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General Information Venue
The Centre International de Conférences
Genève / CICG The CICG was built in the seventies to hold international conferences at the governmental level, of political, economic and technical nature, as well as private congresses of all types. Entirely renovated and enlarged during 2005, the CICG is equipped with a brand new entrance, a new and completely flexible polyvalent space. CICG
17, rue de Varembé
CH-1211 Geneva 20
Phone: +41 (0)22 791 91 11
Fax: +41 (0)22 791 90 64
Website: www.cicg.ch Airport Transportation and Airport Info Desk
Geneva International Airport is within 10 minutes of the city centre. A free transport ticket, valid throughout the "Tout Genève" zone of the Geneva public transport system/Unireso is made available to all arriving passengers. It can be obtained from the automatic distributor, located in the baggage claim area, just before going through customs. This ticket is valid for 80 minutes and is available only to arriving passengers. Participants are advised to go to the departure level where the buses are available.
If you prefer taking a taxi it will cost you between CHF 25.-- and 40.-- to go to your hotel depending on the traffic.
When cheeking-in at your hotel, you will receive a Geneva transport pass which allows you to use the Geneva Public Transport system during your stay at the hotel, free of charge.
A hostess will welcome you at the FIATA desk located in the arrival hall after the baggage claim and will help you with any information concerning Geneva. Banking
Regular banking hours in Switzerland are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. Visitors who wish to cash cheques or require other banking services are advised to check opening hours with the institutions.
Most banks have automatic teller machines, which can be accessed 24 hours a day. Climate
Between the Alps and the Jura, Geneva enjoys a temperate climate. The average temperature in September is 16° to 25° celsius. Do not forget to bring adequate clothing for cooler evenings. Credit Cards
Most major credit cards are accepted, but visitors are always advised to check with the vendor before a purchase is made. Cash machines with 24 hour access are available in many convenient locations throughout Geneva. Cuisine
With more than a thousand cafés and restaurants in the city, no one could possibly say Geneva lacks gastronomic choice. From popular Rues-Basses cafés with a variety of sea / lake fish to the traditional stone floored Old Town restaurants with a full range of Swiss and International cuisine, Geneva is definitively worth a culinary tour. Currency
All visitors are advised to use Swiss currency (CHF) when traveling within Switzerland. Visitors can exchange currency at Swiss chartered banks, trust companies, credit unions, or at offices of foreign exchange brokers. Some hotels, stores, restaurants and suppliers accept EURO or other foreign currencies at a pre-determined rate, which may differ from the daily rate posted by financial institutions.
Notes are in denominations of CHF 500, CHF 200, CHF 100, CHF 50, CHF 20, CHF 10
Coins are in denominations of CHF 5, CHF 2, CHF 1, CHF 0.50, CHF 0.20, CHF 0.10, CHF 0.05 Customs / Duty Free
The following items may be imported into Switzerland by persons over 17 years of age without incurring customs duty:
(a) Visitors from European countries:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco, 2 liters of alcohol (up to 15%) and 1 liter of alcohol (over 15%), Gifts up to a value of CHF 300.--.
(b) Visitors from non-European countries: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco, 2 liters of alcohol (up to 15%) and 1 liter of alcohol (over 15%), Gifts up to a value of CHF 300.--.
Prohibited Imports: most meat and processed meat, absinthe and narcotics are prohibited. There are strict regulations on importing animals and firearms.
For more information please click here. Disclaimer
The Organizing Committee will take all necessary measures and attempt to ensure that all items of the Congress mentioned in this Congress Brochure will take effect as scheduled. Nevertheless, the Organizing Committee reserves the right to make last minute changes should it be deemed necessary. Electricity
Electricity in Switzerland is 220 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. If you travel to Switzerland with a device that does not accept 220 Volts at 50 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter. Exhibition
The 2009 FIATA exhibition will be located on the ground floor of the CICG, in the multi-purpose area, featuring commercial displays of National and International Organizations and Media Publishers.
The registration desk and catering facilities will also be located on the ground floor.
The exhibition will be open as follows:
Tuesday, 22 September 2009 08:30 - 17:30
Wednesday, 23 September 2009 08.30 - 20:00
Thursday, 24 September 2009 08.30 - 12:00 Language
Switzerland has four official languages - French, German, Italian and Romansh. In Geneva, French is the predominant language. Geneva has, however, a mix of many multicultural groups. Because of this, the city is considered multilingual on an unofficial level. Many banks, hotels, airline offices, service institutions, shops and key tourist destinations have multi-lingual staff.
The official language of the congress is English.
Simultaneous translation in French, English and Russian will be available during plenary sessions. Official carrier
Swiss is the official carrier of the congress. Swiss International Air Lines is proud to be the Official Carrier of the "FIATA World Congress 2009" and is offering special congress fares to all participants.
These congress fares offer reductions of up to 25% depending on the fare type, route and space availability. Congress fares are valid for all flights to Switzerland on the entire SWISS network, including flights operated by partner airlines under the LX flight number.
These fares may now be booked for the travel period from 14 days prior to and 14 days after the FIATA World Congress 2009 ends.
To take advantage of this offer, book easily and conveniently through SWISS.COM via the appropriate link: Click here The special SWISS congress fare is marked with a "C". It may not necessarily be the lowest fare but it offers flexibility in the event of rebooking or cancellation.
SWISS looks forward to pampering you on board with typical Swiss hospitality. Official Forwarder for the congress
Somatra is the official forwarding agent of the congress SOMATRA
Route des jeunes 4
CH - 1227 Geneva
Email : gva@somatra.ch
Tel: +41 (0)22 827 38 38
www.somatra.ch Present in Geneva and Zurich, Somatra is of great importance on a worldwide scale with competence in many areas, but guarantees a personalized, flexible service. Onsite Registration / Registration desk
The registration desk will be open as follows:
Monday, 21 September 2009 08:30 - 18:30
Tuesday, 22 September 2009 08:30 - 18:00
Wednesday, 23 September 2009 08:30 - 20:00
Thursday, 24 September 2009 08:30 - 17:30
Friday 25, September 2009 08:20 - 12:30 Shopping
For sophisticated shopping for designer watches, clothes and furnishings, the old town is the place to go. For more individual and arty items head to Carouge. Large stores and cafés, restaurants, nightclubs, etc. are found in the centre of town and nearby. Traditionally, clocks and watches are the purchases to buy in Switzerland. The VAT rate in Switzerland is 7,6 % and is included in the sales price. All visitors residing outside Switzerland are entitled to claim back the VAT, if they spend more than CHF 400.-- in one shop in one day. The goods must be exported within 30 days after purchase date and the export must be confirmed by an official Swiss customs stamp. Time
Central European Time (Greenwich GMT+1).
Summertime: +1 (April to end of October). Tipping
Service is normally included in restaurant, hotel and taxi bills. Transportation - Roads
Attractions, shopping, outdoor activities - everything you want to do and see in Switzerland is easily accessible - within walking distance, a short drive, or convenient trip on our local transport system. There are unlimited transportation choices in getting to and around Geneva: bus, train, taxi, car or boat. Travel Insurance and Liability
A travel insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical problems is recommended.
FIATA and the Organizing Secretariat will not be held liable for illness, accidents or theft suffered by participants or accompanying persons during the Congress or their stay in Switzerland before or after the congress dates. Visa
There are different regulations governing entry into Switzerland (e.g. for tourists, employed persons, students or pensioners). Please check these before entry. Information can be obtained from Swiss representations abroad, at the Cantonal Migration Offices or at the Federal Office for Migration.
For information regarding visas and entry requirements for Switzerland, please call Immigration Switzerland at: Phone: +41 31 325 11 11, or Fax:+41 31 325 93 79 /+41 (0)31 322 21 11 (in Switzerland) or visit their website at http://www.bfm.admin.ch/bfm/de/home.html
Please note that the Organizers of the Congress cannot be held responsible if a country/government refuses the visa application for Switzerland. They are only able to issue an invitation letter if needed which must be requested at least 45 days in advance. The delegates have to apply in their country for the respective visa(s) for entering Switzerland. From outside Switzerland, please contact the nearest Swiss Embassy or Consulate in your region.
Delegates wishing to receive a letter of invitation can get it from the online registration service or should email FIATA2009@mci-group.com |
