General Information

Venue

The venue is  All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. It is popularly known to common man in Delhi as 'Medical'. Located in the heart of the city, it is well connected to the airport, railway station and bus stations.

Language

English is commonly used in all business transactions; however, the common spoken language is Hindi. Official language of the Conference will be English.

Letter of Invitation

 Individuals requiring an official Letter of Invitation in order to obtain a visa and authorization to attend the conference should contact the Conference Secretariat. . The letter of invitation does not financially obligate the conference organizers in any way. All expenses incurred in relation to the conference will be borne by the participant. 

Exhibits

Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, medical publishers, and patient services providers are invited to participate in the conference exhibition.

Visas

You would need a visa to enter India. Delegates from other countries should check visa requirements with the Indian embassy in their home countries.

Credit Cards

Most hotels, restaurants, and shops accept major credit cards; however, it is recommended that visitors also carry small amounts of cash in Indian currency at all times.

Climate

The climate of Delhi is hot and humid in the summers and cool in the winters. The average temperature ranges from 25°C to 46°C during summer and 2°C to 5°C during December. At the time of the conference, the temperature in Delhi will range from 2-7 °C. The days in Winters, though can be sunny, and you  are advised to carry your sunglasses along with you. 

Currency

The official currency of India is Indian Rupees. One Rupee consists of 100 Paise. Rupee currency notes come in the denomination of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000.Current exchange rate is US$ 1= Rs 39/-. 1 Euro = Rs 61/- ;
1 Pound = 77/-(Please check prevailing rates).

Banking and exchange facilities

Currency exchange facilities are available at the airports, banks and at all major hotels. Most banks are open from 10 PM AM to 4 PM from Monday to Friday and 10 AM to 2 PM on saturdays; however some banks offer extended banking hours. 24-hour ATMs are located in shopping centers and many neighborhood markets.  The Central Bank of India counter at Ashoka Hotel is open 24hrs as is Thomas Cook. It is advisable to bring currency in American Express or Thomas Cook Travelers cheques or to draw against your Visa, Amex or Master card.

Electricity

India has 220 volt current and uses 2/3-pin plugs. Plugs are a mixture of square, round three-pin and round two-pin; but the most common type is the UK-type three pin-plugs.  Adapters are generally available at all hotels.

Transport

Taxis are available at prepaid taxi counters on the airports and are also available on call 24 hrs. over the telephone. A/C Radio taxis may be called by dialing +91-11-43434343, +91-11-29232425. These taxis have a flat charge of Rs 15/- per Km. There are prepaid counters at the airport for travel to any part of the city.

From Domestic Airport: to the venue of the conference – Rs 200/ approximately (Non A/C prepaid taxi)

From International Airport: to the venue of the conference - Rs. 400/- approximately (Non A/C – prepaid taxi)

Public transportation via bus and metro-rail is efficient, relatively inexpensive and user-friendly. The system covers extensive areas of New Delhi with signage in English.

Airport: Customs

Those without any dutiable goods or high value articles or foreign exchange more than US $ 2500, or unaccompanied baggage, which needs to be declared, can walk through green Channel. All others need to pass through the Red Channel. Goods up to Rs.750 (Rs.6000 for persons of Indian origin) for personal use or as gifts are exempted from duty. Beyond the free baggage limit, the duty rate is 53% plus 2% special duty. 

Time Zone

India is 5 -½ hours ahead of GMT & 10-½ hours ahead of American Eastern Standard Time.

City Tours

There will be a travel desk to assist you with the city tours to guide you and provide you information. Several historical monuments like India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Lodi Garden, Bahai Temple, Birla Temple, are free of cost and some have an entry fee.

More Information:

You may visit the website of the Delhi Tourism for more information:

http://delhitourism.nic.in/index.aspx

Emergencies & Medical Care

To contact the police, fire department or medical response in an emergency, dial 100, 111, and 112 respectively. Emergency medical care will be supplied by the conference authorities. Venue and hotel staff members can direct guests to local emergency centres, hospitals or dental clinics. However, you are advised to carry your own prescription medicines with you.

Insurance

It is recommended that participants arrange personal health, accident and travel insurance. The Conference organizer will not accept liability for personal injury or loss of / damage to property or belongings of participants or accompanying persons, either before, during or following the conference, tours or their stay in India.

Some Do's and Don’ts:

•   One should keep a fair amount of the local currency, especially loose change with one while travelling through the city. This way one can avoid having to pay a bit extra at any point.
•   One should trust one's own judgement when it comes to shopping and should beware of touts and agents. Bargaining is often the norm here (except in the up-market areas, of course!), so it is a good idea to be aware of the prevailing rates before starting the actual shopping.
•   Beware of beggars and even mendicants or anybody who approaches you for alms or donations. Keep your wallets safe, as you would anywhere else.
•   It is a better idea to consume packaged drinking water during your stay (preferably Aquafina/Bisleri etc).
•   The key is to keep the most valuable things closest to you. You shouldn't remove the security belt when you're out and about, so that's where you'll keep you money, passport, tickets (unless you're about to use them), medical prescriptions, and the like.