General information
Airport
Riga International Airport handles flights of
most European carriers and also some overseas flights. It is
located 20 minutes by car from the centre of Riga. There is a
good connection between the airport and Riga centre by public
transport or taxi. A taxi ride from the airport to the city
costs about EUR 10-15.
Currency and banking
Latvian Lats are the official currency in
Latvia. Exchange of foreign currency is available at Riga
International Airport and at most hotels, banks and exchange
offices throughout the town. International credit cards are also
accepted for payment in most hotels, restaurants and shops.
Republic of Latvia and Riga
For information please see web pages
http://www.riga.lv/EN/Channels/About_Riga/default.htm and
http://www.lv/ and
http://ww1.lu.lv/eng/about/index.html
Electricity
220 volt 50 Hz system, sockets have the
European standard.
Insurance
The organizers do not accept responsibility
for individual medical, travel or personal insurance and all
participants are strongly advised to make their own personal
insurance before traveling to the conference.
The organizers will not be responsible for the loss or damage of
personal belongings.
Internet
WiFi will be available throughout the
conference for registered participants.
Official language
The official language of the DOP-2005 is
English and no simultaneous interpretation will be provided.
Public transportation
Riga has a very sophisticated trolleybus,
tram and bus transportation system.
Programme changes
The organisers cannot assume liability for any
changes in the programme due to external or unforeseen
circumstances.
Refreshments at the conference venue
Complimentary coffee breaks will be provided.
Registration
On-site registration will take place in the
University of Latvia main building starting on Friday, 29 April 2005, 17:00
o’clock.
Shopping
Shops in the city centre are usually open from
9:00 to 20:00, Monday through Sunday.
Taxi service
In the city centre, taxis are easy to hail
from the street but we strongly recommend to use hotel taxis or
to call taxi by phone through the radio taxi service. Conference
staff will be happy to assist you with taxi service.
Tipping
Service is usually included in the bill in
bars and restaurants but tips are welcome. If you consider the
service good enough to warrant a tip, we suggest about ten
percent.
Tours
More details you will find in the Final
Programme.
Visa requirements
All foreign visitors to the Republic of Latvia
must possess a passport valid for at least the next three
months. Participants requiring visa should apply in advance to
consular offices of the Republic of Latvia or diplomatic
missions in their country in order to avoid delay in travel for
the conference.
For further information please see web pages of Ministry for
Foreign Affairs
http://www.am.gov.lv/
Conference Secretariat is ready to help you with getting visa
and provide detailed information on application procedure.
Weather
April and May weather in Riga is usually quite
pleasant and mild with temperatures between +4°C – + 10°C.
However, mornings and evenings can be colder and foggy and so it
is recommended to bring a warm coat and have an umbrella. The
current weather conditions you can find at
www.weather.com.
Hotel accommodations
It's possible to get a free bed for some
nights in the university dormitory. The University dormitory is
nice, convenient and located only about 2 km from the conference
place. For a different accommodation please contact conference
secretariat.
Financial support
It's also possible to get a financial support
for traveling expenses and registration fee. Please contact
conference secretariat.
Latvian language
Even though at all the hotels, shops and
restaurants in Riga English is spoken, we include a few basic
Latvian words and sentences that can be useful during your stay
in Riga:
| Vards |
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Vocabulary |
| Sveiki! |
|
|
|
Hello! |
| Labdien! |
|
|
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Good day! |
| Labvakar! |
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Good evening! |
| Ar labu nakti! |
|
|
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Good night! |
| Ka jums klajas? |
|
|
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How are you? |
| Man iet labi. |
|
|
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I am fine. |
| Paldies. |
|
|
|
Thank you. |
| Cik tas maksa? |
|
|
|
How much is it? |
| Viens |
|
|
|
one |
| Divi |
|
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two |
| Tris |
|
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three |
| Desmit |
|
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|
ten |