Passports and Visas
Foreign nationals entering the United States are required to have a valid passport. They must also have a travel visa or qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) in which 38 countries participate. The VWP requires an e-passport and approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Below are links for more details. See the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Know Before You Visit page for additional information.
Foreign nationals entering the United States are required to have a valid passport. They must also have a travel visa or qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) in which 38 countries participate. The VWP requires an e-passport and approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Below are links for more details. See the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Know Before You Visit page for additional information.
If you need an invitation letter to obtain a travel visa, please contact Metabesity 2019 Congress Services at cmg@custommanagement.com.
Currency
The U.S. Dollar (USD) is the currency used at the site of Metabesity 2019.
Electronic Payment
Good exchange rates may be obtained by making purchases with a credit card. Cards commonly accepted in the U.S. are Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Some stores and restaurants in Washington, DC, also accept payment by mobile app.
Cash
We recommended that you have some cash on hand when you travel for tipping transportation personnel ($1 and $5 bills are best). Airport exchange rates may be on the high side. Better exchange rates may be available by exchanging currency before you travel or by ordering cash online. Currency also may be exchanged at banks in the U.S. which are usually open from 9:00am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, except on national holidays. A few banks are open 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturdays.
The U.S. Dollar (USD) is the currency used at the site of Metabesity 2019.
Electronic Payment
Good exchange rates may be obtained by making purchases with a credit card. Cards commonly accepted in the U.S. are Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Some stores and restaurants in Washington, DC, also accept payment by mobile app.
Cash
We recommended that you have some cash on hand when you travel for tipping transportation personnel ($1 and $5 bills are best). Airport exchange rates may be on the high side. Better exchange rates may be available by exchanging currency before you travel or by ordering cash online. Currency also may be exchanged at banks in the U.S. which are usually open from 9:00am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, except on national holidays. A few banks are open 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturdays.
USD $1.00
Most common amounts: 1, 5, 10, 20 |
Quarter ($0.25)
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Dime ($0.10)
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Nickel ($0.05)
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Penny ($0.01)
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Tipping
In the United States, tipping is common and expected for the following service providers. The amount depends on the level of service provided and you may tip based on your satisfaction with the service.
Airport or train station porter: $1 to $2 per piece of luggage; $3 to $5 for wheel chair services
Taxi driver: 10% to 20% (or let them "keep the change" if paying in cash)
Restaurant server: 15% to 20% of the bill (Some restaurants atuomatically include 18%, especially for large groups.)
Hotel bellhop: $1 to $2 per piece of luggage
Hotel housekeeping staff: $2 to $5 per day
Hotel room service staff: amount added by the hotel or 15% to 20% of the bill
Bartender: $1 per drink or 15% to 20% of the bill
In the United States, tipping is common and expected for the following service providers. The amount depends on the level of service provided and you may tip based on your satisfaction with the service.
Airport or train station porter: $1 to $2 per piece of luggage; $3 to $5 for wheel chair services
Taxi driver: 10% to 20% (or let them "keep the change" if paying in cash)
Restaurant server: 15% to 20% of the bill (Some restaurants atuomatically include 18%, especially for large groups.)
Hotel bellhop: $1 to $2 per piece of luggage
Hotel housekeeping staff: $2 to $5 per day
Hotel room service staff: amount added by the hotel or 15% to 20% of the bill
Bartender: $1 per drink or 15% to 20% of the bill
Washington, DC, Tax Rates
Sales Tax: 6.00% added when paying
Gasoline Taxes: Included in the price per gallon
Vehicle Rental Tax: 10.25% added when paying (in addition to sales tax)
Hotel Tax: 14.95% added when paying (in addition to sales tax)
Meals and Alcoholic Beverage Tax: 10.00% added when paying (in addition to sales tax)
Sales Tax: 6.00% added when paying
Gasoline Taxes: Included in the price per gallon
Vehicle Rental Tax: 10.25% added when paying (in addition to sales tax)
Hotel Tax: 14.95% added when paying (in addition to sales tax)
Meals and Alcoholic Beverage Tax: 10.00% added when paying (in addition to sales tax)
Weather
October in Washington, DC, is usually cool and sunny with occasional rain. We recommend packing a sweater and a light jacket to stay comfortable indoors and outdoors.
October in Washington, DC, is usually cool and sunny with occasional rain. We recommend packing a sweater and a light jacket to stay comfortable indoors and outdoors.
Time
At the time of the Congress, U.S. Eastern Daylight Time will be in effect which is four hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-4) and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-4).
At the time of the Congress, U.S. Eastern Daylight Time will be in effect which is four hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-4) and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-4).
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Electricity
Electricity in the U.S. is 120 Volts, with plug types A and B. Plug type A fits in both outlets. If traveling from outside North America, you will need an adapter for your electronic devices. |
Type A
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Type B
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Emergency
If you need emergency medical, fire or police services while in the United States, dial 9-1-1, even if your phone service is not from the U.S. This number is for emergencies only. Be advised that if you do not have U.S. based medical insurance, you can be charged in full for ambulance and medical services.
If you need emergency medical, fire or police services while in the United States, dial 9-1-1, even if your phone service is not from the U.S. This number is for emergencies only. Be advised that if you do not have U.S. based medical insurance, you can be charged in full for ambulance and medical services.