| Language: |
The official language of ISM2016 is English.
| Entry Visas: |
Holders of EU, USA and Canadian passports do not need an entry visa to Israel. For participants from other countries, we suggest you check with your travel agent or local Israeli embassy/consulate. The procedure may be lengthy and it is recommended to apply for a visa approx. 3 months prior to the conference. All visitors to Israel must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date they enter the country. Please contact the conference secretariat to obtain a letter of invitation to assist in applying for a visa. Additional information on visa requirements can be found on the website of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
| Climate and Clothing: |
The weather in the Haifa in June is hot. Average temperatures: 28°C – 18°C (82°F – 64°F). No rain. Casual dress is appropriate for all conference occasions. Comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, hats, suntan lotion and swimsuits are recommended for tours and outdoors activities.
| Travel to Israel: |
Ben-Gurion Internation Airport is served by many daily direct flights from most destinations.
El-Al is Israel’s national airline carrier.
| Electricity: |
The Israeli power supply is single phase 220 volts at 50 Hertz. Most power sockets in Israel have three pin holes, but many of them will work with double-pin European plugs. Visitors who want to use shavers, traveling irons and other small appliances may need both transformers and adaptor plugs.
| Currency / Exchange: |
The currency unit in Israel is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS – “Shekel” in short). International credit cards are accepted for payment in most hotels, restaurants and shops. Exchange offices and ATM machines are easily available throughout the city and at Ben-Gurion International Airport. We recommend that you change some money at the airport for immediate needs.
| Banking and Changing Money: |
Banks are open Sunday through Thursday 08:30-12:00, on some afternoons. Some bank are open also on Friday mornings. Hours vary by branch. All banks are closed on Friday afternoon and on Saturday.
The New Israeli Shekel (NIS) is the official currency in Israel. Foreign currency of all kinds may be exchanged at the airport, banks, post offices, most hotels or licensed exchange agencies.
| Liability: |
Participants are advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance coverage. The conference organizers and/or Diesenhaus-Unitours Incoming Tourism Ltd. shall not be liable for any loss or damage to property belonging to conference participants nor for personal injuries sustained during or as a result of the conference or during tours.
| Shopping: |
Stores are generally open Sunday through Thursday 09:00-19:00 and Friday 09:00–14:00. Most shopping malls are open also on Saturday from one hour after sunset until 22:00. All Superpharm and Newpharm stores include a pharmacy.
| Distances: |
Ben-Gurion International Airport – Haifa: 110 km / 70 miles
Ben-Gurion International Airport – Jerusalem: 47 km / 29 miles
Ben-Gurion International Airport – Tel-Aviv: 15 km / 9.5 miles
Haifa – Tel-Aviv: 95 km / 60 miles
