ISCT Meeting
• Airport Security
• Currency
• Dining
• Electricity
• Getting to Philadelphia
• Ground Transportation
• Insurance
• Passports and Visas
• Special Needs
• Taxes
• Taxis
• Time
• Tipping
• Travel Agent
• Weather
Airport Security
Please take a moment to become familiar with some of the security measures at U.S. airports. This may result in saving time once you arrive at the airport. All passengers are screened, and all bags are screened. Do NOT pack or take prohibited items with you. If you are not sure what items you can carry on the plane, please visit http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/index.shtm for more information, along with other U.S. travel information.
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Currency
The currency is the US dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted. Traveler’s checks are accepted at many businesses. The current exchange rates can be found at http://www.xe.com/.
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Dining
You will find many dining options close to the conference hotel, from East cuisine to West cuisine, from fast-food outlets and diners for a quick bite to eat, through to gourmet dining. Of course, Philadelphia is famous for the Philly Cheesesteak, with numerous outlets to taste this local specialty.
The Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel also has some great dining options if you want to remain in the hotel:
Phillips Seafood Restaurant
Upscale casual dining experience serving mouth-watering seafood and select steaks for dinner.
Sunday - Thursday 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday - Saturday 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
The Terrace
A la carte/buffet style dining area offering delicious options for breakfast and lunch.
Sunday - Saturday 6:30 AM - 2:00 PM
The Lobby Bar
Open daily, the Lobby Bar is the place to catch up with friends and colleagues, have a light bite or wind up an evening.
Sunday 12:00 PM - 1:30 AM
Monday - Saturday 11:00 AM - 1:30 AM
For more information on dining in Philadelphia please visit http://www.philadelphiausa.travel/philadelphia-dining
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Electricity
Outlets and voltage are at 110 volts. Adapters are required for electrical appliances not originating in North America. The frequency of electrical current in the U.S. is 60 Hz.
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Getting to Philadelphia
Located 8.59 miles from the Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel, is Philadelphia International Airport http://www.phl.org/. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the only major airport serving the 5th largest metropolitan area in the United States. Philadelphia International Airport boasts one of the nation's finest airport food, beverage and retail programs. Marketplace at the Airport, consisting of more than 150 national and local shops and restaurants offering food, beverages and merchandise at "street pricing," has won numerous industry awards for quality, diversity and innovation. In 2002 and 2003, the PHL concessions program was named best in North America.
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Ground Transportation
Philadelphia International Airport is located just 7.2 miles southwest of Central Philadelphia. The Ground Transportation System at the Airport is an extensive network of taxicab, car rental, shuttle-bus, limousine, and van operations working to get you where you want to go in a safe, courteous and efficient manner. In addition, the Airport also offers SEPTA bus and regional rail service to Downtown Philadelphia and points in between.
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Insurance
Before leaving home, we encourage you to have adequate travelling insurance. Delegates are advised to take out insurance to cover loss incurred in the case of cancellation, medical expenses and damage to or loss of personal effects whenever travelling outside of their own country.
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Passports and Visas
For more information on entering the U.S., visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website at http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/.
Here are some top tips for international delegates.
• A valid passport is required.
• A tourist visa is necessary for visitors from certain countries.
• Ensure that your passport is valid for six months beyond your intended period of stay.
• Ensure that your visa is in order if one is required. If you require a visa, you should apply as early as possible to allow time for processing.
• The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of certain countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business [visitor (B) visa purposes] for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html for more information.
• Know the name and address of the hotel at which you are staying.
• A return airline ticket or E-Ticket receipt and itinerary may need to be presented at inspection.
• Onboard your flight: An immigration form is required from all non-U.S. citizens except permanent U.S. residents and Canadian citizens.
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Special Needs
If you have special needs please contact the ISCT Head Office on 1.604.630.5507 or email audrey@celltherapysociety.org.
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All Taxi rates are based per trip not per person. Most taxis can accommodate up to 3 passengers. In some cases certain vehicle types can accommodate 4 passengers. There is a $28.50 Flat Rate from the Airport to the Central Philadelphia Area. An additional $1.00 per passenger ($3.00 maximum) after the first passenger will be charged on flat rate trips between the Airport and Center City for passengers over age 12. In addition you will be charged an additional $1.50 Airport fee. Should you need to pay by credit card please advise the dispatcher upon your arrival to the Taxi area as all companies do not accept credit cards or vouchers as a form of payment. Tipping for good service is common. Should you wish to call a taxi here are some numbers: Sedan, Limousine Services and Shared Ride Van For information regarding transportation please go to the Ground Transportation Information desk which is located in each baggage claim area. The Ground Transportation Information representative can assist you by providing you with a list of transportation providers that are authorized to travel to your desired destination. The representatives will give you instructions on how to contact the provider of your choice. They will also alert you once your provider arrives to pick you up. You should have your luggage prior to making your reservations. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Rail Line SEPTA Bus - SEPTA has an extensive bus network in Philadelphia. The fare currently is $2.00 One-Way + $.75 for each transfer. SEPTA Bus Routes from the Airport are 37 and 108 located in Zone 1. Ground Transportation Information Hotline Ground Transportation Service Locations Rental Car Shuttle
Taxes
Sales tax in Philadelphia is currently 6%. Hotel guest room tax is currently 15.2% (1% city tax, 6% sales tax and 8.2% occupancy tax).
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Taxis
Taxi services can be picked up at Zone 5 on the Commercial Transportation Roadway.
Olde City Taxi: (215) 338-0838
Quaker City Cab: (215) 728-8000
United Cab Association: (215) 238-9500
Yellow Cab: (215) 922-8400
Sedan and Limousine services can be picked up at Zone 6 and Shared ride van services can be picked up at Zone 7 on the Commercial Transportation Roadway.
Rail service from the airport directly to the City Center is available on SEPTA'S High Speed Rail Line (R1) train that operates from 5:25 AM until 11:25 PM daily, every 30 minutes. For SEPTA information telephone the SEPTA customer information line at 1.215.580.7800 or visit http://septa.com/index.html.
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To speak with a Ground Transportation Information representative regarding any information not addressed previously please call (215) 937-6958.
SEPTA bus
Zone 1
Zone 2
Parking Courtesy Shuttle
Zone 3
Hotel Shuttle
Zone 4
Taxis
Zone 5
Limousines
Zone 6
Van Service
Zone 7
Charter bus
Zone 8
Time
Philadelphia is in the Eastern Time Zone (Greenwich Mean Time minus 5 hours). From early April through late October, Philadelphia switches to daylight-saving time.
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Tipping
Tipping for good service is customary. Here are some tipping tips:
• Taxi Driver – 10-15% of fare
• Airport Porter US$1 per piece of luggage
• Hotel Bell Desk US$1 per piece of luggage or per taxi summoned
• Hotel Housekeeping - US$1 per person per day
• Restaurant Waiter or Waitress – 15-20% of bill. None at fast-food restaurants
• Bars - US$1 per drink or 10% to 15% of drink prices
• Hotel Room Service - 15% of bill
• Parking Attendant/Valet – 15% of parking rate
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Travel Agent
FCM Travel Solutions is the official travel agency for the 16th ISCT, and your dedicated Travel Consultant will be able to assist you with any queries on travelling to Philadelphia. For further information, please contact:
Dustin Ross
Account Manager
FCM Travel Solutions
1133 Melville Street
Vancouver BC V6E 4E5
Tel: 1.604.687.8077
Fax: 1.604.687.8553
Email: dustin.ross@fcmtravel.ca
24 hour emergency assistance: 1.604.209.7681
You can of course make your travel arrangements on your own through the travel agent of your choice. Please do not contact FCM Travel Solutions for hotel reservations, but reserve your guest room via the conference website at <insert link>.
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Weather
In Philadelphia, May sees the highest temperatures alongside August. It is mostly clear with a chance of showers. Remember that conference meeting rooms are air-conditioned and sometimes the temperatures vary, therefore we advise bringing some layers just in case.
Month Avg.High Avg.Low Mean Ave. Precip.
May 72.1°F 54.8°F 63.5°F 3.88 in
Visit http://www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/ to check on current weather conditions.
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