GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

Information desk
The registration & information desk will be located at Hotel Nordica, on the ground floor and will be open from 7:30-18:00 every day of the conference.

Hotel Nordica

Su­urlandsbraut 2

108 ReykjavÝk

Telephone: + 354 444 5000

You can find a map of ReykjavÝk on the internet here.

Official language
The official language of the conference is English. Translation service will not be provided.

Contact information to the organizers in Iceland

Iceland Travel                            

Helga Lßra Gu­mundsdˇttir,  Bjarn■ˇra Egilsdˇttir         

[email protected]            [email protected]                                   

Telephone:  +354 585 4371   +354 585 4375   

IceTec

١rhildur Kristjßnsdˇttir,        Birgir Jˇhannesson

[email protected]                       [email protected]

Telephone: +354 5707147    +354  5707174

Conference Papers

Each delegate will receive a set of papers in hard copy format or CD in English (the organizers reserve the right to present individual papers in any alternative language to English as supplied by the speaker). The papers will be presented in a delegate case with additional information and relevant literature.

Catering

The conference includes morning and afternoon refreshments and lunches each day served in a special restaurant set aside for event delegates, speakers and organizers. Works visits include lunch.

Extension of Stay / Optional Excursions

 If you would like to extend your visit before or after the event, to take in the delights and wonders of Iceland, contact Iceland Travel. Iceland Travel is our partner for all travel and accommodation issues and they will gladly assist you in tailoring any specific requirements for delegates and partners.

You will find more detailed information on the conference in the conference brochure here.

GENERAL INFORMATION ON REYKJAVIK AND ICELAND

Reykjavik
Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is the home of more than half of the country's 290 000 inhabitants. Named after the steam from the geothermal areas the city is now known for its clean air and beautiful surroundings. In Reykjavik you have opportunities for historical sites, natural beauty, museums and galleries, public parks, excellent shopping, a wide range of leisure activities, hotels, restaurants and a remarkably lively artistic scene.

Climate
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland enjoys a cool temperate ocean climate, cool in summer and fairly mild in winter. However, the weather is very changeable and one should be prepared for the unexpected.

Clothing
When traveling to Iceland in winter you should bring along clothing similar to what you would wear at the same time of year in the US north-east. For summer you might want to bring along lightweight woolens or a fleece sweater, a wind- and rainproof jacket, sneakers and sturdy walking shoes if you plan to go hiking. Always bring a swimsuit - year round.

Business/ Shopping/ Bank hours
Office hours are generally 09:00-17:00 but some institutions and companies change to 08:00-16:00 during June, July and August. Shopping hours are Mon-Fri 09:00-18:00, Sat from 10:00 to 13:00/14:00/15:00/16:00/17:00 or 18:00, varying from one shop to another. Some supermarkets are open to 23:00 seven days a week. Many shops are closed on Saturdays during the summer - June, July and August -but the woolen goods stores are open on Saturdays and some on Sundays as well. Shops outside ReykjavÝk in service centers or filling stations are often open all day (09:00-22:00/23:00/23:30) every day of the week. Banking hours are Mon-Fri 09:15-16:00.

Open outside regular banking hours

The Change Group Iceland ehf, money exchange service open 7 days a week at extended hours. [email protected]

Arrival Hall,
IS-235 KeflavÝk
International Airport.
Tel/Fax: +354-425-0440

BankastrŠti 2,
IS-101ReykjavÝk (inside the Tourist Information Centre).
[email protected] Tel/Fax: (+354) 552 3735

Exchange rates
Please go to the universal currency converter:  http://www.xe.com/ucc

Debit cards
Electron and Maestro debit cards are increasingly being accepted by merchants. Cash can be obtained using these cards in all banks.

Credit cards
Credit cards are widely used in Iceland and accepted by most establishments, including hotels, restaurants, car rentals and shops. The major cards in Iceland are EUROPAY/MASTERCARD and VISA, both owned and serviced by all banks and savings banks in Iceland, and AMERICAN EXPRESS and DINERS CLUB which have agents.

Shopping
The shops in Iceland are of international standard and carry a wide variety of merchandise. Local specialties are woolen knitwear (for example sweaters, cardigans, hats and mittens), handmade ceramics, glassware and silver jewellery. Also available is a great variety of high-quality seafood.

Tax-free shopping
A refund of local Value-Added Tax is available to visitors to Iceland. The refund will result in a reduction of up to 15% of the retail price, provided departure from Iceland is within 3 months after the purchase is made. The purchase amount must be no less than ISK 4,000 (VAT included) per sales receipt, and all goods (except woolens) must be packed in sealed bags or containers. For information please contact Global Refund in Iceland, Kaplahraun 15 IS-220, Hafnarfj÷r­ur.
Tel: (+354) 555 2833 Fax: (+354) 555 2823 www.globalrefund.com

Duty-free
The duty-free store at KeflavÝk Airport is open to coincide with flight departures and arrivals.

Airport transport
A modern international airport at KeflavÝk is 45 minutes drive from ReykjavÝk (about 55 km). The FLYBUS offers a shuttle service between the hotels in ReykjavÝk and KeflavÝk airport in connection with arrivals and departures of all flights. Iceland Travel operates a special guided service available upon request. Taxi service is also available. Flybus fare: 1.100 Isk and Taxi fare approx: 8.000 Isk