Accommodation

Bucharest is Romania's capital and largest city, as well as the most important industrial and commercial centre of the country. With more than 2.4 million in the urban area, Bucharest is one of the important cities in Europe and a booming city with many large infrastructure projects changing the old face of the city. Known in the past as "The Little Paris," Bucharest has changed a lot lately, and today it has become a very interesting mix of old and new that has little to do with its initial reputation. Finding a 300 year old church near a steel-and-glass building that both sit next to a communist style building is commonplace in Bucharest. Bucharest offers some excellent attractions, and has cultivated a sophisticated, trendy, and modern sensibility that many have come to expect from a European capital.

Bucharest`s main atraction is its Historic Centre, also known as The Old Town. Other interesting sights include The Palace of the Parliament, The Peasant and Village Museums, The Grigore Antipa National History Museum, The National Art Museum and many others.

Visitors from other European Union member countries may enter in Romania using either passport of a their Nation Identity Document. It is requierd that visitors from non EU member countries to have a valid passport, and a visa if required. Inquires regarding visas can be directed to Romanian Diplomatic Representatives abroad.

The main language spoken in Bucharest is Romanian. Tourist information, menus etc. are mostly always available in English.

All major international credit cards are accepted. Foreign currency can be exchanged in Bucharest at banks and foreign exchange offices. The Romanian currency is Leu (RON).

There is a value added tax of 24% applied to all products and services, but most prices will include it. When it is not included, it should be clearly indicated.

Bucharest airport is 12 km from the Congress Venue, HOWARD JOHNSON HOTEL AND CONVENTION CENTER (across the Academy of Economics Studies, at the crossroads of Dorobanti, Eminescu and Dacia Boulevards). On arrival it is best to get a taxi from the airport so that you can get to the hotel without walking through the streets with your luggage.

Taxi: Taxis in Bucharest may be ordered by phone, picked up at authorized taxi stands, or flagged down in the street. Always check that the meter is running. Taxis must be paid in cash. The taxi costs around (€15-20).

RATB Bus & Tram: RATB is the public bus company that operates throughout Bucharest. There is an express bus (783) that runs from Henri Coanda International Airport to Piata Romana. Public transportation by bus covers most of Bucharest offering the posibility for visitors to go sightseeing. A two way ticket cost roughly €1. There are also one day passes available for purchase (€2).

Undergound or subway: There is no link between the metro and the airport. We recommend taking the subway in case you require a faster means of trasportation throughout Bucharest. Most of the important sights can be reached by undergound transportation. A two way ticket costs about €1.