The official language of the conference is English.
You are advised to carry your identification documents. Always keep spare copies of identity and travel related documents.
The local currency is the Indian rupee (INR). Foreign currency exchange facility is available at the Hyderabad International airport. Indian currency can be withdrawn using credit cards at designated ATMs. These facilities are also available at the conference venue.
The weather in Hyderabad in July is very hot. The average temperatures are between 24°C and 30°C, drinking water regularly is advisable.
You can expect rain for roughly half of the month of July in Hyderabad. We’re expecting roughly 8 to 15 days of rain, so your rubber boots and umbrella are going to see plenty of use this month if you’re keen on staying dry.
It is advisable to keep your medications handy. We have a medical facility at the conference venue to assist you in case of need. There are several hospitals in the vicinity of the conference venue and please do not hesitate to ask the volunteers for any assistance. Delegates may visit the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India’s website for more details to know about the guidelines for international travellers, which updates from time to time. https://www.mohfw.gov.in/.
The city of Hyderabad is known for its delicious food varieties. Reach out to the volunteers for suggestions about good places to eat and to get a taste of authentic Hyderabadi cuisine. Ask for the ingredients in case you are allergic to any food items such as peanuts. Food is in general spicy. Please avoid street food. The tap water is not suitable for drinking. It is advisable to drink from the water bottles.
A Conference Help Desk will be set up at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport Hyderabad. Please ask the volunteers at the help desk for any assistance for traveling to the hotel or venue from the airport. You can use mobile apps to get a cab from Ola or Uber. Prepaid authorized airport taxis are also available at the airport. The city of Hyderabad has good bus and train connectivity, but, for short distance travel, it is more comfortable to hire a cab. A cheaper and perhaps slightly adventurous option is the three-wheeler auto-rickshaw (colloquially known as “auto”). Always pay the fare by the meter. You can also book an auto using the Ola app. Light motor vehicles and heavy vehicles follow the right-hand driving system. We strongly advise you against driving in Hyderabad particularly if you are not used to driving on Indian roads.
In general, Hyderabad is a safe city. However, please be alert and avoid travelling alone at night. Please note down the mobile phone number of one of the volunteers just in case you need help. Do not hesitate to reach out to the Police for help. The Police department in Hyderabad is very helpful. Alm-seekers may bother you on the roads or near traffic junctions. Gently ignore them. Please be careful with the stray dogs and other animals on the roads. If you are visiting spiritual places, please get to know the regulations of that place and follow them to avoid unpleasant situations. For example, footwear is strictly not allowed inside temples and mosques.
The power outlets in India follow the 220 volts / 50 Hz standard. Use suitable adaptors to interface your devices with the Indian power outlets. Plugs and sockets have either grounded/earthed three-pin connections (Type D) or ungrounded two-pin connections (Type C).
Smoking and drinking in public places is a punishable offence. Kindly visit pubs, bars, or restaurants for consuming alcoholic beverages. The local law prohibits serving alcohol after 10.30 PM.
The organizers are not liable for any claims for damages and/or losses if the entire conference has to be cancelled due to a force majeure incident.
The organizers are not liable for damages and/or losses of any kind that may be incurred by the conference delegates or by any other individuals accompanying them, both during the official activities as well as going to/from the conference. Delegates are responsible for their own safety and belongings.
The registration fee does not cover travel and medical insurance for the delegates. The organizers recommend that the delegates take out travel and medical insurance in their home country to cover pre-journey cancellation for personal reasons and necessary insurance to cover accidents, medical expenses and loss of personal belongings during the visit for the conference.
The prominent local languages are Hindi and Telugu, and to a certain extent Urdu. English is also widely spoken. Most cab drivers speak English.