General Information Disabled Access and Special Assistance All Congress venues are wheelchair accessible. If you require special assistance for any reason, please contact the Congress Office with details. For more general information on access for the disabled in Barcelona, visit www.barcelonaturisme.com Language The official language is English. In Barcelona Catalan and Spanish are the official languages. Travel Delegates should make their own travel arrangements to and from Barcelona. Local Time in Barcelona GMT + 1 hour Entry Formalities For information on passport/visa requirements for entry into Spain, contact the Spanish Embassy, Consulate or High Commission in your country. Should you need to apply for a visa, the Congress Office will send you a letter of invitation to support your application. Immunisation and Health There are no immunisation regulations when entering Spain, however, be sure to familiarise yourself with the requirements of all countries through which you will travel. Insurance Delegates are advised to take out appropriate health and travel insurance. Airport Transport Barcelona Airport is approximately 10km from the city centre. It is linked to the city by trains (Sants and Catalunya Stations) running every 30 minutes (cost: € 2). There is a regular bus service (Aerobus) which departs every 15 minutes and stops at the Plaça d’Espanya, near the Hotel Fira Palace (cost: € 3). Taxis cost between € 10-15 to the Hotel. For further information please visit: www.renfe.es Local Transport The Metro is the easiest and fastest way of moving around the city. The nearest station to the Congress Center is Plaza España (line 3-green). For further information please visit the web page: www.atm-transmet.es Climate The temperature in July is very warm and averages 25-30 degrees celsius. Evenings are cooler and light jackets or sweaters are recommended. For further information: www.bcn.es Banking and Shopping Hours Banks: Monday to Friday 08:30 – 14:00 hrs Shops: Monday to Saturday 10:00 – 13:30 hrs and 16:00 – 20:00 hrs Currency and Taxes The currency used in Spain is the Euro. There is a 7% sales tax on food and a 16% sales tax on most other items. Voltage Electricity in Spain runs on 220 volts. Disclaimer The organisers may at any time, with or without giving notice, in their absolute discretion and without giving any reason, cancel or postpone the Congress, change its venue or programme and withdraw any invitation to attend. In any case, neither the organisers nor any of their officers, employees, agents, members or representatives shall be liable for any loss, liability, damage or expense suffered or incurred by any person, nor will they return any money paid to them in connection with the Congress unless they are satisfied not only that the money in question remains under their control, but also that the person who paid it has been unfairly prejudiced (as to which the decision shall be in their sole and unfettered discretion, and when announced, final and conclusive).