facilities for banking and exchange of foreign currency will be available at the congress venue. Banking hours Monday to Friday, 09:30 - 14.00 and Saturday from 9.00 to 13.00. Credit card: most hotels, restaurants and departments stores accept major credit cards: American Express, Diners Club, Visa, MasterCard and Eurocard. Spanish banks and many hotels accept Eurocheques.

the official money is the peseta (ESP).

the electrical current in Spain is a 220 volts. Most hotels provide 110-volt outlets for shavers.

the main shopping streets in the center of Madrid are: Serrano, Goya, Ortega y Gasset and in the old town, Gran Via. The shops are mainly open from 10.00 to 20.00 on weekdays, Sundays closed.

Madrid is situated 646 meters above sea level with typical continental weather very hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Temperatures during September are fresh at night (9°-14°) and warm during the day (19°-25°).

Delegates requiring a visa for entry to Spain are strongly advised to make their application in their home country at least three months before the intended date of travel. In case of doubt, information can be obtained from your nearest Spain Embassy or Consulate or from your travel agency.

The Madrid Convention Bureau M.C.B. Mayor 69 – 28013 Madrid provides extensive tourist information. It is open from 10.00 to 14.00, afternoons closed in September, Saturdays and Sundays.

Tourist information points available all around the city from 10.00 to 19.00, 7 days a week during summer, tel. (+34) 91 588 29 12.