See the interactive map in Conference Location.

See the general map in How to Get to Geneva which locates airport and train station.

For more maps, check out the Geneva Tourist Office website or try the Geneva Interactive map.

Each participant will receive a paper map of the City of Geneva in his/her Welcome Bag, so you will be sure never to get lost.

Also remember that Geneva is a geographically small city, so you can walk almost anywhere with ease.

Bus and Tram: Geneva is covered by an excellent bus and tram network. Tickets must be purchased before you board. These are available from the vending machines at each stop. Each machine also shows a map of the city and the ticket price depends on how far and how long you wish to travel. Day tickets and multiple tickets are also available.
Check the Transports Publics Genevois (TPG) site for details on timetables and line maps.

Taxis: Cabs can be ordered by phone, picked up at a taxi rank, or hailed from the street. They are rather on the expensive side –so be warned. The fare is shown on the metre and VAT and a tip are included.
The taxis in Geneva work as a pool and the number to dial from Geneva is 022 - 33 141 33. You can visit the Taxi-Phone pool site.

Bikes can be rented from the Cornavin Train Station and various other locations around town.

However, you can actually have a bike for FREE!! At four locations around the city (17 Place Montbrillant –behind the train station–, Bains des Pâquis –100 m from the conference site–, Plaine de Plainpalais –beside the skatepark– and Place du Rhône) bicycles are loaned out on a daily basis absolutely free of charge! Check out this great idea!

Climate: Geneva is a city on a lake, at an altitude of 373 m surrounded by mountains. The climate is generally moderate –but in mid-Summer it can be hot– over 30°C.
The evenings are generally very agreeable, but can be a bit on the cool side, so a light jacket or sweater might be necessary.
Also, do not forget that if you are planning on hiking up a mountain, the temperature drops, and rain gear and adequate walking shoes are a must.

Credit cards: All major credit cards are accepted in the majority of hotels, restaurants and shops. There are also many banks in the central part of the city and plenty of cash dispensing machines.

Currency: The Swiss currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF).
By 1 December 2004, the following exchange rates were applicable:
1 CHF = 1.04 CAD, 0.66 EUR, 0.46 GBP, 90.3 JPY, 0.88 USD.
For updated exchange rates, please check on the Banques Cantonales or Oanda websites.

Customs: There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency you can bring into Switzerland. Travellers over 18 can import 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco, 2 L of alcoholic drinks (up to 15%) or 1 L of alcoholic beverage over 15% alcohol.

Electricity: The voltage outlets (for 2 or 3 pole plugs) supply 230/240 V, alternating current. If you travel with electrical appliances like notebook, mobile phone, and/or electrical toothbrush, make sure you bring along an adapter plug.

Opening Hours: Banks are open Monday to Friday, 8:00 until 16:30. They are closed on Saturday and Sunday. At other times, money can be changed at the train station, at the airport and at most hotels.
Shops open at about 8:30 and close at about 18:30 (many shops stay open until 21:00 on Thursday, and most shops shut at 17:00 on Saturday). Shops are closed on Sunday.

Time: In July the time is European Daylight Savings time (= Greenwich Mean Time + 2 hours).

Tipping: All prices include VAT and a 15% tip. If you are exceptionally impressed, a tip can be given, but it is never essential.

Visa: Participants requiring a visa for Switzerland are strongly advised to make their application in their home country at least three months before the intended date of travel.
For information, check with your nearest Swiss Embassy or Consulate, your travel agent or consult the website of the Swiss Federal Office of Immigration.
Be aware that for some excursions you will require a visa/passport valid for France. Also, make sure that you have all required official papers in order for your chosen travel itinerary.

IUPAC visa statement: "IUPAC sponsorship implies that entry visas will be granted to all bona fide chemists, provided application is made not less than six months in advance. If a visa is not granted two months before the meeting, the Organisers and the IUPAC Secretariat should be notified by the applicant."

Letters of Invitation: Should you need a letter of invitation, please contact the OMCOS 13 Secretariat at the earliest possibility.
No obligation (financial or other) on the part of the OMCOS 13 Organisers is implied.