20th International Symposium on Novel Aromatic Compounds
Toronto, Canada・August 11-16, 2024
General Information
Here are some additional tips & tools to better prepare your stay in Toronto
Location
Toronto, the capital of the province of Ontario, is a major Canadian city along Lake Ontario’s northwestern shore.
Time Zone
Toronto is in the Eastern Standard Time Zone (EST | UTC-05:00). Eastern Daylight Saving Time (EDST) is in effect from March to November.
Language
English and French are Canada's two official languages but English is the predominant language in Toronto.
The official ISNA-20 language is also English. All abstract submissions and presentations must be in English.
Weather
Toronto has a continental climate that is modified considerably by the proximity of the Great Lakes. August is one of the hottest times of the year in Toronto. Similar to July, daily average temperatures range from a high of 25°C (77°F) to a low of 17°C (63°F), with an overall average of 21°C (70°F).
Check current Toronto weather conditions.
Electricity
The electrical current is the same as in the United States (as well as Japan): 110 volts AC at 60Hz. Adapters are required for electrical devices from other countries.
Safety
Toronto is among the least dangerous cities
in North America and one of the safest cities in the world. Like any other big city, some crime problems exist and some areas should be avoided by tourists. However, many people are walking around, both during the day and night, which makes Toronto quite safe.
Getting Around
Toronto is a very walkable city and walking is often the fastest way to get around.
Easy-to-navigate subways, buses and streetcars (cumulatively known as the TTC), are available as well. While you can now use debit/credit cards or a smart phone to pay for your ride, we recommend getting a Presto card (similar to the IC card in Japan), as it also provides discounts at select venues around town. Vending machines are available at the UP Express train station in Toronto Pearson Airport, as well as in all subway stations.
There are also a number of different taxi companies in Toronto, as well as ride sharing services Uber and Lyft.
Emergency Number
Fire, Police, and Emergency Medical Services, can all be reached by dialing 911
Conference Dress Code
The dress code for the congress is informal for all occasions - it is 2024 after all!
Just make sure to dress for the weather and account for air conditioning indoors.
Travelling with Children
We recommend that delegates travelling with children contact Nannies on Call if in need of babysitting service. Nannies on Call can be contacted by telephone at 1-877-214-2828 or online. Nannies can be booked up to one month in advance.
Currency Banking, ATM & Credit Cards
The currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD).
Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and at foreign currency exchange offices either at the Airport or at other locations throughout the city.
Bank debit or credit cards are the most convenient means of getting cash at the many Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs). ATMs are spread throughout the city and most are in operation 24 hours a day/7 days a week.
Most businesses accept U.S. currency and traveler’s cheque, as well as major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, and American Express) and increasingly, mobile payments (Apple/Google/etc.).
Sales Tax
Toronto has a Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) of 13% (the combination of the former 5% national GST and the 8% provincial PST) on most items purchased in shops, on restaurant meals and also lodging. Note that the tax will commonly be added on top of the advertised price.
Tipping and Gratuity
Tipping is standard practice in Toronto and across Canada with standard tips of 15%, 18%, or 20% (before tax, and depending to the establishment) for servers in restaurants, bars and other establishments. Tips can also be given to drivers, tour guides, spa therapists, hairdressers, bartenders, hotel attendants, etc., at your discretion (usually 10-15%).
Cannabis
Cannabis became legal for use by adults in Canada on October 17, 2018. But there are important restrictions to keep in mind.
For details see the official regulations for the Province of Ontario.
Insurance
The Conference Organizers cannot be held liable for personal accidents, loss of or damage to private property of the congress participants and accompanying persons, either during, or directly arising from the ISNA-20 Conference. Participants should make their own arrangements for health and travel insurance.
Visitors are not covered by Canadian health insurance plans. Check with your personal medical plan before leaving your home country to ensure you have adequate travel insurance.
