General Information
General Congress Information:
Attendance Certificate: All participants will receive an attendance certificate.
Badges: You will receive a personalized badge when collecting your registration documents. During the Congress this badge must be clearly visible at all times and grants access to the scientific sessions, social events and the exhibition area.
Official Congress language: The official language of the congress is English.
Exhibition: A technical and pharmaceutical exhibition will be held at the congress venue. The opening times will follow the timetable of scientific sessions.
Useful Information:
Language: The official language of Spain is Spanish .English is spoken at hotels, restaurants and some shopping malls.
Banks and Exchange Facilities: Official opening hours of banks in Spain are from 8:30a.m. to 2:00p.m., Monday to Friday, and closed in the afternoons. Cash-point machines accepting major international credit cards and charge cards are available at most banks. It is possible to change foreign currency into Euros in the main city hotels and some exchange offices are located in the city centre.
Climate:
Most of the Autonomous Region of Madrid has a continental climate with temperatures that range from 32º F (0º Celsius), or slightly lower in the winter, to up to 104º F (40º C) in the summertime. Yet, the temperatures in the northern mountainous area of the region are much colder than those mentioned above in the winter and milder in the summer.
The average annual temperature is 57.2 º F (14º C), ranging from 41º F (5º C) in the colder months to 77ºF (25º C) in the hotter.
The amount of rain varies, though it is mainly scarce in the large continental area of the region. Therefore, there is hardly a need of an umbrella.
Average temperature in April: 55.4º F (13º C)
Credit Cards and Currency: All major international credit cards are accepted. The Spanish currency is the Euro.
Electrical power: A 2-pin round adapter is necessary for electrical appliances. The electric current used is 220 volts/50hz.
Insurance: Delegates are advised to arrange health and accident insurance prior to travelling to the Congress. The Congress Organisers will not assume any responsibility for accidents, losses or damages, as well as for delays or modifications in the programme, caused by unforeseen circumstances. No claims for indeminifaction from the organisers shall arise for contractors or participants in case of cancellation, for any reason, for the entire Congress.
Taxes (VAT): There is a variable value added tax (VAT) of between 7% to 16% applied to most items and services, but most prices you see will include it. When it is not included, this should be clearly indicated.
Tipping: Service is generally included in restaurant bills. Tips, however, are given to show appreciation of a good meal or special service.
Visa Requirements: Visitors from other European Union member countries may enter Spain using either a passport or a national identity document. Visitors from other countries must have a valid passport and a visa if required. Inquiries regarding visas can be directed to Spanish diplomatic representatives abroad. On request, the Congress Secretariat will be pleased to send a letter of invitation to individual scientists. Invitations of this kind are intended to assist potential delegates with raising their travel funds or obtain visas. They do not imply any commitment or responsibility on behalf of the Congress to provide financial support. Delegates requesting a letter of invitation must pay through bank transfer, no credit card payment will be accepted.
Weight and measures: Spain uses the metric system for weight and measures.
Contact: If you have any further questions about the Congress, please contact: sbc@sbc-congresos.com