GENERAL INFORMATION
Geneva is a major crossroads of western Europe, host of many international organisations and a centre of culture and science. The City is located at the Lake of Geneva between the Alps and the Jura mountains, at the extreme south-west of Switzerland, neighbouring the district of Haute Savoie of France. The elevation of the City is 373 meters. The Rhône and the Arve are the main rivers crossing Geneva. The historical centre of the City is situated on the left side of the Rhône, where the river leaves the Lake of Geneva (Pont du Mont Blanc). In summer, Geneva enjoys a temperate climate with average day temperatures of 23° C. In winter the average temperature is 4°C. The time applied is Central European time. Geneva is among the smallest of the Swiss cantons, and has a population of approximately 450’000. The official language is French, but English, German and many other languages are quite commonly spoken in Geneva.
 
For more detailed information please refer www.geneve-tourisme.ch, www.geneva.ch and www.myswitzerland.com

 
PASSPORTS/ VISA
As a general rule, a valid passport is required to enter Switzerland, but a valid identity card is sufficient for EU citizens. No visa are required for citizens of Australia, Canada Japan, New Zealand, and the United States. Travellers of other nationalities should contact the Swiss Embassy in the home country regarding visa regulations.
 
ARRIVAL
By Plane
The International Airport of Geneva offers direct regular services to more than 80 destinations. One among its advantages is its privileged situation at 4,5 km from the town centre. A rail-link makes it possible to reach the centre in only five minutes. Geneva can be reached by various budget air connections. For further information please refer to www.swiss.com and www.easyjet.com.

By Train
The Swiss Federal Railway (CFF/ SBB) offers hourly links to Lausanne, Bern, Basel, Zurich. The heart of Paris is only 3 1/2 hours away from Geneva by the TGV (high speed train). The train station is located in the centre of the city.
www.cff.ch

By Car
In recent years, highway construction within Switzerland and in neighbouring countries has turned Geneva into a highway intersection for Europe. The speed limit on motorways in Switzerland is 120 km/h. A vignette is needed to drive on motorways.
 
CONFERENCE LANGUAGE
The meeting is held in English.
 
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
It is easy to get around Geneva by public transport (busses and streetcars). Each registered participant and registered accompanying person will be provided a free public transportation ticket for 3 - 4 days (Wednesday/ Thursday– Saturday). This ticket can be picked up at the hotel upon check-in. Please note that the first trip to the conference centre or hotel is on the participants’ expense except from the Geneva Airport which offers a free pass valid 80 minutes.
 
TAXIS
A taxi ride from the airport to the city centre costs approximately CHF 40.- (€25.-). The phone numbers of the main taxi companies are 022-31 141 33 (Taxi-Phone); 0800-801 802 (NewCab); or 0800-820 202 (Taxi 202).
 
CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE
The currency is Swiss Francs (CHF) one Franc is divided into 100 centimes. The exchange rate to the € as per July 2007 is CHF 1.00 = € 0,65. However, money can also be changed at the airport and major train stations. Many banks also have automated teller machines (ATMs) that accept international bank cards. Most credit cards are accepted in the majority of hotels, restaurants and shops. Foreign cash, including Euros is not uniformly accepted. Banks are usually open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. They are closed on Saturdays and Sundays
 
ELECTRICITY
The current used throughout Switzerland is 220 Volts (AC) . Outlet plug dimensions differ from those used in other European countries, especially UK, and North America. Therefore, adapters are usually required for foreign electrical equipments.
 
LIABILITY
The local organisers, the ESHNR and the CICG are not liable for personal injury and loss or damage to private property. Participants should have their personal travel insurance.
 
SHOPPING AND SERVICE CHARGES

In Switzerland there is a 7,6 % VAT tax on goods, which is included in the sales price (net rate is 7,06 %). Foreign visitors are entitled to a refund of the VAT on purchases over CHF 400.00. Just ask at the shops for your Global Refund Tax-free Cheque and reclaim the VAT.
Shops are generally open from Monday to Wednesday and Fridays from 09:00 to 19:00, Thursdays from 09:00 to 21:00 and Saturdays from 09:00– 18:00. On Sundays the shops are closed.
The prices for hotels, restaurants and taxis include taxes and service. Therefore tip is not indispensable, except when the customer is especially satisfied with the service.