Travel

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Safety

Boston is generally safe for visitors, but it is still wise to use common sense. However please note that theft and pick-pocketing occur in tourist‑heavy areas, so travellers should keep valuables secure and be aware of their surroundings. It is fairly common to see police or other public safety officers in public places.

Language

English is the primary language. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that about 77.8 % of people in the greater Boston area speak only English at home. Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, and Haitian Creole are the most common non‑English languages in the region, but visitors will find that English is widely understood and used in signs and services.

Currency

The U.S. dollar (USD) is the official currency. Credit cards are widely accepted for lodging, dining, entertainment and public transportation. However, some small businesses may only take cash, so carry a little cash for taxis or independent shops. Alternatively, some businesses may only accept debit cards, credit cards, or phone payments.

Tipping

Tipping is common in the U.S., especially in sit‑down restaurants. The standard range is 15%-20%, with more for exceptional service. It is also common to tip delivery drivers for food orders, in the range of 10-15%.

Time zone

Boston/Cambridge operate on Eastern Standard Time. From mid‑March to early November the region observes Eastern Daylight Time (UTC–4), so July falls under Eastern Daylight Time.

Weather (July)

July is Boston’s warmest month. Climate data show average highs around 82 °F (28 °C) and lows near 66 °F (19 °C). However, the area is subject to heat waves and the city environment (plus the humidity) can make the "real feel" temperature higher.

• Expect many sunny days but also occasional thunderstorms and about nine days of rain.
• Humidity hovers around 68%, making the temperature feel hotter.

Pack light, breathable clothing, sunscreen and sunglasses, plus a light jacket or umbrella for sudden showers.

Water

Massachusetts’ public water supply is regulated to high standards. The Department of Environmental Protection reports that water is tested for bacteria, lead, herbicides, and other contaminants, and contaminated sources are treated or removed.

• Tap water is safe to drink across the region.

APP-Based Rides

Uber and Lyft operate throughout Boston and Cambridge and are available 24/7. These apps are a convenient option for traveling between venues, hotels, and social events—especially late at night or outside public transit hours. The average price of an Uber from Boston Logan airport to downtown Boston is roughly $40-$50.

• Request a ride directly through the app and see the estimated fare before confirming.
• Multiple ride options are available, from standard cars to larger vehicles for groups.
• Prices may vary depending on distance, time of day, and demand (surge pricing during peak hours).

Public Transportation

Cambridge and Boston have an extensive public transit network run by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). Cambridge alone is served by 27 bus routes, a commuter rail station, and six stations on the Red and Green subway lines. Kendall Square on the Red Line is the main "T" stop for the conference.

• The MBTA’s CharlieCard provides free transfers from subway to bus and reduced‑rate bus‑to‑subway transfers.
• The MBTA recently introduced tap-to-pay on subways and buses, so you can use you your chip-enabled debit card, credit card, or phone to pay for fares instead of a CharlieCard.
• Subway fare includes one free transfer to a local bus within two hours and that MBTA shuttles from Logan Airport to South Station are free.
• Bike‑share options, such as Bluebikes, offer another way to get around.

Driving

Visitors can drive in Massachusetts with a foreign license if they are at least 16, hold a valid license, and are authorized to drive the same type of vehicle in their home country.

• If the license is not in English, travelers must carry an International Driving Permit or an official English translation.
• Massachusetts’ headlight law requires drivers to turn on headlights 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset, and whenever windshield wipers are used.
• Driving is on the right‑hand side of the road.

Emergency number

For any emergency (fire, police, medical), dial 911. The Cambridge public-safety guidelines emphasize that 911 is reserved for emergencies. For non-emergencies, dial 311 for other information and city services.

Entry requirements

Check visa requirements based on your nationality.

• Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries may visit the U.S. for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa, but they must obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval before travel.
• Travelers from other countries should arrange the appropriate visa well in advance.

Wi-Fi

The City of Cambridge provides free public Wi‑Fi (Cambridge Public Internet) at all public libraries, schools, city buildings, youth centers, and select parks.

SIM card

Travelers who need mobile data can purchase prepaid SIM cards from major U.S. carriers (AT&T, T‑Mobile, Verizon) at airports, carrier stores, or retailers.

Another convenient option is to buy an eSIM before arrival. An eSIM is a virtual SIM that you install via QR code; it provides immediate access to local networks without visiting a store

• Providers like Holafly, Airalo, Nomad, and Ubigi offer U.S. travel eSIMs, and experts recommend purchasing and activating one prior to departure for seamless connectivity.

Medical Issues

Boston is known for its world-class hospitals and medical care, but urgent care centers are widely available for non-emergency medical issues. Appointments at urgent care centers can often be booked online. For urgent medical emergencies, visit an Emergency Room at a local hospital or request an ambulance by calling 911.

The U.S. utilizes a private health insurance system, which can make medical care expensive. We recommend purchasing travel health insurance that offers coverage in the U.S., just in case.