Practical Information

1. Venue

The meeting will take place at:
Thessaloniki
HOLIDAY INN HOTEL
Telephone: +30 231 0563 100
Fax: +30 231 0563 101
Internet: www.holiday-inn.com/thessaloniki

For questions relating to organisational/logistical aspects of the Conference, please contact:
Ms. Sissy Lignou,
Congress Department
AFEA Travel S.A.
39-41 Lykavittou str. Athens 106 72
Direct line: +30 210 3668854
Fax: +30 210 364 3511
Email: slignou@afea.gr

2. Interpretation/Documentation

Simultaneous interpretation during the Forum will be provided in English, Greek and Russian. Conference documentation will be provided in English only.

3.Registration/accreditation of participants

Participants may register by fax or e-mail by sending the completed registration form to Ms. Sissi Lignou at AFEA by fax or by e-mail to (with a copy to Sophia Kokoni at: bsec.forum@oecd.org). Deadline for registration: 11 February 2005. Participants registering by fax or by e-mail will receive confirmation of registration by fax or by e-mail sent to the fax number or e-mail address indicated on their registration form.
Participants should indicate their passport details on the registration form.
In addition, to enable the preparation of a CV booklet, participants with a designated role in the forum (chair or speakers) should provide, by either e-mail or regular mail, a short resume and passport-size photo to Ms Sissy Lignou, AFEA Travel. Participants are invited to wear their ID badges at all times during the meetings and related events.

4. Travel and accommodation arrangements

AFEA Travel is entrusted with arranging travel and accommodation for participants.
Participants willing to do so, can arrange their travel booking via AFEA.
A block reservation at the Holiday Inn has already been made.
Please provide arrival and departure dates (as indicated in the attached reply form) and specify any special accommodation or dietary requirements.

5.Visa requirements

Participants must possess a valid passport to enter Greece. Non-EU participants should ensure they obtain a VISA. Following countries require visa: Albania, Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Serbia – Montenegro.

6. Arrival at the airport and transportation to hotels

Each participant is responsible for his own transportation from the airport to the hotel. Participants can then arrange with the hotel for the way back to the airport.

7. Practical information about Thessaloniki

Local time: Local time in Thessaloniki is GMT + 2 hours
Currency, exchange, credit cards: The Euro is the national unit of currency. Foreign currencies can easily be changed at banks, change offices and post offices. Major credit cards (American Express, Visa, Diner’s Club, MasterCard, Access, JCB, Eurocard, etc.) are accepted in most establishments. Most ATMs accept international credit/bank cards; almost all ATMS provide instructions in English. Banks are open on weekdays from 08:00 to 14:00.
Climate and clothing: the climate is moderate (winter: 4°C and summer: 27°C); in winter, temperatures can drop below zero and there is high humidity. Average temperatures in June are likely to bare relatively comfortable, with average highs of 60-77°F / 16 25°C and relatively little rain. Lightweight clothes are advisable; however, in the evenings, a light jacket may be necessary. For details, consult: http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/Greece.htm
Electricity supply: The electrical current in Greece is 220 volts. Wall outlets take Continental-style plugs with two or three round prongs.
Cultural events: To obtain information on Thessaloniki and what’s going on in the city, you may find the following Web sites of interest:
http://www.thessalonikicity.gr
http://www.greektourism.com/travel_guide/regions/macedonia/thessaloniki/index.stm
The organizers will also put at your disposal an information booklet containing useful address and suggestions on leisure and cultural events during your staying in Thessaloniki.
Other practical information:
Tipping at a rate of approx. 10% of the bill is common in hotels and restaurants.
Useful numbers: Police: 100, Fire: 199, Emergency: 166, Operator: 11 888