Passport and Visa

Passports, valid for at least six months from the entry into China, and entry visas are required to visit China. Participants are advised to consult the nearest Chinese diplomatic mission for details.

Once in China, the participants are advised to carry their passports on them at all times because the passports may be needed to check into hotels, book airline tickets, and change money.

To apply for visas, participants should first fill out the On-line Registration and pay the appropriate registration fee. The Secretariat will then send a formal invitation form via airmail or fax with which the participants can apply for a visa at the Chinese diplomatic mission indicated in the invitation.

This application should be made preferably at least two month before departure for China.

Alternatively, participants may ask their travel agents to arrange their travel to China and obtain a tourist visa irrespective of whether or not they have registered with the Session Secretariat.

If participants have any difficulties in obtaining their visa, they should contact the Secretariat.

ii. Payment method (can only be used for payment from overseas)

All payment from overseas should be in US dollars. The Conference Registration must be submitted with the payment of the appropriate credit card information, or the registration will not be processed.

Credit card payment: payment for the registration fee and hotel deposit can be made by credit card (Visa, Master, American Express). There will be a 4% service charge calculated on the total amount paid (obligation by the Bank of China). Besides, it is billed in Chinese RMB. Consequently, the amount charged to your account may vary due to fluctuation in exchange rates. Totally, there will be about 5-6% service fee.(download the payment form for credit card)----For the security reason, we would not allow the participant to input their credit card information during your online registration.

Bank draft (checks) or personal check should be mailed to the following address:

Ms. Cuiling Lan
Center for International Scientific Exchanges, CAS
52 Sanlihe Rd., Beijing 100864, China

N.B. According to Bank of China regulations, there is handling charge of US$18 for each draft, the cost of which should be borne by the registrant. So, if the payment is made by bank draft, US$18 more should be made on the draft. The draft should be received before Aug. 15, 2008.

Payment Method:

All payment from overseas should be US dollars. The Conference Registration must be submitted with the payment of a bank check or the appropriate credit card information, or the registration will not be processed. For onspot payment, only Chinese Currency cash is acceptable.

Bank draft (check) or personal check should be made and sent by Express Mail to:

Ms. Cuiling Lan
Center for International Scientific Exchanges, CAS
52 Sanlihe Rd., Beijing 100864, China

N.B. According to Bank of China regulations, there is handling charge of US$18 for each draft, the cost of which should be borne by the registrant. So, if the payment is made by bank draft, US$18 more should be made on the draft. The draft should be received before Aug. 15, 2008.

Credit card payment: payment for the registration fee and hotel fee can be made by credit card (Visa, Master, American Express). There will be a 4% service charge calculated on the total amount paid (obligation by the Bank of China). Besides, it is billed in Chinese RMB. Consequently, the amount charged to your account may vary due to fluctuation in exchange rates(1-2%). Totally, there will be about 5-6% more charged. (download the payment form for credit card) . --only for registration fee and hotel fee.

Refund Policy and Cancellation Charge

Badges

Identification badges are mandatory and are required for admission to all the Conference functions, scientific programs and poster sessions. Individuals who lose their badges will be required to pay a fee to obtain a personalized replacement badge.

Electricity

The electrical voltage in China is 220V 50Hz. Power sockets available in China are Type A, Type I, and Type C plugs. Adapters are available at some hotels and convenience stores But. It is still strongly suggested to bring your own adapters here.

Insurance

The registration fee does not include insurance for the participants regarding accidents, sickness or loss of personal property. It is advisable that participants make their own arrangements in respect of health and travel insurance before leaving their countries.

Currency Exchange

	In China, only RMB is used. However, exchange centers can be found at airports, most hotels and large shopping centers. When exchanging money, please keep your receipt by which you can change any remaining RMB back to foreign currency when leaving China. Visa, Master, American Express are accepted in many department stores and hotels. ATM could help you to get RMB cash from your credit card.
The Bank of China and most hotels can cash travelers' cheque issued by any foreign bank or financial institution. Participants will need to show a passport and pay a 0.75 percent commission. Travelers' cheque signed over to a third party cannot be cashed in China, but can be presented for collection through the Bank of China.

Reconfirmation of Air Ticket

Some of the departure air ticket (both international and domestic) should be reconfirmed 72 hours in advance. Please contact with your airline office about the procedure before your departure for China.

Notice to All Japanese Participants

Please contact: Travel Partner Co. Ltd., Japan which was an official travel agency for the convenience of the participants from Japan to China. It will offer registration and hotel reservation, visa application, international air tickets and insurance. Contact address:
Ms. Yuriko Matsukawa / Ms. Hagita Noriko / Mr. Yuji Totsuka,
Travel Partners Co., Ltd.,
KCM Bldg. 2F, 25-6, Hakozaki-cho, Nihombashi,
Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0015.
Tel. +81-3-5645-3700.
Fax. +81-3-5645-3775.
Email: chinadesk8@gold.ocn.ne.jp