| Banking facilities | Car parking
| Climate | Currency | Drinking water
| Electricity | Insurance | Language
| Public transport | Time | Visa requirements
EICC – Edinburgh International Conference Centre. See ‘information’
Edinburgh, said the writer Robert Louis Stevenson, is what
Paris ought to be. Its magnificent architecture shifts from the lofty buildings
of its medieval Old Town, as they tumble down the spine of the Royal Mile, to
the grace of the Georgian New Town. Above it all, in its towering splendour,
stands the Castle.
Edinburgh is renowned the world over for its rich history
spanning several centuries and for its diverse culture. Known as the Centre of
the Enlightenment, Edinburgh has given birth to innumerable inventors and great
thinkers. Great Surgeons have trained in the city at the Royal College of
Surgeons, one of the oldest medical establishments in the world. Edinburgh has
also been its fair share of literary greats.
Edinburgh – the official Seat of the new Scottish Parliament
– is a compact city, a bustling city, above all a city which rewards every
visitor.
Finally, let’s mention that Edinburgh is also called ‘the
walking city’ with many of the sites within easy walking distance.
| EICC –
the congress location Lothian’s Tourist Board a World Cultural Heritage City of Edinburgh Council website of Edinburgh national railway Authority services provider incl. city tour buses |
facilities
|
Banks are generally open from 09.30 until around 15.30 or 17.00. Banks in Edinburgh:
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parking
There are five car parks all within two to five minutes’
walking distance from the EICC.
If you intend to stay for a longer period, we suggest you try
the off street car parks (>>>map
of off-street car parks)
For more details on parking near the EICC click
here>>>
Edinburgh has a reputation for being a wet city; grey and
misty much of the time. Rainfall is fairly consistent throughout the year but
June and July cab produce days of endless sunshine. Despite being in the North
of the United Kingdom, the temperatures rise steadily throughout the year to a
high of approximately 19 degrees Celsius in July.
Pound Sterling (GBP) 1 = 100 pence.
As the UK is not participating in the Euro, many of the shops
and services are unable to accept it. Please note that it is therefore highly
recommended to bring Pounds Sterling before your visit to Edinburgh, to cover
costs such as taxi journeys and other small purchases.
Euros will generally not be exchanged by local banks, only in
currency exchange offices which cab be found at Edinburgh airport (international
currency exchange offices open from 0600 until 2200) as well as in the city
centre:
-
Bureau de Change, Tourist Information Centre, 3 Princes
Street
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American Express, 139, Princes Street
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Exchange International, Unit 2a Waverley Station
-
X Change, 207 High Street
All the major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels,
restaurants and larger shops, but not for taxi fares and small purchases.
water
Tap water is safe to drink in Edinburgh.
Voltage: 220 V, 50 Hz. It is recommended to bring a UK flat
three pin adaptor!
The Organising Committee cannot accept any liability.
Participants should make their own arrangements with respect to health and
travel insurance.
The official language of the Congress is English. Further
information on simultaneous translation will follow on this page before the end
of February 2004.
transport
The City is served by over 200 local bus services using over
800 buses which call at 2.000 stops. There are also 7 railway stations within
the City area.
Local Time: 0 hours from GMT; 5 hours from Eastern Standard
Time & 8 hours from Pacific Standard Time.
requirements
EU citizens do not require a special visa to enter. A valid
passport is sufficient.
Participants from outside the EU are advised to check the
requirements at the nearest UK Embassy or Consulate in their country or with
their travel agent. The Congress Secretariat will assist participants with
invitation letters if all necessary information is forwarded at least three
months in advance.