Getting to Ilhabela
The flights will arrive in São Paulo (Guarulhos International Airport - GRU), 20km away from downtown, 70 km from INPE - São José dos Campos, and 200 km from Itapemar Hotel.

Transport Guarulhos Airport (São Paulo) - Ilhabela
Arrival: the foreigner participants will be met in the airport and transport arranged in small groups depending on arrival times to Ilhabela.
Departure: transport will also be arranged back to Guarulhos Airport (São Paulo) in small groups depending on departure times.
Transportation time between Itapemar Hotel and Guarulhos Airport (São Paulo) is about 4 hours. The island is accessible by ferry, crossing for 15 minutes.

Language
The official meeting language will be English. The national language is Portuguese, although English and Spanish are spoken in most hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions.

Weather
During spring, the average midday temperature in Ilhabela is about 24,8°C.

Electrical Power
Ilhabela runs on an alternating current of 110 or 120V, 60 Hz. Many hotels, however, have both 110 and 220V outlets.

Currency
The Brazilian Monetary Unit is the "Real" (R$). The exchange rate on August 10th, 2011 was approximately USD 1 to 1.61 Reais, and EURO 1 to 2.29 Reais. Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club and American Express) are accepted at most hotels, shops, restaurants and car rentals.

Banking Facilities
Extended banking facilities are available at Guarulhos International Airport. There are automatic cash dispensers, usually located in connection with a bank, which accept a variety of international credit cards. The cards accepted are indicated on the dispenser. This is the easiest and safest way for withdrawing money. Please note that there will be no bank facilities at the Conference venue.

Tips and taxes
A 10% tip is usually already included in the bill at restaurants and bars. You are not obliged to pay this tip, but usually nobody complains. Of course you may leave a higher tip if you wish. If the tip is not included, this will be explicitly indicated in the bill. Usually, all prices include Brazilian federal taxes. An exception could be the hotel prices, which may add a 5% to 10% tax to the given rates.

Time Zone
Ilhabela Time Zone is -3 hours in relation to Greenwich Mean Time.

Medical Insurance
There are a number of internationally respected hospitals, clinics and doctors in São Paulo, but treatment is expensive. Visitors are strongly advised to take out medical insurance before travelling to Brazil.