KATHMANDU 2005 - TRAVEL TO NEPAL

Communications

Email facilities are available at the conference venue and we will provide more information on other locations in your conference kit.

Health and Safety

Season - November is in the dry season after the monsoon, so health problems should be minimal. However, certain rules should be observed:

• Check with your local health authorities for recommended vaccinations, especially if you will go on the Chitwan Park excursion after the conference. Plan ahead on this one since some vaccinations must be taken well in advance to be effective.
• Bring plenty of insect repellant, especially if you go to Chitwan. Most of the health hazards are illnesses carried by mosquito or tick bites.
• Always drink bottled mineral water or boiled drinks such as tea. Bring along a reusable water bottle since mineral water dispensers will provide free water at the conference.
• Beware of ice and also of ice cream sold on the street. Fruits and vegetables should be rinsed in purified water, or peeled.
• If you need prescription medications, bring along enough to cover your visit. It would also be good to bring along medicines for standard traveler’s complaints (headaches, diarrhea, nausea, etc.).
• A doctor can be called to the conference venue in case of illness. Be sure you have your traveler’s health insurance in good order since you may need to pay and be reimbursed at home.
  

Climate and clothing

• Kathmandu is pleasant in November with warm days and cool evenings. A light jacket for the evening may be useful. Chitwan is warm and humid.
• If in doubt what to pack, you can probably buy what you need in Kathmandu. Clothing is inexpensive and of good quality in Nepal, and trekking clothes are of course quite popular.
• Modest clothing is recommended, especially for women. Loose cotton clothing makes more sense than Lycra. The conference is not formal and we do have lots of field excursions, so dress down rather than dress up, and wear walking shoes.
  

Money

• Currency exchange rates at time of this document (1 July 2005) are: i. 1 US dollar = 70.36 Nepal rupees ii. 1 euro – 85.07 Nepal rupees iii. 1 Indian rupee = 1.61 Nepal rupees iv. 1 Pakistan rupee = 1.18 Nepal rupees
• ATM machines are available in a few locations in Kathmandu. Near the conference venue, there is an ATM. Nepal’s ATM’s will take Visa and MasterCard, but not Cirrus.
• It is advised to carry enough cash and traveler’s checks to cover expenses if you stay in budget accommodations.
• When you exchange money, save your receipts. They will be useful in converting your Nepalese cash back to foreign currency when you leave.
  

Travel arrangements

• Visas. All foreigners except Indians need visas to enter Nepal. These can be obtained at the Nepal Embassy in your country, or at the airport on your arrival. However, it is safest and less hassle to get the visa before you arrive.
• Travel arrangements can be made via SITA WORLD TRAVEL Tours, which is helping us with the conference.
  

At Tribhuvan International Airport

• The x-ray machines are not film safe. Be sure to have your film and camera hand-checked instead.
• A tourist information counter (Nepal Tourism Board) is located in the arrival lounge where clients will pick up their baggage. Check there for messages or to contact SITA WORLD TRAVEL
• You can get to central Kathmandu using the taxi stand outside arrivals. Use only the official taxis. It will cost about 20 USD to get to Yak and Yeti or your hotel.
• If you have booked your accommodations via SITA WORLD TRAVEL (see under accommodations), airport transfer is included in the hotel rates. Airport transfer will be provided via coach.
• Green Channel: Passengers arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) without any dutiable goods can proceed through the Green Channel for quick clearance without a baggage check. If you are carrying dutiable articles, you have to pass through the Red Channel for detailed customs clearance.
• Import: Apart from used personal belongings, visitors are allowed to bring to Nepal free of duty cigarettes (200) or cigars (50), distilled liquor (one 1.15 liter bottle), and film (15 rolls). You can also bring in the following articles free of duty on condition that you take them out with you when you leave: binoculars, movie or video camera, still camera, laptop computer, and portable music system.
• Export: It is illegal to export objects over 100 years old (sacred images, paintings, manuscripts) that are valued for culture and religious reasons. Visitors are advised not to purchase such items as they are Nepal's cultural heritage and belong here. The Department of Archaeology at Ramshah Path near Singha Durbar has to certify all metal statues, sacred paintings and similar objects before they are allowed to be sent or carried out of the country. Handicraft dealers and travel agents are able to assist you in this process. h. Airport Tax: Rs.770/- per person for departure to SAARC (South Asian) countries and Rs.1,100/- for departure to other international destinations.