Leaving for Las Vegas Soon (2012 edition)

BlackHat and DEFCON are right around the corner. For those who, like us, are heading into the middle of the desert to listen to the l33t h4x0rs, here are a few tips we've picked up over the years:

• Computer
  • It's recommended not to use a laptop at Blackhat and DEFCON;
  • If you must use your laptop, make sure you have a VPN connection before doing anything;
  • Updating your Facebook profile is not a good idea;
  • Turn off wireless and Bluetooth on ALL your electronic devices;
  • Leave any RFID-enabled equipment at home, or at worst in your hotel room;
  • Avoid using your 2G phone within at least one kilometre of the events;
  • As much as possible, limit your 3G cell communications on site, because even though the protocol hasn't yet been proven weak, nothing says your communication can't be hijacked;
  
  
  
  
• Food
  • Depending on the hotel you pick, the restaurants inside can be very expensive;
  • Be careful which restaurant you choose to eat at, some have had the unpleasant surprise of being stuck in their hotel room after eating some not-so-fresh dishes;
  • Buffets are an excellent place to eat good-quality food at an affordable price (buy a 24-hour pass);
  • The food is generally greasier than what we're used to, which can have unexpected effects;
  • Lobster is generally outrageously expensive in the middle of the desert (we've said it before, but seeing the person's face when they got their bill: priceless ;-))
  
  
  
  
• Communication
  • Get a travel plan from your provider, buy a burner phone on site, or if you're luckier and have an unlocked phone, buy a SIM from an American carrier;
  • (NLF) For the first year, I'll get a "prepaid" plan with H2O ($60 for 2Gb and the rest is unlimited) so I don't have to use the wifi networks, which are likely to be crawling with smart-asses;
  • (PRM) For another year, I'll get a travel plan with my provider.
  
  
  
  
• Transportation and lodging
  • For those flying to the USA for the first time, I suggest clearing US customs in Montreal or Toronto... In my experience, the customs officers are friendlier;
  • Don't forget your passport, or no trip!
  • The preferred way to get around is the monorail, cheap and it serves the hotels on the Strip;
  • For DEFCON, since the hotel isn't on the Strip, you should plan on taking a taxi or walking to get there;
  • So it's a good idea to pick a hotel within reasonable walking distance of the Rio... If not the Rio itself!
  • (NLF) I'll be staying at the Palms... Because I like walking to DEFCON, standing in line for 30+ minutes to grab a taxi doesn't interest me, and it's a long walk to the Rio
  • (PRM) I liked the Aria so much that I'm going back this year...
  • (MB) Aria
  • (SM) Caesar's
  
  
  
  
• General
  • It's important to remember that even though being in the USA is very similar to our way of life, the laws are different and the cops are a bit stricter than what we're used to... So don't take too many chances with what you do, so you don't spend a night in jail... And have to go before a judge to get out!
  • Always make sure to stay well hydrated... It's surprising how fast a short walk in the sun dehydrates you!
  • Make sure you have good insurance coverage, in case you have a health problem, so you don't spend the next 20 years of your life paying for it!
  • Patrick is the Hackfest point of contact for organizing on-site activities... Before leaving, make the necessary arrangements with him for communications and meetups ;-) For that, Nicolas's cell phone will be the communication tool of choice, given its native US plan.