General Information

Language of the Congress

The official language of the ORL 2024 is Slovakian and English.

Exhibition

The entry to exhibition is included in the registration fee.

Refreshment

Tea, coffee, and small refreshment will be served during Coffee Breaks. The refreshment is included in the registration fee.

Programme Changes

The organizers cannot assume liability for any changes in the program due to external or unforeseen circumstances.

Name badges

Participants are obliged to wear their badge throughout the whole Congress duration, which they will receive when registering. In case of losing one’s badge, the creation of new one will be charged 20 EUR

AC Power Plugs and Sockets

Slovakia uses a 220-volt 50 Hz system, sockets have the European standard and plugs are three-prong grounded.

Cell Phones

Participants are kindly requested to turn off or switch their cell phones to silent mode in the meeting rooms where scientific sessions are held.

Currency

The official currency of Slovakia is the Euro (EUR). Exchange services for foreign currency are accessible at international airports, most hotels, banks, and exchange offices across the country. International credit cards are widely accepted for transactions in hotels, restaurants, and shops. For more specific information, kindly inquire on-site. Official exchange rates can be checked on the website of the National Bank of Slovakia at www.nbs.sk.

Slovakian Language

While English is commonly spoken in many hotels, shops, and restaurants in Bratislava, here are a few basic Slovak words and phrases that may come in handy during your stay:

Entry Formalities

For EU nationals it is enough to hold a passport or national ID card valid for the duration of stay. Visitors from non-EU countries must possess a passport valid for at least three months longer than the planned date of departure from the Slovakia. Participants requiring a visa should apply in advance to consular offices of the Slovakia or diplomatic missions in their countries in order to avoid delay in travel to the Meeting. Find the latest information here: https://www.mzv.sk/en/services/information-for-foreigners/visas-for-foreigners-to-enter-sr

Telephone Numbers

• 112 General Emergency
• 155 Ambulance
• 158 Police
• 150 Fire Department

Insurance

The organizers can accept no liability for personal injuries or loss or damage to property belonging to the participants, either during or as a result of the event. Participants are advised to take out proper travel and health insurance before departing from their home country.

No-smoking

Smoking in the ORL 2024 area is not allowed.

Shopping

From Monday to Friday, food markets in Slovakia are typically open from 7 am to 6 pm, and on Saturdays, they operate from 7 am to 12 pm. Only a few shops are open on Sundays. Other types of shops, including mobile operator stores, usually have opening hours from 9 am to 5-6 pm on weekdays and from 9 am to 12-1 pm on Saturdays. They are closed on Sundays.

Shopping centers may have varying opening hours for shops, groceries, banks, and pharmacies. Typically, large shopping centers are open from 9 am to 9 pm, but specific hours can differ between centers. Banks and pharmacies in shopping centers are generally open daily from Monday to Sunday. Major supermarkets like Tesco, Kaufland, Hypernova, Billa, and Lidl are usually open from 7 am to 8-12 pm.

Time Zone

In Slovakia, the standard time is Central European Time (UTC+01:00). Daylight saving time is observed from the last Sunday in March (02:00 CET) to the last Sunday in October (03:00 CEST).

Tipping

Tipping is customary, particularly in restaurants. If you were satisfied with the food and service, be sure to show your appreciation. The unwritten rule is to leave about 10% of the total bill.