Useful Information Map Please find below a map of Vilnius where important locations for the programme have been marked. View ICCA Research Sales & Marketing Programme 2010 in a larger map  Climate Lithuania falls into the zone of temperate climate, lying in the transition region between West European maritime and East European continental climates. The average temperature in July is about 17°C (62.5°F) and in winter about -5°C (20.5°F). Electricity The voltage in Lithuania is 220 V, 50 Hz AC. History Vilnius seems to be of prehistoric origin, the exact year of foundation is unknown. The settlement became inhabited by Slavs, and - from the 11th century - by Jews. Vilnius became a centre for trade between Europe and the Baltic nations and Russia. Vilnius was a member of the Hanseatic League, a loose political union of North German and Baltic cities. In the years of the Polish-Lithuanian Union Vilnius was in constantly growth. The University of Vilnius was established in the 16th century and soon developed into the most notable cultural centre of the Union. In the 17th century Vilnius was burnt up in the wars between Russia and Poland, yet it recovered it's former size in the coming decades. By the 19th century Vilnius was one of the largest cities in Eastern Europe. After the partitioning of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Vilnius was annexed by Russia and the city walls were destructed. Russian influence weakened after the Grand Revolution, and Vilnius became a centre of national rebirth. Although Lithuania retained independence after the First World War, the belonging of Vilnius was debated by Poland in a war between Pole and Lithuanian forces. After only four years of democratic governments an authoritarian regime took control of the country in a military coup. In the years of the Second World War Lithuania became a battlefield of the German and Soviet forces, until the victory of the latter. After the Second World War Lithuania became a part of the Soviet Union, under communist regime. Lithuania became independent from the collapsing USSR in 1991, the Soviet Troops left the country in 1994. The democratic government denationalized the state property, liberated the market and successfully reoriented the country to the Western states. Lithuania has been a member of the European Union and the NATO since 2004. Language Lithuanian is the official state language of Lithuania and is recognized as one of the official languages of the European Union. English and Russian are also fairly widely spoken in Vilnius. Money The national currency is Lithuanian Litas (LTL). Smaller unit is called centas (cent, ct); 1 LTL = 100 Ct. Lithuania expects to start the process of joining the Euro zone in 2010. For current exchange rates please consult www.xe.com.  Foreign currencies can be easily exchanged at the airport, banks and in hotels. Automatic cash machines (ATMs) can be found in all parts of Vilnius. Cash withdrawals may be made using your credit card. The logos of card accepted are shown besides the machine. Most of the internationally recognized bank and credit cards are accepted and widely used in all hotels, restaurants, shopping malls where such method of payment is indicated at the entrance. Taxis Taxis in Vilnius can be picked up from the street or at stands at the railway and bus station or in the old town of Vilnius. It’s advisable however (it will be both cheaper and safer) to order a taxi by phone. There are many local taxi companies operating in town. Before sitting in, agree a price in advance of journey and be sure the meter is switched on. (Source: www.vilnius-tourism.lt) - Average cost within the city: up to EUR 1.00/km. - Average fare from the airport to the city centre: up tp EUR 10.00 - Pick up charge: up to EUR 1.00 The fares are displayed on the meter and include service. Tips are left at your discretion. Tourist Information Vilnius Tourist Information Centre provides professional, objective and exhaustive information about the tourist product of Vilnius – Vilnius City Card, most interesting places to visit, thematic or regular sightseeing tours for groups and individuals, cultural events and entertainment, accommodation booking and restaurants, transport rent and shopping. The Centre sells books and publications about Vilnius and Lithuania, maps, postcards, souvenirs. Addresses: Vilniaus St. 22 LT–01119 Vilnius (Main Office) Tel. +370 5  262 9660, fax +370 5 262 8169 tic@vilnius.lt, tourism@vilnius.lt www.vilnius-tourism.lt, www.vilnius-events.lt Didžioji St. 31 LT–01128 Vilnius (Town Hall) Tel. +370 5 262 6470 Geležinkelio St. 16 LT–02100 Vilnius (Railway Station) Tel. +370 5 269 2091 Šventaragio St. 2 LT–01122 Vilnius (Cathedral Square) º May–October Time Lithuania is in the Central European Time Zone: GMT+2 hours (+3 hours summer time). When it is noon in Vilnius, it is 11:00 am in Stockholm and Frankfurt, 10:00 am in London and 5:00 am in New York.  Tipping A general rule applies to restaurants, leave 5-10% if the service is not included. Tipping cab drivers is not expected. A couple of litas for hotel porters who help with your luggage is adequate. Visa Information - If you are a citizen of one of the following countries you do not require a visa to travel to Lithuania for a maximum period of 90 days, but you must present a valid passport: EU member states, Albania*,Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia*, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Bosnia and Herzegovina*, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, China*, Costa Rica, Croatia, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong*, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Korea (Republic), Liechtenstein, Macau*, Macedonia*, Malaysia, Mauritius, Morocco*, Mexico, Moldova*, Monaco, Montenegro*, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Russia*, Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, El Salvador, Serbia*, Seychelles, Singapore, Switzerland, Turkey*, Ukraine*, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City, Venezuela  *for holders of diplomatic and/or official passports only (Source: www.urm.lt - Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs) - If you come from another country, you should apply for a visa from the Lithuanian Consulate in your place of residence.  - If you are unsure about whether you require a visa, always check with the Lithuanian Embassy in your country.  What to wear The ICCA Research Sales & Marketing Programme is informal and casual clothes are recommended, no ties or suits are required. There is no strict dress code. Working hours Governmental institutions work from 8 am to 5 pm from Monday to Friday. Shops are usually open from 10 am to 6 pm or 7 pm on weekdays and until 3 pm or 4 pm on Saturdays. All shopping malls and some of the smaller stores are open on Sundays as well. Most major shopping centres and supermarkets are open from 8 am to 12 am daily. There are stores providing 24 hours service.