General Information

Passport and Visas:
To overseas participants, new procedures to enter Japan will start from 20 November, 2007. See more details (pdf file)
. A valid passport is required for all persons who enter Japan. Passports must be valid for longer than the period of stay in Japan. Visitors from some countries must obtain a visa before arrival. Visa application forms and further information can be obtained from Japanese High Commissions, Embassies, Consulates, and some travel agencies in the participant's countries. As visas may take some time to be issued please make sure that application is made early enough.

Climate: Late November in Fukuoka is generally mild with an average temperature of 15°C (59°F), however, the temperature is down to about 7°C (45°F) at night.

Currency: The Japanese currency is decimal. The Yen is the basic unit. Notes are in l0,000, 5,000, 2,000, and 1,000 Yen denorminations, and coins are minted in 500, 100, 50, l0, 5 and 1 Yen. Exchange facilities are available to meet international flights. Most hotels do not accept foreign currencies.

Banking and Credit: Banks open between 9:00 and 15:00 from Monday to Friday. Money exchange is possible at any bank in the city and at the airport. Generally, shops and restaurants accept credits cards such as JCB, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club. Cash machines for foreign travelers with credit cards are available only on limited site (some banks and shopping centers) in the city. More information will be available either at the Conference Registration Desk or, in advance, on the web site of participant's own Card Company, Note that personal checks may not be accepted in Japan. Traveler's checks are accepted at banks and major hotels

Tipping: Service charges of 10% are usually included in payments in restaurants and hotels. Porters at hotels, taxi drivers and hairdressers do not expect to be tipped At railway terminals porters have set charges.

Shops and Consumers Tax: Most shops open from l0:00 - 19:00. Closing days depend on

individual shops, and many shops and department stores open on Saturday and Sunday. Consumers' tax of 5%, is automatically added to the bill of every sale.

Electric Power: Electricity is supplied at 100V, 60Hz in Fukuoka. The connection for appliances is a parallel 2-pin plug. Electrical appliances from other countries will require adapters to fit Japanese connections.