www.ga2009.org - ABOUT GENEVA

ABOUT GENEVA

The Congress will be held at the International Conference Centre Geneva (CICG), 17 Rue de Varembé, 1211 Geneva from 16th to 20th August 2009 (access map)

The CICG is easily accessible from the airport and the main railway station. Downtown can be reached in 15 minutes by bus.

Situated between lake and mountains, Geneva offers all the advantages of a small city combined with the facilities and services usually found in a much larger metropolis.

The city, best-known throughout the world as the headquarters of the European seat of the United Nations and the International Red Cross, attracts thousands of people each year for meetings, conferences and exhibitions.

Do not miss to take a stroll through the Old Town and visit Geneva’s exquisite parks on each side of the lake (parc Mon Repos and parc des Eaux-Vives, parc de la Grange).

Influenza A (H1N1) : Advice for participant to the GA2009 Symposium

Altitude
374 m (1,227 ft) above sea level

Climate
Average temperature in summer is 23°C (73°F)

Currency & Euro
Average rate: € 1 = CHF 1.50
The exchange rate for the Euro and the Swiss Franc is not officially fixed and is subject to daily market fluctuations. Conversion rate is available at bureaux de change, banks and in newspapers.

Electricity
Voltage 220 volts

Languages
Official language: French. Other languages spoken: English and German

Population
City and Canton: 427,705 inhabitants. City of Geneva: 182,560 inhabitants

Public Transports
A pass for the whole TPG (Transport Publiques Genevois) bus/tram network (including some boats) will be provided for the duration of the congress upon check-in at your hotel.
Website TPG : http://www.tpg.ch
Click here for a map of Geneva with street index.

On your arrival at Geneva International Airport, you can pick up a free ticket for public transport from the machine in the baggage collection area at the arrival level. This ticket allows you to use public transport in Geneva free for a period of 80 minutes.

Tipping
Prices in hotels, restaurants, taxi fares etc. include taxes and service. However, tipping is widespread and generally appreciated.

Link : Geneva Restaurant Guide

Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required to enter Switzerland.

Visas
Please check visa requirements with the local Swiss Embassy. Since December 2008, visitors can enter Switzerland with a Schengen visa. Travellers requiring a visa to enter Switzerland should ensure that it entitles them to re-enter after having visited nearby countries. A valid passport is essential for excursions to France and Italy; certain nationalities will need to apply for a Visa before they travel to those countries.

Link : Swiss Embassies in the world

Geneva Tourism
For further information about Geneva, please see: http://www.geneve-tourisme.ch/