69th UICH International Congress
Frequently Asked Questions
I wanted to have the early bird rates but I can only pay it later next month, can you help with that?
All registrations and payments are directly processed by UICH. Congress host organizers are not responsible for the rates that you are going to pay for the Congress. In regards to early bird rates, once you are not able to pay by the deadline set by UICH, your registration will be immediately changed to regular rates by the system. Our early bird registrations are only open for exactly 100 first participants, once all the quotas are paid, we will close the early bird and process with regular rates. Waiting lists are subject to discretion with the UICH.
I would like to arrive early or stay a little bit longer in Madrid, can I extend my stay outside of Congress dates?
The RIU offers €199 for both single and double rooms for 3 nights pre or post Congress.
Melia Princesa offers €200 single and €220 double and a special rate for pre/post depending on how early the attendee reserves.
The Barcelo offers €200 single and €224 double and they intend to offer this rate 3 days on either side of the Congress.
Should you wish to extend your stay, please reach the team at info@llavesdeoro.org. All additional nights are subject to hotel availability. We suggest that you plan your stay ahead after you have reserved your Congress registrations. All additional nights shall be paid to the hotels directly.
Is it possible to have special requests for my room arrangements in the Congress Hotel Venue?
All requests are subject to hotel availability. We will try to communicate your room requests to the hotel, provided that you put the room requests in the notes on your congress registration. All room type and bedding requests are also subject to hotel availability, Congress organizers are not responsible for your room type and bedding allocations. We suggest you register as early as possible.
FYI, any additional rooms that you might need during Congress dates (for your family or friends), will be subject to hotel availability. We will be glad to assist you with several hotel options near the Congress hotels to assist with your accommodations.
ON YOUR ARRIVAL
Is a Visa required to enter Spain?
For certain nationalities, a valid visa is required. This visa will not be necessary if the interested party has a valid residence permit or a valid long-term visa issued by a Schengen State.
The nationalities requiring a visa are listed in Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806
You must submit your application to the consulate at least 15 days before your intended journey and no earlier than 6 months beforehand. You may have to book an appointment before lodging the application.
Please find all the necessary information here: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/visa-policy/applying-schengen-visa_en
Is it necessary to declare customs?
If coming from a country outside the European Union, you must decide whether you are carrying goods which need to be declared, and go through airport Customs. Some examples of goods that must be declared are food, high-value electronics, cash over 10,000 euros, etc.
I will be arriving early and/or departing later from the Congress dates. How can I arrange transport from/to the hotel?
We can assist you in arranging transportation for your arrival or departure at an additional cost. Please reach out to our team for transport arrangements. Please note there is a fixed rate of 33€ for taxi service from Barajas Airport to any of the Congress Hotels and any central Madrid location. Uber may be ordered at a lower rate, depending on demand. Also, you can arrange a private car service at 75€ rate through info@llavesdeoro.org.
Complimentary airport transfer will be arranged for participants arriving on the 30th of March and departing on the 4th of April only. Our team member will be available at the airport with Congress signage and banners to assist you with transportation on both dates.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Is there an ATM in the hotel?
ATM and Currency exchange services are available in the airport arrival area and throughout the city. All ATMs can take Visa, Master, and Maestro. We recommend exchanging money in a bank called Cecabank located in c/ Caballero de Gracia 30 in the city center. Please remember to bring your passport / ID.
Is the Euro the only currency?
The only accepted currency is € Euro. Card as well as cash payments are widely accepted.
Is tipping customary?
Yes, please tip where you can. While tipping is not a requirement, it is always welcome as the service charge is not included in the bill. Typical tip value would be 10%.
Is there a nearby hospital?
The best international hospital is Ruber International https://www.ruberinternacional.es/en located in Salamanca neighbourhood in the centre of Madrid. Additionally, doctor’s assistance at the hotel could be arranged through any of the members of the Organizing Committee.
What temperatures can I expect during the Congress time?
It is going to be the end of winter and the beginning of spring. During the day you can expect temperatures between 6C and 15C, 43F – 60F, mostly sunny. It is recommended to have a light jacket with you.
I have several dietary restrictions and food allergens; can I still enjoy the Congress?
Please fill in the dietary restrictions and allergen section during your registration clearly so we can better accommodate your needs. We have also prepared a selection of replacements so you can still enjoy the ambience that we prepared for you.
Is it safe to drink water from anywhere?
Yes, in fact, tap water in Madrid is one of the best in Spain. It is safe to drink it in restaurants, bars, hotels or public water fountains.
Is Wi-Fi easily accessible anywhere?
Wi-Fi is commonly accessible in public spaces. If you decide to buy a local SIM card, use Orange as it is currently the provider with the biggest network coverage. Please remember to take your passport with you, otherwise they will not sell you the card.
Mini Glossary
Hello Hola
Good Morning Buenos dias
Good Afternoon Buenas tardes (12.00 – 18.00)
Good Evening Buenas noches (19.00 – 00.00)
How are you? Como estas?
Thank you Gracias / Muchas gracias
You are welcome De nada
My name is … Me llamo…
Yes Si
No No
Excuse me Disculpa / Perdon
Good bye Adios
Please Por favor
See you again Hasta luego
Chicken Pollo
Coffee with milk Café con leche
Black coffee / espresso Café solo
Still / Sparkling water Agua sin / con gas
Tapas – a small portion of food served as an aperitivo in bars and restaurants. The most famous ones are croquetas (ham croquets), cheese and charcuterie and ensaladilla rusa (potato salad) and patatas bravas among many other.