General Information

Conference Venue
The conference will be held in the Congress centre of the Czech National Bank (-ČNB-), Senovážné nám.30, Praha 1
which is ideally located in the city centre (close to the metro stations Můstek on line A and B, Hlavní nádraží on line C, Náměstí Republiky on line B).

Coming to Prague

By Air
Prague International Airport handles flights of most European carriers and also some overseas flights. It is located 30-45 minutes by car from the centre of Prague. There is a good connection between the airport and Prague centre by buses or taxis.

Air travellers can take a taxi directly to the centre. It is approximately 30-45 minutes drive (depending on traffic), costing about EUR 28. There is also public transport available - bus No 119 to the metro station “DEJVICKÁ” (line A), or bus No 100 to the metro station ZLIČÍN (line B), from which you can continue by metro to the city centre. You will need to buy a ticket for 12 CZK ( approx. EUR 0,5). Such ticket is valid for 60 minutes on all underground, bus and tram lines. Tickets are not sold on busses or trams and must be purchased in advance (the conference Name Badge entitles you to free use of the Prague public transportation system – see below).

By Train
If you arrive at the Prague Main Railway Station you can walk to the Congress Centre of the CNB where the conference will be held.

By Bus
If you arrive at the Prague Florenc Bus Station, you can take line B of the underground to Náměstí Republiky Station.

For more information, maps and route planer please visit www.viamichelin.com

Transport in Prague during the Conference
Public transportation system in Prague includes trams, buses and metro (underground). The frequency of the underground trains is 1-2 minutes during peak hours and at least 5-10 minutes during off peak hours.
Each participant will obtain (at the Registration desk) a free ticket for the public transport (badge) which will be valid 5-8 September 2004.

Conference Language
The OFFICIAL CONFERENCE LANGUAGE IS ENGLISH. No simultaneous translation will be available.

Name Badge
Participants and registered accompanying persons will receive a name badge. Everyone is kindly requested to wear this badge during all Conference activities. The badge is the pass to the Congress Centre, the Reception, a half day tour and entitles you to the free use of the Prague public transportation system. Cost of replacing a lost or mislaid badge: € 15

Culture in Prague
Prague is one of the greatest cultural centres in Europe. You can take advantage of numerous cultural events taking place in September. For more information please visit www.pis.cz

Passport and Visa Requirements
All foreign visitors to the Czech Republic must possess a passport valid for at least 3 months from the date of entry. Participants requiring a visa should apply immediately to consular offices of the Czech Republic or diplomatic missions in their country in order to avoid delay when travelling to the Conference. Please note that the visa application procedure can take up to two months. For more information please visit www.mzv.cz

Letters of Invitation
The Organising Committee of the Conference will be happy to send a personal invitation to any person upon request.

Dress Code
For working sessions please dress smart/casual. For the Reception formal or traditional dress is required.

Currency / Banking
Czech Crown is the official currency in the Czech Republic. Exchange of foreign currency is available at Prague International Airport and at most hotels, banks and exchange offices throughout the town.
International credit cards are also accepted for payment in most hotels, restaurants and shops.

Insurance
The organisers do not accept responsibility for individual medical, travel or personal insurance and all delegates are strongly advised to take out their own personal insurance before travelling to the conference.The organisers will not accept any liability for damages and/or losses of any kind which may be incurred by conference participants or by any persons accompanying them, both during official activities and excursions.

Weather and Clothing
September weather in Prague is usually very pleasant and mild with temperatures around 15-20°C. There might be an occasional shower and it is therefore advisable to bring a light raincoat, a sweater and an umbrella.

Electricity
The Czech Republic uses a 220 V 50 Hz system, sockets have the European standard and plugs are three-prong grounded.

Local Time
The Czech Republic is on Central European Time (CET=GMT+1) and from the end of March until the end of October, daylight-saving time is in effect.

Diclaimer
The organisers do not accept liability for damages and/or losses of any kind which may be incurred by congress participants or by any persons accompanying them, both during official activities and excursions. The client participates in all tours and events at his/her own risk. Participants are advised to take out insurance against loss, accidents or damage that could be incurred during the Conference. Verbal agreements will not be binding unless they are confirmed in writing. Sole place of jurisdiction is Prague. Czech law is applicable.