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Useful Information for HB2009 International Attendees

Banks

Bank hours and days of business will vary depending on the bank, as well as its location. Generally, banks are open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Some banks are also open on Saturday mornings and/or operate longer business hours.

Retail Business Hours

Most retail stores are open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm within the city of Syracuse, NY, while area malls are typically open from 10 am to 9 pm, Monday through Saturday, and from noon to 6 pm on Sunday.

Climate

The climate in Syracuse, NY is temperate, comparable to cities such as New York City, London, and Paris. During the early autumn, Syracuse, NY averages a high of 16 °C to 27 °C (60 °F to 80°F) and an average low of 4 °C to 16 °C (40 °F - 60°F).

Clothing

Proper dress for conference is business or business casual attire. Although September temperatures in Syracuse, NY are usually quite comfortable, air-conditioned hotels can be chilly. Participants often find a sweater or jacket useful.

Drinking Water

Tap water in Syracuse, NY is safe to drink.

Electrical Appliances

The electrical voltage system in the United States is 110 volts. Those traveling from countries outside North America will need a proper voltage converter and adapter in order to operate their electrical appliances.

Health Insurance

Visitors are advised to obtain health insurance before leaving their home province or country. Foreigners applying for non-immigrant visas (temporary admission) may be required to undergo a medical examination at the discretion of the consular officer overseas or immigration officer at the US port of entry, if there is reason to suspect that an inadmissible health-related condition exists.

Language

English is the official language of the United States; all presentations at the Ninth International Healthy Buildings Conference and Exhibition will be in English.

To locate a translator in your language in the Syracuse, NY area, visit the American Translators Association.

Local Time

Syracuse, NY is in the Eastern Standard Time zone (EST) which is five hours earlier than Greenwich Mean Time (UK); Syracuse is in the same time zone as New York City.

Money

The money system in the United States is based on US dollars (USD$) and cents. International currency exchange services are available at all international airports, as well as at banks and currency exchange outlets located throughout the city.

Cash machines/ATMs are available in most banks, hotels, shopping malls, etc., with cash dispensed in US currency.

Traveler’s checks and credit cards are accepted at most major retailers.

Taxes and Tax Rebates

While in Syracuse, NY, there is an 8% sales tax added to the cost of most purchases or services. Total hotel tax including sales tax is 13%. Food and beverage tax is 8%. The US does not offer refunds of sales tax for foreign visitors.

Tipping

Tips or service charges are not usually added to restaurant bills in the United States. Where service has been satisfactory, it is customary to leave a tip of 15% on the pre-tax amount. For outstanding service, some individuals choose to tip 20%. Some restaurants will place a mandatory service charge on a bill for a large party, in lieu of a tip.

A 15% tip is generally extended for services such as haircuts, shoe shines and taxi rides. Doormen, skycaps, and porters are usually tipped $1 per bag.