How to get to the Conference Venue?
To reach the Conference Venue there are several means of transport:
Metro station “Deák Ferenc tér" junction (M1 – yellow line, M2 – red line, M3 – blue line)
The Hotel Sofitel is in 6-7 minutes walking distance from this junction, or take bus no. 105 to "Széchenyi tér" stop.
From the airport to the conference venue use the Airport Minibus Service, fixed rates for passengers
(Fixed rate: 2990 HUF / cca 11 EUR one-way from the airport to the Hotel Sofitel or to inner city hotels), Tel: +36 1 296 8555; www.airportshuttle.hu
or use the PAIN2013 Official Taxi Company: City Taxi +36 1 211 1111
(Rate: 5300 HUF = cca 20 Euro).
Travel
By Plane
Budapest has direct flight connection with every capital of Europe and other major cities and hubs in Europe and world-wide as well. Most of the major Airlines are presented in Budapest. Any point in the world can be reached to and from Budapest. Liszt Ferenc airport has three terminals roughly 28 kilometers from the city. Since 2004 several low cost airlines have been running their flights between Budapest and the large European cities (Wizzair, Germanwings, EasyJet, Air Baltic, Jet2, etc).
By Train
Budapest is connected to the European railway system. There are direct railway links between Budapest and 13 capital cities of Europe and 47 international scheduled trains arrive daily in Budapest. Many international trains have dining and sleeping cars or couchettes. Most international express trains arrive and depart from the Eastern (Keleti) Railway Station. www.mav-start.hu
By Coach
Volánbusz Rt., being a member of Eurolines, operates scheduled services to 22 European countries. www.volanbusz.hu
Public Transportation
Public transport in Budapest is provided by Budapest Transport Ltd. (known to all Hungarians simply as BKV). Budapest has an efficient public transport network. In general the buses, trams and trolleybuses operate between 4.30 AM and 11 PM. All-night bus service operate on the major thoroughfares in the city (night bus timetables are posted at stops and in most metro stations). The three metro lines (1,2,3) intersect at Deák Square in the centre of the town. Metros run at 2-15 minutes intervals from about 4.30 AM to 11.15 PM. There are also five suburban railway lines (HÉV) serving the outskirts of the city. For maps, timetables, ticket and pass information etc. see the home page of the BKV Ltd. (Budapest Transport Ltd.) www.bkv.hu
Climate
The climate of Budapest is continental. In late August usually nice warm weather can be expected with a max. temperature of 25-28 °C, while the lowest temperature during the night ranging between 12-15 °C. Nevertheless some rainy days can be expected.
Insurance
The registration fees do not include provision for the insurance of participants against personal accidents, illness, cancellation, theft, property loss or damage. Participants are advised to take adequate personal travel insurance.
Currency
The Forint (HUF), the official national currency, is convertible. The exchange rates applied in Budapest banks, official exchange offices and hotels may vary. All the major credit cards are accepted in Hungary in places displaying the emblem at the entrance.
Exchange rate: 1 Euro = 307 HUF in April 2013.
Credit Cards
In general, VISA, EC/MC and American Express credit cards are accepted in most restaurants, cafés, shops and petrol stations.
Store and Shopping
The opening hours of Budapest stores are generally 10.00-18.00 on weekdays and 10.00-13.00 on Saturday.
The big shopping centres are open from 10.00-20.00 from Monday to Saturday and from 10.00-18.00 on Sunday.
Pharmacies
Budapest's pharmacies (gyógyszertár in Hungarian) are well stocked and can provide medicaments for most common ailments. Each of the 23 districts has an all-night pharmacy open every day, a sign on the door of any pharmacy will help you locate the closest one.
Electricity
The voltage in Hungary is 230V, 50 Hz AC.
Recommened Taxi Company
To reach the Hotels or the Congress Venue and to avoid any inconvenience, please use the official PAIN2013 taxi company:
City Taxi
Phone: +36 1 211 1111
www.citytaxi.hu
Parking
If you drive a personal or rented car, always try to park at a guarded parking lot and do not leave any valuables in the car. Please note, that Budapest is divided into paying parking areas, with one parking meter in each street. The maximum parking time duration is 2 hours, tariffs may vary.
Time Zone
CET=GMT+2
Vocabulary
The most important Hungarian words:
- yes – igen
- no - nem
- hi – szia
- please - kérem
- thank you – köszönöm
- you’re welcome - szívesen
- good morning – jó reggelt!
- good evening – jó estét!
- good bye – viszlát!
- sorry – sajnálom
- no problem – nincs semmi baj
- how are you? – hogy vagy?
- where is..? – hol van..?
- I – én
- you – te
- I don’t understand – nem értem
- how much does it cost? – mennyibe kerül?
- Cheers! - egészségedre!