USEFUL INFORMATION

Bank and Exchange

Banks are generally open from Monday to Friday, from 08:00 to 12:30 and from 13:30 to 15:00 (Thursday from 08:00 to 12:30 and from 13:30 to 17:00). Most Austrian Banks have currency exchange facilities available during opening hours and can also change Traveller's cheques. Please ask about charges before changing money, as these may vary considerably. Automated cash dispenders are located outside most banks, where cash can be withdrawn 24 hours a day.

Business Hours and Shopping

Shopping hours are Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 18:00 and Saturday from 09:00 to 17:00. The shops are closed on Sundays. Luxury shops and cafés for elegant clientele can be found in the pedestrian zone of Vienna's 1st district. Another well known shopping area is Mariahilferstrasse. Visitors from non-EU countries should ask for VAT refunds when purchasing goods.

Climate

Vienna has a moderate continental climate: cold winters and warm summers, without excessive rain fall. It rains or snows, on average, not more than nine and not less than seven days a month. On average, 2,000 hours of sunshine are registered annually, and it can get quite hot at times during the summer. As the conference is in April, this is one of the best times to travel.

Credit Cards

National and foreign Maestro cards as well as MasterCard, American Express, Visa and Diners are accepted. Credit cards are also accepted by numerous hotels, restaurants, shops and gas stations.

Currency

The official currency in Austria is the Euro (€).

Electricity

The standard voltage in Austria is 220 V. The Austrian network supplies a frequency of 50Hz. Plugs are continental-style two-pins.

Insurance

The Conference Organizer cannot accept liability for personal injuries sustained, or for loss or damage to property belonging to the participants and accompanying persons, either during or as a result of the conference. The registration does not include insurance. It is strongly recommended that you arrange insurance when you register for the conference and book your travel arrangements. The insurance should be purchased in your country of origin.

Visa

Passport-holders from countries in Western Europe as well as from North America and Australia will not need a visa to enter Austria. For some nationalities, visas can be issued at the airport in Vienna upon arrival. Others may have to apply in advance. If in doubt, please check with your nearest Austrian embassy, consulate or your airline.

The Conference Organizer will be pleased to send letters of invitation to any individual making such a request. A letter of invitation often facilitates the procedure of obtaining a visa. Please note that the letter is not a commitment of the Conference Organizer to provide any financial support.

Tip

In Austria it is usual to tip friendly service with 10% of the total amount of consump- tion.

Language

The official language of the conference is English. There is no translation service.