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Visa requirements
If you are travelling on an Australian passport, you may be entitled to travel to or via the USA without having to get yourself a visa under the Visa Waiver Program. All Australian and New Zealand passport holders will require a machine readable passport to enter the Visa Waiver Program. Please note, when travelling to the USA you MUST have the address and zip code for where you are staying to ensure you are able to fully complete the I-94W Visa Waiver Immigration form when you land. These details are: Beverly Hilton 9876 Wilshire Boulevard Beverly Hills CA 90210 U.S. Customs and Border Protection have announced that from 8 September 2010 travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries must pay a USD14 application fee when applying for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for every new or renewed ESTA application. All payments for ESTA applications must be made by credit card or debit card when applying for or renewing an ESTA. The ESTA system currently accepts only the following credit/debit cards: MasterCard, VISA and AMEX. As part of the Visa Waiver Program you are now required to complete a web based online application called ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation). This will approve your travel to or via the USA visa free. To apply, go to https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov |
| Travel Insurance Delegates are responsible for organising their own travel insurance prior to departure. We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that covers overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation.
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Climate August is high summer in LA. With plenty of sunshine and little chance of rain, this is the best time of year to visit. You can expect average temperatures of 29°C during the day, with a low of around 18°C at night. Be sure to pack your sunscreen, hat and sunglasses. |
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Transport Transport networks in LA are among the best in the nation. Visitors have a choice of taxis, subways, light-rail, buses and shuttles to ferry them to and from every corner of the city. Taxis are everywhere and cheap. The metro rail system is very efficient and serviced by the metro bus system, which operates 200 different lines throughout Los Angeles. The FlyAway bus service is a fast, affordable way to travel between Downtown LA and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Tickets can be bought from the Union Station FlyAway kiosk in the Patsaouras Transit Plaza with a debit or credit card. For more information visit www.lawa.org/flyaway.
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Sights
There is so much to see and do in Los Angeles that it would be impossible to name every attraction. Whether you enjoy shopping for bargains, visiting museums or star spotting, you will find plenty to do here. Some of the more popular and impressive attractions include:
We know you will want to take every opportunity to explore this fascinating city, so we have allowed additional free time in the program for sightseeing. |
Population With a population of 9.8 million people, Los Angeles is one of the most populated metropolitan areas in the world, and the second most populous in the US after New York. It is also one of the most ethnically diverse regions in the country. |
Currency The Australian dollar is trading at an all time high against the greenback. At the time of going to print the exchange rate was AUD1=USD1.05. It can be a challenge to change foreign currency in Los Angeles. For this reason we advise you to buy some currency in Australia before you leave. You can use credit cards to withdraw dollars from ATMs. Most hotels, restaurants, taxis and tourist attractions accept major credit cards including Visa and Mastercard. Card transaction fees will vary. Please check with your bank prior to travelling. |
Tipping Tipping is part of the culture in LA and staff at hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions are likely to demand a tip if you do not offer one. The expected tipping rate is 20% of your bill. You will need to tip when paying taxi fares, restaurant bills, bar tenders, hairdressers and beauticians.If you have meals delivered to your hotel room you should tip delivery staff 10%. You will also be expected to tip porters, concierge staff and housekeepers at your hotel. It is best to carry several smaller denominations of US currency at all times to avoid having to give larger tips than necessary. Please note: Tips for group tours organised as part of the program, (excluding spa treatments) will be taken care of by conference organisers. |
Health There are no vaccinations required for the US. |
Safety LA is reasonably safe but like all large cities, some areas are safer than others. We would advise that you take the same care with valuables as you would in Australia. Don’t carry large amounts of cash and keep your passport in a safe place at all times. Safety deposit boxes are provided in guestrooms at the Beverly Hilton. |
Electricity The US uses 120 volts AC (60 Hz) and an Australia to US plug adapter is required for electrical appliances. The Beverly Hilton provides international plug adaptors in rooms. |
What to wear August is high summer in LA. You can expect average temperatures of 29°C during the day, with a low of around 18°C at night. Be sure to pack your sunscreen, hat and sunglasses. We would recommend packing lightweight breathable cotton clothing for day and evening functions, comfortable walking shoes for leisure activities and formal attire for the Gala Dinner. The dress code for the conference is smart casual. |
Children Children are welcome to stay at the Beverly Hilton, however may not attend conference activities or evening functions. Please indicate on your accommodation booking if children’s bedding (e.g., a cot or rollaway) is required. Babysitting services are available. Please contact the Beverly Hilton direct for further information and bookings. Alternatively arrangements can be made on arrival. |
Payment terms Payment for packages will be charged to the credit card provided during the registration process. NB: Should you wish to extend your stay at the conference hotel outside the group dates (26-31 August); the additional room nights can be requested during the registration process. The group rate will be offered three days either side of the conference and is AU$260 including all taxes. This cost does not include breakfast. Additional breakfast charges may be settled upon checkout
Note: credit card charges by Limelight Events will appear on your statement as HC Marketing Group. |
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