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PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Venue
The recent Congress Center GIO, less than 1 Km from the Old city Center, has a Main Hall of more than 500 seats and many smaller Meetings Rooms. There are 2 Hotels , a Restaurant and large Parking Areas.

Address: Via R. d'Andreotto, 19, 06124 Perugia
Web : www.hotelgio.it
E-mail: reception@hotelgio.it
Telephone and fax:  +39 075 573 1100

Passport and Visa
Please bear in mind that these are mere guidelines, for more information please contact the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your country and/or the local Authorities. As of October 26, 1997, Italy adheres to the Schengen Agreement. Citizens of countries not adhering to this agreement may be allowed entry to Italy on the following conditions: - entry must be at regular customs - valid passport or equivalent travel documents acknowledged by Italian authorities - papers proving the purpose of the voyage and stating means of transportation - financial information must be provided as to how travel, accommodation and local expenses will be met - valid visa, where necessary, for entry or transit - exclusion from “persona non grata” lists of the Schengen system - exclusion from international lists considered to be socially dangerous

NOTE: a foreign resident of a Schengen member state holding a valid stay permit is exempt from obtaining a visa provided that entry to Italy is not sought for hired work, independent work, or apprenticeship.
Any foreigner, although holding a valid visa, who cannot provide ALL of the above requirements can be turned down even at customs.

Financial information can be proven by showing cash, bank or insurance bonds, shares, prepaid service receipts or legalized papers showing revenue sources in Italy. All foreigners must prove accommodation in Italy and the appropriate amount of money to return home (a return ticket is sufficient). These requirements are not only necessary to obtain a valid visa but they are also necessary at moment of entry. Failure to provide all of the above requirements will cause entry permission to be revoked.

Apply early: visa applicants are advised to apply as soon as they decide to attend the conference. Please allow at least 90 days for visas to be issued.

Visa applicants should consult the Italian Embassies in their own countries concerning requirements to travel to Italy. If a formal letter confirming your registration is required, please send a request form as soon as possible including the following information:
- name, date of birth, and passport number,
- name of organization you belong to,
- information on transportation and accommodation,
- information on how transportation, accommodation and local expenses are to be
funded.
In this Letter the LOC can only transcribe the submitted data and cannot accept liability for any information provided during registration.

Duty Free Import
Personal effects and professional equipment can be brought into Italy duty free as long as the customs offi cer deems their contents and quantities reasonable. Delegates from EU countries can easily bring in goods without any limit or formal measures.

Climate
The average temperatures in Perugia during the period of the conference are min 14°C (58°F) and max 28°C (82°F).

Currency Exchange
Euro is the currency in use accepted at regular stores and restaurants. Credit cards are widely accepted at almost all hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops. You can at foreign exchange banks and other authorized money exchange upon presentation of your passport. Be aware that most banks are open Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Credit Cards
VISA, MasterCard, Diners Club, and American Express are widely accepted credit cards at hotels, department stores, shops, restaurants.

Electricity
The electrical current is 220-230V, AC, 50 Hz throughout Italy. Leading hotels in major cities have two outlets of 110 and 220 volts but usually with two-leg plugs only.

Shopping
Shops and other sales outlets in Italy are generally open on weekdays and Saturdays from 09:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. but closed on Sundays and national holidays. Delegates residing outside the EU can reclaim the Value Added Tax (VAT) if they spend more than 175€ in the same shop.