:: GENERAL INFORMATION
Where the conference will take place?
The Conference wil take place at the Congress Palace building
:: Visa Requirements
Citizens of the European Union, the United States of America and most other European countries do not need entry visa for Spain. Participants from other nationalities are requested to check with a Spanish consulate or Embassy in their home countries or with their travel agencies for any visa requirements. Non European Union citizens are required to have a valid passport. The organizers will be pleased to send an Invitation Letter to any individual requesting one. It is to be understood that such an invitation is intended to help potential participants raise travel funds or obtain a visa.
:: Travel to La Rioja
Detailed information about Spain and La Rioja can be found at:www.larioja.org, www.logro-o.org, www.spain.info
:: By plane
Logroño is easily accessible by all means of transport. There are two international airports fairly near (Madrid, Barcelona), from which it is also possible to arrive by plane to Logroño’s airport (about 50 minutes). There is another international airport at Bilbao, from which it is possible to arrive to Logroño by car within 1 hour driving. For international flights we recommend a connecting flight via Frankfurt, London, Paris, Zurich or Munich.
:: By motorway or train
Distances to Logroño from:
· Madrid (Spain) 375 Km.
· Barcelona (Spain) 525 Km.
· Paris (France) 1046 Km.
· Berlin (Germany) 2097 Km.
· Rome (Italy) 1818 Km.
· Zagreb (Croatia) 2050 Km.
· Budapest (Hungary) 2515 km.·
:: INSURANCE
The organizers cannot accept liability for personal injuries, or for any loss or damage of property belonging to conference participants or their accompanying persons, neither during or as a result of the conference. Please check the validity of your own insurance.
:: Conference Language
Spanish is the language spoken in Logroño. English and, to a lesser extent, French are also fairly widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. Information, menus, etc. are nearly always available in English. If you make a little effort at speaking Spanish, you will find the locals more than willing to help you along with a few gestures.
:: Climate
Logroño enjoys an Atlantic and Mediterranean climate with mild, sunny winters, warm summers and relatively low rainfall. From May until the end July the average temperature is between 25 and 30ºC (77-86ºF) with occasional cold spells that drop the temperature to a chilly 18ºC (64ºF).
:: VAT
There is a variable value added tax (IVA) of 7% to 16% applied to most items and services, but many of the prices you see will include it. When it is not included, this should be clearly indicated. In Spanish, it is called IVA.
:: Tipping
In restaurants, hotels, taxis, hairdressers and so on, it is not necessary, although are readily accepted. A general guideline is about 5% of the bill, depending on the quality of the service or just even the check if you have been satisfied with the service. Hotel and airport porters will take, depending on the luggage you have, 1 to 3 EUR.
:: Credit Cards, Currency and Exchange
It is not possible to use any foreign currency in shops, restaurants, etc. All major international credit cards are accepted. Foreign currency and traveller’s checks can be exchanged in Spain at banks. Cash-point machines accepting major international credit cards and charge cards are available at most banks. The Spanish currency is the Euro. In the city of Logroño there are numerous banks where you can exchange almost any currency. American dollars are accepted and exchanged in many of the hotels. Approximate exchange rates in the banks are: 1 EUR = 1,18 US$. The Euro works on the decimal system, with 1 Euro equalling 100 cents.
Credit cards are often not accepted is small establishments, so it is wise to travel with cash.
:: Banks
Banks are open from 8.30 to 14.00 hours, from Monday to Friday.
:: Food
Logroño has a great variety of restaurants where you can enjoy typical food.
:: Shopping
Normal trading hours are Monday to Saturday from 9.00 to 13.30 hours and 16.30 to 20.00 hours.
:: General Safety Advice for Visitors
Logroño is a safe city and tourists and visitors can stroll around and sightsee at ease. However, as in any city, some basic safety precautions should be observed:
Watch your luggage, especially handbags, cameras, video cameras, etc.
When walking around typical tourist spots, be especially vigilant of handbags and wallets.
Carry only the cash, credit cards, an identification that you need.
If you travel by car and have to leave your luggage in the vehicle, it is better to use surveyed car parks, and never leave objects within sight.
:: Metric System
Spain uses the metric system. Visitors will find weather temperature reports given in degrees Celsius, petrol is sold by the litre, so it is milk and water, and grocery items are sold in grams and kilograms. Distances and road speeds are posted in kilometres and kilometres per hour.
:: Electrical Power
A 2-pin round adapter is necessary for electrical appliances. The electric power capacity used is 220 volts/50hz. If you come from North America with 110v/60hz appliances you shall use an appropriate transformer.
:: Airport in Logroño
Logroño/Agoncillo Airport is located approx. 8 km of the city centre. The airport is served by taxi. Please refer to the final detailed program for other possibilities.
Flight information
:: Taxis and Public transportation in Logroño
Taxis
Taxis are safe and not expensive. Taxis may be ordered by phone, picked up at authorized taxi stands or flagged down in the street. Taxies are equipped with taximeters (always check that the meter is running). Taxis must be paid in cash (Euros).
Buses
Public transportation in Logroño.
:: Car rental
To rent a car, drivers must be in possession of a valid driving license, held for at least one year, and must be over 21 or 23 years of age depending on the car rental company.
In Spain you drive on the right-hand side of the road and use internationally recognized road signs. Unleaded petrol costs around EUR 0.87 a litre and diesel costs around EUR 0.72 a litre.
Car rental information
:: Telecommunications
Spain has a sophisticated telecommunications network. International dialling and full fax and electronic mail facilities are widely available. Phone cards and cell phones are readily available.
:: Emergency numbers:
Police, fire brigade or ambulance: 112
