GENERAL INFORMATION

Dates

The conference and workshop will take place from Freday, 16 May until Monday, 19 May 2008. Exhibition will be open from Freday, 16 May until Saturday, 18 May 2008.

Conference & Exhibition Venue

The Conference and the connected Exhibition will be held at The Headquarters of the MGYOSZ (Hall 702.) address: 1055 Budapest, Kossuth tér 6-8.

Conference Timetable

Technical Equipment

"PowerPoint" on IBM-PC (WindowsXP) and overhead projection are available in the Conference Rooms. You may connect your own computer to the projector if you prefer. Speakers are kindly requested to test and hand over their CD ROM or pen drives in advance.

Language

The official language of the Conference is English, and translation to Hungarian and Russian will be available.

Invitation Letter

An official invitation letter will be sent to participants who may need it to obtain a visa or funding, etc. Please contact the Conference Secretariat.

Visa

Entry visas are not required for citizens of most European countries, the USA and Canada. Citizens of other countries can obtain a visa at the Hungarian Embassy or Consulate in their country. A valid passport is required. For more information about visas, please check the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: http://www.mfa.gov.hu

Weather

In consequence of Hungary's continental climate, the middle of November is the end of autumn and the beginning of the winter season. The average temperature is 5-15 oC during the day and could be minus at night. The humidity is usually high, and rainy days could be expected.

How to get to Hungary

Hungary lies at the crossroads of the main tourist traffic flows in Europe. About 25 airline companies operate regular flights to and from Budapest. Railway connections from all European countries are excellent, while there are also bus and boat connections with countries in the vicinity of Hungary. Budapest can be reached by car on motorways M1, M3, M5 and M7.

Arrival by air

All participants arriving at Ferihegy International Airport are advised to take the airport shuttle minibus to their hotels; this is the least expensive and most reliable service.
The Airport Shuttle Minibus (LRI) shuttle service to hotels runs every 10 minutes for approx. 5-6 persons. Fare: EURO 15 at 2006 prices.
Metropolitan bus No. 93 (blue) also leaves from the terminal building for Kőbánya-Kispest station, where you may take metro line No. 2 (blue line) to the Deák square (Deák tér) and from there you take the metro line 3 (red line) to the Moscow square (Moszkva tér). From here you take the Castle bus, which leaves from left hand side to the metro gate, taking the stairs.
Taxis are also available. Fare: approx. EURO 35-50. Taxis are usually not equipped with credit card readers.

Arrival by train

There are 3 major international railway stations in Budapest (Deli pu., Keleti pu. and Nyugati pu.), located in the city centre and within easy reach of the Conference hotels either by public transport or by taxi.

Currency, exchange, credit cards

The official currency in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint. Though Hungary is a member of the European Union, only a few shops and restaurants accept Euros (EUR) for payment. Therefore, the exchange of your currency to Hungarian Forints or the use of ATM machines is strongly suggested. American Express, Visa, Diners, Eurocard/Mastercard are accepted at the registration desk, in hotels, restaurants and city stores, but it is safer to look for the logo of your credit card or check with them before ordering a service.

Most banks are open from Monday to Friday between 08.00 and 16.00. On Saturdays and Sundays banks are closed. Most hotels do not accept traveller cheques for payment of their accounts or for cash and this would have to be undertaken at a bank.

Insurance

The Organizing Committee can not assume responsibility for injuries or losses occurring to persons or personal belongings during the Conference. Participants are therefore advised to travel with a valid insurance package.
Local transportation in Budapest
Public transport in the city is well organized. Trams, buses and metro trains operate without conductors. Weekly ticket will be provided to the participants. Otherwise tickets must be purchased in advance at tobacco shops or metro stations. Weekly passes allowing free travel on all means of transportation within the city limits can be bought at each metro station.

Taxis

We suggest that you use only taxis equipped with a taximeter, such as Főtaxi, City Taxi or Buda Taxi. Beware of private cabs, especially those without a taximeter.

Tipping

It is customary to give a tip of 10% over the amount of the bill at restaurants and in taxis.

Electricity supply

The voltage in Hungary is 220 Volts. Round European style two-pin plugs are used. Appliances designed to operate on 110/120V need a voltage converter and a plug adapter for two-prong, round-prong plugs with side grounding contacts.