Funding for this conference was made possible (in part) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
Travel to Oakland
In addition to Oakland International Airport (OAK), travelers may pass through or land at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), 26 miles west of Oakland.
Oakland International Airport is conveniently located, approximately eight miles from the heart of the downtown Oakland area.
A typical taxi fare from the airport to downtown would range from $28 dollars. Several shuttle companies offer shared rides to and from Oakland Airport and to other parts of the Bay Area. There are numerous limousine and chauffeur services available for hire upon arriving at the airport. Most rental car agencies have airport facilities and/or provide service to arriving visitors.
Special airline fares and car rental rates will be available soon.
Customs, Entry into the USA
All persons arriving at a port-of-entry to the United States are subject to inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. CBP officers will conduct the Immigration, Customs and Agriculture components of the Inspections process.
Foreign visitors to the U.S. arriving via air or sea no longer need to complete paper Customs and Border Protection Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record or Form I-94W Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver Arrival/Departure Record. Those who need to prove their legal-visitor status—to employers, schools/universities or government agencies—can access their CBP arrival/departure record information online.
Practical Information
Language: English and Spanish are the predominant languages in Oakland. The Summit will be presented in English.
Currency: US Dollar
Banking, Tips and Taxes: Major bank-issued credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) are accepted by nearly all establishments in the area. Automated teller machines (ATM’s) are available at the Oakland International Airport, in the hotel, and in the area surrounding the hotel. Foreign currency exchange and traveler check redemption is available at the airport. Some banks and hotels accept traveler’s checks.
The sales tax rate for Oakland is 9%.
A reward for service, tip, or gratuity, is common in the United States. In restaurants it is customary to tip 15% of the bill or 20% for above-average service. Gratuities are not necessary in cafeterias with self-service. At hotels and airports a $1 tip per bag or suitcase is customary for the bellboy or porter. Taxi drivers are usually tipped 15% of the total fare.
Electricity: 120V AC
Smoking: The State of California has laws that regulate the use and sale of tobacco products, everywhere in the State. Smoking is prohibited indoors of most public venues, including restaurants, bars, theaters and hotels. Many cities in Alameda County also further prohibit the use of tobacco products in outdoor public spaces (such as parks, beaches and restaurant patios). If a city does not have its own laws concerning tobacco use, individual venues may have their own policies.
Insurance: None of the Summit organizers nor the Oakland Marriott City Center can accept liability for personal injury, or loss or damage to property, personal or otherwise, belonging to meeting participants or accompanying persons, either during or as a result of the conference or during all tours or their stay in Oakland.
Participants and accompanying persons should assure that their own personal health, accidents and/or travel insurance are up-to-date and valid for use in the United States.
