Frequently Asked Questions for International Attendees
Frequently Asked Questions for International Attendees
Q: Where can I find out if I need a visa to attend SC13?
A: We provide basic visa information, but if you have specific questions that are not answered there, please see the U.S. Department of State website.
Q: I need an invitation letter to apply for a visa. How can I request one?
A: You must register for SC13 before you can request or receive a visa letter of invitation. The visa letter is not sent automatically. Once an attendee has registered, they need to log back in to the registration site using their confirmation number (sent to them in their email confirmation) and email address used to register and print their visa letter.
Q: How can I find out if other people from my country or region are attending SC13?
A: A special International Attendees Center will be available at the convention center, specifically for international attendees. The center is therefore a good meeting place during the conference, as it is specifically designed to provide a safe and comfortable area to network and meet other international attendees. You can also leave messages on the Message Board asking other attendees from your country or region to meet you at a specific time in the center.
Q: Is there an area in the International Attendees Center to hold interviews with the press, to give a presentation, or to have a meeting?
A: There will be a certain amount of space available for interviews or small meetings. For details, contact SCambassadors@info.supercomputing.org in advance.
Q: I have a laptop with a wireless network card. Will I be able to connect to the internet at the Denver Convention Center?
Wireless service will be available, at no cost, throughout the convention center during SC13.
Q: I am flying internationally. How early should I leave for the Denver airport when I depart?
A: Most airlines now require that you check in approximately three hours in advance for international flights due to the increased security checks. You should contact your airline for more specific information.
Q: I am planning on arriving before the conference or staying on after the conference. What is there to do in and near Denver?
A: Here are some websites that might be helpful to you:
Denver area information
Q: I have never been to Denver before. Where can I find a map of the area?
Denver area maps
Location of the Denver Convention Center
Q: I have never been to the Denver airport before. Where can I find information about the airport?
The Denver airport is the city's major airport. It is served by most major national and international airlines, so scheduling a flight to Denver should not be a problem. The Denver airport provides details about the airport's layout, along with arrival and departure times of scheduled flights.
Q: How do I get from the airport to the convention center or downtown hotels?
A: There are many to and from the airport. Click here for ACM’s discount code for SuperShuttle. For full directions please see the airport's web site.
Q: Where can I exchange currency?
A: There are many currency exchange facilities in Denver. Most banks exchange currency, as do a number of travel centers in the city. Exchange services are more limited outside of Denver, and it's best to carry US-currency travelers checks or small amounts of US cash.
If you have a credit card that permits cash advances, or an internationally recognized cash-machine card, it should work at the many machines (called "ATMs") available at banks, hotels and even the Convention Center. These often provide the best exchange rates.
Q: Where can I use credit cards or travelers checks in Denver?
A: Denver businesses accept most credit cards and US-dollar travelers checks. A few restaurants accept cash only, or cash for purchases below some threshold amount. Most businesses require a photo identification card (passport or other identification) before cashing travelers checks.
If you are purchasing items while at SC13 (registration passes, tickets, merchandise, etc.), please note that we do not accept cash-machine (ATM) cards or foreign currency. SC13 accepts only US currency or a major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, and American Express).
Q: What time zone is Denver in?
A: Denver is in the Mountain Time Zone (MDT), which is seven hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Q: What is Denver climate?
A: Summary of monthly climate information for Denver.