Wikimania:One Pager

The purpose of the 'One Pager' is to provide a simple and easy to read version of general conference information.

Current One Pager Draft Jasonspriggs (talk) 22:13, 8 April 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Introduction

Hello and Welcome to Washington DC, Wikimania’s 2012 headquarters! Wikimania is the annual international conference of the Wikimedia community. Wikimania allows the community and the general public to learn about and share their experiences with free knowledge initiatives all over the world. Below is some basic information on the United States and more specifically Washington DC.

Telecom

Washington DC’s mobile phone networks consist of Verizon Wireless (CDMA/1xEV-DO/LTE), Cricket (CDMA/1xEV-DO), Sprint (CDNA/iDEN/1xEV-DO), T-Mobile (GSM/EDGE), and AT&T (GSM/EDGE/LTE). T-Mobile and AT&T sell pre-paid SIM Chips for GSM Mobile Phones. AT&T also provides pay-as-you-go WCDMA data. WiFi is common in most hotels and coffee shops (sometimes for an additional cost).

Local Basics

Washington DC, known to many as “the district” or D.C. is the capital of the United States of America (abbreviated US or USA). Most places of business in DC have employees that speak both English and Spanish. Being the capital of the USA, people from all backgrounds reside and work in DC. Summer weather is typically 79°F (26°C) and mildly humid. Many people of the district bike, walk, or use public transportation to get around. DC has a fair amount of tourist attractions such as the Smithsonian and the National Mall.

Currency & Tipping

The United States Dollar (USD/$) is the currency used in the United States. Current Rates of exchange are around $1.3094/€1, $1.5884/£1, $0.0123/¥1. The fractions of currency below the dollar ($1.00) are the Quarter ($0.25), the Dime ($0.10), the Nickel ($0.05), and the Penny ($0.01). Currency exchanges are at most airports and on the Street Level of Union Station on the Metro Red Line (Travelex). It is common courtesy to tip (aka gratuity) at least 15% (less for bad service, up to 20% for very good service) of the bill's subtotal (pre-tax total) at restaurants; tip is sometimes included in the bill as a line item in restaurants if the party meets some minimum number of people. (often ~6-8) Taxi drivers are typically tipped 10-15% of the fare. Do not tip government employee’s, including Park Service Personnel. DC Tax is 10% of the bill before tip. Additional taxes may occur for products such as parking garages, hotels, alcohol, and tobacco products.

Power

The United States uses a North American standard power plug with 2/3 prongs. This supplies normally 120 volts AC at 20 amperes. Most power converters cost between USD $2 - $10.

DC Transit

Metro (Subway) – The closest stop to the venue is Foggy Bottom which services the Blue and Orange Lines. (Fare: USD ~$2.25)

Bus – Various busses meet near George Washington University or Foggy Bottom including the DC Circulator (Georgetown/Union Station Line – Closest Pickup: Pennsylvania Ave. & 21st St. - Fare: USD $1.00) and MetroBus (31, 32, 36, 39, H1, L1, N3, X1 – Closest Pickup: Foggy Bottom Metro – Fare: USD $1.75)

Taxi – Taxis operate in most places in DC. (Rate: USD $3.00 for first 1/6th mile and USD $0.25 for each additional 1/6th mile)