Neurogenomics and Neuroimaging of Developmental Disorders

VISA INFORMATION - INVITATION LETTER REQUEST DEADLINE: April 1, 2009

Participants and accompanying persons, who need the visa for attending the Symposium have to send the following information to Zeljka Pavlovic () by e-mail:

• full name
• passport number, place and dates of issue and expiration
• date of birth
• place of birth and country
• citizenship
• address of permanent residence
• name and address of the employer
• telephone and fax numbers
• job position, occupation
• city where you prefer to apply for the visa at the Croatian Consulate
• desired terms and the purpose of the visit (To participate in Dubrovnik Symposium in 2009)

An official letter of invitation from the Croatian Society for Neuroscience will send to you. After receiving this letter you can apply for the visa at the Croatian Consulate.

TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATION AND LIVING EXPENSES

Participants will be responsible for their round trip travel costs to and from Dubrovnik. Candidates are strongly encouraged to seek financial support from sources such as governmental institutions, employers and funding agencies. Consequently, organizers may be able to offer a limited number of scholarships to selected candidates who have been unable to secure funding.

DOCUMENTS AND BADGES
Meeting documents should be collected on-site at the registration desk. Name badges must be worn at all times during the Meeting and in the exhibition area.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE
Lunch, coffee and tea during official breaks are included in the registration fee .

LANGUAGE
The official language of the meeting will be English.


CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE
Certificates of attendance will be distributed at the registration desk after the meeting. You will need to show your name badge.

CELLULAR PHONES AND PAGERS
As a courtesy to all meeting attendees and speakers, cellular phones, pagers and other electronic devices must be operated in silent/vibrate mode within session. Devices that beep, ring, etc. are strictly prohibited. No cellular phone conversations are permitted within meeting rooms.

SMOKING POLICY
Smoking in only permitted in designated areas.


CREDIT CARDS, SHOPPING
Foreigners can claim a sales tax refund within one year for purchased goods. Don’t forget to ask the salesman to fill out the tax refund form when purchasing goods.

All major credit cards are normally accepted throughout Croatia, as advertised at points of sale, such as: American Express, Diners Club, Euro card/Master Card, Visa, JCB, and Eurocheques. Traveler’s Cheques are also accepted.

CURRENCY & EXCHANGE
The basic Croatian currency unit is the Kuna, made up of 100 Lipa. Foreign currency can be exchanged for local money at banks, post offices and exchange offices, according to the valid rates of exchange.

ELECTRICITY: 220 V, 50 Hz


OPENING HOURS
Banks and post offices are normally open from 7 or 7:30 a.m. to 7 or 8 p.m. Non-Governmental offices work from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Most grocery stores and department stores are open non-stop, from 6 or 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 or 8 p.m.


CLIMATE
The geographical position of the area is typical of a Mediterranean or 'estasian' climate with mild and damp winters, and hot dry summers with quite low air humidity (approx. 2,600 sunny hours).
The average annual precipitation is 1,250 mm.

The average air temperature is 17°C and the summer sea temperature is approx 21°C. A maximum variation of 4°C is very beneficial for overall general health. There are many sunny days during the winter months.

The gentle Maestral wind - the messenger of lovely weather, refreshes the average summer temperature of 25°C.
The Bura and Jugo winds prevail during the cooler months.

HEALTH SERVICES
Foreign tourists do not have to pay for medical services if there is a signed health insurance convention between Croatia and their country of origin. Health care costs for tourists from a country that does not have a signed convention with Croatia are paid directly by the user in accordance with listed prices.
Hospitals are in all of the larger cities and clinics in the smaller towns. Pharmacies are open from 8 am to 7 pm weekdays, till 2 pm Saturdays; in larger cities on-duty pharmacies are open 24 hours.

TIPPING
Service charges are already included in your restaurant bill however; if you feel you have received excellent service then feel free to leave a tip, locals usually round the bill. Tour guides on excursions expect to be tipped and a tip of 15-20KN would be quite acceptable. Shop prices are fixed so there is no chance of bargaining however in street markets it is quite acceptable to barter.

TIME: Central European (GMT+1)


GENERAL INFORMATION: DUBROVNIK

Those who seek paradise on earth should come to see Dubrovnik - George Bernard Shaw

The distinctiveness of Dubrovnik lies in the fascinating ambiance of the historical city center, whose preserved condition is owned to the many centuries of nurturing of tradition and attributes of historical identity given throughout the generations.

The most recognizable feature which defines the History of Dubrovnik and gives it its characteristic is its intact city walls which run uninterrupted for 1940 meters encircling the city. This complex structure, one of the most beautiful and strongest fort systems in the Europe is the main attraction to the city's visitors.

Five fortresses, St. Lawrence and Revelin together with another three incorporated in the city walls, Minčeta Tower, Fort Bokar and St. John's Fortress give to its visitor’s unforgettable view of the city. Weddings are held in the small St. Lawrence's chapel or on Minčeta Tower. Performances and concerts are organized on Fort Revelin and St. John's fortress during the Summer Festival.

The State Archives in the Sponza palace, which contains the documents from 12th century on attracts those who would like to know more about the political and economical relation between Dubrovnik Republic and other European countries in the past. Franciscan monastery with the museum that contains the Old Pharmacy's inventory dates back to 1317 and it is a curiosity to its visitors. Dominican monastery with the collection of Dubrovnik School of Art 15th and 16th century, Treasure of the Cathedral with the reliquary and Rector's Palace are an attractions also.