Date

The conference will take place from Wednesday, 25 August until Tuesday, 31 August 2004
while its Exhibition will be arranged between Wednesday, 25 August - Saturday, 28 August 2004.

Congress & Exhibition Venue

The Conference and its connected Exhibition will be held at the ELTE Convention Centre (Eötvös Loránd University, Institute of Chemistry, address: H-1117, Budapest, Pázmány Péter sétány 1,). The venue is equipped with complete range of conference facilities and there are many comfortable accomodation in nearby.
The conference site can be reached easily by public transportation (e.g.: trams No.: 4 or 6 and/or bus No.12 ) and it is fully accessible by disabled people.
It is situated in a nice and peaceful park on the Danube embankment, enriched by the pleasant atmosphere of the Buda side.

Conference Timetable

Language

The official language of the conference is English.

Invitation Letter

An official invitation letter will be sent to participants who may need it to obtain a visa or funding. etc.
Please, contact the Conference Secretariat.

Weather

Due to Hungary's continental climate, the end of August can be considered still summer. The average temperature is 22 - 28^oC during the day and 15 - 22^oC at night. Humidity is rather low, however, rainy days may be expected.

How to get to Hungary

Hungary lies at the crossroad of the main tourist traffic flows in Europe. About 25 airline companies operate regular flights to Budapest. Railway connections are excellent from all European countries while bus and boat connections also operate with countries in the vicinity of Hungary. Budapest can be reached by car or on motorways M1, M3 and M7.

Visa

Entry visas are not required for citizens of the most European countries, USA and Canada. Citizens of other countries can obtain a visa at the Hungarian Embassy or Consulate in their country. A valid passport is required. For more information about visas please check the web-site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.mfa.gov.hu

Arrival by air

All participants arriving at Ferihegy International Airport are advised to take the airport shuttle minibus to the hotels being the least expensive and most reliable service.
Airport Shuttle Minibus (LRI) shuttle service to hotels every 10 minutes for approx. 5-6 persons. Fare: EURO 15.- at 2003 prices
Metropolitan bus No. 93 (blue) also leaves from the terminal building for Kőbánya-Kispest station where you may take Metro line No. 3 (blue line) to downtown.
Taxis are also available. Fare: approx. EURO 35 – 50.-

Arrival by train

There are 3 major international railway stations in Budapest located in the city centre and within easy reach of the congress hotels either by public transportation or by taxi.

Currency, exchange, credit cards

The official currency in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint. Exchange facilities are offered to participants at the airport, in hotels, at the exchange desk of the banks or at the registration desk of the Congress at a daily-indicated rate by the Hungarian National Bank.
American Express, Visa, Diners, Eurocard, Master Card, JCB Card are accepted at the registration desk, in hotels, first class restaurants and city stores, but you should ask or look for the logo before ordering a service.

Insurance

The Organizing Committee can not assume responsibility for injuries or losses occurring to persons or personal belongings during the Congress. Participants are therefore advised to travel with a valid insurance package.

Local transportation in Budapest

Public transportation is well organized in the city.
Trams, buses and metro operate without conductors. Tickets must be purchased in advance at tobacco shops or metro stations. Weekly pass allowing free travel on all means of transportation within the city limits can be bought at each metro station.

Taxis

We suggest to use taxis equipped with taximeter, such as Főtaxi, City Taxi or Buda Taxi. Beware over private cabs, especially without a taximeter.

Tipping

It is customary to give a tip of 10 % over the amount of the bill at restaurants and when riding a taxi.

Electricity supply

In Hungary electricity is supplied with 230 V, 50 Hz. The 2-pin connecting plug is different from that used in some other countries e.g. USA, UK, Japan.

The Organizing Committee of ECM22 shall observe the basic policy of nondiscrimination and affirms the rights of scientists throughout the world to adhere or to associate with international scientific activity without restrictions based on nationality, race, color, age, religion, political philosophy, ethnic origin, citizenship, language, or sex, in accordance with the Statues on the International Council of Scientific Unions. At this meeting (or symposium etc) no barriers will exist which would prevent the participation of bona fide scientists.