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Banking, currency and exchange
The official
currency of Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP).
There are numerous
currency exchange offices in Armenia city. All of the main banks
have currency exchange services, and bank opening hours are from
9:00 to 15:00.
An ATM is available
at the Hotel de Pereira.
International credit cards
are generally accepted.
For up-to-date exchange rates, several
currency converter websites may be consulted, including:
www.oanda.com/convert/classic
For information, the
exchange rate at 12 April 2011 was as follows:
* USD 1 = COP 1.815
* EUR 1 = COP 2.627
Climate and altitude
There are different
climatic zones, from warm spots at 900 metres on the banks of
the river Cauca, to the icy peaks of the mountains of the
region.
Pereira:
21 º C 1411 meters.
Armenia
City: 20 º C 1551 meters.
The Coffee Zone is located in the centre of
western Colombia and is part of the Andean region.
Security and access
Access to
the GSR-GILF 11 premises will be strictly limited to persons
wearing an official GSR-GILF11 badge.
Participants are reminded to safeguard their personal belongings
at all times while in the meetings premises and hotel area and
not to leave equipment unattended in the meeting rooms. Lockers
will be made available to all participants.
Health and vaccinations
While no
vaccination or vaccination certificate is required against
yellow fever, polio or hepatitis, it is recommended to take
precautions against malaria, hepatitis, meningitis and yellow
fever. In particular, vaccination is recommended for diphtheria
and tetanus, avoid raw food such as salad, drink bottled water
which can be obtained in all hotels and restaurants and in shops
(although the tap water is treated).
On-site
medical services will be provided for the duration of the
Meetings, twenty-four (24) hours per day, including medical
transportation.
Communications
SIM cards
cost approximately COP 15.000 (around USD 7) and will be
available on the Events premises.
The
telephone code for Colombia is + 57 and the area code for the
cities of Armenia and Pereira is 06.
Wireless
connectivity will be available at the meeting venue.
Other practical informations
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Travel insurance: Participants are reminded that it is
advisable to obtain travel insurance. Such insurance should
cover payment for medical care in case of hospitalization as
well as the cost of repatriation to their home country
should this become necessary. The organizers do not take
responsibility for any individual, medical, travel or
personal insurance. Participants are advised to secure their
own insurance policies as necessary.
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Business hours:
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Shops: the opening hours of most shops are from 9:00
to 19:00 hours Monday to Saturday although smaller
businesses may close at lunch time; Shops are closed
on Sunday.
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Banks: 9:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday; and 9:00 to
12:00 on Saturdays
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Driving: Driving is on the right-hand side of the road.
A national or international driving license must be carried.
Wearing of seat belts is obligatory.
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Electricity: Electric power is 110 V, with standard US
sockets (two or three prongs). Participants should bring
adapters for their own equipment.
 
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Local time: The local time in
Colombia is UTC -5 hours. There are no daylight-saving time
arrangements.
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Tipping: Tipping is recommended
in restaurants if you are satisfied with the service
(normally around 10%).
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