General Information

Formalities for entering Sweden

The Kingdom of Sweden is part of the European Union and the Schengen Treaty. However, you may be required to present a valid ID or passport when entering the country or at other instances within the country.

List of countries whose citizens require a visa

A valid Visa is necessary when coming from certain countries outside Europe and you are advised to check well in advance with a Swedish embassy or consulate in your home country. To receive an invitation letter for the purpose of a Visa application, tick the box in the application form or mail to edar2021@meetx.se.

Language

English is the official language at the conference.

Swedish is the language spoken in Sweden. However, essentially everybody you will deal with in Göteborg (and most over Sweden) will understand and commonly speak English. Some essential words: Swedish for tourists.

Insurance

The conference cannot be made liable for any personal injuries, damage or loss of property that may occur during the conference to any of the delegates. You are advised to check well in advance that all relevant personal and corporate insurances are valid when attending the meeting.

Currency

Sweden has NOT adopted the Euro. The currency in Sweden is the Swedish Crown (SEK, in Swedish: krona, plural kronor; symbol: kr). As off April 2019 one USD is abot 9 SEK, one Euro is about 10,5 SEK, one GBP is about 12 SEK.
Payment by cash has become rather uncommon in shops, hotels, restaurants and official taxis, in some instances may not even be possible. Have a valid credicard with you. Money can be changed most conveniently in Forex offices (see www.forex.se for rates) at the airport and in town.

Electricity

There is 220V electricity.

Time and daylight

During the conference Central European Summer Time is valid (GMT +1h).
At the time of the conference you can expect daylight from about 0430 to 2200 plus about 1h of twilight before sunrise and after sunset, depending on weather conditions.

^{During civil twilight the geometric center of the sun is between 0 and 6 degrees below the horizon. Objects are clearly distinguished without artificial light.
During nautical twilight the center of the sun is between 6 and 12 degrees below the horizon. Sailors can navigate, using a visible horizon as reference.
During astronomical twilight the center of the sun is between 12 and 18 degrees below the horizon. Between the end of astronomical twilight in the evening and the beginning of astronomical twilight in the morning, the sky is dark enough for all astronomical observations.}
 
Weather

In early May, the weather tends to be fine to variable and you should be prepared for anything from sunny conditions with deep-blue skies to rainy days. Accordingly, maximum temperatures can vary between 10-25°C. Water temperatures in the sea and inland lakes may be around 8-12°C. Since Göteborg is at the seaside, there is commonly some light wind. Despite its northern latitude, temperatures are quite mild throughout the year and warmer than places in similar latitude, for example Stockholm, or even somewhat further south, mainly because of the moderating influence of the warm Gulf Stream.

Dress

No formal dress is required during the conference. The indoor temperature at the venue is approximately 20°C.

Safety

Generally, Göteborg is a safe city although it is advisable not to frequent centrally located parks, empty spots, and the large shopping centre “Nordstan” after midnight.

During the summer, pickpocket bands have become an increasing plague in Göteborg, especially in crowded places and during the touristic high season. Be prepared.

Local transport

Public transport will be free for symposium participants and when you wish to move around, there is a very well developed network of trams and busses in Göteborg. Timetables may be found via the App Vasttrafik To Go (free to download). The tram/bus system also includes ferries to the islands in the archipelago of Göteborg (Göteborg’s skärgården). Such ferry tours are very popular and the islands offer many small remote scenic beaches. For route networks maps (boat, buses, trams and trains) click here.

Car rental

Renting a car is quite affordable in Sweden. All major companies are represented. Note that many petrol stations all over the country rent out cars with very good conditions.