Indian time is 5 h 30 min ahead of GMT. Daylight saving is not used.

Most major foreign currencies can be exchanged for Indian Rupees at the airport itself. Foreign currency can also be exchanged at most good hotels and many banks. Hotels usually charge slightly more commission than banks do. It is advisable to make all cash transactions in Indian rupees except at the larger establishments where credit cards may be used freely. Changing foreign currency at unauthorized outlets and through self-proclaimed agents or dealers is illegal and is done at one's own risk. At the time of printing of this booklet, one U.S. dollar is equivalent to about 46 Indian Rupees.

Taxicabs can be booked in advance through the Congress Secretariat. They are also available at the airport. The distance of approximately 40 km (25 miles) from the international airport to the Hilton Towers, the congress venue hotel, can cost anywhere between 500 and 2500 Indian Rupees depending upon the kind of taxicab hired. The drive can take between one and two hours depending on the time of arrival and the traffic conditions . If not using a Congress taxicab, it is best to hire one through the counter at the airport itself to avoid being cheated. Your name, destination, and the taxicab's registration number are noted down by the traffic police department for your security.

Other fine hotels in different categories are also available near the conference venue. It is recommended that you book in advance to avoid disappointment and inconvenience since December is peak tourist season.

Electricity in India is supplied at 220-240 V and 5 amps/15 amps. Cylindrical (European style) 2 pin and 3 pin plugs are employed. For the convenience of visiting delegates from abroad, adapter plugs will be made available at the conference registration desk.

Thomas Cook has been appointed the official travel agent for the APSSM-AGASSI conference. You may contact them through the conference website or the secretariat. A travel counter will also be available at the conference venue. You may use this facility to make/confirm your reservations, book your pre- and post-congress tours, organize local sight-seeing, and to hire taxis for local ground transportation.

The weather in Bombay in December is moderate. The days are warm and humid and the temperature can go up to 30^oC (86^oF). Evenings are cooler and the mercury can dip to between 15^oC (59^oF) and 10°C (50^oF).

Travellers must arrange their own travel, accident, health and life insurance. The congress secretariat does not take any responsibility for this.

The conference hotel (Hilton Towers) itself has a very good shopping arcade. There are also many other shopping districts, both up-market and down-market, nearby. For tips on what to buy and what's a good price, contact the `May I Help You?' counter at the registration desk.

Mumbai is by and far a safe city, but it's a city nonetheless and the usual rules apply. Solo nocturnal misadventures are not recommended. Beware of petty thieves and pickpockets in crowded areas. Do not exchange foreign currency through unauthorized vendors. It is illegal. 'Super bargains' obtained at dubious outlets can turn out to be mistakes.

Many 'happening' places are available, both at the congress venue itself and nearby. During the day, accompanying persons may shop, take in a museum, and tour the colonial parts of old Bombay city. There will also be special day programs for accompanying persons. In the evenings, there's a pick of fine dining places, discos, pubs, and cinema halls. For details, enquire at the 'May I Help You ?' counter.

At the time of printing of this booklet, no special warnings have been issued for bird flu etc.. However, this is subject to change. Stay in touch with your travel agent.

It is recommended that visitors to India drink only bottled water purchased at reliable outlets. Drinking water provided in good hotels is generally very safe, but even here, running tap water is not potable.

Apart from a few designated non-smoking areas, cigarette smoking is allowed at most places !

Concurrence with this cancellation and refund policy is implicit during registration. Any unforeseen developments, including in hotel/ airline policies, might carry fresh implications.

* taxes, service charges and commissions will have to be borne by cancelling registrant