General Information

Conference Website
All the information about RAEP 2009 can be obtained and downloaded from the website: http://www.raepsjc.org

Conference Language
The conference will be conducted in English. Concurrent interpretation between English and any language will not be provided.

Conference Electronic Equipments
Computer LCD multi-projectors would be available for oral presentation. Speakers are strongly encouraged to make their presentation in the form of computer PowerPoint. The participants are requested to provide detailed requirement of equipments when submitting their registration form.

Internet Facilities at Hotels and Conference
At all star hotels and at the office of the Organizing Committee, the Internet facilities will be available.

Sponsorships
Foreign participants (from least developed countries in particular) are encouraged to apply for a grant to appropriate authorities. The Organizing Committee might distribute a few grants of $ 500 each to promising young scientists, based on evaluation of their CV, achievements and the quality of the abstract depending on the availability of funds.

Taxi Service
In Agra and Delhi taxi is the most convenient way to travel. Taxi service is available at Delhi International Airport all day. The fare of taxi from the Delhi airport to Agra is about US $ 60. In town, the fare is US$ 15 for half day and US $ 30 for full day. The rates may change depending on the type of taxi you hire.

Climate and Weather
During December 15-20 the weather is cold and fine. You would be requiring warm clothes. It is sunny with the daily temperature is about 20-25oC.

Power Supply
In India, the electrical supply is 220V and 50 Hz with 2 or 3 pin plugs.

Shopping
Most shops in Agra are open between 10:00-20:00 including weekends and holidays. Many shops use VisaCard, MasterCard, American Express etc.

Official Invitation Letter
The Organizing Committee will send you an official invitation letter, on your request, to facilitate you to obtain visa, permission to attend the conference or to apply for grants to appropriate agencies. Please consult whomsoever you need to such as institute, company, funding agency, travel agent, the nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate office etc. and tell us if they want any specific information in the official invitation letter. We will try our best to add that information in the letter.

Passport and Visa
Except some ASEAN countries which have a bi-lateral or multi-lateral agreement on entry, all foreign delegates will  require a valid passport and visa for entry into India to participate in RAEP 2009. Upon receiving your registration form and fee, the Organizing Committee will send you an official invitation letter with a corresponding visa reference letter. We do need the passport number, nationality and the address of Indian Embassy/Consulate General where the visa is to be processed. The above information is needed before we send out the official invitation letter. Please consult your travel agent or the nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate office, and tell us if they want any other information in the official invitation letter. This is a policy stipulated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which can be used to apply for a visa at the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate.

Customs
For information on customs regulations, please consult the nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate, agency or concerned website.

Insurance
The conference organizers will not be responsible for personal accidents, sickness, theft or property damage that may occur to a participant during the travel, conference or tours. All participants are advised to make their own arrangements with respect to health and travel insurance before commencing their journey to the conference.

Foreign Exchange and Banking
In Agra, officially only Rs (rupees) is used. However, exchange offices can be found at airport, hotels, banks and large shopping centers. The rate of exchange is about US $ 1.00 = Rs 45.00. Euro is also easier to change, which is at about Euro1.00 = Rs 65.00.