General Information

Avianca, official airline of the congress

Fly on Avianca to get to this event and enjoy special service on board and at your destination.  To assist you with your travel needs, we have available for you airfare discounts of 10% to 20% on domestic routes and 8% to 15% on international routes.  These discounts are applicable on selected fares* and only on flights operated by Avianca-Sam.

You can make reservations and purchase your ticket by calling Avianca's call center, visiting Avianca's store locations, or through your travel agent. To receive your discount, just mention code GN204 or show proof of attendance to the event (invitation, confirmation letter, or badge).

For additional information, go to Avianca.com and click on “Business Program” - “More Services” - “Congresses”, or click here.

*Discounts are not available on promotional, internet, private or net fares.

Call Center customer service lines worldwide:
Colombia 01 8000 953 434
United States TDD* 1 866  9 983 357

Cartagena

Cartagena of the West Indies is a colonial-style city located at the northeastern of Colombia, in the center of the Caribbean shore line.  Its excellent location and strong military structure made the city the shelter for many treasures of the Spanish Crown. In order to defend it from pirates’ attacks it was built a majestic wall and many fortresses that reflect the history of a colonial town. The historical city’s downtown, known as the ‘Walled city’, has many streets full of history and old houses with typical balconies that show the Spanish village architecture style during colonial times. The city was declared ‘World Heritage Site’ by UNESCO because of its histor y and cultural patrimony.

For further information about Cartagena, you can visit:
http://www.turismocartagenadeindias.com/index.php?la=en

Colombia

Welcome to Colombia, a tropical country of incredible diversity and charm. Its ever-changing geography, a history loaded with mystery and adventure, its people and cultures, have fascinated the world for centuries.
Although its excellent coffee and the purity of its emeralds have made the country famous, Colombia is also the homeland of the El Dorado legend and the magical universe of Garcia Marquez’s Macondo.

Visit www.colombia.travel

Airport Information

Rafael Nuñez International Airport is just 15 minutes away from the tourist district and the hotel Hilton Cartagena de Indias. This airport receives direct flights from Madrid, Miami, Bogota, Medellin and from many other international destinations.  Taxis are available at the airport and cost approx. $8,000 to the historical city centre and approx. $9,000 at night time (approx.  US$ 4 - 4,5).

Airport Departure Taxes

An exit tax of US$ 66 must be paid by all Colombian citizens and foreigners whose stay in Colombia was longer than two months. In the case of shorter stays, the exit tax for foreigners is US$ 33.
Depending on the itinerary, some airlines, such as Air France, American Airlines and Avianca, include the cost of the tax in the cost of the ticket. The exit tax must be paid at the airport, at the time of departure, in cash and in only one currency (Colombian pesos or US dollars, excluding US$ 100 bills).

Banking Hours

Generally banks are open from  08:00 to 11:30 hs. and from
14:00 to 16:00 hs. (Monday to Thursday). Banks’ opening hours are usually extended until 16:30 hs. on Fridays.

Climate

Cartagena has a tropical climate, with an average temperature of  8°C along the year, and a relative humidity of more
than 90%. The rainy season takes place between May and December, with the highest rainfall ocurring in the month of October.  The  weather in Cartagena is warm in August, therefore light clothing is advisable for this time of the year; however, a raincoat may be needed.

Commercial information

International credit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops, with Visa and Master Card the most frequently accepted.

Congress Venue

Hotel Hilton Cartagena, Cartagena de Indias, Colombia

Currency

The currency unit in Colombia is the Colombian peso ($).
1 Colombian peso is worth 100 cents. Colombian bank notes are available in denominations of $1,000; $ ,000; $5,000; $10,000; $ 0,000 and $50,000; and there are coins of $100,$ 200, $500 and $1,000. The Exchange rate in October  2009
is approx. 1,925 for US$1. For current exchange rates, please check: www.banrep.gov.co

The exchange of foreign currency should be made exclusively in hotels, banks and bureaux de change, never on the street.

Electricity

110 V/V - 60 Hz. The standard North American flat parallel pin plugs is used in Colombia.

Emergency Numbers 

Free countrywide phone lines:
National Police: 112
Civil Defense: 144 or 640 0090 in Bogotá
Administrative Security Department DAS: 153
Colombian Red Cross: Log on to www.cruzrojacolombiana.org and check the office number of the corresponding department.

Gastronomy

Colombian ethnic diversity becomes apparent in Colombian gastronomy, which is a fusion of Indian and Spanish ingredients with African, Arab and Spanish culinary techniques.
The main ingredients in Colombian gastronomy are: pork, potatoes, beans, corn, chicken, rice and soups.
 

Language

The official language of the congress is Spanish.

Local time

GTM -5

Telecommunications

International calls: Dial 00 + (9) or (7) + country code + area code + number.
National calls: Dial 0 + (9) (5) or (7) + city code + number.

Vaccinations

Yellow fever is prevalent in Colombia and vaccination is advisable for those planning to visit jungle regions. For up to date information please visit http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/

Visas

There is no nationality restriction to travel to Colombia.
A visa is required, except for citizens of the following countries (who stay strictly for tourism purposes and for a maximum of 90 days): Argentina, Austria, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Chile, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Spain, United States, Finland, France, Great Britain, Guatemala, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Mexico, Norway, The Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Republic of Korea (South Korea), Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela and foreign residents of Canada and the United States.

Before travelling to Colombia it is advisable to check with your closest consular agent what procedures and requirements are needed for each case.