SECRETARIAT / REGISTRATION DESK
Secretariat / Registration Desk (Congress Centre, Dybowskiego St. 11) will be open:
Wednesday, September 15th from 8.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m.
Thursday, September 16th from 7.30 a.m. to 7.00 p.m.
Friday, September 17th from 7.30 a.m. to 7.15 p.m.
Saturday, September 18th from 7.30 a.m. to 11.00 p.m.
Tel. to registration desk: +48 89-523 37 07. E-mail: esvp@uwm.edu.pl

PREPARATION FOR PRESENTATION
Speaker’s preparation room (situated close to Aula) will be open in the same hours as Secretariat / Registration Desk.
All speakers are asked to deliver their CD-R in the speaker’s room as soon as possible (minimum one hour before the beginning of their session).

POSTERS
The poster can be mounted in the Exhibition Hall from Wednesday, September 15.
There will be an award for the best poster presentation.

PASSPORT & VISA INFORMATION
All foreign visitors must posses a passport valid for at least the next 6 months. Some participants may need visas in order to enter Poland. Please check with your local Polish Consulate or Embassy for details regarding visa and entry requirements.
Upon request, the Secretariat of the Congress will send a personal invitation to participate. This invitation is meant only to help visitors raise funds or to obtain a visa and is not a commitment on the party of the organizers to provide any financial support.

CREDIT CARDS & CURRENCY
The currency in Poland is the Polish zloty (zl) which is subdivided into 100 grosze (gr). The current exchange rate to Euro and US dollar can be checked at http://www.oanda.com/converter/classic (chose PLZ as the Polish currency code). Delegates may change foreign currency and travelers cheques at several banks located in the centre of the city as well as in many exchange boureaus (so called “kantor”), at the hotels, at the airport and railway stations and many other locations in the city. International credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, cash machines (“bankomat”) and in department stores. The most common credit cards are American Express, EuroCard, Maestro, MasterCard and VISA.

CLIMATE & CLOTHING
The weather in September in Olsztyn is usually pleasant, with temperatures within 15 - 25oC (60oF – 100oF) during the day, although variations of temperature and occasional thunderstorms can be expected. Evenings are cooler. In this time of the year the so called “gold Polish autumn” starts. There is the possibility of rain, so an umbrella and/or light raincoat are advisable. The weather forecast can be checked at our web page http://www.uwm.edu.pl (Home Page).

SHOPPING
Most shops (except from food stores) are open from 11.00 am until 7.00 pm. Some department stores may open earlier or close later on weekends. There is no lunch break. Polish craftwork is fascinating: wood craving and hand-woven rugs come from different regions. Other souvenirs include glass, hand-woven baskets, paper cut-outs and crystal. One of the most popular souvenirs is amber from the Baltic Sea. Each individual piece can be fashioned into a pendant, ring, bracelet or earrings. Most highly prized is amber with prehistoric insects preserved inside, though it is a rare find. Poland is also known for its silver jewellery, which is sometimes combined with amber to create uniquely regional pieces.
As a foreign visitor you are entitled to claim back the tax you pay on your purchases when you take them home. The easy and safe way to reclaim your tax is with Global Refund, the world’s leading tax refund company. This service is offered by major retailer’s world – wide. The VAT rate in our country is 7 % and 22 % (at the moment). Your total purchases must exceed PLZ 200 (equivalent of approximately € 44). Your Global Refund Cheque must be stamped by Customs no later than on the last day of the third month following the month when the purchase was made.
Finally, receive your cash refund by cashing your Global Refund Cheques at Cash Refund Office.

POST OFFICE:
Services are available at the post offices only. The working hours: 8.00 am - 8.00 pm.

FOOD
Poles are known for their hospitality and love of food. Polish meals offer a wide selection ranging from fresh game in season to Baltic herring. Other famous dishes include red beet soup or borsch, Polish sausage (“kielbasa”) and stuffed cabbage (“golabki”). Dumplings (“pierogi”) come stuffed with meat, potatoes, blueberries or sauerkraut and mushrooms. “Bigos” is a stew of meat and sauerkraut, while roast duck comes stuffed with apples. For dessert, try pastries with poppy seeds, or perhaps a Polish donut filled with preserved fruit (“paczek”).

COFFEE BREAKS
Coffee, tea and cakes are served in the Congress Hall.

LUNCH
Lunch is served at the Congress Centre Hall.

TELEPHONE
You can use public telephones with phone cards which can be obtained at the post offices, airport, railway stations, kiosks and in some hotels.

ELECTRICITY
Electricity supply is 230 V and power sockets are of the 2 pin round type.

LANGUAGE
The official language of the meeting is English. Simultaneous translation will not be provided.

NAME BADGES
Attendees will be required to wear their delegate badges at all times access to the Congress Center area, during the Gala Dinner and tours.

CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE
A certificate of attendance will be provided for each participant.

LIABILITY
The Congress Secretariat and Organizers cannot accept liability for personal accidents, loss of belongings or damage to private property of participants, students and accompanying persons that may unfortunately happen during the ESVP 2004 Congress. Participants should make their own arrangements with respect to health, travel and property insurance before they depart from their country.

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
• Ambulance, Emergency, Fire Department and Police - 112.
• In case any help is required you may use free emergency line for the foreigners – 0800 200 300.