General Information

Entry Formalities

All foreign visitors to Mexico must possess a passport valid for at least the next six months. Participants requiring a visa should apply in advance at Mexican consular offices or diplomatic missions in their respective countries to avoid delays when travelling to the Congress. Invitation letters for visa purposes can only be issued to participants who have completed the registration process and paid the registration fee.

Electricity

Mexico uses a 110 V, 60 Hz system. Plugs have flat pins like those used in the USA. European electronic devices require voltage converters.

Currency

The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso = Peso mexicano (MXN = $ or Mex$), which is subdivided into 100 centavos (¢). International credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and shops. Exchange offices and ATM machines are prevalent throughout the city and at the airport. You can find the official exchange rates on the Bank of Mexico website.

Climate

Cell Phones

Participants are kindly requested to turn off or switch their cell phones to silent mode in the meeting rooms where scientific sessions are held.

No-smoking

Smoking in the WAS 2019 area is not allowed.

Language

The official language in Mexico is Spanish. Even though at all the hotels, shops and restaurants English is usually spoken, we include a few basic Spanish words and sentences that can be useful during your stay in Mexico. The official language of the WAS 2019 is English. Translation services will not be provided.

Shopping

Most shops in Mexico City are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday till Saturday. Smaller stores often close between 14:00 – 16:00 during the lunch break. Shops in the city centre and some comercial centres are usually open from 9 a.m. to 8 or 9 p.m., Monday till Sunday.

Tipping

Tipping at restaurants, bars and cafes is at least ten percent of the total bill. If the service was very good, fifteen percent is usual. Some restaurants or bars include the tip in the final bill, so be careful not to overpay. Not tipping is frowned upon.

Important Phone Numbers

911 – National Emergency- general number for emergency services (fire, ambulance, police).

Insurance

The organizers can accept no liability for personal injuries or for loss or damage to property belonging to the Congress participants, either during or as a result of the event. Participants are advised to take out proper travel and health insurance before departing from their home country.

Recommendations for your security

You should not have any problems in Mexico City if you follow these instructions.

• Avoid dressing extravagantly; jewellery should not be worn visibly on the street.
• Watch your wallet at all times, especially in public transport.
• Keep all your valuables and documents in a safe.
• Carry just the amount of money you actually need.
• Carry a copy of your ID or passport.
• Avoid dark and isolated places.
• Use official taxis only.

Time Zone

Mexico City is on CDT (Central Daylight Time), which is 5 hours behind UTC (Coordinated Universal Time).