PHILADELPHIA

The Most Beautiful City in the World!!!

GENERAL INFORMATION OF UNITED STATES!

Welcome to the United States! We look forward to seeing you in Philadelphia, PA, the location of SinglesFor Events 2024. Philadelphia is the most beautiful city in the US with a population of over 2 million and well connected to New Jersey and New York, Delaware, Washington D.C. via Train, I-95 Express way and via airports PHL, EWR, JFK, DCA, etc. The following information will help you acclimate and discover some of the fun and exciting attractions that our host city has to offer.

Business hours in the US are extensive in the services sector. One can shop for clothing, food, and other items or find an open restaurant very late in the evening, and in some cases, 24 hours per day. Business hours for banks and government agencies such as the post office are more limited—typically between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.—though some may have extended hours.

For a list of attractions in Philadelphia, please VisitPhilly.

SOME OF THE BEST AIRLINES CONNECTIVITIES TO AND FROM
PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (PHL)

Delta Air Lines is offering a good rate of discount on all applicable fares. Delta Air Lines reservations and ticketing are available via www.delta.com. When booking online, select “Book Your Flight” and SkyBonus ID US0147224.

SouthWest Air Lines is offering a good rate of discount on all applicable fares. SourthWest Air Lines reservations and ticketing are available via SouthWest Business.  Upon booking online use Swabiz ID: 99399042.

REMEMBER TO BOOK YOUR HOUSING EARLY!

To ensure the best hotel selection, we recommend that you book your hotel early! 

| BookingPriceline | AirBnB | Expedia |

VISITOR VISA REQUIREMENTS

Be sure to plan ahead to ensure you meet the visa/travel requirements to enter the United States. We understand in some areas of the world there continue to be delays in obtaining a visa to enter the US. Don’t wait! These links and resources will help you navigate this process.

CHECK THE U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT WEBSITE FOR YOUR REQUIREMENTS

Many visitors to the United States require a visa to enter the country, unless they are coming from a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program and possess a Machine-Ready Passport (MRP). If you require a visa to enter the United States, check with your local United States Embassy or Consulate to obtain the necessary documentation as soon as possible.

VISA WAIVER PROGRAM (VWP)

The US Department of Homeland Security requires travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries to apply for travel authorization at least 72 hours prior to departure through its Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Additional information and an online application can be found on the Department of Homeland Security’s ESTA website.

REQUEST A LETTER OF INVITATION

To assist you with the visa process, you may request a Letter of Invitation to the SinglesFor Events (A project of TraceXpert Solutions Inc.). You can request this letter during the registration process. If you have any questions please email: Events@HRIMM.com.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE VISA PROCESS?

If you have any questions about the visa process, please contact your local embassy or consulate.

MONEY Exchange
(World’s super power in your pocket)

Cash machines are also known as automatic teller machines or ATMs. They are easily found near banks and in malls, shops and hotels, as well as on the street in major cities such as Philadelphia, New York. Service is reliable. The exchange rate is generally better at an ATM than at a bank currency exchange counter. Foreign currency exchange service is provided at Philadelphia International Airport on all Terminals. From Philly Airport by Road Rental Cars/Taxi available but Trains are the easiest way to reach to Philadelphia Center City and near by lot’s of hotels at walking distance. Most US retailers accept cash and credit cards. 

CALENDAR OF DATES

Calendar dates are expressed in the month-day-year order in the US. This is contrary to the system used in many other countries. For instance, the 22nd of August 2024, would be listed as 22/08/2024 rather than 11-10-2023.

12-HOUR CLOCK

A 12-hour clock utilizing a.m. and p.m. designations is standard. The 24-hour clock is primarily used only in military settings. Philadelphia is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET), Daylight Saving Time (DST) will be in effect during the 2024 Event

CUSTOMARY MEAL HOURS

Breakfast: 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
Brunch: 10.00 a.m. – 11.30 a.m.
Lunch: 01.00:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Dinner: 6:30 p.m.– 9:00 p.m.

As with other services, extended restaurant hours are readily available. On weekends, many Americans combine the meals of breakfast and lunch into a single “brunch.” Many full-service hotels offer brunch buffets on Saturday and Sunday.

ELECTRICITY

Electronics in the US operate with a voltage of 110-120 volts, 60 cycles. If your equipment requires 220 volts, you will need to bring a transformer and plug adapter. Note: converters can be difficult to find once in the United States. But easily available from Amazon for overnight delivery.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION

In general, you can dial 911 from any phone for emergency services, including police, ambulance, and fire. However, hotels and convention centers have their own emergency numbers, which will be posted on the phones and in the guest directories.

SMOKING

Smoking is prohibited at in the Event Hall, Seminars and Conference and in all public areas except in designated areas.

TELEPHONE USAGE

To make international calls from a telephone in the United States, dial the international calling number (011), followed by the country code, then city code, then phone number. For example, to reach Amsterdam in Neatherland, dial 011 -31-20-945021. If you require operator assistance, an AT&T International Operator can be reached by dialing 00.

TIPPING

Tips or gratuities are optional payments given in addition to a required payment, usually to express appreciation for excellent service. How much to tip is a personal judgment. The information below serves only as a guideline. One should never offer a tip to police officers or government employees; such an offer might be considered a bribe.

  • Waiters and waitresses normally receive 10% of the amount of the food bill for good service.
  • Porters receive $1 or $2 per bag.
  • Taxi drivers receive 10-15% of the amount of the fare.
  • Barbers and hairdressers, as well as spa personnel, normally receive 10-15% of the bill.
  • Room service personnel often receive an automatic gratuity that is listed on the food bill after the subtotal. Otherwise, $2 per meal is acceptable.
  • Hotel maids normally receive $1 to $2 per night for cleaning the room.
  • Any other visits from hotel personnel (for more towels or pillows, for instance) can be appropriately tipped with $1 to $2.
  • Tour guides for organized tours utilizing transportation can receive tips for excellent service. The size of such a tip depends on the number of persons touring, the length of the tour, etc. For a half-day bus tour with a good guide, an average tip might be $5 per attendee.