 (rare), 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars. Coins come in 1 (penny), 5 (nickel), 10 (dime), 25 (quarter) cent and 50 cent denominations; there is also a dollar coin.
Banks are generally open from 10:00 to 16:00, Monday through Friday. Visitors to the USA are encouraged to exchange funds for US dollars at San Francisco International Airport, at a bank or at a foreign currency exchange outlet where they will receive the prevailing rate. Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are found throughout San Francisco. International credit cards are accepted throughout the country and traveler cheques can be changed at banks, hotels, resorts and the airport. For up-to-date information, please refer to the Universal Currency Converter at: www.xe.com/ucc/.
Smoking
Smoking is banned in public places in Chicago. This includes all bars and restaurants. Smokers cannot smoke indoors, and must stay at least 15 feet away from entrances, exits and windows that open.
Taxes:
A 10.25% tax is applied to all non-perishable goods purchased. A 2% tax is applied to grocery items and drugs/medical supplies. An additional 1% tax applies to all food and beverage purchased in the downtown Chicago area. Hotel rooms are taxed at 15.4%.
Cell Phones and Electronics:
If you’re visiting Chicago from another country, you may need a special adapter (available at airports and electronics stores) to use your appliances with the 110 voltage in the U.S.
Tipping
Customary gratuity should be calculated at 15%, which is a base standard tip in most restaurants, bars and hotels. Other customary gratuities include: taxis 10%, hotel porters US$3 - US$5, and valet parking US$2.
Page last updated: October 2, 2009