Location

 

Navigate your way around beautiful Phoenix with this travel guide. From serene hikes through the Sonoran Desert to Southwest-infused fine dining and championship golf courses, Phoenix offers fun and relaxation for everyone.

 

            

 

Weather

May in Phoenix, Arizona has temperatures ranging from the upper 60s (F) to the mid 90s (F). We recommend wearing layered clothing to accomodate the difference in temperature from the air-conditioned International Congress venue to warm evenings and even warmer days. Use weather.com to track forecasted weather for Phoenix.

 

PHOENIX AZ

 

Currency

The U.S. dollar is the official currency of the United States and is normally abbreviated as the dollar sign, $, or as USD or US$. It is divided into 100 cents. Current exchange rates can be found online at xe.com/ucc. To exchange foreign currency to USD, please ask the concierge for directions to the nearest bank. 
 

Sales Tax

The Phoenix, Arizona general sales tax rate is 5.6%. Find more information here. 
 

Language

The official language of the International Congress is English.
 

Tipping

Tipping in the United States is not mandatory; however, tipping is extremely common and anticipated by service providers. The suggestions below are customary and you may tip at your discretion: 
  • Restaurants with table service: 15% - 20% tip is customary in restaurants that provide table service. The tip should reflect the level of service you receive. Restaurants will often include the gratuity, or tip, in large parties of six or more. If the tip is included, the bill will include a "gratuity" charge in the breakdown. If a "gratuity" charge is included on your bill, you do not need to leave an additional tip.
  • Taxis are usually tipped 10% to 15% of the total fare
  • Tipping a Bellman is typically $1 USD per bag
 

Electricity

United States operates 110 volts AC, 60 hertz electricity which is half of the 220 volts that many other countries have. Dual voltage appliances with plug type A are recommended. 
 

Time Zone

The Congress will be held in Phoenix which is in the Mountain Standard Time (MST) Zone.
 

Things to Do in Phoenix

Spring in Phoenix means plenty of time to spend outdoors! Here are a few local favorites:

 

                 Desert Botanical Garden                                     Musical Instrument Museum
   
 
                     Camelback Mountain                                  McDowell Mountain Regional Park
   

 

                    Piestewa Peak Park                                          Japanese Friendship Garden

   

 

For additional activities and attractions, check out this page. For restaurant suggestions, click here.