ESSR - 37th Congress of the European Society for Surgical Reasearch

General Information

Location
Szeged is a university town with approximately 150.000 inhabitants and 20.000 students in different colleges. Its churches, historical buildings and colleges give a unique atmosphere to the city, blending its traditional and modern features.The home town of the Nobel laureate Albert Szent-Györgyi is large enough to be able to provide all the facilities international delegates would expect, but small enough to be friendly and explorable by foot. The present character of the city was established at the turn of the last century, following the flood of Tisza river in 1879, which swept away the architectural treasures of the region. Several European cities made contribution to the reconstruction, and many streets of the city have been named after them. Southern Hungary has much to offer to the visitor, delegates attending the 37th ESSR Congress can be sure of an especially warm Hungarian welcome.
Please visit our websites: http://www.szegedvaros.hu and http://www.szeged.hu

Venues
The ESSR - 2002 Congress will be held in two historical buildings of Szeged - the National Theater and the Downtown Cinema Building in the heart of the city.

Climate
In May, the weather is generally mild and sunny, although prone to change. The average temperature is 25 C at day and 18 C at night.

Banks & Currency
The official currency is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). Regular banking hours are from 9:00 to 16:00 on weekdays, some exchange offices are open on Saturday morning. Automatic tellers, which you can use with your Visa, Mastercard or most credit cards, are available all over the city. Most hotels and shops accept all major credit cards. As of May, 2002 the exchange rate is approximately 250 HUF / 1 Euro.

Visa Requirements
For entry into Hungary a valid passport is sufficient for citizens of EU Member countries. A visa is needed for US citizens. Please consult the Hungarian Embassy nearest you for specific details.

How to Get to Szeged
Szeged is located in the Southeastern part of Hungary, 180 km from the capital, Budapest. From "Ferihegy 2" Airport Budapest:
- The journey by car takes about 2 hours, and the toll costs about 2500 HUF (~10 EURO) on M5 motorway - then approximately 40 min on Route E75.
- After landing, you can get a direct Airport Minibus to Budapest "Nyugati" Railway Station. There are frequent railway services - regular and InterCity - to Szeged Railway Station. The journey takes about 150 min and costs approximately 2600 HUF (10 EURO).
- You will find taxis outside Budapest Airport - the fares to Budapest "Nyugati" Railway Station may differ substantially. Always agree on the fare in advance.
- The most convenient way to get to Szeged is by minibus. The Organizing Committee will provide a shuttle service for the delegates (waiting time: max 2 hours)

Local Transportation
Most hotels are within a walking distance from the Congress. For those staying away a reliable tram, bus or taxi service can be recommended.Tram and bus tickets can be puchased in all tobbacconist or journal shops. For taxi dial 444-555, 480-480, 490-490 or walk to the nearest taxi station. Taxis will stop in the street at request.

Shopping
Downtown Szeged offers many good stores, but several designer boutiques moved to Szeged Plaza.

Restaurants
Hungary is widely known for its culinary delights and good wines. At the Organizing Secretariat a recommendation service will operate.

Insurance
The 37th ESSR Congress cannot accept liability for injuries, loss, accidents or other inconveniences during the Congress. We recommend to subscribe to appropriate luggage and health insurance plans before arrival to Hungary.