Host City
Melbourne is located on the south/east coast, and is the 2nd largest city in Australia. Over 3.5 million people live in the city, which has been voted The World's Most Livable City on a number of occasions.

Dates
The Congress will take place from 11-16 July 2010

Transportation
Tullamarine International Airport is located approximately 25 minutes from the city centre. Once in Melbourne, there are many transport options including taxi, train and tram. For more information on getting around Melbourne, click here.

Visas
All visitors to Australia (except residents of New Zealand) require a visa before entering Australia. Click here for more information

Climate and Clothing
With its variable climate, Melbourne is cold in winter, with temperatures averaging 15 C during the day and 5C at night. It is recommended that visitors bring clothing suitable for cold days and nights.

Local Time

The time in Melbourne in June is 10 hours ahead of G.M.T. (daylight saving time is in effect during summer).

Currency & Banking
Australian currency is the dollar. Coins have values of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and AUD$1 and AUD$2; notes have values of AUD$5, AUD$10, AUD$20, AUD$50 and AUD$100.

Banks and Foreign Exchange
Melbourne's banking hours are generally Monday to Thursday 9am-4pm and Friday 9am-5pm . All the major banks, have offices in and are equipped to exchange foreign currency. You can also exchange foreign currency any day or night at the airport, or during normal business hours in Melbourne's central business district.

Travellers Cheques

Travellers cheques a safe and convenient way to carry funds. Brands like American Express and Travelex are widely accepted in Melbourne , and can be cashed at banks, foreign exchange brokers, larger hotels and restaurants, and for car rental. Passport ID is required when you cash travellers cheques. Fees for changing travellers cheques sometimes vary from bank to bank.

Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Australia has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10 per cent on most goods and services such as accommodation, day tours, guides, translators, food, transport (including coach, rail and cruise) and other tourism services within Australia. International airfares do not attract GST. For international visitors, all prices quoted for a Victorian holiday will include the 10 per cent GST, payable at the time of ticketing.

Tipping
Tipping is not a general custom in Australia, and is at your discretion.

Electric Current
Electric current is 240 Volt, AC 50 cycles. Two or Three pin rectangular plugs are used. For more information, please visit your local travel store.

First Aid and Hospital Services
A first-aid room at the venue will be available to delegates during the meeting. In the event of an emergency, transfer to the nearest hospital will be provided by ambulance. 

Driving License
International Driving Licenses are recognized throughout Australia. Car rental companies ask for a valid driving license.

Restaurants
Melbourne is a multi-cultural city and every cuisine is available throughout the many restaurants.

Shopping
Most shops in Melbourne are generally open from 09:00 to 17:00, Saturday to Wednesday and 09:00 to 21:00 Thursday to Friday. In all stores and shopping centres major credit cards are accepted and tax-free shopping is possible within the city.

Walking is the best way to shop, especially along Melbourne's arcades and laneways. Outside the city centre, visit shopping precincts like Chapel Street in South Yarra, Acland Street in St Kilda and Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, especially on weekends. Here you'll find everything from retro homewares to funky shops selling cult-in-the-making jewellery. These strips also have stacks of streetside cafes. Travelling between Melbourne's suburbs is best done by tram, although you'll need a car to visit larger suburban malls like Chadstone, where many of the major retailers are found.

Bargains
For bargains, head for Richmond (especially Bridge Road and Swan Street), where designer outlets and factory seconds sell jeans, swimwear, trainers, tops and bags at heavily reduced prices. Big savings can also be made during sale times (normally at the end of summer and winter, and some public holidays) held by David Jones, Myer and other department stores.