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GENERAL INFORMATION


Czech Republic

The Czech state boasts a history spanning more than one thousand years. For centuries the Kings of Bohemia ranked among Europe’s leading monarchs and Prague was a place where artists, scholars and tradesmen from all corners of the world met. Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia, the three historical lands that form the present Czech Republic, each boast a vast cultural heritage. However, historical monuments are certainly not the only reason the Czech Republic is worth visiting. Though relatively small in terms of its size, the country can offer many different types of landscape – ranging from fertile lowlands and deep forests to “rock towns” and mountains – all providing numerous opportunities for sports activities, both in summer and winter.


Prague

Prague is said to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The hundred-spired pearl, the magic mother of towns. Its rare, well-maintained and mutually interlocked architecture of all styles depicts eleven centuries of medieval history. Just like the splendid stone bridge connects both banks of the river Vltava, Prague is the place where the Czechs, Germans and Jews had lived ever before; it is an intersection of Europe where tradesmen, politicians, scholars and artists from all over the world have met.

The special inspiring atmosphere of Prague has fascinated foreigners from the Romanic times to date. The historical quarters have still maintained their magic: the unique Old Town with a large square where a medieval astronomical clock chimes every hour, with a university, multiple spires and remnants of a large Jewish Town; the Lesser Town on the hills below Prague Castle – a braid of zigzag lanes and staircases, a quarter full of religious monuments and gigantic aristocratic palaces and refined gardens; Hradčany – a picturesque quarter next to the impressive seat of the Czech rulers.

Prague is abundant not only in historical monuments, museums, collections of art, bookstores, theatres, opera, musicals, cinemas or music clubs, but also offers boulevards with luxury shops selling fashion, glass, jewellery and antiques with excellent restaurants, stylish cafes, traditional beerhouses and folk pubs. Prague is a modern European metropolis with all services and opportunities for entertainment, business and education. When you become tired of all that, take a rest in one of the numerous parks, participate in sports or go for a trip into the countryside.


Features of Prague

  • Prague has a designated UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage area of more than 8 sq. km
  • More than 100 personalities famous world-wide have lived in Prague (e.g. King Charles IV, Rudolph II, J. A. Comenius, W. A. Mozart, Franz Kafka, A. Einstein, A. Pick, M. Curie-Sklodowski, etc.)
  • Over 100 theatres, concert halls, galleries, etc.
  • Over 10,000 local and international artists
  • All hotels are situated within 5 to 30 minutes from the city centre
  • Prague is a destination serviced by many airlines, with good ground connections


Getting Around
 

Please note

All registered participants will recieve Free PUBLIC TRANSPORT TICKET (recieved on-site at the registration desk and will be valid within the dates of the annual meeting).

Prague has a very sophisticated subway, tram and bus transport system. The Prague underground is quite new and efficient. At peak times, trains run every 2 or 3 minutes, and during off-peak hours at least every 8-10 minutes.

You can find more information about Prague public transport on the web pages https://www.dpp.cz/en/

Short-term passes (unlimited travel within ticket validity)

Most visitors find travel passes cost effective and hassle free. If you use public transport more than a few times a day, definitely go for one. Also 3 and 5 day passes allow free transport for a child aged between 6 and 14 (inclusive).


Language

English is the official language of the Congress. All Congress materials and presentations must be in English.


Climate and Clothing

The Czech Republic is located on the borderline between two great climatic regimes, the oceanic and the continental, and the weather consequently tends to be fairly variable in different regions. The weather is usually sunny in May. There might be an occasional rain, and it is therefore advisable to bring a spring jacket and an umbrella.
You can find the current weather Conference at www.weather.com.


Currency / Credit Cards / Banking

The official currency of the Czech Republic is the Czech Crown = Česká koruna (CZK = Kč). International credit cards are accepted for payment in most hotels, restaurants and shops. Exchange offices and ATM machines are easily available throughout the city and at the Prague International Airport. Payment in cash in EUR is also available in some restaurants and shops, please ask for details on-site. You can find the official exchange rates on the website Czech National Bank.


Electricity

The Czech Republic uses a 220V/50Hz system, sockets have the European standard and plugs are three-prong grounded.


Health Care

Vaccinations are not required to enter the Czech Republic. An individual travel and health insurance is recommended.


Insurance

The organizers can accept no liability for personal injuries or for loss or damage to property belonging to the Congress participants, either during or as a result of the event.
Participants are advised to take out proper travel and health insurance before departing from their home country.


Time Zone

The Czech Republic is on Central European Time – Greenwich. Mean Time (GMT) + 1 hour. From April to October is summer time, i.e. GMT + 2 hours.


Shopping

Most shops in Prague are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday till Saturday. Shops in the city centre are usually open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday till Sunday.


Tipping

Service is usually included in the bill in bars and restaurants but tips are welcome. If you consider the service good enough to warrant a tip, we suggest about ten percent.


Slovník – Vocabulary

Ahoj – Hi
Dobrý den – Hello
Dobrý večer – Good evening
Dobrou noc – Good night
Jak se máte? – How are you?
Mám se dobře. – I am fine.
Děkuji – Thank you.
Kolik to stojí? – How much is it?
Nechceš jít na pivo? – Would you like to go for a beer?
Pivo – Beer
Jeden – One
Dva – Two
Tři – Three
Deset – Ten

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