General Information s35

General Information

Conference venue: Jerusalem, capital city of Israel, is the spiritual home of the worlds 3 major religions and is a centre for world culture, art, history and archaeology, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually by being ancient and modern, sacred and secular, vibrant and vigorous.

The Ramada Hotel is a 5-star hotel. Exceptional facilities, outstanding service and elegant accommodations characterize this Hotel. Featuring a selection of fine Restaurants, a Health Club with a large Indoor Pool plus large landscaped Outdoor Pool, Sauna and Steam Room. A Fitness Room with modern Exercise Equipment and a Tennis Court. Luxurious Guest Rooms and Suites with Safes, Mini Fridges and Cable Television. (from the hotel’s web-site).

Address: Ruppin Bridge at Herzel Blvd. Jerusalem, 91033 Israel Phone: 972-2-6599999 Fax: 972-2-6511824

Conference dates: July 6-9, 2011.

Language: The official language of the conference is English.

Visas: All visitors to Israel must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date they enter the country. For participants from most countries, a visa for Israel is not required; Participants are requested to consult the Israeli Embassy or Consulate in their home country or with their travel agency for specific details relating to visa requirements. It is the responsibility of the participant to obtain a visa if required.

Important note for tourists continuing from Israel on to Arab countries (except Egypt and Jordan): It is recommended that you request that an Israeli stamp does not appear on your passport. You must notify the clerk of your request before your documents are stamped.

Personal Insurance: Neither the local Organizing Committee nor the Conference Secretariat accept any liability for damages and / or losses of any kind which may be incurred by the conference participants or by any persons accompanying them, both during official activities and excursions. Participation in all tours and events is at one's own risk. Participants are advised to take out insurance against loss, accidents or damage that could be incurred during the conference.

Currency: The New Israeli Shekel (NIS) is the official national currency. All the major credit cards are accepted in Israel in places displaying the emblem at the entrance. Currency: updated for October 31, 2010

1 $ = 3.63 NIS 1 Euro = 5.02 NIS 100 Indian Rupees = 8.20 NIS 100 Korean Won = 0.32 NIS 100 Japanese Yen = 4.50 NIS

Airport Information and travel to Jerusalem: Israel has a convenient and reasonably priced public transportation system. Options for getting to and from Ben Gurion Airport include: Private Taxi, Shared Taxi and Egged Bus.

Parking: The Ramada Hotel Parking lot – Free of charge.

Climate: The weather in Jerusalem during July is warm. Average temperature: 19 –29 °C, 66-84 °F Don't forget to bring your

Dress Code: The conference dress code is business–casual.

Exhibition: A professional exhibition will run alongside the conference.

Congress Secretariat: Ofakim Travel and Tours Menachem Begin Rd. Tel-Aviv 67138 Tel: 972-3-7610801 Fax: 972—7610799 Mobile: 972-54-5405679 E-mail: [email protected]