Forum Costs
The Forum is now over, but we encourage you to check the "Latest News" section of this site for selected session writeups, transcripts, and other post-forum information. Updates will be posted throughout December and January.
This page offers estimated expense guidelines to help you plan your Forum budget.
Travel
The cost of an economy class, round trip ticket to Bangkok varies tremendously not only from country to country, but also from city to city within the same country. On average, the cost of a plane ticket will range from $500-$1,000 in Asia, $1,000 to $2,500 in North America and Europe, and $1,500-$3,000 in Latin America and Africa.
TIP: The cheapest flights can always be found locally. We recommend that you call a number of different travel agents in your area and check online for the best rates. Rates can be much less expensive if tickets are purchased well in advance.
Visas
Most foreigners are required to obtain a visa before entry into Thailand. A Thai visa will cost you 1,000 baht ($25 USD) for a tourist visa or 2,000 baht ($50 USD) for a non-immigrant or business visa. Most governments and embassies will allow people attending conferences to use a tourist visa, but some embassies may insist that you pay for the more expensive non-immigrant visa.
For complete information about visas, view the Visas and Embassies page of the Forum website, or go directly to the website of Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs at www.mfa.go.th.
Hotel Accommodations
The two official hotels of the AWID Forum are the Shangri-la, where all events will be held, and the Menam Riverside, where Forum Speakers and sponsored guests will be housed. AWID has negotiated special rates at both of these hotels, as well as at a number of satellite hotels close to the Shangri-la. The rates at these hotels range from $12 to $91 USD per night, based on double occupancy. For complete information about hotels as well as booking forms, visit the Forum Hotels page of this website.
TIP: Hotel space is limited, so be sure to book your accommodations well in advance to ensure that you get the hotel of your choice at the special rate. Sharing a room also helps cuts costs. Delegates travelling alone are encouraged to check AWID's Roommate Message Board to help find a suitable roommate.
Meals and Expenses
An average meal in Bangkok can range anywhere from $3-$20 USD depending on where you take your meals. We estimate that $20-$50 USD per day should be sufficient to cover all your meals, telephone calls, taxis, and other miscellaneous expenses. Please note that if you are staying at one of the Forum hotels, breakfast will be included in the cost of the room. Note also that all lunches as well as a gala dinner are included in the cost of registration.
TIP: Hotels are generally more expensive for everything including meals, telephone calls and Internet access. If you are on a tight budget, we recommend purchasing a phone card for calls, eating most meals outside the hotels, and using the Forum's Internet Corner for your internet needs.
Forum Registration
If paying before August 15th, 2005:
Individual member rate: $330 USD
Institutional member rate: $280 USD
Non-member rate: $400 USD
Student rate: $160 USD
Volunteer Rate: $100 USD
If paying after August 15th, 2005:
Individual member rate: $390 USD
Institutional member rate: $360 USD
Non-member rate: $450
Student rate: $180
Volunteer Rate: $100
TIP: Register now as an AWID member to qualify for the lower member rate. For more information on an AWID membership, visit the Membership section of the AWID website. For more information on volunteering at the AWID Forum in return for a lower registration rate, visit the Volunteer page of the Forum website.
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