Conference Important Information

Important Information

LAWASIA’s 22nd Conference, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: 9-12 November 2009

Delegates are urged to seek their own travel advice before travelling but we hope the following will also assist

Airport Transfers
Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat International Airport, a joint civilian and military airport, is located 4 miles (6 km) north of the centre (District 1) of Ho Chi Minh City.

It may be easiest to take an airport taxi into the centre of Ho Chi Minh City. This should take approximately 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.

If you chose to stay at the Rex Hotel, airport transfers are available at a cost of US$30++/trip-4seat car and US$35++/trip-7 seat mini bus

Business Hours
Government offices are open from 07.30 to 16.30 every day except Saturday and Sunday. Banks are open from 08.00 to 17.00 and 08.00 to 12.00 on Saturdays. Government offices and banks usually have a seista in the afternoon (usually from 12.00 to 13.00). Shops are generally open from 07.00 to 22.00.

Climate
November weather in Southern Vietnam is warm and rainy with temperatures ranging between 22°C and 30°C

Currency, traveller’s cheques and credit cards
Dong (VND) is the Vietnamese currency and is acceptable at regular stores and restaurants. Many hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops also accept US dollars and credit cards. The Vietnamese Dong is available in note denominations of 500,000-, 100,000-, 50,000-, 20,000-, 10,000-, 5,000-, 2,000-, 1,000-, 500-, 200-. Coins are available in denominations of 5,000-, 2,000-, 1,000-, 500-, 200-.

Traveller’s cheques are accepted by major banks and hotels. American Express, Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted at hotels, shops and restaurants.

Dress:
Conference sessions: Business attire/neat casual
Welcome reception: Business attire/neat casual
Farewell dinner: Lounge suit/smart casual

Electricity
The electric current in use throughout Vietnam is 220 volt at 50 cycles.

Language
The official working language of the 22nd LAWASIA Conference is English.

Vietnamese is the national language. Many people also communicate in English, French or Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese)

Telecommunications
International country code: +84
City code: 8

Time zone
UTC/GMT plus 7 hours