ABOUT AUSTRIA
Austria is a federal republic state with a parliamentary democracy. The language spoken in Austria is German, but most Austrians speak English and are happy to be of service to visitors.

ABOUT VIENNA
Vienna is the Capital of Austria, with a population of almost 2 Million. The city has recently become the number one worldwide as a congress destination. For endless opportunities to spend your time in Vienna before or after the conference hours visit the Official Web-Site of the Vienna Tourist Board

TRAVEL TO VIENNA

TRAVEL BY PLANE
The Vienna International Airport (VIE/LOWW) is located about 19 km from the city center. To get to downtown Vienna you can choose between a fast train (CAT, 16 minutes), subway, shuttle buses, taxi cabs and limousine service. None will take you any longer than about 25 minutes.

For academic people travelling round trip between US and Vienna, good deals are available through http://www.studentuniverse.com. You need a .edu e-mail address; must be a current student or faculty member.

Transport to and from Vienna International Airport:
see here

TRAVEL TO VIENNA VIA AIRPORT BRATISLAVA
From the airport Bratislava (Slovak Republic) to Vienna City Centre the distance is about 65 km. Several low-budget airlines fly into Bratislava. The options to transfer to Vienna are:

1. Bus:
The bus leaves Bratislava airport approx. every 90 minutes. The travel time is about 60-90 minutes. Arrival in Vienna: Südtiroler Platz (along underground line U1).

2. Train:
Trains between the main train stations in Bratislava to Südbahnhof in Vienna operate between 8:30 am to 0:30 am.

TRAVEL BY CAR
Austria's motorway network extends right into Vienna, making it convenient and safe to reach the city by car from anywhere in Europe. Toll stickers are required on all vehicles on Austria's motorways and highways! Stickers can be obtained from the Austrian Automobile Clubs as well as post offices and gasoline stations. Please note that stickers are also available in Austria's neighbouring countries at gasoline stations, at borders as well as Automobile clubs.

TRAVEL BY TRAIN
Vienna occupies a hub position in Europe's international rail network. Intercity and international express trains connect the capital with all parts of Austria and with all major cities in Europe. Railway Timetable

GETTING AROUND IN VIENNA
Vienna's public transport net includes underground, tramways and buses and is easy and fast. Pdf-Map of Vienna Underground Lines

CONFERENCE VENUE (University Campus - Altes AKH)
Spitalgasse 2, Hof 2,
A-1090 Vienna
Tramway Information and Conference Venue Maps at the General Information Page Map of Vienna
Campus Map,

INFORMATION ON VISA REQUIREMENTS
Austria is a member of the European Union "Schengen" Convention which imposes rather strict regulations on foreign visitors. If you are a citizen of the EU and a couple of additional countries (e.g. Switzerland, Norway, the USA, Canada etc) you will be permitted to enter Schengen countries without a visa.

Please check this link here in order to find out whether you need a visa and which kind of documents you will need for your application. You probably need an invitation from the local organizing committee (see the information below).
If you intend to visit just Austria you must apply at the next Austrian Embassy or Consulate in your home country or the country where you live (see list and contact addresses of Austrian Embassies). The Austrian embassies will also be pleased to advise you in the application procedure. If you visit more than one Schengen country you may have to apply at an embassy of the country where you intend to spend most of your time. Please contact the embassies for further information. Please note that many Austrian embassies or embassies of other Schengen countries request that you personally come to their offices for your application. In any case, we advice you to make an appointment by telephone in advance.

Time Schedule for visa application: Please consider a time period of at least 6 weeks for the whole procedure of Visa issuing.

CURRENCY & SALES TAX
The Austrian currency is Euro (€). Major credit cards are accepted virtually everywhere. ATM cards with the "Maestro" - sign are accepted at most ATM machines ("Bankomat") for cash withdrawal and as payment cards at many shops. Sales tax (20%) is normally included in quoted prices. For non-EU residents, tax-free shopping schemes are available at many shops.

WEATHER AND CLIMATE
The climate in Vienna is influenced by Continental Europe. The weather in July is normally warm or hot with daily highs between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius and night temperatures between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius. Though normally dry, occasionally rainfall might occur.
More details on weather, climate and daily weather forecast.

ELECTRICITY
Europen type 2 pin sockets with 220 V AC at 50Hz are used.

SECURITY
Basically, Vienna is regarded as very safe place. Common sense precautions are recommended as for any cosmopolitan city in Europe.

INSURANCE
The organizers do not accept any responisbility for individual, medical, travel or personal insurance. Participants are strongly recommended to take on their own travel policies.