Travel

Most international attendees will require a visitor Visa to enter the United States and it is important to apply early. Visa applications should be made no later than 90 days prior to travel for scientific conferences. This website provides information on U.S. government embassies and consulates around the world: http://www.usembassy.gov/.

Discover America — Entry Requirements also has many helpful hints and tools.

Personalize your Letter of Invitation to Clinical Congress to assist in your visitor visa application process. Please be sure to register for the Clinical Congress and apply for your visa under your formal name, per your passport. You may request a letter from the College welcoming you to the meeting if you feel this will be helpful by contacting the International Liaison Section via e-mail at international@facs.org or by fax at 312-202-5021.

ACS has arranged special meeting discounts on United Airlines. Be sure to mention the ACS file number 501CR when booking.

United Airlines
800-521-4041
8:00 am – 10:00 pm ET
ACS File: 501CR
www.united.com

Chicago Basics

Language

All sessions and events are conducted in English, with the exception of Latin America Day, which is presented entirely in Spanish.

Venue

The 2009 Clinical Congress will be held at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Weather

Get the Chicago 10-day weather forecast.

Exchange Rate

Convert your currency  to US dollars.

Tipping

Tipping in the United States is customary. Fifteen to 20 percent is usually expected in restaurants, taxis and for services you receive.

Etiquette

Click for useful etiquette articles and helpful tips for conversation, networking, negotiating and more.

Time

Chicago is in the US Central time zone. Central Standard Time is -6 hours UTC/GMT.

Electricity

Voltage 120, frequency 60 Hz. Adaptors that may be required are: 

two flat blades or	two flat blades with a round grounding pin.

Telephone

US country code: +1
Chicago (downtown) area code: 312
US telephone numbers have seven digits (e.g., 555-1234) 

• To make a local call in downtown Chicago, just dial the seven-digit number.
• To call outside the (312) area code, dial 1 + area code + seven-digit number.
• To call internationally from Chicago, dial "011" + country code + area code + number.

Internet

Most hotels offer high-speed Internet connections and Internet cafes are plentiful.

Emergencies

Dial 911 from any phone to summon ambulance, fire or police services.

Business Hours

Standard business hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Dress

Business-conservative or business-casual attire is appropriate for all meeting events. If you wish to wear traditional clothing from your country, feel free to do so. Wear comfortable shoes, as there are long walking distances within the convention center.

Discover America, Discover Chicago

Chicago is a unique, vibrant, exciting city that welcomes visitors from around the world. Spend some time before or after the Clinical Congress exploring this fascinating historical destination.