General

Southampton

Southampton is the largest city in the county of Hampshire on the south coast of England. Southampton is a major port with very good transport links. The city is packed with places to go and things to do including art, parks and sports, and many good restaurants. One of Southampton’s great advantages is that it is so easy to reach. You can get here using good travel links by road, rail, sea and air. London airports have direct coach links to Southampton (Heathrow 1 hour, Gatwick 2 hours) and Southampton airport has direct flights to many European cities. Long haul travellers may find it convenient to come via Amsterdam or Paris. See ‘travel‘ for more information.

Local information in Southampton

For further information on what Southampton has to offer, please go to the Visit Southampton website at http://www.visit-southampton.co.uk/. The website offers a wide variety of things to do whilst in Southampton and provides access to downloadable guides and city maps.

Conference Language

The official meeting language will be English. All submitted abstracts, general correspondence and meeting sessions will also be in English.

Meeting Materials

A name badge and conference bag will be provided on arrival to the meeting upon presentation of the relevant registration documents. The name badge must be worn at all times and is to be visible both inside the meeting rooms and sessions, as well as at all events organised during the meeting.

Internet

Internet access will be available at the conference venue

Weather/Climate

The south east has one of the mildest climates in the UK, but the weather can be unpredictable.

Average weather conditions in summer:

• Maximum daytime temperature: interquartile range 18-24°C
• Minimum night time temperature: interquartile range 12-14°C

Current weather conditions and forecasts can be seen on the website http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/

Time Zone

The time zone in Southampton runs on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)/CET – 1 Hour.
In June the time is set at GMT + 1 hour

Banks and Currency Exchange

The currency of England is GBP Sterling (£). You will find cash machines/ATMs at airports and at most banks, hotels, and shopping areas around Southampton. Traveller’s cheques are widely accepted and to avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take these in UK sterling. Currency exchange is also widely available at banks and bureaus across Southampton and at the airports.

The majority of banks are open between 09:30 – 16:30 Monday – Friday with some open on Saturday mornings.

Smoking

Since 1 July 2007, smoking is not permitted in any public building. For restaurants and hotels there will be designated smoking areas.

Customs/Border control

There are certain restrictions on what you may bring into UK aside from your own personal effects. There are regulations concerning pets, livestock, firearms, prescription drugs, plants and meat products. For detailed information on what you are allowed to bring into the country please visit the UK Border Agency, https://www.gov.uk/personal-food-plant-and-animal-product-imports

A valid passport is required in order to enter the United Kingdom and must be valid for the duration of the stay.

Holders of a EU passport have right of entry to the UK. Other passport holders may require a visa for entry: For specific information on travel documents required to visit the United Kingdom please refer to https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa

Telephones

International Dialling code for UK: +44
Area code for Southampton: +44 (0) 2380

Emergency services

Fire, Police, Ambulance: 999
Local police for non-urgent crimes: 101

Electricity

English appliances operate on 230 volts (50Hz).
Electrical plugs for 230 volts are three rectangular prongs that form a triangle. These are likely to be different from those used in your country, you will need a socket converter/ plug adaptor.

VAT Information

The rate of VAT for goods and services in the UK is 20%. Restaurants must by law include VAT in their menu prices. If you live outside the EU/EEA and you purchase goods to take home with you, you may be able to reclaim the VAT on leaving the UK.

Insurance

Participants are advised to provide their own personal travel insurance. The organisers cannot be held responsible for any personal damages or losses.

Disclaimer

The Organising Committee cannot accept liability for loss or damage of whatever nature incurred by participants and/or accompanying persons or for the loss or damage to their luggage and/or personal belongings.