On this page:
Special Welcome From David W. Parke II, MD
Travel and Transportation
Travel Insurance for International Attendees
San Francisco Basics: Weather, Exchange Rate and More
Joint Meeting Highlights for International Attendees
San Francisco City Highlights
Special Welcome From David W. Parke II, MD
Executive Vice President and CEO of the Academy David W. Parke II, MD welcomes international members to the 2009 Joint Meeting with PAAO. View the welcome video.
Travel and Transportation
- Most international Joint Meeting attendees will require a visitor visa to enter the United States. Apply early; for scientific conferences, visa applications should be made no later than 90 days prior to travel. Consult Visitor Visas for details and helpful links.
- Personalize the letter of invitation to the Joint Meeting to assist in your visitor-visa application process.
- Book your flight and car rental.
Travel Insurance for International Attendees
If you are attending the 2009 Joint Meeting in San Francisco, your current accident and medical insurance may not cover travel outside your home country.
Marsh offers the Gateway portfolio of international insurance plans for people traveling, residing or working abroad. All plans offer combined insurance and services, such as coverage for accident and illness medical expenses, transportation expenses associated with medical evacuation and repatriation, indemnity in event of accidental death or dismemberment and worldwide travel and medical assistance services.
For short-term travel to the United States, consider either the Gateway USA or Gateway Visit America insurance plans. To learn more about eligibility requirements, benefits, limitations, exclusions and premium rates for these plans as well as the other plans in the Gateway portfolio, visit www.gatewayplans.com or contact:
Gateway Plan Administrator
1255 23rd Street, NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20037
Tel: 800.282.4495 (toll-free, United States only) or 202.367.5097
Fax: 202.367.5076
E-mail: gateway@marshpm.com
San Francisco Basics
Language
Most sessions and events at the Joint Meeting are conducted in English. However, some of this year's PAAO sessions will be offered in Spanish or Portuguese. There are also a few Breakfast With the Experts roundtables in Spanish, as well as the "Best of the Academy" session on Wednesday. You will be able to view these sessions and more through the Joint Meeting Online Program and at Highlights for International Attendees (available in July).
Venue
The 2009 Joint Meeting will be held at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.
Weather
In late October, San Francisco has average highs of 69°F (21°C), and average lows of 54°F (12°C), making it a great time to visit. Get the San Francisco 10-day weather forecast.
Exchange Rate
Convert your currency to U.S. dollars.
Tipping
Tipping in the United States is customary. Fifteen to 20 percent is usually expected in restaurants, taxis and for services you receive.
Etiquette
North American etiquette for private, public and business interactions.
Time
San Francisco is in the Pacific time zone. Pacific Standard Time is -8 hours UTC/GMT.
Electricity
Voltage 120, frequency 60 Hz. Adaptors that may be required are:
 |  |
| two flat blades or | two flat blades with a round grounding pin. |
Telephone
U.S. country code: +1
San Francisco area code: 415
U.S. telephone numbers have seven digits (e.g., 555-1234)
- To make a local call in San Francisco, just dial the seven-digit number.
- To call outside the (415) area code, dial 1 + area code + seven-digit number.
- To call internationally from San Francisco, dial "011" + country code + area code + number.
Internet
Most hotels offer high-speed Internet connections and Internet cafes are plentiful.
Wi-Fi access will be available in the AAOasis areas at Moscone.
Emergencies
Dial 911 from any phone.
Business Hours
Standard business hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Dress
Business-conservative or business-casual attire is appropriate for all meeting events. If you wish to wear traditional clothing from your country, feel free to do so. Wear comfortable shoes, as there are long walking distances within the convention center.
Joint Meeting Highlights for International Attendees
San Francisco City Highlights
San Francisco is a unique, vibrant, exciting city that welcomes visitors from around the world. Spend some time before or after the Joint Meeting exploring this fascinating historical destination. View the Spouse and Guest Online Program, or consult San Francisco City Highlights for ideas.
