AIR TRAVEL
Philadelphia International Airport has direct, nonstop flights from most cities in the United States. There are direct, nonstop flights from major European gateways (such as London, Frankfurt, Paris). Philadelphia’s airport is 12 miles from Center City, about a 15 minute taxi ride. Compared to some airports in the United States, the immigration and customs process at Philadelphia is relatively straightforward and not too time consuming. For more information on international carriers and airfares visit the following link www.phl.org.
We encourage those flying into the United States from Asia to enter via Los Angeles, San Francisco or Chicago and then transfer to a nonstop flight to Philadelphia.
Those flying from Europe are strongly encourage to enter the United States at Philadelphia. Be aware that those arriving at New York JFK, Newark or Washington Dulles airports may find it quite time consuming and difficult to go the last 100 miles (160 kms) of their journey. These airports are quite close to Philadelphia, and as such, there are very few (or no) connecting flights to Philadelphia. Generally travelers take ground transportation to Philadelphia, for instance, chauffeured cars. Please note that New York JFK airport is on Long Island and one must go from the airport into midtown Manhattan to get a train to Philadelphia. Likewise, those arriving at Washington Dulles (in the Virginia suburbs) must get into downtown Washington to take the train. Newark Airport and Baltimore-Washington Airport are on the main train line.
TRANSPORTATION/TRAINS
Philadelphia is located on the “Northeast Corridor” of the rail system, Amtrak. It is very easy to get to Center City Philadelphia from midtown Manhattan (New York City) or downtown Washington, D.C. by taking the train. For schedules, consult www.amtrak.com (the stop for Philadelphia is “30th Street Station” which is 1.5 miles / 2 kms from the congress venue).
VISAS
Travelers to the USA need a valid passport or similar certificate of identification. For more information visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1265.html
CLIMATE
Summer weather in Philadelphia, June through September is hot and humid with July and August being the hottest months of the year, when daytime temperatures may reach 29 C/85 F. http://www.weather.com/weather/today/Philadelphia+PA+USPA1276
CURRENCY
The US dollar is the currency (a decimal currency, units are dollars and cents). Consult a website such as http://www.xe.com/ for the current exchange rates. It can be difficult to change foreign currency into American dollars in Philadelphia (except at the airport). You are strongly advised to take a major credit card (such as Visa or MasterCard). ATM machines are widely available. Consult your bank regarding currency exchange fees that will be charged.
INSURANCE
Strongly recommend that you take out insurance policies to cover medical and travel expenses. If necessary consult your travel agent.
GST/VAT/SALES TAX
Prices in the USA are usually quoted exclusive of sales tax. The rate applied and items covered vary by local jurisdiction. In Philadelphia, sales tax is 8 percent. However, there are certain exemptions (e.g., there is no sales tax on clothing).
TIME
Philadelphia is 6 hours from Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). In summer, Philadelphia is 5 hours behind London and 6 hours behind continental Europe. Philadelphia is in the eastern time zone for the USA, and in summer, is on Eastern Daylight Time.
Note: Philadelphia is on the time zone as New York City, and generally its weather is almost exactly the same. www.timeanddate.com
TIPPING
Info to follow
USEFUL RELATED LINKS
Info to follow
