Banks:
Banks operate from Monday to Thursday from 08:00 – 14:30 and on Friday from 08:00 to 14:00. In addition to local banks, many major international banks have branches or representative offices in Athens. ATM machines can be found almost everywhere and almost all shops, hotels and restaurants accept credit cards as well as cash/debit cards.

Climate and Clothing:
September is a very pleasant and warm month in Athens. The average daily temperature during this month can reach highs of 29°C or drop to an average minimum temperature of 19°C. Light clothing is recommended with a jacket or sweater for the evenings as it may get cool.

Credit Cards and Currency:
The Greek currency is Euro (€). Traveller’s cheques, and Eurocheques can be exchanged at the airport bank upon arrival or at banks located throughout Athens. Exchange offices and machines are available throughout Athens . Local banks or hotels in Athens will not cash personal cheques. Major credit cards (VISA,Master Card, AMEX) are accepted in almost every shop and restaurant in Athens. It is advisable to carry an identity card or passport for credit card transactions.

Disabled Persons:
The congress venue and its surroundings are fully accessed to disabled persons. However, if you have any special need, please inform the Conference Secretariat.

Electrical Supply:
A round-pin adaptor is necessary for electrical appliances. In Greece the electrical power is 220 volts AC, 50 cycles.

Local time:
The local time zone in Athens is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+ 2 hours) and 7 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time.

Shops:
Athens offers a large variety of shops, from quaint little shops selling antiques, curiosities and jewelry, to fashionable shops selling well-known designers’ clothes and objects. In the centre of Athens, shops operate: Monday, Wednesday and Saturday 09:00 – 16:00, Tuesday & Friday 09:00 – 21:00. On Sunday shops are open in the tourist area of Plaka in central Athens.

Taxis:
Taxis in Athens are cheap and easy to find. You can normally pick them on the road at any time of the day.  Sometimes, taxis may be the only or, at least, the best transportation choice (when bus connections are inconvenient, in the small hours etc). You may find yourself sharing a taxi with strangers… While this is illegitimate in principle, it is, however, an everyday Athenian little habit.

Tipping:
Service is usually included in the bill in bars and restaurants but tips of 10% are welcome and costumed in Greece.

Emergencies: European Emergency Number: 112
When in Greece, International visitors may seek any help they might need (police, ambulance, fire brigade, coast guard) by ringing 112.

The number is answered by English-speaking staff, and may be dialed from public telephones or mobile telephones. Please note, the registration fee does not include medical or any other insurance. In emergency cases, medical services in Greece will be provided at nominal fees, under the National Health Service auspices. However, no transportation to the delegate’s home country would be provided. In case of emergencies, please contact the Professional Congress Organizer for immediate attendance.