Letter of Invitation
The Congress will be pleased to send an official letter of invitation to any scientist making such a request. It is understood that such an invitation is intended to help potential attendees raise travel funds or obtain a visa. It is not a commitment on the part of the Congress to provide any financial support.


Language of the Congress
The language of the Scientific Program is English. There will be no simultaneous interpretation during the Conference.


Name Badges
All Congress registrants are required to wear their name badge in order to gain entry to the scientific sessions, the exhibition and social activities.


Urgent Messages
During the Congress it will be possible to leave urgent messages during the hours of operation of the Congress registration desk, and at other times at the hotel where the participant is staying.


Health Insurance
Visitors to Canada are NOT covered by the Canadian Health Insurance Plan. It is therefore recommended that participants arrange their own health and accident coverage. This can be done before leaving home through a local travel agent or medical association.


Liability
The Conference fees DO NOT include provisions for the insurance of participants against personal injuries, sickness, theft or property damage. This also applies to any event held during the Conference period. Participants and accompanying persons are advised to arrange for insurance they consider necessary. Neither the Conference Organizing Committee, nor its sponsors or committee members assume any responsibility for loss, injury or damage to persons or belongings, whatever the cause may be.


Audio-Visual Equipment
All Symposium rooms will be equipped with the following:

• 1 large screen
• 1 LCD projector
• 1 laptop computer (PC) with CD player
• 1 podium microphone
• 1 wireless microphone
• 1 laser pointer

Passports and Visas
Participants are strongly advised to determine which requirements apply to them with respect to entering Canada. For information please consult your nearest Canadian Embassy, High Commission, Consulate, Customs Agent or your travel agent. Information can also be found on the web at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/index.html.


Public Transit
The Congress venue and hotels are in downtown St. John's. St. John's International Airport is located 5km/3miles SE. Taxis are available from the airport to downtown at a cost of approximately $17.00 -$20.00 CAN. Unfortunately, there is no airport shuttle service available in St. John's.


Foreign Exchange and Banking
Travellers' cheques can be cashed at numerous banks and stores (with purchases). There are numerous ATM Bank Machines in downtown St. John's, on the University campus, and one in the Fairmont Hotel Newfoundland. Banks are generally closed on Saturdays and Sundays in Canada.


Taxes
In Newfoundland there is a 15% Harmonized Sales Tax (which includes a 7% Good and Services Tax) that is charged on most goods and services sold or provided in Newfoundland. Foreign visitors to Canada can apply for a rebate on the Good and Services Tax (GST) that is paid on accommodation (up to 30 nights per visit), and on goods purchased in Canada and exported within 60 days of the purchase. They can apply for GST refunds only after they return to their own country. Rebate forms will be available at the hotel.
For more information please visit the Canadian Government page with details on tax rebates for visitors at www.cra-arc.gc.ca/visitors.


Weather and Clothing
During the month of July the weather is quite nice in St. John's. The average high is 21ºC (70ºF) and the average low is 11ºC (52ºF). Please be sure to bring along a sweater or a jacket as the nights can be cool.


Electrical
Electricity in the rooms, congress venue, and other locations is 120 V. You will need to bring a converter for the electrical devices (e.g. computers, elecvtric razors etc.) if these devices require 220/240V.