Transportation
Schiphol Airport (AMS): The main hub in the Netherlands and located near Amsterdam. At Schiphol airport, trains are waiting to bring you comfortably to Rotterdam Centraal with an intercity (47 minutes) train. One-way tickets are €10,50 for 2nd class, €17,80 for 1st class. For more information: www.schiphol.nl
Rotterdam Airport: Smaller airport near Rotterdam. At Rotterdam airport, The RET Airport Shuttle nr. 33 runs very frequently between Rotterdam Central Station and Rotterdam Airport. The RET Airport Shuttle, departs on average every 10 minutes from Rotterdam Central Station and Rotterdam Airport. The journey time is approximately 20 minutes. For travelling on this bus, it is possible to use the national 'strippen' card as means of payment. These are available for purchase at the AKO Shop at Rotterdam Airport. An ordinary bus ticket can also be bought directly from the bus driver (€ 2.70). Also the night bus B12 departs for the airport from the bus stop DD at Rotterdam CS. The bus journey takes just 15 minutes. Passengers arrive in plenty of time for the first flight at 07:00. For more information: www.rotterdam-airport.nl
Public transport from Rotterdam CS
Metro: Take the metro, get off at the second station, ‘Beurs’ (1 zone), and take exit ‘Beursplein’.
Tram: Take tram 8, 20, 23 or 25. Get off on Coolsingel, at the ABN-AMRO Bank.
General Information
Official Language
The official language in the Netherlands is Dutch. However, many of the population speak and understand English. The official conference language is English.
Insurance and Vaccinations
The conference fee does not cover insurance for delegates. The organizers strongly recommend that delegates take insurance in their own country to cover pre-journey cancellation for personal reasons and all necessary insurance against customary risks, particularly accident, medical expenses and loss of personal belongings, during the visit. No vaccinations are needed in the Netherlands.
Currency
The Netherlands is member of the European Union and the currency is the Euro. 1 Euro corresponds to 1,3473 USD (07-01-2009). Visa, Eurocard, American Express and MasterCard are widely accepted credit cards.
Climate and clothing
It is summer in the Netherlands in July and the weather can vary from chilly to warm with temperatures ranging from 15 to 35°C. Rain can occur during this time of the year. The daylight is long and could be around 16 hours a day. The organizers suggest that you bring a jacket or pullover and an umbrella or raincoat.