General Information

Language
The official language in Germany is German. However, English is widely spoken in hotels and restaurants.

Currency/Bank
The currency of Germany is the EURO (€).The approximate exchange rate (as at July 2003) is US $1 = 0,875 €.

Currency exchange facilities are available at all airports. The closest currency exchange to the conference is Sparda-Bank, Heussallee 14. You can only change US$, £, CHF and Can$ (identification card or passport is required). Its opening hours are 09:00 - 18:00 Monday to Thursday, 09:00 - 14:00 Friday, Saturday/Sunday closed.

Time zone
Bonn is UTC (GMT) + 2 hours.

Climate
October is generally quite mild in Bonn, enjoying the warmth of the late European summer cooled down by the early autumn breeze. Temperatures range between 7°C and 14°C (45-57°F) during the day. An umbrella is recommended.

Electricity
230 volts, 50 Hertz (round, two-pin plugs)

Emergency
Phone numbers in cases of emergency:
Police: 110 Fireworkers, Ambulance: 112

Shopping
Shops in Bonn are usually open between 08:00-10:00 and close around 19:00. In the city centre they often close later, at around 20:00.

It is recommended that participants carry small amount of cash as not all shops offer electronic payment facilities.

Tourist Information
Bonn City Map:
http://germany.map-vista.com/bonn-map

Bonn Visitor's Guide:
http://www.bonn.de/tourismus/e_index.htm