Information to CHISA 2002 Participants arriving in Prague

CHISA 2002 Congress Centre: The 15th Inter.CHISA 2002 Congress is taking place in the building of the Czech
Technical University, Faculty of Civil Engineering (in Czech: ČVUT - Fakulta stavební, address: Thákurova 7, 166 29 Praha 6-Dejvice). The building can be reached from line A of Metro station Dejvická (underground railway) by walking through Šolínova and Technická streets in 10 min (see Congress map on reverse side). 

Congress Opening Ceremony will take place in the Prague Municipal House (Obecní dům) on Sunday 25 August at 20 hrs. The Municipal House is located at Metro station Náměstí Republiky, line B. Admission is only on invitation cards which will be gained upon registration for the Congress. Those arriving late on Sunday evening and unable to register are asked to present their business cards. 

Congress Office. Opening hours: Saturday 24 August 14-22 hrs. Sunday 10-19 hrs. Monday through Thursday 9-17 hrs. All additional payments of Congress fees, Ordered Services and accommodation requests ordered through the CHISA 2002 Accommodation Service, should be negotiated and paid only in the Congress Office. In Hotels/Hostels pay only extra services (minibar, extra meals, telephones, parking etc.).

Currency. The currency in the Czech Republic is the Czech Crown (CZK). Exchange rate depends on exchange office and current exchange rate. On 1 August the following rates could be gained: for 1 EUR approx. 30 CZK, for 1 USD approx. 30 CZK. In shops foreign currency is generally not accepted, however, there are numerous exchange booths all over Prague. EUR currency is not available.

Arrival. Upon arrival accommodate first. At the Hotels/Hostels lists of persons accommodated by the CHISA 2002 Accommodation Service will be available at the Reception. Announce your name and you will be accommodated (do not make any payments). If there is time go to the Congress Office and register, if you are late please go directly to Congress Opening Ceremony. You can register during the whole of Monday. 

Transport from airport:
CHISA 2002 Information booth will be at Airport Arrival Hall just outside from exit door on Saturday and Sunday 9-22 hrs. Contact CHISA 2002 operator if any problems with trip to hotel/hostel. CHISA 2002 Operator can also summon AAA taxi which is cheaper than Airport taxi.
Public bus No.119 to Metro station Dejvická (22 min, 12 km), time interval about 15 min. To bus station go from exit of airport hall over road (about 40 meters). Price for bus ticket 12 CZK. Ticket not available in bus. Bus tickets can be bought in newspaper stand (opening hours 6 - 21) at airport Arrival Hall. Airport Microbus Service (CEDAZ Praha Airport). White microbuses standing outside exit from airport. Microbuses depart every half hour. First stop at Dejvice Metro station (price 60 CZK), second stop at town centre (price 90 CZK). Microbuses CEDAZ can also be hired anytime. If 1-4 persons go to one hotel (or Congress Centre) in Dejvice locality price is 360 CZK. For 4 - 8 persons price is 720 CZK. Airport taxi service. White taxis standing outside Airport exit. Price from Airport to Dejvice or Congress Centre about 400 CZK, to Hotel Krystal 300 CZK, to Hotel Pyramida about 500 CZK, to hotel Zlatá Praha 500 CZK. Unfortunately neither public bus nor microbus stops at Hotel Krystal which is on way to Dejvice, 7 km from airport. Cheapest way is to go to Dejvice by bus No. 119 and back by tram No. 26.

Taxi service inside Prague. City taxi approx. 30 CZK basic price plus 25 CZK/km. However there is no price limit and you should be careful before hiring a taxi and should ask about the price beforehand. Reliable taxi service is AAA (English speaking operators). AAA taxis can be summoned at tel. nos. 33113311 or 14014. Will usually come in 10 min at no extra charge. Service at hotel/hostel reception will summon taxi. 
Prices (approx) of taxis from Vítězné nám. (square at Metro Station Dejvická):
to Hotel Krystal 180 CZK, to Hotel Pyramida 120 CZK, to Hotel Zlatá Praha 120 CZK, to airport 300 CZK. 

Public transport system: 3 Underground Metro lines A, B and C, trams and busses. 
Tickets can be bought in advance in slot-machines, kiosks and selected shops. Available also in the Congress Office. Validation of tickets is necessary at entrance into Metro or in tram or bus. Optimal ticket valid for 1 hr in whole system, price 12 CZK. Single line or 4 Metro stations for 15 min, price 8 CZK. To City centre from Metro station Dejvická takes about 6 min. 

Free pass for Prague Transport System: Please note that all registered CHISA 2002 participants and registered accompanying family members can travel free of charge in the Prague Transport System on the basis of their name label which they will receive upon registration. 

Car parking. 
Recommended guarded Underground car parking ( tel: 24324636) in Studentská street (see link to Congress map), 700 CZK for first 3 days, then 100 CZK/day. Hotel Diplomat: guarded underground car park price 400 CZK/day. Hotel Pyramida: guarded car park 200 CZK/day. Hotel Zlatá Praha: free car park in courtyard. Hotel Krystal: underground car park 100 CZK/day. Hostels: unguarded parking in front of Hostels not recommended. 

Transport from Hotels/Hostels to Metro station Dejvická (and then 10 min walk to Congress Centre). 
Diplomat Hotel: 5 min walk directly to Congress Centre. Pyramida Hotel: 8 min by bus No. 217. Krystal Hotel: 15 min by tram No. 20 and 26. Kajetánka Hostel: 8 min by bus No. 180 (only weekdays). Masaryk Hostel: 3 min walk directly to Congress Centre. Orlik Hostel: 14 min walk directly to Congress Centre. Hotel Zlatá Praha: 3 min by bus No. 131 (3 bus stops) to station "Santinka" and 7 min walk to Congress site. 

To Congress Centre from railway stations: 
Main Railway Station: Take the tram no. 26 which is 100 meters from the railway station building on the right side. The direction is to Divoka Sarka, get off at the station Dejvicka. Railway station Praha Holešovice. Nowadays the railway station is closed, you will provisionally get off at the Main Railway Station.

Check-in in hotels: Since in most hotels rooms will be freed only during morning, check-in might be possible only after 14 h. 

Health insurance: When travelling to the Czech Republic Participant should have an international health insurance.

Beware of thieves and pickpockets! When travelling in Prague take great care of your belongings. Don't leave baggage unattended, in crowded transport systems beware of pickpockets. 

Weather. At the end of August mild summer temperatures can be expected (20 to30 degrees C), however, occasional rainy showers and cooler weather are possible. (Information given without responsibility) 

Addresses of Hotels and Hostels: