PASSPORTS & VISAS
To enter Germany a valid passport is required by all visitors, as well as a visa for visitors from some countries. You may find information specific to your country on this button below. Apply for a visa here.
If you require an invitation to the meeting on ISHRS letterhead for the purpose of obtaining a visa, you may request this during the registration process, or by contacting the ISHRS Headquarters Office at +1-630-262-5399 or info@ishrs.org.
AIRPORT & GROUND TRANSPORTATION
The conference venue, the InterContinental Berlin, is located 18 miles/approximately 30 minutes from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (airport code: BER).
Taxi
Taking a taxi in Berlin is safe but a little more expensive than in other cities. Go to the airport official designated taxi stops to avoid fake taxis that charge a higher price. Passengers arriving at Terminals 1 and 2 use the north and south taxi ranks in front of T1 on Level E0. You can usually assume that taxis are reputable, but it is not wrong to ask how much the journey to your desired destination will cost. The trip from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) to the InterContinental Berlin will cost approximately €55 day rate/€58 night rate (night rate is 10:00PM-6:00AM and all day Sunday). Surcharges must be paid for large-capacity taxis and bulky luggage. Payment by credit or debit card should now be possible in all taxis. If paying with cash, be sure to have small notes with you as taxi drivers are not obligated to carry large amounts of change.
Uber
Uber is available in Berlin.
Train
A train station is located directly below Terminal 1 (stop is called “Flughafen BER”), so you can transfer directly to trains and the S-Bahn. Take the S9 (S-Bahn) train from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to the Zoologischer Garten stop, which is approximately a 5-minute walk from the InterContinental Hotel (the hotel is located directly next to the zoo). The train departs approximately every 20-30 minutes. The ride from the airport to InterContinental Berlin is approximately 40 minutes long and the price is €4.70 for a ticket for tariff zones ABC.
The best way to buy tickets is at one of the many S-Bahn Berlin sales points, at the ticket machines directly in the stations or conveniently via the S-Bahn Berlin app on your smartphone. The ticket machines are conveniently available in 6 languages (German, English, French, Spanish, Turkish, Polish). Tickets must be validated at the devices at the train stop – there are no turnstiles. Click the button below for instructions on how to ride the trains in Berlin.
Hotel Parking
If you are driving to the meeting, hotel self-parking is available for a daily rate of EUR €36 with in/out privileges.
MEDICAL & TRAVEL INSURANCE
Check with your personal medical insurance plan before leaving your home country to ensure you have adequate traveling insurance. Visitors are urged to take out insurance to cover loss incurred in the case of cancellation, medical expenses and damage to or loss of personal effects whenever traveling outside of their own country.
Additional Information
Language
The official language is German. English is widely spoken in Berlin.
Currency
Euro (€)
Population
Approximately 3.6 million
Weather
October temperatures in Berlin are generally between 44°F and 57°F (7°C and 14°C) with seven days of rain.
Time-Zone
Berlin is in the Central European time zone which is GMT+1 at the time of the World Congress.
The time will change from Central European Summer Time to Central European Time on the evening of Saturday/October 25. Those attending the Live Surgery Workshop in Potsdam should note this change carefully.
Recommended Attire
The attire for the ISHRS World Congress is business. The attire for the Gala Dinner is inspired by a fusion of cirque / cabaret / burlesque, think 1920s Berlin. Or as has been a tradition of the ISHRS, you may wear a costume reflective of your native country for the Gala.
Local Taxes
VAT of 19% is included in the prices (reduced VAT of 7% on limited categories). The city tax of 7.5% is added to hotel room rates.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are widely accepted in Berlin. However, it is also a good idea to carry some cash as markets and some businesses may not accept credit cards.
Tipping
- Restaurants: Tipping is customary but not mandatory with most people opting to round up the bill by a small amount (around 5-10%) for good service in restaurants, cafes, and bars.
- Regarding paying at restaurants, it is not common to leave money for servers on the table after leaving. Instead, hand your cash or card to your waiter and tell them the total amount you want to pay for your meal including the tip as they process the payment at the table.
- Taxi Drivers: Generally, you should round up the fare by a few euros and around 10% for longer rides or assistance with luggage.
- Housekeeping: Tip €2-3 tip per day depending on your room size and cleaning service provided.
- Room Service: Check to see if the hotel has already added a service charge in which case you do not need to tip. If not, add 5-10%.
- Bell Service: Standard tip is €2-3 per bag.
Electricity
Germany operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz and uses two plug types, types C and F. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side.
