AMIA/IASA 2010: Travel information

Travel Information

VISA REQUIREMENTS
Visa requirements to visit the United States vary greatly country to country. Please check with the U.S. embassy in your country. For more information go to: http://travel.state.gov/visa/

THE HOTEL
The Loews Philadelphia Hotel will be the Headquarters Hotel for AMIA/IASA 2010, with sessions, workshops, registration and receptions taking place at the hotel.

The special IASA/AMIA rate is $159 per night (plus tax). Be sure to book your room online to be counted as part of the AMIA group. All sessions will take place in the hotel. Book before October 1 to assure yourself of the special IASA and AMIA rate.

ELECTRIC POWER
Electric power is standardized in all states across the USA. It is set at 110 Volts and 60 cycles. 220 Volt power is used in homes only for large appliances like stoves, water heaters and clothes dryers. It is not normally available for personal appliances. You may need an adaptor and power converter.

If you bring any electrical appliance to the USA, you may need an adaptor to fit the US electrical receptacles. You may also need a converter to change the voltage from 110 volts to 220 volts.
Most common appliances will function with either 50 or 60 cycle current. Electrical frequency can affect electric clocks, audio equipment and some other electronic gear. You should check your electrical equipment for compatibility with 60-cycle current before you bring it to the USA.
In most discount stores, you can purchase curling irons or hair dryers for $10 or less. It may be more convenient and even more economical to buy an inexpensive appliance that is fully compatible with US electrical power.

TIPPING FOR SERVICES
It is important to realize that for many professions, particularly waiters and waitresses, taxi drivers, porters and bellhops, tip income is half or more of the worker's total income. These people are paid very low salaries and depend on tip income. If in doubt, tip a little more than usual, especially if service was good or the person was friendly. It will always be appreciated.

Waiters or waitresses get at least 15% and often 20%. If you are served at a counter or bar tip 10%. Remember, in American restaurants, service is almost never included in the final bill, except sometimes for large groups. If an amount is added on, it is usually the amount of sales tax you owe on the bill, not the service charge.

Taxi drivers get 15%. Auto rental agency employees do not expect tips. Tip valet parking attendants at least a dollar or two.

Porters, skycaps and bellhops get $1.00 for the first bag or two, 50 cents each additional bag.
Hairdressers and barbers are tipped at least 15%. If a separate person washes your hair, tip a dollar or two. Shoe shine people should get a dollar.

At hotels, you may tip the maid a dollar or two a day if you stay more than one night. Tip room service waiters 15%. If the hotel concierge goes out of his or her way to help you, you may tip from $10 to $20.

TELEPHONES
Cell telephones and handheld devices are the best communication medium for most USA visitors. Many wireless networks in the US, are now equipped with GSM technology allowing international travelers with compatible devices to communicate with US networks. Your service provider should be able to explain that GSM telephones are classified as dual-band, tri-band, and quad-band. Tri- and quad-band are recommended to provide the best service in the USA. You can purchase pay-as-you-go cell phones for less than $20.