How do I pay for public transit fare in San Francisco?
There are no less than 25 agencies governing the Bay Area Public Transit. But you can pay fare on almost all of them with a Clipper card. This can either be a physical card or a virtual card on the phone app (iOS and Android). An empty physical card costs $3 and can be purchased at any transit vending machine. A virtual card is free. Each rider will need his own card. You need to tap in and tap out for BART ride.
Get Clipper App at https://www.clippercard.com/ClipperWeb/clipper-app. If you are 65 or older, you can apply (by snail mail, email or fax) for a free senior discount Clipper card. Details can be found at https://www.clippercard.com/ClipperWeb/discounts. Make sure to take advantage of this offer unless doing so puts a ding on your vanity. The discount is quite steep. The regular fare from SFO to Powell St. station is $10.55 while the senior, we mean discounted fare is $3.95. The fare from OAK is $12 regular and $4.50 discounted.
Once you’re in the city, you can continue to pay fare on Muni (SF transit system) with Clipper card. Another option is to buy Day Pass or multi-day Visitor Pass. All of the passes allows unlimited ride on Muni buses and subways. The Visitor Pass will also include unlimited ride on all the Cable Cars. Talk to us for details.
The Hilton Union Square website mentions a mandatory resort fee. Will this be added to my bill?
No! ifCON attendees are exempt from the resort fee.
I am coming from outside the US. Can I get a letter confirming my registration for immigration purposes?
Sure! Just make the request by email to ifCON2024sf@gmail.com. Include your full name and address as shown on your passport or visa.
Do my partner and I both need to register and pay the fee or just one of us?
Each attendee must register separately. But, if a couple is paying by check or Zelle, a combined payment is fine. We will catch it at our end. Just be sure to let us know who the payment is for. If paying by credit card, 2 transactions will be necessary.
Is San Francisco safe?
We live here and would not invite our friends to visit if safety was a concern. You will see unhoused people, as you do in every major city. The tourists have returned following the pandemic. The cruise ships are back. Major conventions are in town. You will have a wonderful time in this beautiful city.
Is the $179 room rate good only during the core ifCON dates?
No! The Hilton Union Square will honor the rate from Monday, August 26 through Friday, September 6, 2024. We are encouraging our guests to arrive early and stay late.
Does the room rate include fees and taxes?
So sorry, but that is wishful thinking. Our negotiated room rate is a good deal. Room rates in San Francisco vary with convention activity. This weekend (September 10-11) the lowly Motel 6 is asking $360 per night.
Will parking be available/affordable if I drive?
We discourage guys from driving to the event. Parking at our host hotel will set you back $75/nite. You may find less expensive parking at www.spothero.com. Arrive by air or rail. Public transportation is easy and affordable. If you are coming from the Bay Area, consider parking near an outlying BART or Caltrain station.
Is my pet welcomed at the Hilton Union Square.
Yes, pets are allowed. Deposit: $50.00 (Non-Refundable), Maximum Weight: 75 lbs each.
I am single. Will I be the only one?
Absolutely not! While many of our attendees are couples, plenty of single guys attend and have a wonderful time. In fact, more than a few of our couples met at an IFA conference. A highlight of ifCON 2023 Las Vegas was a Single-Mingle. Please join the fun.
I will be a first-timer. What can I expect?
Expect to have a wonderful time and to meet new friends. Some of the friends you will meet may become lifelong friends, drawing you back to ifCON year after year.