General Information
Insurance
The conference organizers cannot accept liability for personal injuries sustained, or for loss or damage to property belonging to the participants and accompanying persons, either during or as a result of the congress. The registration does not include insurance. It is strongly recommended that you arrange insurance when you register for the congress and book your travel arrangements. The insurance should be purchased in your country of origin.
Currency
The official currency in Spain is the Euro.
Bank and Exchange
In Bilbao, banks and savings banks are open from 08:30 to 14:00; on Saturdays, from 09:00 to 13:00, except in the summer (from June to September). Some bank offices and savings banks are also open in the afternoon, from 16:00 to 17:30.
Business hours and shopping
Bilbao and the Basque Country are home to a large and varied selection of shopping. Ranging from modern indoor shopping malls to major department stores, Bilbao has much to offer. Many of Bilbao’s main shops can be found around the Plaza Moyúa area, where you will find a number of impressive shops lining the streets of Calle Rodriguez Arias and Calle Iparraguirre.
The shopping day in Bilbao begins at around 10:00, with many shops taking a long break for lunch during the siesta hours, between 14:00 to 16:00, or 17:00.
After lunch, shops the reopen until as late as 20:00, remaining busy right up to closing time. Most shops in Bilbao stay closed on Sundays, often with reduced hours on Saturdays.
Electricity
In Spain the norm is 220V, with a frequency of 50 Hz (cycles). The electric plug has two round pins.
Climate
Bilbao has a humid marine climate. The westerly winds and the sea moderating influences bring mild temperatures and a temperate climate all year round. The average temperatures are 8°C in winter and 20°C in summer. Bilbao features mild winters and moderately hot summers, and chances of rain in spring and autumn.
Public Transportation
Bilbao has the huge advantage that most venues can be reached by foot. Nevertheless the city disposes of number of public transportation – see below.
Furthermore, special deals are offered, such as the BilbaoCard.
Underground (Metro)
For further information, please consult: www.metrobilbao.net.
Tramway
Info not available
Bus
For information on bus lines, please consult: City Buses - BILBOBUS.
Funicular
For information on the funicular, please consult: Artxanda Funicular Railway Website.
City map
To view a city map of Bilbao, please click: http://www2.bilbao.net/bilbaoturismo/ingles/ipractica/mapa.htm.
Sightseeing
Bilbao’s landmark is without any question the Guggenheim Museum (also see menu subpoint Guggenheim Museum) . However, next to this famous museum, there is a high number of other worth seeing buildings and places. To just name a few, you can stroll within the Medieval Citadel and see the De la Merced Church, Riverside bridge, Riverside Market, the Sacred Art Museum, Zamudio’s city gate, etc.
To view a city map with most interesting spots, please click: http://www2.bilbao.net/bilbaoturismo/ingles/ipractica/mapa.htm.
For further information on city highlights, please click: http://www2.bilbao.net/bilbaoturismo/ingles/qvisitar/zonasi.htm.
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