IFORS 2011 - 19th Triennial Conference of the International Federation of Operational Research Societies (IFORS 2011)

19th Triennial Conference of the International Federation of Operational Research Societies (IFORS 2011)

Banks
Banks in Australia are open from 09:30 - 16:00 Monday to Thursday and from 09:30 - 17:00 on Fridays. Most banks are closed weekends and public holidays. Automatic Teller Machines are open 24 hours and are located throughout the city and surrounds. Facilities for exchange of currency are available at the airport, larger hotels and banks.
Car Rental
Cars can be rented in Australia from local or international companies. Average cost per day for a medium sized car is A$70.00. All cars are right-hand drive.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are widely accepted. Commonly recognised cards include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club. Only these cards are accepted by the Conference.
Currency Exchange
Decimal currency is used in Australia (AUD) and currency units are dollars and cents. Australian notes are: $100, $50, $20, $10, $5. Coins are: $2, $1, $ .50, $.20, $.10, $.05 cents.

Current Exchange Rates
The United States Dollar (USD) is worth 1.44341 Australian Dollars (AUD)
The Euro (EUR) is worth 2.00880 Australian Dollars (AUD)
Pound Sterling (GBP) is worth 2.10421 Australian Dollars (AUD)
The Singapore Dollar (SGD) is worth 1.00293 Australian Dollars (AUD)
The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) is worth 0.835018 Australian Dollars (AUD)
The Japanese Yen (JPY) is worth 0.0158279 Australian Dollars (AUD)
The Canadian Dollar (CAD) is worth 1.17572 Australian Dollars (AUD)
Currency data courtesy coinmill.com
Disabled Facilities
If you require disability specific facilities, please notify the secretariat by indicating on your registration form.
Disclaimer
In the event of industrial disruptions, the Conference Organisers cannot be held responsible for any losses incurred by delegates. The program is correct at the time of printing, but the Conference Organisers reserve the right to alter the program if and as is deemed necessary.
Electricity

The electrical supply is 240 volts, 50 Hz. The connection for appliances is a flat 3-pin plug. Most city hotels provide 110 volts for shavers.
Health
Vaccinations are not required unless you have come from a yellow fever- infected country zone within six days prior to your arrival. You do not need any other health certificate to enter Australia. Australia has a high standard of hygiene and doctors and dentists are highly trained and hospitals are well equipped. In the event of illness, hotel staff can arrange a doctor for you.
Insurance
It is strongly recommended that delegates take out adequate travel and health insurance prior to commencement of travel. Further information can be obtained from your travel agent.
Invitation Letters
Letters of invitation will not be issued for this Conference. To assist in obtaining any necessary visas that you may require, it is essential that you complete the registration via the Conference website ensuring to include a valid fax number and credit card details. The Conference Organiser will process your registration and sent to you a confirmation invoice confirming receipt of your payment and attendance at the Conference. You will then be able to present this invoice to your Embassy/High Commission to assist with the application of your visa. In the event that your application is unsuccessful, a full refund will be provided.
Liability
The Organising Committee and/or Conference Organiser shall not be held liable for personal accidents or losses or damage to private property of registered delegates of the Conference. Delegates should make their own arrangements with respect to personal insurance.
Passport And Visa
All international visitors require a valid passport and visa for entry into Australia (New Zealand visitors require a valid passport only). A facility for electronically issuing visas, The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) system, is currently available through international travel agents and airlines in over 30 countries including the US, UK, parts of Western Europe, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan. This system also includes pre-clearance for entry which reduces the time needed to process passengers on arrival. Your local Australian Embassy or Consulate can advise of the availability. For non-ETA countries, visas are issued from Australian Embassies and Consulates around the world. In non-ETA countries, we recommend that you apply early for your visa.

For further information, please visit: http://www.immi.gov.au
Quarantine
Australia is free from many plant and animal diseases prevalent in other countries. Very strict quarantine rules apply to the importation of animals and plants which cannot be brought into the country without prior application. Animal and plant products are also restricted.
Tax
Australia applies a tax to the purchase of both goods and services called the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The rate of tax that applies to taxable products and services is 10%. Tax is already included in the advertised prices.
Tipping
Tipping is not as widespread or regulated in Australia as it is in other parts of the world. Tipping is your prerogative, a reward for service. It is customary to tip hotel porters, and a gratuity of about 10% is usual in restaurants if good service is received. NO service charge is added to hotel or restaurant bill.
Travel
For international passengers, we suggest that you try to allow yourself at least a day in which to adjust to the time difference and relax after your flight, before the Conference commences. Travellers flying westward across the Pacific Ocean are reminded that they will lose a day by crossing the International Date Line. The 'lost day' will be returned on the return journey.