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General Information
Visitors to Hong Kong must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months after the planned departure date from Hong Kong. Nationals of most countries are not required to obtain visas and can stay for periods varying from 7 to 180 days, depending on nationality. Please check with any Chinese embassy or consulate for the latest status.
Applications for visas can be made at Chinese Embassies or Consulates in major cities around the world. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU APPLY FOR YOUR VISA WELL IN ADVANCE OF YOUR DEPARTURE DATE (3 months in advance is recommended).
The Congress Secretariat will be pleased to send an official letter of invitation upon request. It is understood that such an invitation is intended to help potential delegates raise travel funds or obtain a visa. It is not a commitment on the part of the Organizing Committee to provide any financial support. ISPCAN may require additional information from you before issuing a letter of invitation. The decision to issue an invitation letter is at the discretion of ISPCAN. Invitation letters must be requested prior to August 1, 2008. The Congress Secretariat will email, fax and post invitation via the standard mail service. Any express mail requests will require payment of US$40.
Delegates wishing to receive accreditation for attending the Congress should mark their selection on Section C of the registration form.
The Hong Kong Dollar ($) is the official currency of the Hong Kong. Foreign currency can be exchanged at the airports, hotels, banks or exchange offices. The exchange rate at the time of printing is US$1.00 = HK$7.8 (update by using the currency converter at www.xe.com). The most commonly used international credit cards in Hong Kong are VISA, MasterCard and American Express.
Major banks are open from 9am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 12:30pm on Saturday closing on Sundays and public holidays. Some banks and branches are open slightly longer hours. Some banking services are not available an hour before closing.
Smart casual attire for all Congress sessions. Traditional/cultural dress is encouraged for the Gala Dinner on Tuesday night, 9 September.
The standard electrical voltage in HK is 220 volts AC, 50HZ, so you will need an adaptor for your 100-volt appliances and electrical equipment. The majority of electrical outlets in Hong Kong take a three-pronged plug. You can buy an inexpensive adaptor for your equipment when you arrive in Hong Kong.
Most hotels have Internet access. You can also access the Internet for free at many coffee shops, large shopping malls, major MTR stations and public libraries in town. For people bringing their laptops to Hong Kong, Wireless Broadband service is common at major shopping malls and coffee shops.
If you use a modem, note that the BT system used in Hong Kong will gradually be replaced by the RJ system. If you are still using the BT plug, you can buy a BT–RJ adaptor in Hong Kong to solve the connection problem.
Internet is tentatively planned for delegates at the Exhibition Hall of the Convention Center at additional charge.
English will be the official language of the Congress. Simultaneous interpretation of all plenary sessions and some concurrent sessions into Chinese (Putonghua) will be available.
Delegates are requested to use mobile phones with consideration for others and to ensure that these are switched off during all sessions/social events.
All delegates should be aware that there may be members of the media attending the Congress. Only those specifically delegated can speak on behalf of ISPCAN or ACA. All access to the Congress by members of the media must be agreed in advance with the Press Officer. All journalists will be issued media badges which must be worn. For further information please contact aca@aca.org.hk or congress2008@ispcan.org.
The wearing of identification badges is mandatory and will be required for admission to all sessions, the exhibition and social functions included in the registration fee.
Hong Kong is so compact that getting around is quick and
easy. An efficient public transport system – networks of
urban underground trains (MTR or Mass Transit Railway)
and railways (KCR or Kowloon Canton Railway),
numerous routes of trams, buses and ferries – enable
visitors to explore Hong Kong conveniently and safely on
their own.
Tourist MTR 1-Day Pass is tailored for tourist travel around
Hong Kong. Tourists can have any one day of unlimited
rides on the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) (except the
Airport Express Line) within the ticket validity period.
Airport Express Tourist Octopus "3-Day Hong Kong
Transport Pass" is widely accepted by all major
transportation services in Hong Kong. The pass not
only takes you to/from the airport; it also allows you
to travel within the city.
For more information, please visit the Travel Information page.
Limited scholarships will be awarded to Developing Country (DC) scholars. The deadline for applications will be 15 April 2008. Priority will be given to professionals in nearby regions.
For more information, please visit the Scholarship page or write to: development@ispcan.org.
Smoking is prohibited in most enclosed public places, including restaurants, karaokes, malls and some bars as well as some outdoor areas (public beaches and swimming pools, transport interchanges and outside escalators, etc).
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center is a smokefree venue. No smoking will be permitted within any of the venues and public circulation areas.
Any special requirements: dietary, access, accommodation, etc should be noted at the time of booking.
Hong Kong is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
Most restaurants will levy a 10% service charge, but waiters will expect to be given some loose change. Restaurants that don't add a service charge will expect a 10% tip. However, tipping is left to your discretion. Bellboys, porters, restroom attendants and taxi drivers will happily accept loose change.
From late May to mid-September temperatures usually
range from 26ºC to 33ºC (79ºF to 91ºF). Short sleeves and
cotton outfits are best, with a lightweight sweater for airconditioned
restaurants.
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