Official Language
The official language of the conference is English and will be used for all presentations and printed materials.

Passport and Visa
All foreign visitors desiring to enter the Switzerland must have a valid passport. Follow this link for Visa Information. No funds are available to assist with travel and registration fees cannot be waived. If, for some reason, your visa application is denied, your registration fees will be refunded to you in full.

Local Time Zones
In June, Bern, Switzerland will be observing Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) plus 2 hours.

Dialing Codes
Switzerland's International Country code: +41
Bern Local Area Code: 31

Climate
The average temperature in Bern in June is 16°C (61 °F). Afternoons can be mild with average high temperatures reaching 21 °C (70 °F). Overnight temperatures are generally cool with an average low of 12 °C (54 °F).

Currency Exchange
The currency of Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF$). Foreign currencies can be exchanged at the banks, airport and hotels. For current exchange rates, please visit www.exchangerate.com.

Traveler's Checks and Credit Cards
Credit cards, including MasterCard®, Visa® and American Express are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, department stores, and souvenir shops.

Tipping Standards
Tipping in restaurants is not necessary, but it is common for customers to round to the nearest franc, or 8% to 10% for good service. For skycaps, doormen, porters and bellman, 1CHF per bag is standard and 1CHF per night for housekeeping. Taxis already have a gratuity built in to their fee.

Electricity
The electric current used throughout Switzerland is 230 Volts AC, 50 cycles (continental European standard). Visitors with appliances of different voltages are highly advised to bring an adapter as Switzerland has unique wall outlets.

Workshop Attire
Attire during the duration of the workshop is business casual.

Cellular Phones, Pagers and Watch Alarms
As a courtesy to our speakers and other attendees, please turn off any cellular phones, pagers and watch alarms during sessions.

Smoking
All meeting rooms and seated functions are smoke free. Please adhere to the smoking policy of Inselspital, Universitätsspital Bern.