Cerro Potosi

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II SYMPOSIUM

THE EFFECT OF CHRONIC HYPOXIA ON DISEASES AT HIGH ALTITUDE

                        Oct 16 - 23 , 2010    La Paz - Bolivia




High Altitude Pathology
Clinica IPPA
 

First Symposium follow-up

 


   DEADLINES in 2010

Early registration: August 30th

Abstract Submit:   Sept 1st

      

 

 

FIRST SYMPOSIUM FOLLOW-UP (click here)
SECOND SYMPOSIUM FOLLOW-UP (click here)


GENERAL INFORMATION

Weather:

La Paz and the venures we will visit during the month of October have generally clear skies. The temperatures are quite pleasant. It doesn’t snow often in La Paz, and even in “spring” in October daytime temperatures typically reach into the low 70s Frenheit (22°C) during the day, and fall to the low 50s (12°C) at night. It seldom ever freezes in this high mountain region, and the spring time is the most pleasant time.

in the mountains it always feels like a crisp fall day. Be sure to pack a jacket for the day and a hat (as it is very sunny), and consider a warm coat if you’re hitting the town after dark. You should have normal walking shoes.

Health and Safety:

La Paz is at 3600 , of altitude, and some visitors may experience altitude sickness , or other effects from the altitude. The High Altitude Pathology Institute (Clinica IPPA Tel: 224 5394) specializes in treating high altitude disease, so don't worry. Alcohol can be extremely intoxicating, even in small amounts, and visitors can become dehydrated very quickly. Visitors should avoid drinking alcohol, but should be sure to drink plenty of water. Also it is recommended to avoid exercise the first days, and don't eat too much at night (digestion is also difficult). Try eating carbohydrates the first day.

Watch for pickpockets, use always a radio taxi advised here, by calling the phone number given to you during the symposium..

Getting around:

If you’re looking to take in the sights around town you can see much of it on foot. The city center isn’t terribly big, and most of the attractions, such as museums and other historic buildings, are close by. Be sure not to over do it as La Paz is located high in the Andes, and the altitude can slow you down. Cabs can also get you to your destination, but try and use only licensed cabbies (RadioTaxis), and consider hiring a driver for the day.

Restaurants: click here

Further information click here

Money in Bolivia:

Useful information on how to handle money in Bolivia.

Boliviano

The currency used in Bolivia is the Boliviano.

money bills

Bs. 5
Bs. 10
Bs. 20
Bs. 50
Bs. 100
Bs. 200

coins
Coins: Bs 5, Bs 2, Bs 1, Bs 0.50, Bs 0.20 y Bs 0.10

It is recommended to take Bolivianos with you when you intend to visit villages, if not you can get into difficulties. Only Bolivianos with a lower value until Bs. 20 are accepted in rural areas

Every series edited has a different characteristic of security. For official information go to www.bcb.gov.bo, Información de Billetes y Monedas en Circulación – the web page of the Bolivian Central Bank.

American Dollar

American dollar is the second most used currency in bigger cities in Bolivia. The Bolivian economy is very much influenced by the dollar, especially hotels, tours and flight tickets are sold in dollars. Other products or services that are very expensive are also expressed in dollar. A small commission is charged for the exchange. E.g. if the official exchange rate is Bs. 7.98 to 1 $ it is exchanged to Bs. 7.96. Try to get small money bills up to 20 $.
In order to see the official exchange rate go to www.bcb.gov.bo

Credit cards

Credit cards are accepted in bigger stores, hotels and restaurants in bigger cities. In villages it is difficult to pay by credit card or to find an ATM. The most accepted credit cards are VISA and MasterCard. American Express is accepted in some places.

Automatic Teller Machines (ATM's)

You will find ATM's in many places of bigger cities. It is recommended to use these that say “Red Enlace” as these accept credit cards with symbols like maestro, cirrus, mastercard, visa electron, visa... For more information or contact to your bank call from Bolivia: 800 – 103060. You will be connected with your bank without charge.

Travelleres Cheques

In bigger citiers it is possible to change traveler cheques in American dollar. A small commission, however, is charged. They are accepted in most of the better hotels. You should pay attention to always firming the same way and in the adequate space. If not it is possible that the person who receives it gets into problems and has to wait more than one month for a confirmation of exchange. Traveler cheques in other currencies are only accepted in some exchange offices. If you have problems or worries call this number in Bolivia that is free of charge: 800–100252

Euros €

Are accepted by exchange offices in bigger cities, however, you get an exchange rate that is much lower than the official. E.g. If the exchange rate is 9.50 to 1 EUR they will pay you only Bs. 9.

Money exchange

It is recommended to go to an exchange office in order to exchange money. They are a lot more secure and offer better exchange rates. They usually ask for your passport. You can exchange American dollar in most of the banks.
Caution: It was reported that at the International Airport of El Alto a commission of Bs. 20 is charged for each transaction and that they give you a lower exchange. This commission is not charged in other places. It is better to pay the taxi in dollar (approx. 6 USD to the center) and to exchange bigger amounts of money later in the city.

Recommended banks with offices all over Bolivia:

  • Banco Nacional de Bolivia
  • Banco Bisa S. A.
  • Banco Mercantil
  • Banco Económico
  • Prodem
  • Mutual La Paz

Recommended exchange office

  • La Paz
    • Sudamer. Av Camacho esq. Colón

Money transfer

If you want somebody to send you money the most common way is to do it with Western Union or MoneyGram that operates in various banks and post offices.

Wester Union: www.westernunion.com or call: (2) 211 7777 or (3) 366 869
MoneyGram:   www.moneygram.com

This information comes from http://www.hotelrosario.com/la-paz/content/view/16/27/lang,en/


  



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Early birds registering before August 30th, 2010, will benefit from a discount.

 





   contact: zubieta@altitudeclinic.com