Visa Requirements

It is recommended that ALL ISOCARP Congress Participants apply for a TOURIST VISA.
When applying you have to submit:
•    application form and passport photo
•    confirmation of flight booking
•    confirmation of hotel booking issued by the hotel itself.
Please check in your respective country whether this is indeed all you need, as some countries might have special demands. http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/links/Chinese_embassies.html



Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony will be held in Wuhan Qintai Grand Theater, Hubei Province, in the morning of 25 October 2011 (Tuesday).

Badges – Identity document
During the Congress (including the technical tours and the related social activities) participants must wear the Congress badge. Otherwise they will not be admitted.  

Official language
The ISOCARP official language is English. Simultaneous translation into Chinese will be provided.

Welcome reception
All participants will be invited to take part in the welcome reception held by the Municipal Government on 24 October 2011 (Monday).

Meals
During the Congress breakfast (in hotel), lunch and refreshments (breaks) will be provided for congress participants. 

Awards Dinner
Wednesday, 26 October. Registration necessary.

Farewell Banquet
The farewell banquet will be held on 28 October 2011 (Friday). All congress participants are welcome, however, for logistic reasons, registration is necessary. Invitation cards will be in the congress bag.

Closing Ceremony
The closing ceremony will take place on 28 October 2011 (Friday).

Press Center
The media will obtain the latest news before the 47th International Planning Congress or during the Congress. The press center is located inside the Congress venues. All reporters can participate and report on the congress, but have to show their certificates.

Exhibition
The exhibition will be held from 25 October (Tuesday) to 28 October 2011 (Friday).

Insurance
It is suggested that all participants contact the insurance company by themselves in order to ensure coverage. Neither ISOCARP nor the organisers will be responsible for injuries, loss of luggage and/or personal belongings.

Health
During the Congress there are ambulances and accompanying doctors serving you.

Emergency
On the back of Congress badge, there is a 24-hour emergency phone number for help.

Shuttles
According to the schedule of Congress shuttles are offered between the Marco Polo and the Howard Johnson Hotels and the Qintai Theatre.

Climate
End of October, in the early autumn, the temperature will gradually decrease, with an average temperature of 20 - 25°C. The weather is dry and sometimes the temperature may abnormally be close to 30°C or above. It is suggested that the participants should wear short-sleeved shirt/blouses, with long-sleeved outer garment.

Dress
Formal or traditional attire will be acceptable for all the official ceremonies.

Banks and Foreign Currency Exchange
Major international banks are represented in Wuhan and banking hours are from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Most hotels will accept payments through credit cards. However, most other outlets including taxis will require cash payment. The acceptable currency is RMB. Money can be exchanged in banks or the hotel front desks.

Currency
The official currency is RMB. The current exchange rate: 1 Euro = RMB 9.15; USD 1 = RMB 6.57

Electricity
The power voltage in Wuhan is 220V and the frequency is 50Hz.

Shopping
Wuhan has a lively shopping scene. The business time for most of the stores is from 9:30 am to 21:20 pm. Some supermarkets and restaurants provide a 24 hour service.

Tips
Participants may pay tips but this is not obligatory.

Communication
Telephone communication in China is convenient and efficient. Hotels will provide a service to make phone calls, but there will be an extra charge. Participants can buy local GPRS SIM cards for their mobile phones. The GPRS networks allow you to sms and call other networks within China and globally.