GENERAL
INFORMATION
 Portugal is situated in the most western part of
Europe. It covers an area of 92,000 square kilometres and has a population of 10
million people. It was founded as an independent kingdom in the Iberian
Peninsula more than eight centuries ago.
Lisbon is the capital of the country. The history of the city goes back to the
time of the Phoenicians, then the Greeks and after them the Romans.
After the
fall of the Roman Empire came the Barbarian invasions and in the eighth century,
the Arabs started to invade the country. In 1147 the first king of Portugal won
the city from the Moors with the help of the Crusaders, after a four-month
siege. Since then, Lisbon has continued to grow and develop, all the time
celebrating its rich cultural diversity. Nowadays it is a modern city with a
wealth of historic monuments and museums, a warm and friendly atmosphere,
moderate climate and full of hospitality. It is well worth a visit.
AIRPORT
Lisbon has a modern airport that is close to the centre of the city (7 km
north).
Lisbon International Airport
Alameda das Comunidades Portuguesas
1800 Lisboa
Telephone: +351 21 841 35 00 / 841 37 00
Fax: +351 21 841 36 75
ACCESS TO HOTELS FROM THE AIRPORT
Participants may use either a bus or a taxi.
Buses from the airport to the city are every 20 minutes (07.00 - 21.00).
The usual taxi fare from the Airport to the City Centre is approx. 10/15 €.
BANKING
Bank services are available at the Airport, throughout the city and there are
several close to the conference venue. Banks are open from 08.30 to 15.00 with
no lunchtime closing. The city is well supplied with cash dispensers, which take
most major credit cards.
CLIMATE AND CLOTHING
Lisbon has a moderate Atlantic climate. There are no great variations in
temperature.
CREDIT CARDS
International credit cards are accepted in cash dispensers, hotels, restaurants
and most shops, as well as car rental agencies. The most common credit cards are
VISA, EuroCard, MasterCard and American Express.
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CULTURAL
- Lisbon is rich in historical
buildings, museums and churches.
A list of the main Lisbon museums and other relevant information will be
provided on site.
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CURRENCY
Portugal's currency is the Euro.
Conversion rates: 1€ = USD 1,22 (at 07/04/2004)
ELECTRICITY
In Portugal, electricity is supplied at 220V/50Hz AC and power sockets are of
the 2 pin round type.
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Ambulance, Emergency, Fire Dept. and Police: 112
INSURANCE / LIABILITY
Participation in this Conference implies that persons/participants agree that
the organizers do not assume any liability whatsoever. Upon registration, the
participant accepts this proviso.
LANGUAGE OF THE CONGRESS
The official language of the Congress is English. No simultaneous translation
will be provided.
MEALS
The food in Portugal is very good and deserves its worldwide reputation. Prices
could vary between 25€ (modest, traditional restaurant) to 100€ (luxury
restaurant).
PARKING FACILITIES IN LISBON
Pay and Park parking meters are in operation in most parts of the city. Parking
zones are indicated by special P - signs. In these zones payment for parking is
obligatory. There are many underground car-parks also.
POST OFFICE
Services are available at the Hotels or at post offices. The working hours are
09.00 - 18.00.
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Sintra - Palacio Pena
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PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
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Bica Funicular
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Subway Station
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Buses, trams and underground are
available and operate on weekdays from 6 or 7 a.m. until midnight or 1 a.m.
Tourist passes for 1, 3 or 7 days and valid for trams, buses, funiculars and the
underground are available.
Metropolitano de Lisboa Website: http://www.metrolisboa.pt/index_uk.htm
SHOPPING
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Shopping in Lisbon
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Opening times for shops is 09.00 to 19.00, Monday to Friday. Most of the shops
are open on Saturday mornings. Several shopping centres are open from 10.00 to
midnight, seven days a week.
TIME DIFFERENCES
Portugal has Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
TIPPING
This is customary in restaurants and taxis. Tipping up to 10% of the bill is
acceptable.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS TO PORTUGAL
Nationals of the European Community only require a valid identity card or
passport. For most countries outside Europe, a valid passport is enough.
Some countries, however, still require a Visa. Please check with your travel
agency or with the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in your country. Granting
visas may take up to 8 weeks or more. The
organization will not be held responsible for visas not granted.
This is a list of links to Websites with
information about Lisbon and Portugal.
General Information about Portugal
http://www.portugal.org/
- Lisbon Tourism official Website
http://www.atl-turismolisboa.pt/
- Official Website of the Municipality of Lisbon
http://www.cm-lisboa.pt/
(only Portuguese)
- Metropolitano de Lisboa Website
http://www.metrolisboa.pt/index_uk.htm
- Metropolitano de Lisboa map of Lisboa
http://www.metrolisboa.pt/diagrede_uk.htm
- Portugal Virtual
http://www.portugalvirtual.pt/
Agradecimentos
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