General Information

• General Information
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• Transportation


WELCOME TO THE CITY
No other city comes close... it may no longer be “caput mundi” (capital of the world), but Rome is an epic and vibrant metropolis harbouring lost empires. The “eternal city” is so called because it is a place of great beauty, contrast and life. As modern and old, past and present go side by side, Rome is a fascinating and unique place.
Rome offers an eclectic environment; it is not only the world centre of the Catholic Church, the home of the fabulous ruins of the Roman Empire but also a modern and bustling city, capital of Italy since 1870. When in Rome, one steps into the world’s biggest open air museum!
The city is located in the middle of the Italian peninsula and is easily accessible from within Italy and abroad. In addition to two international airports, Rome can be reached via Eurostar train and a railway line which connects it with other cities in Italy and abroad. Local public transport is also widely available with two underground railway lines and a train, bus and tram service.
People in Rome embody the spirit of the city. Just pass by a café and you will experience its unique atmosphere. The incredible urban scenery and temperate climate, with breezy winters and hot summers, make Rome a city where you feel instantly comfortable. Strolling around the cobbled streets, catching the sunlight on your face outside a café or just enjoying a long lunch at a terrace, you will better understand the meaning of the “Dolce Vita”!

CLIMATE
Rome enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate. Summers (from June to September) are hot and dry with temperatures often soaring to 37°C. High humidity is also common. For up to date weather information, click here.

BUSINESS HOURS
In general, most offices will operate between the hours of 09:00 and 16:30, Monday to Friday, although business hours do vary from one industry to another. Most Rome banks open from 08:30 to 13:30 and 14:45 to 15:45 Monday to Friday. Shops are open on Monday from 15:30 to 19:30 (some shops may be open in the morning) and Tuesday to Saturday from 09:30 / 10:00 to 13:00 and 15:30 to 19:00 / 19:30 (some shops do not close for the afternoon break).

CURRENCY
The currency in Italy is the Euro.

ATMs
ATMs (known in Italy as bancomat) are widely available in Rome and most will accept cards tied into the Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus and Maestro systems. As a precaution, though, check that the appropriate logo is displayed on the ATM before inserting your card. The daily limit for cash withdrawal is €250.
Remember that every time you withdraw cash there will be a transaction surcharge. Check with your own bank to see how much this is.

CHANGING MONEY
You can change your money in banks, at post offices or at a cambio (exchange office). There are exchange booths at Stazione Termini and at Fiumicino and Ciampino airports.
Post offices and banks tend to offer the best rates.

CREDIT CARDS
Virtually all midrange and top-end hotels accept credit cards, as do most restaurants and large shops. You can also use them to obtain cash advances at some banks. Major cards such as Visa, MasterCard, Eurocard, Cirrus and Eurocheques are widely accepted. Amex is also recognised although it’s less common than Visa or MasterCard.

COMMUNICATIONS
International dialing code: +39
Area code for Rome: 06

ELECTRICITY
The voltage in Rome Italy is 220V (50Hz). The plug outlets require unique three-pin Italian plugs (three round pins in a row). Many hotels are equipped with the two-pin continental European type plug outlets.

LIABILITY AND INSURANCE
The congress organisers will not accept liability for personal injury or loss/damage to property/belongings of participants or accompanying persons, either before, during or following the congress, tours or their stay in Rome. It is therefore recommended that participants arrange their own personal health, accident and travel insurance.

TIME DIFFERENCE
Rome is in the Central European Time Zone (Greenwich Mean Time + 1 hour / U.S. Eastern Standard Time + 6 hours)

VISAs

Residents of 28 non-EU countries, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand and the USA, do not require visas for tourist visits of up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries can obtain a visa at the Italian Embassy or Consulate in their country. A valid passport is required. Citizens of the following countries require a visa:

Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burma/Myanmar, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Colombia, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djijbouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Micronesia, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, São Tomé and Príncipe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Surinam, Swaziland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, The Comoros, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

For more information about visas, please check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: http://www.esteri.it/visti/index_eng.asp. Registered congress participants who require an official letter of invitation in order to support a visa application should contact the Congress Secretariat.

For information on public transport and shuttle buses to/from the congress, please visit the Transportation page.